Why You Should Consider a 360 Camera for Your Travels

The right travel camera can significantly enhance your adventures, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or exploring an international destination. A 360 camera opens up a world of possibilities.

For inspiration, check out a video by creator Kyler Holland showcasing his road trip to Utah with the Insta360 ONE X2. From one-wheeling down mountainous roads to rafting, the fun is captured beautifully with a 360 camera.

You might wonder if a 360 camera is necessary if you don’t plan to share 360-degree content. However, there are numerous hidden benefits of a 360 action camera compared to standard action cameras or digital cameras. Here are compelling reasons to consider one for your next trip.

Shoot First, Point Later

The most remarkable feature of a 360 camera is that it captures everything around you without the need to point the camera accurately. This means you’ll never miss a special moment while traveling.

Moreover, you don’t have to shoot in 360-degrees the entire time. At the end of the day, you can easily “reframe” your video to highlight whatever you wish to showcase. Just swipe through the footage on your phone to find the ideal angle and export it for social media sharing.

The Insta360 app enhances this experience with its “Auto Frame” feature. This AI-driven tool analyzes your footage and suggests the best angles, making it easy to select your favorite.

Reframe your footage after you take it with a 360 camera © Courtesy Insta360

The Invisible Selfie Stick

One of the most exciting aspects of a 360 camera is the Invisible Selfie Stick feature. Unlike standard selfie sticks, the invisible selfie stick seamlessly enhances your shots.

How does it work? The two lenses of the 360 camera create a blind spot for the selfie stick, rendering it invisible in your footage. There are no special techniques involved; just use it as you would any other selfie stick, and enjoy breathtaking aerial and third-person perspectives that look as if they were captured by a drone. This innovation is particularly beneficial for solo travelers who want to appear in their photos without depending on others.

An invisible selfie stick can make any shot look epic © Courtesy Insta360

Unreal Stabilization

Many 360 cameras come with advanced electronic image stabilization, ensuring your videos remain steady and smooth. In fact, their stabilization capabilities often surpass those of traditional action cameras due to the camera’s wider field of view, which provides more room for stabilization without cropping or sacrificing quality.

If you’re skiing, snowboarding, biking, or hiking, mounting the camera to your helmet or backpack will yield amazing results. Even in dynamic environments, 360 cameras deliver smooth shots without the need for additional gimbals or equipment. They even correct unwanted rotations, maintaining a level horizon regardless of how you handle the camera.

Image stabilization will make your shots look super smooth © Courtesy Insta360

What to Look for in a 360 Travel Camera

When searching for the best 360 camera for your travels, consider the following factors:

Portability: Ensure the camera is easy to hold and can fit comfortably in your pocket, just like the Insta360 ONE X2.
Durability: 360 cameras may have delicate lenses; however, many are robust. For instance, the Insta360 ONE X2 is waterproof up to 10 meters, eliminating the need for an external case. Ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking or beach outings, it also offers lens protectors and a dive case for underwater adventures.

Insta360 ONE X2 is waterproof to 10 meters, with no exterior case needed © Courtesy Insta360

The Companion App

After a long day exploring, the last thing you want is to struggle with cumbersome editing workflows before sharing your footage. The Insta360 app streamlines this process with AI editing features that simplify editing like never before.

The app’s Shot Lab feature allows you to access a variety of one-tap templates that continually evolve with new updates. Just import your footage and let Shot Lab transform it into something spectacular. Want to create cinematic effects with minimal effort? The app provides templates for Dolly Zoom, Stop Motion, and even cloning effects. Plus, if your shots get cluttered in crowded places, the Ghost Town template can remove unwanted people from your 360 time-lapse.

The editing process becomes incredibly quick and straightforward when you’re everywhere on the go. With a camera like Insta360 ONE X2, you can focus on enjoying your trip while the camera takes care of capturing the moments.