(In the spirit of answering the question you ask: The webcam on my laptop is VGA quality and not steerable without moving the whole laptop; it was well worth buying the Cheapest Logitech to nod thoughtfully through Zoom meetings in the Plague Times.)
Thanks so much for your Podcam and Podtrak reviews. Got them both last week - fantastic set up! I also got the Subzero MB1 - also great! You’re my ‘go to’ for this type of content due to your knowledge, great presentation and trustworthiness 👍
Wow, Tom, you always find stuff that I didn't know I needed until I watch your videos! I have the Razer webcam, which is pretty darn good, but the Insta beats it. I love the tiny size, too! Great job on the video!!
The very last teaser invitation to the other two videos was way cool! It immediately reminded me of the movie"Wall-e" as the camera turned and faced each thumbnail picture on either side of it.
Great content as always! 😀 I have been testing this camera for a few months and I am mostly happy with it. I had a Logitech Brio before the Insta360, and the latter is superior in quality. I run this camera 8 hours a day, normally spending anywhere between one and seven hours on conference calls in Teams. Being a Chinese manufacturer my employer does not allow the software to be installed on our computers. I really like that it’s plug and play, and that I can control it just using hand gestures. I like the PTZ functionality as it serves as a privacy screen when not in use. When it comes to meetings the PTZ and auto framing it’s more of a nuisance than anything else. It moves around even when I am sitting still. I use my hands a lot when I explain and the camera seems to be reacting to this. Waving to say goodbye always makes tracking active. In your video, you mention that you can use the hand signal “V” to stop the camera from tracking you. I usually show my palm to the camera to make it stop/start tracking. I thought that the hand signal V was for the whiteboard functionality. Are you sure this signal stops tracking? Regards Jan
Great review! I wonder, are you safe to use this camera as long as you don't download the software? My main concerns are cybersecurity and privacy concerns with this camera.
This video is part of my holiday fundraiser for Angel Flight West, which links volunteer pilots and commercial airlines with people whose non-emergency health needs require air transportation to access care, resources, and safety. Travel is often a huge obstacle to overcome, and many people's budgets become increasingly tight at this time of year, so any help will literally be bringing people closer to the care they need. I'll be adding the fundraiser to all of my videos for the rest of the year. 👍 Angel Flight is seriously awesome. The service is totally free for patients/clients and it opens up a ton of options for people who have difficulty accessing specialized or ongoing care. I'm currently in flight training to earn my Private Pilot Certificate and one of my long term goals is to eventually be able to fly for Angel Flight myself, but since that's a long way off, this is my way of contributing.
Depending what level you are at, Elgato Face cam or face cam pro may work for you. By the time you get a mirrorless set up, its $800. Also a huge learning curve. Someone gifted me one and I am very happy. Also set up time for each shot, it can be alot of work
I got the insta360 Link as a B-cam to my BMPCC6k in the studio. It is quite good, I did find that with an iPhone and a DJI gimbal with face tracking, I got better results as far as picture. While the insta360 Link is an excellent camera with incredible features, if you already own a SLR or a cinema camera, it’s just not quite going to match when switching shots.
The 6K is an incredible camera- no doubt it totally outperforms the Insta! I was lucky enough to borrow one for a while last year and it was so much fun to use.
Hi Tom! Another great review. I have been using this camera for a few months (office, not studio) and really like it. There are a couple of items I hope they will address with an update to the firmware/software. First, while you can create presets, the preset is not saved when you close the camera, so you have to select it each time you use it. Second, when you launch the controller software, it doesn't become the top window and sometimes gets buried behind other open programs. Otherwise, I love this thing. It is head and shoulders above anything else I have ever used.
Check it out compared to the ObsBot Tiny 4k. I've tried both. I prefer the latter. Among other things, ObsBot will automatically shut off after a period of no use. But it will turn back on, if an application selects the video device.
Your V sign doesn't stop Auto-Tracking, it activates Whiteboard mode. Not tracking anymore is a byproduct of it supposedly focusing on the board, no matter how wildly you move around it...
Nice dolly zoom dude! I prefer when products are capable of most of their features without always needing to open the software. So I liked the hand gestures for the follow and zoom! That’s a pretty cool feature.
Me too- I'm really not a fan of app-reliant hardware. This rides a nice middle ground though, thankfully. And yes, the dolly zoom! I haven't had a zoom lens in ages, so it's not something I could do before 😁
The gestures are amazing. The picture is fine. I think the razr kiyo pro is better (off the top of my head) but it doesnt do cool stuff like THAT! Fun video!
Hey Tom, absolutely love your channel. I had to chuckle when you were referring to. It’s just a Camera in a cage. Nice ! I am curious as to what you’re using to support your Rodecaster pro II. Keep up the great channel.
Thank you Keith! I really appreciate the encouragement! Since the RCP2 has a built in VESA mount, I just found a generic VESA monitor arm on Amazon and it's worked really well so far.
Have been looking for a step up for a portable webcam. This was on my list to check. Today, Amazon has a small discount (5%) so I ordered one. Love your reviews
I haven't tried this feature yet but 360 has a RECORD button. It can also take screen shots. The mic is a bit hot on mine, the 360 needs volume control. . The other improvement would be a remote app less awkward for me than hand gestures. I use slow setting too.
I'm happy with my 4k Avaya HC020 USB-3 & HDMI webcam. I actually use it for event coverage B-cam. The sensor crop via the remote-control functions well. Still available for under $200
Tom, you need to do a video that puts the Insta360 Link VERSUS the new Elgato Facecam PRO 4K 60 !! I think this would be a VERY interesting head to head.... I think the Elgato would likely be the better one
@@tombuck would certainly be a good showdown. I think the Link is a great camera for productivity streaming where you will be moving around or utilising whiteboards etc BUT what about for simple talking head style videos, lives etc...
Hey Tom. This is very similar to the Osbot Tiny. Plus the Osbot Tiny is half the price. Very similar quality. And similar gestures to start and stop tracking.
Glad you talked about your setup looking different I wondered what had changed. I've really loved your style so I don't think you need the ND filter, I felt it flattened your image a little. Having said that, it still looks great, so it's just a matter of taste.
Appreciate the feedback! It's a tough balance to have bright "poppy" colors, but without things being too overexposed. My biggest obstacle is that whenever I hold something light colored up to the camera, it's usually totally blown out and you can't see what it is at all 😁
I'd love it if I could use the gimbal face tracking and stuff with my sony zve10, would really add dynamics to a livestream where you could walk around the room (raging or celebrating or something XD) and it tracks you. Kinda want to get this as a second cam just cause of that.
It's a neat feature! I think there are other camera mounts/tripod heads that have tracking features, but the small size is what wins me over on this one.
I really hope Insta360 considers creating this as a static webcam without the PTZ capabilities because just the image quality alone far surpasses basically any other webcam out there (and I've tested a LOT of them). The challenge is the $300 price point. That's too much for most people who won't get a lot of benefit from the PTZ aspect. Fingers crossed for something like a $99-149 version that is just the great camera.
Hi Tom, thanks, just solved an Xmas prezzie problem for me! £302 over here, $370 US, from Amazon for next day delivery. Slightly cheaper if I had waited until January .....
WoW. I’m just blowned!!! I’ve been using my iPhone 11Pro with Reincubate Camo (software to convert my iPhone) as a webcam for the past 2 years and a half. I love m’y setup. My image is a zillions time better than any webcam, really any webcam…. But, I need to replace my battery (it is plugged in all the time), if I need to make a call or I’m simply going away, I have to remove the phone from it’s holder. It can’t follow me around, etc. And of course my iPhone is not a PTZ camera. All the other PTZ camera that I’ve tried looked… ugly (at best). 🥴🤢🤮 (I know I’m picky) So, yes… I’m really impressed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing at the end about your studio cam changes with ND and Nikon Z9. Looks great! Also, the insta360 Link looks like a fascinating web cam, with some extra features (PTZ) that make it worth the price, especially with much better than average image quality. Do you know if it can track objects other than faces??? I have some Lego kits I want to assemble, and this could be a cool main/second cam if it tracked the hands... Thanks for the vid and info!
I think it can only track people for the time being, but consider how good their other camera tracking is, maybe they could add object tracking at some point?
Great video Tom, thanks for sharing, i own a Insta365 and its really amazing webcam, but i do agree not a DSLR capture card replacement. About the side camera (nikon), I did see some things that I didn't like, when you face overlaps with you neon lights, you can see a border or artefact similar to green screen border. One that i would like to see someday from you, is a video of your recommendation for a starter DSLR for streaming, the Sony ZV-E10, would like to see how it works vs your Sony FX3/A7SIII/A7IV. Maybe Sony / BH photo could let you borrow one? maybe with a Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens would be very interesting to see it vs the A7 + your 24mm F1.4 GM lens.
Thanks Pabula! I noticed the green-screen look on the Nikon, but I think that came down to my bad color correcting more than anything (don't judge the camera too harshly for it 😁). I've been thinking of trying to borrow, or even just buy a ZV-E10 since it is my go-to "starter" recommendation. The new FX30 is also VERY interesting. Much more expensive than the E10, but other than the sensor, it's basically the same as the much more expensive FX3.
Tom, I am doing some research about cameras to add a second camera to my livestream setup and came back to this video. I use a Sony A6400 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 as my main camera. I would like to add a second camera, but don't have the budget for another Sony A? Camera :). The camera would be used for a top down view of my workspace and to get footage from another room near my studio. I use a Rodecaster Pro for my audio and Macbook Pro running Ecamm Live. Would you recommend the Insta360 for this? I also consider the Mevo Start? Great video. Thanks for continuing to create great content.
Agree that this is one of the few good Webcams. I just bought the new Razer Pro Ultra with a massive 1/1.2" sensor and that one actually matches DSLRs!
Loved this one! I’m a Nikon shooter so really interested to hear that was the Z9. Watching your videos always makes me realise I need to do more with my lighting setup!
Curious about plugging a few of these into an atem mini and how you could go about doing it. I know there’s ways of plugging webcams into it just not sure how reliable or how much of a pain it might be.
Right now I haven't found a good way to use a webcam with the ATEM, but I know Blackmagic has said USB webcam functionality is supposed to happen in a firmware update (and maybe it already did but I'm out of the loop?)
I spent $30 bucks on an Anker webcam and it does what I need it to do, play D&D with my friends, has a tripod mount and removable cable, but I'm also not creating content that needs video, so that's just the look through my lens.
Hi Tom Can you please review multiple Insta360 webcam's with an Atemmini. It would also be good to know if one could still pan each camera via the software whilst connected to the ATEMmini. Thank you for the content and the time you take to put it all together.
I am VERY impressed with this product. I am adding to my wish list because it is so practical; it may be a while before I can commit $300. But thank you for a GREAT review.
Very cool! Insta360 could not have _hoped_ for a better product review! Quick workflow question: can you feed this into the ATEM Mini to easily switch between camera feeds? 💭
Thank you so much for the kind words! I remember a year or so ago hearing rumors that Blackmagic was going to add USB webcam functionality to the ATEMs, but as far as I know, that hasn't happened yet (I'm sure it's much more complicated than it sounds from a developers point of view).
@@tombuck Sweet! Thank you. I might have to give this one a try then. I'm curious if the cheaper Insta360 webcams also work without issues on Ventura before I shell out $300 for this one
I have this camera and it is so nice. I'm a teacher and have this in my classroom. FYI To turn off tracking you use your hand. The peace sign is to signal it to look for the whiteboard stickers.
@@tombuck it works really well with my atem extreme too. I got the obsbot uvc to hdmi adapter and use that as a camera into my atem. All the tracking is done in camera so after setup on the PC I disconnected it and it all works with just hand gestures. I put the whiteboard stickers on business cards magnet so I can move them around. I'll have to make a video talking all about it.
@@tombuck I just posted the video talking about the insta360 in my classroom and how I have it feed into my ATEM extreme iso. Take a look (Insta360 Link working with an ATEM)
The Pan and Tilt is pretty cool, though the Shutter Speed looks off, like it's changing and looking a bit jerky. Can you fix the Shutter Speed to a specific value?
I tried the OBSBOT Tiny 4K for a while, but I found it would overheat and stall during conferences. How does the Insta360 Link do with heat for extended webcam use? I also found that I'm not moving all that much during video calls or streams so the PTZ was a mostly useless feature.
I haven't used it for 8+ hours on end or anything, but so far it's never overheated or had any problems. The base is pretty solid, and I think acts as a pretty effective heatsink.
Hi Tom! Have you noticed syncing issues with the camera when using a separate microphone? I’m aware of OBS fixes but they don’t seem to work with Zoom or Teams. Any recommendations?
This is a fun smart webcam. You mentioned the gap between top tier webcams and mirrorless cameras of around €700,-. What is your take on an action cam like the GoPro or DJI Osmo as a webcam? I believe they have a better imagesensor and microphones and a lot of extra possebilities, like wireless transfer, yet they are somewhat cheaper then a mirrorless camera.
I think it's really awesome that a lot of cameras (even mirrorless) are including built-in USB webcam functionality now. I've used my GoPros many times and they work quite well, but I've found the Elgato to be a bit simpler to setup in webcam mode and the tracking features are magic for me.
Very nice web cam, but at $300 I will continue using my old Logitech HD C260 which only cost $30+. It has outlasted several computers and continues to serve me well on various media platforms.
@tombuck - I have a Sony zv1 which is pretty good for most applications but I hate that it blocks my field of view to my monitor when on a tripod or boom. I raise the app window (zoom, riverside, streamyard) slightly above the camera but then I can access (visually) the app on screen display without becoming a disembodied head floating around… kinda of distracting on the videos for my guests. Lol. Any suggestions??
Just bought this webcam after not having a webcam camera for 8 months as someone who works in broadcasting i find this amazing! will post thoughts soon
Dang. That is quite a difference between the Macbook cam and this one and the tracking is pretty rad. Pretty impressive, actually. By the way, is that the Rodecaster Pro II in your cabinet in the back?? I didn't see it on your desk, are you not using it any more? I just got mine today and am super psyched to start using it!
I've noticed that the image was little more contrasty and a tad darker. I'm actually using the same ND, I believe you've showed it in some earlier videos, polar Pro mist 2-5 right? In any case I love mine 😊
Oh boy! That was my first guitar from back in 2001. I tried to refinish it back then, failed, and then kept it in pieces for 20 years until recently when I refinished it "for real" and upgraded all of the electronics and stuff: th-cam.com/video/b3d8Ugmu6B4/w-d-xo.html
The image from the Nikon is amazing. However, I prefer the Sony and I like the image with the ND filter for your channel’s purposes. The Nikon would be great for cinema in that configuration if that makes sense.
A thorough comparison video with latest firmware and software updates as of March 2023 with the OBSBot Tiny 4k low light to no light performance audio quality noise cancelling etc will be Really appreciated given the quality of your videos. Nice to see that it's not necessary to download the software to use the Cam as plug and play device as projected by other reviewers. Any major functionality loss in these PTZ webcams are not used with their Respective Softwares. Any success stories when connected to Mobile phones as a mini gimbal? Strange that insta360 didn't think of a mobile app thus far or having the ability to use as is in phones. Would love to see a review by you as well as between the SM7B Rode 2 USB mic and Blue Sona comparison video for 2023! Thanks and God Bless Brother!
Have you ever tried to use the camera for 2+ hours non-stop? I bought the Insta360 Link 4K when it barely came out, and I loved it until it started moving itself to 720p mid-use. And now it has even just shut down. The problem seems to be heat-related, but I'm not sure about that yet. I'm currently in the process of seeing how good Insta360 support will be with the problem. On Friday at 10:00 PDT, their support site said no one was there so I have to try again later. Hopefully this support matter will have a good resolution. My main camera is is a mirrorless camera (with an Elgato CamLink 4K). I use the Insta360 Link as a second camera for guests in the room. But now that it downgrades without warning, or stops altogether, I don't trust it enough now to keep using it.
I haven't done specific stress tests, but it's been fine so far for a few hours at a time. I'm sorry to hear about the troubles with yours- I didn't even think about something like overheating with a webcam!
You should post the dimensions of it and see if someone can 3D model a case for it and maybe a cable holder (what's the length of the cable and the dimensions of the c to usb adaptor)
Interesting, Tom. If it has an f1.8 lens, can you lock the aperture to get natural background blur? Would require the camera shifting to auto ISO adjustment instead of aperture.
@@tombuck thanks. The background gets nicely soft when you have the lights turned low (at 17:44) ... but sharp when it's bright. Doesn't that imply a variable aperture?
I don't think there's a way to turn the lights off. I cna say that I've used it with the Elgato Prompter with no light issues (I can see it through the screen a little bit but that's no big deal and no one else knows.
Welp, I'm kinda stopped using webcams for a long while now. It's all because of, I started using "Physical" cameras rather than the "actual" webcams. (But at least, They are good for chat and online classes)
I think the biggest difference is that the camera is physically moving. Not necessarily better or worse, but very different than panning and scanning a static shot.
I notice glitches in your webcam video like it was doing less than 24fps. Video is not smooth, rather jerky. It would be great if you compare it to new elgato facecam pro.
I miss the Drums in the corner 😢, where did you put them? I took my drums out of my room as well a couple of years ago, sometimes I want to set them up and play, but there’s no room. I actually have 3 Full kits stacked in closets. Maybe one day we can do a virtual drum off,, lol. Here’s an old video when the drums were in my drum room now turned into podcast room. th-cam.com/video/uDtj3kTEmNo/w-d-xo.html
Awesome playing! I injured my foot earlier this year and moved the drums to a different room since I couldn't play for a while. As much as I miss them here, it's SO nice to have more space. Don't worry though, the drums still get played often 😁
@@tombuck will into that. I do a lot of Livestream for whoever requests it. But only have an iPhone 11 so quality ain't that great. So I'm trying to get a Mirrorless DSLR camera for better quality.
@@tombuck Awesome, good to know. I've tried using my ZV-1 for Facetime and it is not detected. That goes for any mirrorless I attach. Thanks for content, good stuff.
It's VERY tough to beat a nice prime lens on a full frame sensor. But that's also why I'm so glad the Insta doesn't try and pretend that it can compete with that- instead, it knows what it's supposed to do and tried to do it really well.
(In the spirit of answering the question you ask: The webcam on my laptop is VGA quality and not steerable without moving the whole laptop; it was well worth buying the Cheapest Logitech to nod thoughtfully through Zoom meetings in the Plague Times.)
Love this! Would love to see a comparison between this and the new apple connected camera function on iOS 16
17:42 wow i'm surprised how bright the insta360 cam looks even in dark conditions👏
Right? I was impressed by that too.
@@tombuck Yeah! Looks like you still have lights on! 💡
Thanks so much for your Podcam and Podtrak reviews. Got them both last week - fantastic set up! I also got the Subzero MB1 - also great! You’re my ‘go to’ for this type of content due to your knowledge, great presentation and trustworthiness 👍
Wow, I really appreciate that! Thank you 🙏
Wow, Tom, you always find stuff that I didn't know I needed until I watch your videos! I have the Razer webcam, which is pretty darn good, but the Insta beats it. I love the tiny size, too! Great job on the video!!
Hey thanks Sly! That means a lot coming from you
The very last teaser invitation to the other two videos was way cool! It immediately reminded me of the movie"Wall-e" as the camera turned and faced each thumbnail picture on either side of it.
Haha thanks Blake! I think it might be fun to do that more often at the end of videos.
Great content as always! 😀
I have been testing this camera for a few months and I am mostly happy with it. I had a Logitech Brio before the Insta360, and the latter is superior in quality.
I run this camera 8 hours a day, normally spending anywhere between one and seven hours on conference calls in Teams.
Being a Chinese manufacturer my employer does not allow the software to be installed on our computers. I really like that it’s plug and play, and that I can control it just using hand gestures.
I like the PTZ functionality as it serves as a privacy screen when not in use. When it comes to meetings the PTZ and auto framing it’s more of a nuisance than anything else. It moves around even when I am sitting still. I use my hands a lot when I explain and the camera seems to be reacting to this. Waving to say goodbye always makes tracking active.
In your video, you mention that you can use the hand signal “V” to stop the camera from tracking you. I usually show my palm to the camera to make it stop/start tracking. I thought that the hand signal V was for the whiteboard functionality. Are you sure this signal stops tracking?
Regards Jan
Great review! I wonder, are you safe to use this camera as long as you don't download the software? My main concerns are cybersecurity and privacy concerns with this camera.
This video is part of my holiday fundraiser for Angel Flight West, which links volunteer pilots and commercial airlines with people whose non-emergency health needs require air transportation to access care, resources, and safety. Travel is often a huge obstacle to overcome, and many people's budgets become increasingly tight at this time of year, so any help will literally be bringing people closer to the care they need.
I'll be adding the fundraiser to all of my videos for the rest of the year. 👍
Angel Flight is seriously awesome. The service is totally free for patients/clients and it opens up a ton of options for people who have difficulty accessing specialized or ongoing care. I'm currently in flight training to earn my Private Pilot Certificate and one of my long term goals is to eventually be able to fly for Angel Flight myself, but since that's a long way off, this is my way of contributing.
Awesome!! Keep it up out there brother!!
Thnx for this video love it. im just order it, but have to wait for it =)
Depending what level you are at, Elgato Face cam or face cam pro may work for you. By the time you get a mirrorless set up, its $800. Also a huge learning curve. Someone gifted me one and I am very happy. Also set up time for each shot, it can be alot of work
I got the insta360 Link as a B-cam to my BMPCC6k in the studio. It is quite good, I did find that with an iPhone and a DJI gimbal with face tracking, I got better results as far as picture. While the insta360 Link is an excellent camera with incredible features, if you already own a SLR or a cinema camera, it’s just not quite going to match when switching shots.
The 6K is an incredible camera- no doubt it totally outperforms the Insta! I was lucky enough to borrow one for a while last year and it was so much fun to use.
Hi Tom! Another great review. I have been using this camera for a few months (office, not studio) and really like it. There are a couple of items I hope they will address with an update to the firmware/software. First, while you can create presets, the preset is not saved when you close the camera, so you have to select it each time you use it. Second, when you launch the controller software, it doesn't become the top window and sometimes gets buried behind other open programs. Otherwise, I love this thing. It is head and shoulders above anything else I have ever used.
Ahh, yes that is frustrating. It would be good if the settings stayed put until you select something else.
Check it out compared to the ObsBot Tiny 4k. I've tried both. I prefer the latter. Among other things, ObsBot will automatically shut off after a period of no use. But it will turn back on, if an application selects the video device.
Your V sign doesn't stop Auto-Tracking, it activates Whiteboard mode.
Not tracking anymore is a byproduct of it supposedly focusing on the board, no matter how wildly you move around it...
Nice dolly zoom dude!
I prefer when products are capable of most of their features without always needing to open the software. So I liked the hand gestures for the follow and zoom! That’s a pretty cool feature.
Me too- I'm really not a fan of app-reliant hardware. This rides a nice middle ground though, thankfully.
And yes, the dolly zoom! I haven't had a zoom lens in ages, so it's not something I could do before 😁
I agree that the tracking functionality on this camera is pretty cool! Thanks for the thoughtful review.
The gestures are amazing. The picture is fine. I think the razr kiyo pro is better (off the top of my head) but it doesnt do cool stuff like THAT! Fun video!
Hey Tom, absolutely love your channel. I had to chuckle when you were referring to. It’s just a Camera in a cage. Nice ! I am curious as to what you’re using to support your Rodecaster pro II. Keep up the great channel.
Thank you Keith! I really appreciate the encouragement!
Since the RCP2 has a built in VESA mount, I just found a generic VESA monitor arm on Amazon and it's worked really well so far.
Have been looking for a step up for a portable webcam. This was on my list to check. Today, Amazon has a small discount (5%) so I ordered one. Love your reviews
Oh nice! I hope you really like it! I was so surprised by it.
I haven't tried this feature yet but 360 has a RECORD button. It can also take screen shots. The mic is a bit hot on mine, the 360 needs volume control. . The other improvement would be a remote app less awkward for me than hand gestures. I use slow setting too.
I know Insta does release pretty frequent firmware, but it’s also totally unpredictable when/if/what they’ll update 😁
I'm happy with my 4k Avaya HC020 USB-3 & HDMI webcam. I actually use it for event coverage B-cam. The sensor crop via the remote-control functions well. Still available for under $200
Tom, you need to do a video that puts the Insta360 Link VERSUS the new Elgato Facecam PRO 4K 60 !! I think this would be a VERY interesting head to head.... I think the Elgato would likely be the better one
I think both cameras would have good quality, but the movement/tracking of this one gives it an edge I think.
@@tombuck would certainly be a good showdown. I think the Link is a great camera for productivity streaming where you will be moving around or utilising whiteboards etc BUT what about for simple talking head style videos, lives etc...
They really need to provide a USB-C cable with a 90-degree bend for both this camera and the Razer Ultra.
Hey Tom. This is very similar to the Osbot Tiny. Plus the Osbot Tiny is half the price. Very similar quality. And similar gestures to start and stop tracking.
Glad you talked about your setup looking different I wondered what had changed. I've really loved your style so I don't think you need the ND filter, I felt it flattened your image a little. Having said that, it still looks great, so it's just a matter of taste.
Appreciate the feedback! It's a tough balance to have bright "poppy" colors, but without things being too overexposed. My biggest obstacle is that whenever I hold something light colored up to the camera, it's usually totally blown out and you can't see what it is at all 😁
I'd love it if I could use the gimbal face tracking and stuff with my sony zve10, would really add dynamics to a livestream where you could walk around the room (raging or celebrating or something XD) and it tracks you. Kinda want to get this as a second cam just cause of that.
It's a neat feature! I think there are other camera mounts/tripod heads that have tracking features, but the small size is what wins me over on this one.
I really hope Insta360 considers creating this as a static webcam without the PTZ capabilities because just the image quality alone far surpasses basically any other webcam out there (and I've tested a LOT of them). The challenge is the $300 price point. That's too much for most people who won't get a lot of benefit from the PTZ aspect. Fingers crossed for something like a $99-149 version that is just the great camera.
That would be pretty awesome because I totally agree, the image is the best I’ve seen from a webcam overall.
A half dozen of these in a small workshop or studio space is basically all you need for a streaming setup, and potentially even for TH-cam videos.
Hi Tom, thanks, just solved an Xmas prezzie problem for me! £302 over here, $370 US, from Amazon for next day delivery. Slightly cheaper if I had waited until January .....
Ahh, it's the shipping that gets you! Glad you found a great option though!
WoW. I’m just blowned!!!
I’ve been using my iPhone 11Pro with Reincubate Camo (software to convert my iPhone) as a webcam for the past 2 years and a half. I love m’y setup. My image is a zillions time better than any webcam, really any webcam…. But,
I need to replace my battery (it is plugged in all the time), if I need to make a call or I’m simply going away, I have to remove the phone from it’s holder. It can’t follow me around, etc.
And of course my iPhone is not a PTZ camera.
All the other PTZ camera that I’ve tried looked… ugly (at best). 🥴🤢🤮
(I know I’m picky)
So, yes… I’m really impressed.
Thanks for sharing.
The guitars look great on wall, thanks for sharing your thoughts 👏🏽
Love the guitar wall!
Thanks for sharing at the end about your studio cam changes with ND and Nikon Z9. Looks great! Also, the insta360 Link looks like a fascinating web cam, with some extra features (PTZ) that make it worth the price, especially with much better than average image quality. Do you know if it can track objects other than faces??? I have some Lego kits I want to assemble, and this could be a cool main/second cam if it tracked the hands... Thanks for the vid and info!
I think it can only track people for the time being, but consider how good their other camera tracking is, maybe they could add object tracking at some point?
Great video Tom, thanks for sharing, i own a Insta365 and its really amazing webcam, but i do agree not a DSLR capture card replacement.
About the side camera (nikon), I did see some things that I didn't like, when you face overlaps with you neon lights, you can see a border or artefact similar to green screen border.
One that i would like to see someday from you, is a video of your recommendation for a starter DSLR for streaming, the Sony ZV-E10, would like to see how it works vs your Sony FX3/A7SIII/A7IV. Maybe Sony / BH photo could let you borrow one? maybe with a Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens would be very interesting to see it vs the A7 + your 24mm F1.4 GM lens.
Thanks Pabula!
I noticed the green-screen look on the Nikon, but I think that came down to my bad color correcting more than anything (don't judge the camera too harshly for it 😁).
I've been thinking of trying to borrow, or even just buy a ZV-E10 since it is my go-to "starter" recommendation. The new FX30 is also VERY interesting. Much more expensive than the E10, but other than the sensor, it's basically the same as the much more expensive FX3.
Are there any things about the Insta360 Link camera that you don't like?
Great review as usual. What’s your overhead lighting setup?
My key light is a Fanlight Forza 200 and I have a FalconEyes LED flexible panel light mounted to the ceiling 👍
Tom, I am doing some research about cameras to add a second camera to my livestream setup and came back to this video. I use a Sony A6400 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 as my main camera. I would like to add a second camera, but don't have the budget for another Sony A? Camera :). The camera would be used for a top down view of my workspace and to get footage from another room near my studio. I use a Rodecaster Pro for my audio and Macbook Pro running Ecamm Live. Would you recommend the Insta360 for this? I also consider the Mevo Start? Great video. Thanks for continuing to create great content.
Agree that this is one of the few good Webcams. I just bought the new Razer Pro Ultra with a massive 1/1.2" sensor and that one actually matches DSLRs!
That sounds awesome!
Loved this one! I’m a Nikon shooter so really interested to hear that was the Z9. Watching your videos always makes me realise I need to do more with my lighting setup!
So far the Z9 has been super impressive! It’s really fun to explore a totally different system.
@@tombuck Brilliant! I always love it when something new works well!
Curious about plugging a few of these into an atem mini and how you could go about doing it. I know there’s ways of plugging webcams into it just not sure how reliable or how much of a pain it might be.
Right now I haven't found a good way to use a webcam with the ATEM, but I know Blackmagic has said USB webcam functionality is supposed to happen in a firmware update (and maybe it already did but I'm out of the loop?)
I spent $30 bucks on an Anker webcam and it does what I need it to do, play D&D with my friends, has a tripod mount and removable cable, but I'm also not creating content that needs video, so that's just the look through my lens.
Hey for $30 you can't go wrong! Anker usually makes good stuff.
Hi Tom
Can you please review multiple Insta360 webcam's with an Atemmini.
It would also be good to know if one could still pan each camera via the software whilst connected to the ATEMmini.
Thank you for the content and the time you take to put it all together.
I am VERY impressed with this product. I am adding to my wish list because it is so practical; it may be a while before I can commit $300. But thank you for a GREAT review.
It's really handy! I love my "big" cameras, but having a decent, reliable webcam is super nice.
great review, once again... and very useful, as usual... thx, Tom
So glad it was helpful!
Very cool! Insta360 could not have _hoped_ for a better product review! Quick workflow question: can you feed this into the ATEM Mini to easily switch between camera feeds? 💭
Thank you so much for the kind words! I remember a year or so ago hearing rumors that Blackmagic was going to add USB webcam functionality to the ATEMs, but as far as I know, that hasn't happened yet (I'm sure it's much more complicated than it sounds from a developers point of view).
Does this webcam still work with Mac Ventura OS? I, along with many others, are having a heck of a time finding a webcam that works with Ventura
I've had no issues with Ventura. I just used it for part of a stream this past Saturday. 👍
@@tombuck Sweet! Thank you. I might have to give this one a try then. I'm curious if the cheaper Insta360 webcams also work without issues on Ventura before I shell out $300 for this one
I have this camera and it is so nice. I'm a teacher and have this in my classroom. FYI To turn off tracking you use your hand. The peace sign is to signal it to look for the whiteboard stickers.
Yeah, it seems like I got the gestures mixed up. I like the peace sign though 😁
@@tombuck it works really well with my atem extreme too. I got the obsbot uvc to hdmi adapter and use that as a camera into my atem. All the tracking is done in camera so after setup on the PC I disconnected it and it all works with just hand gestures. I put the whiteboard stickers on business cards magnet so I can move them around. I'll have to make a video talking all about it.
@@tombuck I just posted the video talking about the insta360 in my classroom and how I have it feed into my ATEM extreme iso. Take a look (Insta360 Link working with an ATEM)
Hi Tom, awesome little webcam, I foresee other brands picking up and improving on this, picture quality for example 👍
There's sure a lot of cool stuff packed into a tiny device!
The Pan and Tilt is pretty cool, though the Shutter Speed looks off, like it's changing and looking a bit jerky. Can you fix the Shutter Speed to a specific value?
As of now there isn't a manual shutter option. It looks fine to me, but the software could be adjusting the shutter to handle exposure maybe?
Great video. How do you mount the microphones to the wall. Loving your content ✌️
I made a whole video about it! It’s a super simple project: th-cam.com/video/hycjQY3fLwU/w-d-xo.html
I tried the OBSBOT Tiny 4K for a while, but I found it would overheat and stall during conferences. How does the Insta360 Link do with heat for extended webcam use? I also found that I'm not moving all that much during video calls or streams so the PTZ was a mostly useless feature.
I haven't used it for 8+ hours on end or anything, but so far it's never overheated or had any problems. The base is pretty solid, and I think acts as a pretty effective heatsink.
I've used it for a couple hours no heating problem
Cool webcam! Don't have a use for in, but I'm impressed with the motion tracking!
It's really nifty! I would've loved it when I taught online.
i'm just waiting for a wide angle filter , DJI has similar camera with a optional wide angle filter so its possible
Oh interesting! I had no idea that was even possible.
Does it have autofocus? For example if I want to quickly show some paper documents very close to the camera, will it focus?
Hi Tom! Have you noticed syncing issues with the camera when using a separate microphone? I’m aware of OBS fixes but they don’t seem to work with Zoom or Teams. Any recommendations?
I haven't had any issues with syncing so far 👍
This is a fun smart webcam. You mentioned the gap between top tier webcams and mirrorless cameras of around €700,-.
What is your take on an action cam like the GoPro or DJI Osmo as a webcam?
I believe they have a better imagesensor and microphones and a lot of extra possebilities, like wireless transfer, yet they are somewhat cheaper then a mirrorless camera.
I think it's really awesome that a lot of cameras (even mirrorless) are including built-in USB webcam functionality now.
I've used my GoPros many times and they work quite well, but I've found the Elgato to be a bit simpler to setup in webcam mode and the tracking features are magic for me.
Very nice web cam, but at $300 I will continue using my old Logitech HD C260 which only cost $30+. It has outlasted several computers and continues to serve me well on various media platforms.
If it works, it works 👍
@tombuck - I have a Sony zv1 which is pretty good for most applications but I hate that it blocks my field of view to my monitor when on a tripod or boom. I raise the app window (zoom, riverside, streamyard) slightly above the camera but then I can access (visually) the app on screen display without becoming a disembodied head floating around… kinda of distracting on the videos for my guests. Lol. Any suggestions??
Just bought this webcam after not having a webcam camera for 8 months as someone who works in broadcasting i find this amazing! will post thoughts soon
Glad to hear you're liking it so far!
Thoughts so far?
Dang. That is quite a difference between the Macbook cam and this one and the tracking is pretty rad. Pretty impressive, actually. By the way, is that the Rodecaster Pro II in your cabinet in the back?? I didn't see it on your desk, are you not using it any more? I just got mine today and am super psyched to start using it!
It’s my original RCP, which I can never part with. The RCP2 has been on my desk since April 😎
I've noticed that the image was little more contrasty and a tad darker. I'm actually using the same ND, I believe you've showed it in some earlier videos, polar Pro mist 2-5 right? In any case I love mine 😊
It’s the 2-5, but not the pro mist, just the regular one 👍
yo. nice review...I want to know more about the mods on that green Squier though.
Oh boy! That was my first guitar from back in 2001. I tried to refinish it back then, failed, and then kept it in pieces for 20 years until recently when I refinished it "for real" and upgraded all of the electronics and stuff: th-cam.com/video/b3d8Ugmu6B4/w-d-xo.html
Nice. That's what's up
Can you just use video from camera and choose your own mic source?
Tom, on your FX-3 shooting in studio for TH-cam, do you shoot in 4k or 1080? Just curious. Another stellar performance!
Bo
It’s all glorious 4K 😁
The only webcam I own and it is really cool. Great review! I've used it for top-down quite a bit (product views).
I’m so impressed by it! Love the top down option for sure.
The image from the Nikon is amazing. However, I prefer the Sony and I like the image with the ND filter for your channel’s purposes. The Nikon would be great for cinema in that configuration if that makes sense.
Thanks! I think I like the look with the ND- definitely helps reduce areas that are totally blown out. 😬
"Super futuristic" 🤣
We're living in the future!
I'm living in the future from when you wrote this comment 🤯
Love this camera, been using it for a few months.
Would be cool to see a side by side comparison against the C920 and others in perfect and also low light.
Yeah, I honestly don’t know why I didn’t connect the C920- although I do know it’s not as good as the MacBook’s webcam.
A thorough comparison video with latest firmware and software updates as of March 2023 with the OBSBot Tiny 4k low light to no light performance audio quality noise cancelling etc will be Really appreciated given the quality of your videos. Nice to see that it's not necessary to download the software to use the Cam as plug and play device as projected by other reviewers. Any major functionality loss in these PTZ webcams are not used with their Respective Softwares.
Any success stories when connected to Mobile phones as a mini gimbal? Strange that insta360 didn't think of a mobile app thus far or having the ability to use as is in phones. Would love to see a review by you as well as between the SM7B Rode 2 USB mic and Blue Sona comparison video for 2023! Thanks and God Bless Brother!
It's like the Obsbot Tiny 4k but skinnier and twice the price. :) I'm curious how they would stack up, as Obsbot has great lowlight settings.
Nice review, Tom! 😎👍
Have you ever tried to use the camera for 2+ hours non-stop? I bought the Insta360 Link 4K when it barely came out, and I loved it until it started moving itself to 720p mid-use. And now it has even just shut down.
The problem seems to be heat-related, but I'm not sure about that yet. I'm currently in the process of seeing how good Insta360 support will be with the problem. On Friday at 10:00 PDT, their support site said no one was there so I have to try again later. Hopefully this support matter will have a good resolution.
My main camera is is a mirrorless camera (with an Elgato CamLink 4K). I use the Insta360 Link as a second camera for guests in the room. But now that it downgrades without warning, or stops altogether, I don't trust it enough now to keep using it.
I haven't done specific stress tests, but it's been fine so far for a few hours at a time. I'm sorry to hear about the troubles with yours- I didn't even think about something like overheating with a webcam!
You should post the dimensions of it and see if someone can 3D model a case for it and maybe a cable holder (what's the length of the cable and the dimensions of the c to usb adaptor)
Ahh yes! My goal was to try and rig something up with my 3D printer, but I'm a terrible 3D designer 😁
Love your videos!! Keep up the good work Tom!
Thanks so much Logan!
Interesting, Tom. If it has an f1.8 lens, can you lock the aperture to get natural background blur? Would require the camera shifting to auto ISO adjustment instead of aperture.
I believe it’s a “fixed” 1.8, but the super small sensor and wide field of view make it tough to get a blurred background.
@@tombuck thanks. The background gets nicely soft when you have the lights turned low (at 17:44) ... but sharp when it's bright. Doesn't that imply a variable aperture?
Love your stuff Tom…good job.
Thanks Tom 😁
Great review as usual Tom!
Thank you so much!
13:18 but much headroom, that s a downside 😅 15:44 nvm you say that here too
Hi Tom, great review, is there any way that we can hook this webcam into Atem mini pro and it will be recognized as camera?
I know there were rumors of enabling usb webcams with ATEMs, but I honestly don’t know if anything ever came if it 🤔
Thanks
Hey Tom by any chance, there is a video on Rode X mics and Unify coming?! When it comes to Rode products I feel your opinion really matters. Cheers
I’d love to, but I haven’t used the X mics yet. I do have the NT-USB+ which is absolutely fantastic though. Super impressed by that one!
Do you know how to turn off the lights on the actual camera so I can use it with a teleprompter without light distortion?
I don't think there's a way to turn the lights off. I cna say that I've used it with the Elgato Prompter with no light issues (I can see it through the screen a little bit but that's no big deal and no one else knows.
Welp, I'm kinda stopped using webcams for a long while now.
It's all because of, I started using "Physical" cameras rather than the "actual" webcams. (But at least, They are good for chat and online classes)
"Real" cameras are always my favorite thing to use, but the super small size with no need for a capture card is really nifty here.
How does it frame with two people in the shot?
It should focus on the face it deems most prominent. Individual face selection/switching would be a good feature to add in an update.
Avermedia 4k i have..150 €..i have and recommend, but use only with usb 3.0 !
how often do you crack up at those dad jokes? lol
I probably- er, definitely- laugh at my own jokes more than anyone should 😁
How is the tracking different than Center Stage on new macs and iOS devices?
I think the biggest difference is that the camera is physically moving. Not necessarily better or worse, but very different than panning and scanning a static shot.
have you tried Continuity Camera in Mac OS 13?
I still haven't updated to Ventura- I'm nervous about my Final Cut plugins not working 😬
I notice glitches in your webcam video like it was doing less than 24fps. Video is not smooth, rather jerky. It would be great if you compare it to new elgato facecam pro.
I miss the Drums in the corner 😢, where did you put them? I took my drums out of my room as well a couple of years ago, sometimes I want to set them up and play, but there’s no room. I actually have 3 Full kits stacked in closets. Maybe one day we can do a virtual drum off,, lol.
Here’s an old video when the drums were in my drum room now turned into podcast room.
th-cam.com/video/uDtj3kTEmNo/w-d-xo.html
Awesome playing!
I injured my foot earlier this year and moved the drums to a different room since I couldn't play for a while. As much as I miss them here, it's SO nice to have more space. Don't worry though, the drums still get played often 😁
I want to use the presets to do a whooshing 2 person interview.
Like you said, this would be a great education device.
I have a zv-e10! its so easy to connect and use
Absolutely an incredible camera!
Good review! I liked.
Been looking into webcams for a multiple camera Livestream
This one is awesome! It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitely the best one I’ve used.
@@tombuck will into that. I do a lot of Livestream for whoever requests it. But only have an iPhone 11 so quality ain't that great. So I'm trying to get a Mirrorless DSLR camera for better quality.
Does the Insta360 Link work with Facetime? Not all cameras are an available option to use under the Facetime app. Anyone know?
It worked for me 👍
@@tombuck Awesome, good to know. I've tried using my ZV-1 for Facetime and it is not detected. That goes for any mirrorless I attach. Thanks for content, good stuff.
Tom, is this camera compatible with chromebook?
I don’t have a Chromebook to test for sure, but right now Insta’s documentation only mentions macOS and Windows
Yeah, Linux would be great
@@tombuck thank you
@sammycool turned me on to this. I tried to use it in my teleprompter last night - failed.. too tiny. Otherwise good.
Looks like the dji pocket
It does! Very similar design style.
That's pretty good.
Elephant in the room - Chinese company, TOS, Data -- I figure nobody wants my broke data but I am a bit nervous using it.
Insta has a solid reputation so far, thankfully. I hope it stays that way.
@@tombuck Thanks!! Phew!
I am also concerned about this...I wonder if you'd be ok as long as you don't download the software...what do you guys think?
I like the video title lol!
Haha, it was the temporary title of my Notes outline for the video and I decided to just go with it 😁
Webcams are just boring. I love very much the magic boke of your 24mm lens and full frame!
It's VERY tough to beat a nice prime lens on a full frame sensor. But that's also why I'm so glad the Insta doesn't try and pretend that it can compete with that- instead, it knows what it's supposed to do and tried to do it really well.
I upgraded from the Logitech C920 to the Elgato FaceCam
The facecam is really nice too 👍