Unveiled at CES 2018, Insta360’s flagship camera called the “Titan” was released in early 2019. It is a landmark reveal for the brand, thanks to the camera’s collection of features that make it stand out from the competition. With a premium price, critics will say that it is not worthy of an investment. But when you look closer, you will learn why it is different.

The Insta360 Titan combines eight lenses with Micro Four Thirds sensor technology and boasts the highest resolution for any unibody VR camera in the industry. I will talk more about it later in this review.  It brings the 360-degree camera experience to a whole new level based on image quality and its performance in low light environments. But the most intriguing feature is the camera’s ability to shoot in 10-bit, which is a “first” in 360 cameras.

Specifications

• The Insta360 Titan comes equipped with eight lenses and Sony IMX269 micro four thirds sensors.
• It can record videos at 11k @ 30 and 60 frames per second. At 120 frames per second, the same camera can record at 5.2k.
• Titan can be fitted with a Micro SD (8) and SSD (1), thereby giving you as much storage as you need for recording videos.
• Titan is capable of recording 5k at 120 frames per second and has a dynamic range of 8 to 10 stops, making it one of the best performing 360 cameras on paper.

Upgrades

Fans and observers of the evolution of 360 cameras are familiar with Insta360’s line. It’s not uncommon or surprising to compare this new product to the Insta360 Pro 2. While both cameras have a lot of similarities, I should remind everyone that the Pro 2 is marketed as a budget-friendly professional 360 camera.

When it comes to upgrades, the Titan comes with the exclusive bulging lens reinforced by micro four thirds sensors. The addition of this new sensor technology allows a greater dynamic range when capturing images and videos. Meanwhile, the 11k video resolution corresponds to a premium quality out that is perfect for viewing on a virtual reality (VR) headset.

Sensors

The extensive collection of sensors found in the Insta360 Titan is responsible for covering all angles and directions. Majority of 360 cameras in the market use conventional small sensors that work similarly to that of action cameras and smartphones. While those sensors are capable enough to shot high-quality videos, the reality is that they are meant for smaller camera bodies. Accordingly, the standard or entry-level camera sensors are not optimized for premium image quality. Well, the Titan found a way to separate itself from the rest of the competition.

The Insta360 Titan camera comes equipped with industry best Micro Four Thirds sensors, eight of them to be exact. The addition of these sensors means that you will benefit from a wider sensor coverage but with an ingeniously compact camera design. It is because of these sensors that the Titan can produce cinematic image quality that helps VR content producers.

Flowstate Stabilization

The flowstate stabilization is the likeliest feature that will put the Insta360 Titan on top of the 360-camera industry. The technology allows for an almost perfect stabilization method for moving video. The fact that the camera is considerably larger compared to its rivals means that it will need operators to use it when recording moving videos effectively. Nevertheless, the addition of the flowstate stabilization feature guarantees a flawless and premium output that is more than enough to be conveniently viewed on virtual reality.

Farsight

Farsight is a feature added to the Titan to provide maximum control while in the distance. This technology was first introduced in the Insta360 Pro 2 camera, and the positive feedback was enough for the manufacturer to carry it over to the Titan. This feature allows you to change the video recording settings even if you are not in the shot. It also enables you to preview the video.

Image and Shot Quality

The camera’s live monitoring system is made up of a transmitter and receiver that conveniently lets you attach it to an external device like a tablet or smartphone. The image and shot quality of the Insta360 Titan is heaven-sent for VR content creators and video producers because of the ultra-high resolution. However, the distribution challenge is essential to mention since the majority of playback systems these days cannot decode videos which produce 4k resolution. The one offered by Titan is a maximum of 11k.

But there is no denying the capability of the Titan, especially for professional VR content producers who are willing to go the extra mile to come up with the best shots possible. Insta360’s CrystalView technology will solve the playback system incompatibility as it allows you to produce the shots exactly how you expect them.

The camera renders in real-time, which means it shows that specific part of the video that the viewer wants to see. In other words, even smartphones can realistically playback the content from a video shot by Titan in its full quality.

Conclusion

The Insta360 Titan’s price will certainly raise some eyebrows, but I think it is justified by the bevy of features and high-end specs. The Titan is by far the most capable 360 camera when it comes to producing the best shots in low light conditions. If you are looking to create videos with a cinematic quality, this one is a reasonable prospect. Do not compare this to entry-level 360 cameras because it is built and designed for the pros.

Summary

Experts and pundits are in awe with the Titan’s image quality. However, it will take some serious skills for an amateur to handle the video editing requirements that this camera requires. If you have a VR headset and you have the experience in handling virtual reality content, then the Titan’s high-resolution imaging and video recording is a unique advantage for producing the best output.

Pros

• Superior features, some of which aren’t found in other 360 cameras
• Arguably the best 360 camera option for low light conditions
• Quality is comparable to cinematic content

Cons

• High price could turn people off
• Requires extra challenging video editing and stitching job

Rating: 9.1/10