The Insta360 One RS is a powerful, modular camera system offering both traditional action camera functionality and 360 capability.
With their capability to capture an all-encompassing field of view,360 cameras offer an enticing prospect for creators. Not only do these cameras enable you to vlog, capture smooth footage of your surroundings, and create dynamic moving shots, they also allow you to film truly unique and trippy videos of “tiny planets”, and other unusual effects. The problem for me has always been that I have shot more traditional, narrowly focused video, which has kept me from investing in a dedicated 360 camera that I’m not sure I’d end up using. The Insta360 One RS solves this conundrum for me by making 360 shooting an option, in addition to functioning as a traditional action camera, a type of device I use on an almost daily basis. It might be the perfect tool for introducing cautious creators such as myself to the world of 360 video. The One RS, when assembled, is very similar in appearance to a typical action camera. The device is composed of four separate components: a module with a screen, a battery module, a camera module, and a bracket that wraps around and waterproofs the One RS. The key here is the camera module and the fact that it can be swapped out to enable different functionality. There’s the 4K boost lens, which is your traditional wide-angle action camera lens, a lens with Leica glass and a large 1-inch sensor, and the 360 camera module. Also, the new 4K boost lens and core module are compatible with the original One R, meaning that if you already own that system with the 360 lens and/or the 1-inch sensor module, then you can upgrade at a lower cost. Speaking of upgrades, the new core module in the One RS adds an extra mic for better audio recording,50% faster Wi-Fi, a digital zoom function while recording videos, and a quick menu system to provide fast access to preset shooting modes. All of these are welcome upgrades over the One R, in addition to the higher performance of the new 4K boost module. There is a wide range of accessories available for the One RS, from dive cases to a larger battery. Newly added to this range is the One RS Mounting Bracket, which I can confirm makes it very easy to swap lense and battery modules. It also features a windscreen that improves audio performance. For the device to be fully functional and rugged, you’ll want to use this mounting bracket most of the time. However, it must be noted that because of this, the assembled device is fairly large and bulky compared to other contemporary action cameras. Another new accessory is the One RS Quick Reader, which is a microSD card reader that plugs directly into the camera to save files from the camera onto a microSD, and into your phone for editing. Using it means you no longer have to transfer files from the camera to your phone for editing. This saves battery life in the devices and on your phone. I also use the One RS with the “Invisible Selfie Stick”, which I find to be surprisingly effective. It’s great for recording 360 footage, and also just as an overall excellent selfie stick. After a short period of adjusting to the modular system of the One RS, I find it all to be quite intuitive to use.
