Review: Insta360 Luna Ultra from £649/$769

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Insta360 is perhaps best known for its range of 360-degree products, including an industry-first 360-degree camera drone, the Anti Gravity A1.

However, the Luna Ultra marks the company’s foray into the vlogging market, a category long dominated by the DJI Osmo Pocket series. The Luna Ultra aims to change the landscape for compact gimbal cameras by offering a level of versatility that single-lens rivals cannot match.

Indeed, it seems the competition between the two Chinese companies is becoming quite intense, with DJI suing Insta360 for copyright infringement and Insta360 countersuing in response.


Design

The Insta360 Luna Ultra follows a path similar to the DJI Osmo Pocket, using a tall, upright design that fits comfortably in the hand. It features a three-axis gimbal that houses two separate lenses, a feature that distinguishes it from most DJI models, which typically house only one lens.

In fact, it looks a bit like a small “Wall-E” in your palm, which takes some getting used to compared to simpler, single-lens cameras. While it is slightly bulkier than its closest rivals (measuring 6.7 by 2.0 by 1.5 inches and weighing about 233g), this extra space is used for a more powerful cooling system and complex internal hardware.

Perhaps the most innovative feature is the detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen. Unlike older models with fixed screens, this can be removed to act as a wireless remote control with HD video transmission up to 20 metres. This allows you to frame shots, adjust settings, and start recording while the camera is mounted on a tripod or placed in a difficult spot.

The remote module even includes a built-in microphone for basic audio capture. While the gimbal head is obviously a delicate mechanical part, the overall build quality feels solid and well-suited for regular use by vloggers.

Macro shot of a blooming purple thistle in a summer field. Taken with the Luna Ultra in Ultra Photo Mode. Aperture: ƒ/1.8, ISO: 100, Shutter Speed: 1/1139 sec

Performance

Certainly, the Luna Ultra stands out among its rivals, largely due to its dual Leica Summicron lens system. The main camera uses a 1-inch sensor with an f/1.8 aperture capable of 8K video, while the secondary 3x telephoto lens uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.

This setup lets you switch between wide-angle shots and tight, close-up portraits without needing to move around or change lenses.

For zooming, the camera offers 3x optical zoom, 6x lossless in-sensor zoom, and up to 12x digital zoom. While digital zoom can look a bit blurry at the extreme end, the optical and lossless settings are very sharp, offering much more flexibility than cameras with only one lens.

It also supports high-end recording features including 10-bit I-Log and Dolby Vision, plus a “PureVideo” mode that uses an AI chip system to reduce noise in low light.

The camera is packed with smart features to help you capture the perfect shot. Active Zoom Tracking (deep tracking) automatically keeps your subjects in the frame during filming, and I was particularly impressed with the camera’s lenses, particularly when taking photographs.

For example, I achieved stunning, professional results shooting nature during dog walks using the 37MP “UltraPhoto” mode. The landscape details were incredibly crisp, and the 3-axis gimbal made it easy to get steady photos even while walking over uneven ground.

Performance-wise, it certainly holds its own against the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. While the Pocket 3 is more affordable at around $499.99, the Luna Ultra’s $769.99 price tag is justified by its dual-lens versatility and the unique detachable controller.

Audio is managed by a four-microphone system and the device works well with external gear such as the Insta360 Mic Pro for high-quality stereo sound. The battery lasts for about four hours and it supports fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in about 23 minutes.

The Insta360 Luna Ultra sports a nice carry case with lots of accessories including tripod and microphone. It also comes with a hard shell-like case which offers great protection though is a little fiddly to take on and off

Verdict

The Insta360 Luna Ultra is a highly capable camera that makes professional-grade video easy to capture in a pocket-sized form. While it is a bit bulkier and more expensive than basic single-lens cameras, the versatility of the dual-lens system and the very useful detachable remote make it a top-tier choice for solo content creators.

It isn’t perfect – it is a little fiddly to navigate onscreen menus – but it is undoubtedly one of the most complete devices in this category. Highly recommended.

Pros:

Dual-lens versatility: The combination of a wide-angle 1-inch sensor and a 3x telephoto lens offers framing flexibility that single-lens rivals simply can’t match.
Detachable remote control: The 2-inch OLED screen doubles as a wireless controller, allowing for easy remote operation and framing without needing a phone app.
Exceptional photo quality: The 37MP UltraPhoto mode delivers stunning, crisp images, proving it is highly capable for still photography during outdoor activities.

Cons:

Bulky form factor: Its larger size and “Wall-E” aesthetic make it less discreet and slightly less portable than the slimmer DJI Osmo Pocket series.
Difficult to navigate menus: Because the Luna Ultra offers so many different shooting options, navigating all of the menus takes a lot of getting used to.
High price: At £649/$769.99, it is significantly more expensive than many popular single-lens gimbal cameras, making it a larger investment.

RATING = 4/5

Specifications – Insta360 Luna Ultra
Price:
US$769.99/GB£649.99

Feature Specifications
Main Sensor 1-inch, 20mm f/1.8 Leica Summicron
Telephoto Sensor 1/1.3-inch, 60mm f/2.0
Max Video 8K @ 30fps / 4K @ 120fps
Zoom 3x Optical / 6x Lossless / 12x Digital
Stabilization 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal
Storage 47GB Internal + microSD support
Battery Life Up to 4 Hours


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