The 360 camera market just had its biggest week of the year.
Insta360 launched the X6 on Wednesday, and DJI followed less than a day later with the Osmo 360 II.
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Both replace flagship models that have been at the top of the category. They bring noticeable improvements in image quality.
But you shouldn't ignore older models.
If you're on a tighter budget, previous-generation cameras are still very capable and should be available at a discount.
The biggest advantage of a 360 camera is simple: you don't have to worry about framing while recording.
Just hold the camera up, hit record, and choose the best angle later on your phone or laptop.
Here are the best 360 cameras for panoramic shots that you can get in 2026.
Insta360 X6: The New Flagship
The X6 is now Insta360's flagship offering. It's a major upgrade over the X5 rather than a small refresh.
It uses two Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors that deliver full 1-inch-equivalent 360 imaging.
The sensors offer 33% more area than those in the X5 and can capture much more light for brighter shots.
The X6 can record 8K video at 50fps, up from the X5's 30fps at 8K. It can also capture 120MP photos.
For processing, it has a triple-chip system built around an 8-core, 4nm processor. Insta360 says the X6 has about five times the computing power of the X5.
Other features include 10-bit color, Dolby Vision, an improved PureVideo low-light mode, and the new Replaceable Lenses 2.0 system.
It also has 47GB of usable internal storage, which is a first for the X series.
The camera uses a 2,600mAh battery and is rated for up to 140 minutes of continuous 8K recording.
The X6 starts at $699.99 for the Standard Bundle and $799.99 for the Essentials Bundle in the US.
Budget-Friendly Options and Alternatives
If $699.99 is too much, the X5 is still a very good option.
It uses two 1/1.28-inch sensors and can record 8K video at 30fps while capturing 72MP photos.
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