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I replaced my old GoPro with the Insta360 X3, and I am so glad that I did.
Since it is the winter season, this article will focus primarily on utilizing action cameras in cold weather conditions, particularly when skiing and snowboarding. GoPro has been the dominant player in action cameras for decades, but after upgrading to the Insta360 X3, I believe that dominance will continue to wane.
Your Old GoPro Can't Handle The Cold
I am writing this article because I believe there are others like me who are frustrated with the lack of performance of their older model GoPros, particularly in cold weather. My old GoPro Hero 8’s battery was really struggling in even mildly cold conditions. Seemingly, almost no video I captured in temperatures less than 40 degrees would record to completion. I was tired of missing incredible moments after skiing off a massive cliff. Although GoPro has since addressed this concern with their newer models, I have still seen my friend’s Hero 10 die unexpectedly in the cold. In addition, if I was going to spend $399 on the Hero 12 Black, I might as well explore all of my options within that price range. 360 video was intriguing, especially regarding action sports because you can frame your video after capturing. This means you almost can’t miss your partner hitting a backflip or that perfect powder turn you made in the backcountry.
360 Curious? Insta360 Is The Leader In 360 Video
Since GoPro hasn’t released a 360 camera in 4 years, I finally took the leap of faith and purchased the Insta360 X3 at $450. As the name suggests, this company specializes in 360 camera technology and software but has a wide array of both linear and 360 hardware products for both amateur and professional videographers. To be clear, I myself am a total amateur, but I enjoy capturing action video.
Having skied with the X3 for several weeks now and in all different weather conditions, I can confidently tell you that this hardware will perform flawlessly in harsh conditions. I had the camera skiing in the backcountry of Anchorage, Alaska, with the outside temperature hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and had no issues capturing the perfect shot in low-light conditions. Check out this video below, which demonstrates the incredible footage that the X3 produces while skiing with a selfie stick.
Incredible Software Sets Insta360 Apart
Though the hardware of the X3 is sleek and inconspicuous in itself, it’s the software that really makes this product stand out. The software can automatically recognize the selfie stick and edit it out of your shot, giving a beautiful drone-like effect even if the camera is only a few feet from your body. In addition, the software is incredibly smooth; connecting your phone to the camera could not be easier, allowing you to download videos and edit 360 footage all from your phone. Instead of trying to sell you on a separate software package like GoPro Quik does, the Insta360 software is free for all owners of a camera. This software is truly unmatched, allowing you to fully immerse in your frame, setting anchor points as the video plays. This means you can go from filming a selfie shot while skiing to capturing your friends in front of you, all within the same clip. Then choose to export to a flat file and post to social media with astonishing quality that will leave your followers breathless. An example of this is shown below!
New Mounts Shouldn't Stop You
The mental hurdle to overcome was having to replace all of my GoPro mounts with new X mounts. That said, I began with just one mode of video capture: the selfie stick that came with the package that I purchased here. For skiing, this is an excellent starting mount as it’s just like skiing with an extra pole. Additionally, since the X3 is compatible with a ¼” screw mount, it is compatible with most photography/tripod mounting systems that you might already have access to. Amazon sells a conversion mount that will allow you to mount your Insta360 products on any old GoPro mounts that you have! I will definitely be picking some of these up for myself.
You Wont be Disappointed
So go ahead, sell that old GoPro on ebay and put the money towards an insta360 X3 which I am confident will truly exceed your expectations! If you found this information helpful and decide to buy an insta360 product, please use our links here, as we will earn a small commission which will support our efforts in reviewing future products. Right now, Insta360 is running a winter sale where you can save up to $138 when you purchase a new camera!
If you have any questions about our experience with the X3, reach out to us via email at contact.coloradbro@gmail.com. We would love to see any footage you capture out on the slopes so make sure to send us video to @colorad_bros on instagram!