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Until a few weeks ago, I was the proud owner of a GoPro Hero 8 Black. It really is a great action cam, absolutely well thought-out, high-quality, superbly finished, great features and great recordings.

But unfortunately I had to return it because of the GPS problem (the cam could not receive GPS data despite being activated)! And since it was obviously a common problem, which unfortunately also occurs with the brand-new successor GoPro Hero 9, I have thoroughly reconsidered the whole topic of ActionCams.

    The GoPro Hero is actually a great action cam! Isn’t it?

    Yes, it is, and yet I wasn’t satisfied with it! So what was the problem? What was the problem?

    It’s funny that it took me so long to realise what was wrong … but it’s actually quite simple: whenever I was out and about with the GoPro, I concentrated on the camera to make sure I was filming the right things. Besides, the videos should be varied! And to be honest, that just got annoying in the long run. After all, I primarily want to do sports, go cycling, enjoy the countryside and, of course, you should also pay attention to where you’re going.

    Unfortunately, the GoPro constantly distracted me from this; one or two times I almost ended up in the ditch! So the defect of the GoPro was just what I needed!

    And then came the Insta360 ONE X!

    The technical defect of my GoPro (no GPS reception) forced me to send it back. At the same time, a test report brought the Insta360 to my attention as an action cam. And slowly the idea matured that a 360-degree camera could solve all my previously described problems.

    I was immediately convinced by the following features of the Insta360 One X:

    • Like all 360° action cams, the Insta360 has the advantage over a normal camera that it films EVERYTHING. Before and during the ride, I no longer have to worry about what I am recording. At home on the computer (Insta Studio) or with the smartphone/tablet (Insta360 app), I can calmly cut out a “normal” video from the 360° footage.
    • Invisible selfie stick: Sounds like a marketing bubble, but it’s a great thing and works brilliantly: as a driver, I can take pictures while driving that look as if they were taken by a third person or a drone.
    • The so-called “flowstate stabilisation” works excellently … all videos so far are absolutely shake-free and just great to watch, which is also due to the very good resolution and image quality.
    • The Insta app and software allow you to produce cool videos with great effects intuitively and with just a few clicks. Even background music is included!

      Here are a few video snippets that I put together in a hurry.

        Conclusion: Why didn’t I buy this ActionCam earlier?

        After several days of intensive use, I can say: The Insta360 One X is simply great fun! I can finally concentrate on the essentials again when cycling or doing other leisure activities and don’t have to worry about what I’m filming or whether I might be missing something!

        The camera itself is technically very far ahead, which is proven by the image quality and features. The workmanship and battery life are at least on a “GoPro level”. And the production of the videos is easy thanks to the intuitive use of the app, whether on the computer or via smartphone/tablet. Attractive videos can be edited, set to music and shared in no time at all! That’s how it should be!

        The only disadvantage that all 360° cameras unfortunately have: Due to their design, the camera lenses protrude from the housing and are therefore particularly susceptible to scratches and other damage. Therefore: Always use the cover included in the scope of delivery!

        Otherwise, I can only recommend everyone to test this small, uncomplicated ActionCam and to take a look at one or two video reviews before buying a new ActionCam.