People ask me all the time, “Should I buy a GoPro or an Insta 360 action camera?” This is a reasonable question, as these are the two biggest names in action sports. The answer isn’t as simple as you think, so I am creating this in-depth breakdown. I will break down the pros and cons of each camera and which action sports I think each camera excels in filming. I like my cameras to be easy to use and have features that are accessible and convenient. When you’re in the moment, you don’t want to be worrying about your camera.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Insta 360 X4 | 360 video (you are always in frame) Highly Advanced Editing Vibrant Colors Invisible Selfie Stick AI Editing Tools | Bulky (you look like a unicorn) Not good in low light Has two very exposed lenses Storage Needs (360 video takes up lots of storage) |
| GoPro Hero 11 Black | Reliable Easy Controls High-Quality Video (not grainy) Great Stabilization Small Size (not bulky) Great Reputation Hyper | You have to line up your shots perfectly Outdated Editing Application (filled with glitches and crashing) |
Snowboarding/Skiing
I think that the Insta 360 is amazing for skiing and snowboarding. With the invisible selfie stick, you can get some incredible shots. Since it’s a 360 Camera, you can focus less on getting the perfect shot and more on shredding the mountain. If you are mounting the Camera on your helmet to get more of a POV shot, the Insta 360 is great, but I think that the GoPro is better for ease of use and for how compact the camera is. When I have the Insta 360 on my helmet, I’m always very nervous about it getting ripped off or damaged, mainly because of how high it sticks up. My final verdict is that if you only want to film snow sports, you should buy an Insta 360.
Travel/ Hiking
This is where the Insta 360 shines, in my opinion. When it comes to getting awesome, unique shots while traveling, this camera is amazing. This camera is great for solo travelers because you can film yourself doing activities like hiking or riding a camel without stressing about where the camera is pointing. The only caveat to the Insta 360 is the large size with the selfie stick addition. This doesn’t really bother me, but keep in mind it can be hard to stow in clothing pockets. The coolest thing about the Insta 360 is that you don’t have to be a technical genius to edit videos with it. The app that you use to do most of the reframing and trimming of videos is incredibly user friendly. 360 video is intimidating but the Insta 360 app makes the editing process easy and seamless.
Dirt biking/ Mountain Biking
Both cameras are really good, but the GoPro steals the show with its ease of use and durability. GoPro has been around for so long that you can hand any of your buddies a GoPro and they will automatically know how to use it. I prefer to mount my GoPro on my chin when I ride for the best point of view possible. I have taken many hard crashes and never severely damaged my GoPro. Lots of athletes have GoPro mounts on their helmets which is awesome when you’re friends want to have a turn.
Kayaking/ Rafting
Whitewater kayaking is the main activity where the GoPro never leaves my side. When I’m whitewater kayaking, I have complete confidence that my GoPro will remain in place and continue to record. This is another instance where the compact form factor of the GoPro allows you to barely notice the camera on your head. When rafting, I also like the GoPro because I can hand it to clients and worry less about it getting damaged or falling off of the mount. When you’re upside down underwater, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your camera is broken.
In summary, I am more confident in the GoPro’s mounting and reliability. I love how familiar everyone in the action sports community is with the controls. On the other hand, the technology on the Insta 360 is revolutionary and the editing process is as smooth as butter. It comes down to which activities you are filming the most, both are great options.
If you have any further questions on which camera you should get for your application feel free to send me an email.
If you want to purchase either camera, I have the two models that I use linked here for the Insta 360 X4 and here for the GoPro Hero 11
Thank you for reading, don’t forget to get out there and send it.
