Insta360 ONE R (hereafter, ONE R) is a unique action cam that tickles the hearts of gadget lovers by combining "camera", "core", and "battery-based" modules like LEGO to enjoy adaptive changes. .. Not only the original twin version, but also new parts and accessories such as 1-inch wide-angle lens module and drone module in partnership with Leica have been released one after another in the past year or so, and in terms of functionality, it has been released three times. A major update has been made across. In this article, I will review the latest appearance of ONE R by picking up the items that I paid attention to from the new features implemented from last year to this year.
Sentence ◎ Naoto Somese
▲ ONE R (left) with 1-inch wide-angle module, 4K wide-angle module (center), 360-degree module (right).
Continued development even after the release, such as the release of a 1-inch wide-angle module
In the latter half of last year, ONE R won the Good Design Award in Japan and was selected as one of TIME Magazine's 2020 Best Inventions. Since the beginning of this year, the topic of ONE R has continued even after its release, such as winning an iF design award at an international design award. In addition to the lineup of 4K wide-angle modules and 360-degree modules that were initially released, a 1-inch wide-angle module suitable for Vlog use has appeared. In addition, drone modules that can be set up by integrating with drones and large-capacity battery bases have also been released.
First, let's compare the images taken with the 1-inch wide-angle module and the 4K wide-angle module. The 1-inch wide-angle module is a product jointly developed with Leica. Based on Leica's optical technology, it is equipped with a large 1-inch image sensor and has a maximum spec of 5.3K 30fps. The equivalent focal length is 14.4 mm. The lens aperture is F3.2. From the example video below, you can see that the 1-inch sensor image is superior to the 4K wide-angle module in terms of sharpness, detail, and dynamic range.
▲ A 1-inch wide-angle module jointly developed with Leica. The 1-inch sensor is about four times as large as the 1 / 2.3 type image sensor installed mainly in compact digital cameras and high-end smartphone cameras.
Comparison of images taken with a 1-inch wide-angle module and a 4K wide-angle module. The 1-inch wide-angle module can shoot up to 5.3K, but in this example, the sizes are the same, both are shot at 4K, and the angle of view is slightly adjusted. (Shooting v1.2.17)
3rd major update
Since its launch in January last year, ONE R has been updated about 5 times so far, as far as I know, 3 of which are large. Most recently, there was a third major update on May 18th, with version 1.2.64 firmware released. The main contents are as follows.
-Loop recording of videos is now available for all modules.
· Leveling features (360 degree and 45 degree horizontal lock) are now available at 30 fps in "Pro" mode for 4K and 1 inch wide-angle modules.
・ 4K and 1-inch wide-angle modules can now shoot at 4K 50fps.
Timeshift is now saved at 6x speed to save storage.
-You can now use the multi-view mode when shooting with the 360-degree module.
-Compatible with in-vehicle remote control accessories.
-Supports quick shooting function. With the camera off, press and hold the shooting button to start shooting immediately.
-The "vividness" of the color profile of the 1-inch wide-angle module has been reviewed to improve image quality.
-It is now possible to set the strength of sharpness in all modules.
-Improved the algorithm of "AquaVision", which is a color correction function for underwater photography, and updated it to "AquaVision 2.0" for clearer colors.
-Improved camera UI.
-You can now start the camera by touching the screen.
-With the 4K wide-angle module, you can now select whether to turn the webcam zoom on or off.
-Improved voice quality of built-in microphone and external microphone.
In the next chapter, we will examine the main items together with the features that were updated last time.
▲ Time-shifting, loop shooting, etc., which are some of the newly added and improved functions.
Review video format and color profile, improve noise cancellation
In the second major update last September, the video file format was reviewed for the 4K wide-angle module and the 1-inch wide-angle module, and the default format was changed from the original format insv to mp4. File conversion is no longer required. For camera shake correction during shooting, you can now select either "Basic" or "Pro" mode, and "Basic" will apply the simple camera shake correction built into the camera when you take a picture. There is a limit of 4K 25fps at the maximum. In the case of "Pro", using the mobile camera control app "Insta360" and the PC app "Insta360 Studio 2021", the company's proud image stabilization function "FlowState" is available at all resolutions and frame rates of ONE R. Applicable. As for the author's feeling, I think that applying "Flowstate" in post-processing will give a more stable finish than camera shake correction in in-camera processing, so I will shoot with "professional" as long as time permits. I recommend that.
In addition, the leveling function can now be used when shooting in "Pro" mode with a setting of 30 fps or less. There are "45 ° horizontal lock" and "360 ° horizontal lock", both of which give priority to maintaining a consistent direction for stabilization. The default "45 ° horizontal lock" has a slightly wider FOV than the "360 ° horizontal lock", which reduces camera rotation and sway, but expires above 45 degrees. To maintain a more complete level, use the "360 ° horizontal lock". This is a mechanism that recognizes the original upright position of the camera and maintains the level by arbitrary rotation along one axis. This feature is available in "Standard" and "Loop" shooting modes, and the effect is applied when exporting from a mobile or PC app.
In addition, you can now use the in-vehicle multi-view when shooting with the 360-degree module. Multi-view has three modes: "picture-in-picture", "side-by-side", and "car multi-view". And the option of 4K 50fps has been added to the "Pro" mode of the 4K / 1 inch wide-angle module. 50fps is the frame rate used when editing video suitable for the PAL method in Europe and elsewhere. In v1.2.41, "multi-camera (view) mode" can be used when shooting with ONE R. If you select "multi-camera mode" while shooting, you can switch between the inside and outside lenses.
▲ "Basic" and "Pro" modes can now be selected for image stabilization.
Insta360 ONE R "Basic" mode, an example video of simple in-camera image stabilization.
Insta360 ONE R Taken in "Pro" mode. Comparison between after applying "Flowstate Stabilization", which is a camera shake correction function, and when it is not used.
▲ You can use the leveling function when setting the "Pro" mode 30fps using the 4K and 1-inch wide-angle modules. In that case, it is displayed as a red icon at the bottom left of the display on the back of the camera, and can be turned on and off by tapping.
▲ Setting items for the FOV option of the PC application "Insta360 Studio 2021". If you check the image stabilizer, you can select "360 ° horizontal lock" or "45 ° horizontal lock".
I compared and verified the leveling function in the "professional" mode 30fps of the 1-inch wide-angle module.
▲ When shooting with a 360-degree module, you can use "Car Multi View", and you can record the inside of the car in two parts at the same time as the car window.
An example video exported with "Car Multi View".
▲ A 4K 50fps option has been added to the "Pro" mode of the 4K / 1-inch wide-angle module.
An example video shot in "Pro" mode 4K 50fps with a 1-inch wide-angle module.
▲ Multi-camera mode that can be set at the time of shooting.
▲ In multi-camera mode, you can now switch between the inside and outside lenses during shooting. It may be useful for shortening the editing time and improving efficiency.
Further, the image quality is improved by increasing the bit rate. From v1.2.17, a new color profile called "Vivid" has been added, which is the default. In the latest v1.2.64, the "vivid" image creation of the 1-inch wide-angle module has been reviewed again, and the color design has become more vivid. If you use "Vivid", you can reproduce the color and depict the details of bright and dark areas in a good-looking manner, but if you want to perform your own color grading and finish it carefully, shoot with "LOG". The LUT will be applied and the image will be adjusted creatively. And with the latest farms, all ONE R modules now have four levels of sharpness adjustment. When changing the sharpness, adjust it in the "Settings" in the camera, and select it according to the shooting environment and preferences.
▲ "Vivid" is the default color profile.
▲ From Insta360 Studio 2021, when exporting, there was an option to add the effects of "color vividness" and "graininess removal" of "AI effect". This has the effect of further increasing the saturation and removing noise. However, depending on the situation, the image quality may be adversely affected, so it is recommended to try it while adjusting it as appropriate.
Differences in color profile in 1-inch wide-angle modules. In addition to "LOG", "Standard", and "Vivid", I made a sample video with "AI effect" on "Insta360 Studio 2021", which is the company's dedicated PC software, and compared it. The "vivid" of the old version (v1.2.41) and the new version (v1.2.64) are also compared. 5.7K 30fps.
▲ The intensity of sharpness can now be adjusted to 4 levels: "highest", "high", "medium", and "low" in the "settings" of the camera.
Comparison of sharpness in a 1-inch wide-angle module. 1 inch wide angle module 5.7K 30fps.
For still images, the image quality has been renewed in v1.2.17, and "Pure Shot" has been newly established to reduce noise and expand the dynamic range by AI image processing. This "Pure Shot" is similar to HDR shooting, which is generated by stacking images shot multiple times, with just one shot. To apply "Pure Shot", you need to export from the mobile app "Insta360" or the PC app "Insta360 Studio 2021". "Pure Shot" can be used for photography of 4K wide-angle module and 1-inch wide-angle module. When shooting with "Pure Shot", INSP and RAW (DNG format) files are created, but when editing using the mobile app, DNG files cannot be handled. To process DNG files, you have to use a PC application.
▲ Set "Pure Shot" on on the still image shooting preview screen of the app "Insta360".
On the other hand, the voice noise canceling function that was improved in the previous update has also been reviewed again. When using the built-in microphone of the camera and the external microphone, the sound quality was improved and the wind noise was reduced. Here, I used the built-in microphone of the camera core and the lavalier microphone as an external microphone, and recorded and compared them with different settings. Please check the results from the example video below. The effect of reducing wind noise when noise cancellation was set on the camera side during shooting was also realized from this test. When the wind noise is loud, the recorded voice tends to be relatively small. Noise cancellation performed by the PC application "Insta 360 Studio 2021" is a function that raises the level of human voice and lowers the level of environmental sound.
▲ By attaching a dedicated microphone adapter (sold separately) to the USB-Type C connection port, you can use a 3.5mm external microphone. The author's lavalier microphone worked fine, but it seems to be compatible, so it's better to check the manufacturer's site for compatible models.
Comparison of "Wind noise reduction" and "Noise cancellation" of Insta360 ONE R old and new farms (v1.2.41 and v1.2.64).
Supports webcam function and 360-degree live distribution that can be used for online meetings
Telework has become quite common, partly due to the Korona-ka, but with the last update, ONE R can now be used as an HD webcam for videophones and online conferences. When using the 4K wide-angle module, the app "Insta360" detects the subject and number of people in the frame and automatically adjusts the zoom level appropriately. When using the 360 degree module, the screen of the image obtained from the front / rear lens can be displayed separately. Also, with the 4K wide-angle module, you can now select whether to turn the webcam zoom on or off. 360-degree live distribution is also possible, and viewers can freely choose the angle they want to see. If you select the "Live Streaming Reframing" mode, you can reframe and specify the angle that the broadcaster wants to see from the 360-degree viewing angle.
▲ "Webcam" option in "Settings"-> "Common settings"-> "USB mode".
▲ After connecting to a computer with a USB Type C cable, ONE R is recognized in the "Video" section of the online conference solution Zoom.
▲ In 360 degree mode, the screen can be split and displayed in the webcam function. When using Zoom etc., even if there are multiple participants, it is convenient for the other party to be able to see all at once with one ONE R.
▲ You can select on / off the webcam zoom with the 4K wide-angle module.
▲ 360-degree live distribution is being carried out on Facebook Live from the mobile app "Insta360".
▲ In the "Live distribution of reframing" mode, you can reframe and specify the angle that the distributor wants to show, or you can distribute in the unique projection format of Little Planet.
"Fly-through" function realizes FPV shooting of pseudo drone
From the end of last year to this year, the "fly-through" feature was available in ONE R, although the iOS and Android apps were updated at slightly different times. This is a function that allows you to take a pseudo "aerial shot" like a small drone by setting a 360-degree module and attaching it to a selfie stick for moving shooting. When passing through a narrow place, this shooting method is to stop the movement once after passing, change the direction at the same position, and resume shooting with the operation of the application. The image used is a cropped angle of view from 360 degrees. Since the original video was shot at 360 degrees, smooth transitions can be made. Personally, I feel that he is the best Efe since the "Bullet Time" that was first installed in the first Insta360 ONE. This feature is also implemented in the later ONE X2, but I'm happy that it is now available in the pre-released ONE R.
▲ Attach ONE R to the "invisible selfie stick", hold it horizontally, and try "fly-through" pseudo FPV shooting while moving.
▲ The origami icon at the bottom left of the shooting screen of the app "Insta360" is the "fly-through" mode button.
▲ After passing through a narrow space, tap the "Transition" icon in the app "Fly Through" mode to pause recording. Turn to the other side, bring the camera to the same position from the opposite direction, and tap the app icon again to record the "aerobatic flight" of the pseudo drone.
An example video of "fly-through" shooting. When I added the drone sound effect from the BGM prepared in the app, it looks like it was taken with a really small drone.
Feel free to enjoy video magic in the editing lab of the app "Insta360"
Insta360's consumer camera solutions are actively incorporating AI-based auto-editing, such as auto-frame and deep tracking. Among them, many creative video effects are prepared in the "Editing Lab" of the editing tab "Stories" of the application "Insta360". You can easily achieve tricky visual magic by shooting according to the tutorial guide in the app and applying your favorite template.
Even in ONE R, the effects that can be used in "Editing Lab" are increasing from time to time, and from v1.5.3, new templates "Horizon Flip" and "Overtaker" have been added for ONE R / ONE X2. At the time of writing the manuscript, there are about 23 fun templates. Also, in "FlashCut", AI finds the best shot and automatically edits it. There are also templates for each theme such as Vlog, life, travel, and sports. And, in "story creation", it is possible to perform editing with a higher degree of freedom.
▲ The UI and terminology of the app "Insta360" are often changed, but here is the interface of the latest version v1.5.4 of "Stories".
▲ When applying an effect such as "Shadow Alternate" in the editing lab of the mobile app "Insta360", tap the target (subject) in the clip that has been shot and specify it, and the analysis will start automatically by tracking. To. When the analysis is completed, the image with the effect is generated.
A new template "Horizon Flip" for the editing lab added to v1.5.3 of the app Insta360. The image rotates and the surroundings are automatically projected onto the sky. It is an effect that makes use of the viewing angle obtained at 360 degrees.
Editing lab "Shadow alter ego". An effect that creates multiple clones of your own in a 360-degree space.
summary
Insta 360 ONE R is a gadget that you can enjoy transforming your camera by rearranging modules. You can purchase additional new parts or repurchase only the broken parts. On the other hand, when using the mount bracket, it is difficult to replace the module with a sword, but the large-capacity battery base released later is designed so that it can be mounted directly on a selfie stick, so it can be attached and detached. You can do it quickly. Often, users who replace lens modules may want to try this. In that case, it is necessary to confirm that the battery buckle is firmly fixed. Bugs are being fixed one after another, but the company's official YouTube channel has occasional opportunities to ask questions and requests directly to the founder JK and respond to them, so there is a problem that is worrisome. If so, I think you can check it there. With the additional release of parts and accessories, ONE R has improved performance by upgrading the firmware and new functions by updating apps and software, and creative expressions are being expanded from time to time. In that sense as well, it can be said that the product is continuously enjoyable. The author is also looking forward to the 3D mount, which is scheduled to be released in the future.
▲ Large capacity battery base.
▲ A 3D mount that will be released soon.
● Product information
Insta360 ONE R (1 inch version)
https://www.insta360.com/jp/product/insta360-oner_1inch-edition
Insta360 ONE R (twin version)
https://www.insta360.com/jp/product/insta360-oner_twin-edition
360 ° camera Insta360 ONE R
