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Insta360 adds big winter upgrades to its 360 cameras

Insta360 is kicking off winter with a major update for its popular 360-degree cameras, introducing smoother subject tracking, smarter shooting tools, and a range of thoughtfully designed new accessories. Built around real-world feedback from people filming everywhere from snowy slopes to city streets, these updates make cameras like the Insta360 X5 sharper, steadier, and even more capable when conditions get tricky.

One of the biggest upgrades lands in InstaFrame 2.0, an enhanced shooting mode exclusive to the X5 and its massive 1/1.28-inch sensors. The idea is simple: faster framing, smoother tracking, and fewer missed moments. The standout addition is Follow View, which can now track anyone in the frame — not just the person holding the Invisible Selfie Stick. That’s a huge deal for ski runs, group travel shots, or action-heavy vlogs where the subject isn’t always behind the camera.

InstaFrame 2.0 also outputs 4K at 30fps flat video with AdaptiveTone, meaning footage looks balanced and ready to share straight out of the camera, even in challenging light. Want more flexibility later? Turn on 360 Video Backup, and the camera records both a quick-share flat video and a full 5.7K 360 clip at the same time.

To reduce gear overload, Insta360 has added a Virtual Joystick for real-time framing and a Virtual Gimbal with Pitch Lock, Follow, and FPV modes — delivering gimbal-like smoothness without carrying one.

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New Insta360 accessories that actually make filming easier

This update isn’t just about software. Insta360 has rolled out several new accessories designed to remove friction from filming, especially in cold, fast-moving environments.

The Free Framing Selfie Stick lets you control framing and tracking directly while filming in InstaFrame 2.0. Switch instantly between vertical and horizontal shots, extend it for creative angles, or set it down using the built-in tripod. For creators who want flat, ready-to-post clips without editing, it’s a quiet game-changer.

Photographers get something special too. The new X5 Photography Grip helps keep hands clear of the lenses for ultra-wide 2.35:1 cinematic photos. A mechanical shutter button adds a satisfying, camera-like feel, while the USB-C connection eliminates pairing or charging headaches. With QuickCapture, you can even grab photos while the camera is powered off.

Winter light can be brutal, which is where the new ND128 Filters for X5 come in. Designed for bright snow and reflective conditions, they cut harsh light so you can slow the shutter and capture natural motion blur — perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or sunny alpine shots.

To keep everything accessible, Insta360 also introduced a super chic Everyday Crossbody Bag that stores Insta360 X series cameras with the selfie stick attached. Waterproof fabric, quick side access, and smart storage mean fewer missed shots when moments happen fast.

Once filming wraps, the updated Insta360 app makes editing quicker and less intimidating. FlashCut now includes snow sports templates that automatically identify highlights, sync them to music, and apply energetic transitions… all in just a few taps.

The refreshed Stats Dashboard adds aggregated motion data like speed, distance, and elevation, displayed in cleaner, easier-to-read overlays. It’s a great way to show not just what the shot looked like, but what it felt like.

All in all, the 2025 winter update reinforces Insta360’s long-term promise: your camera keeps getting better over time. And for creators looking to jump into 360 shooting right now, the timing is notable: Insta360’s popular X4 is currently available at a 29% discount, making its sub-$300 price one of the more compelling entry points into the company’s 360 ecosystem this winter.

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Avatar for Ishveena Singh Ishveena Singh

Ishveena Singh is a versatile journalist and writer with a passion for drones and location technologies. She has been named as one of the 50 Rising Stars of the geospatial industry for the year 2021 by Geospatial World magazine.