In this guide, you'll discover the best shooting modes and settings for the Insta360 X3 to ensure you capture stunning 360 photos and videos.

Buttons & Physical Features

Camera Body Overview

• Record Button: Press the bottom-left button to record a 360 video or take a photo.
• Lens Button: The bottom-right button switches between the 360 view, single lens mode facing towards you, and single lens mode facing away from you.
• Quick Settings Button: Located next to the power button, it provides quick access to your favorite settings. Note the small speaker hole near this button.
• Preview Screen: Change perspectives by pressing the bottom-right button to switch from the forward to the back view. Hold the button to switch to a 360 perspective for a comprehensive preview of your shot.
  

Key Settings

General Operational Settings

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access:

• Volume Setting: Adjust to your preference to avoid drawing attention.
• Indicator Light: Turn off for discreet night shooting or keep on for visual recording confirmation.
• Vibration: Enable for tactile feedback when changing settings.
• Quick Capture: Automatically starts recording when pressing the record button, even when the camera is off. Disable if accidental recordings are an issue.
• Audio Settings: Choose from Direction Focus, Wind Noise Reduction, or Stereo based on your shooting environment.
• AirPods Button: Connect AirPods for sound recording or voice control.
• Dive Case Mode: Enable when using a dive case.
• Screen Brightness: Adjust according to lighting conditions.
• Bluetooth Remote & Lens Guards: Connect and configure as needed.
• Firmware & USB Mode: Check for updates via the Insta360 mobile app and choose the appropriate USB mode when connecting to a computer.
• Bluetooth Wake-Up & Voice Control: Enable Bluetooth wake-up for remote activation; voice control is optional.
• Anti-Flicker: Adjust for low-light situations to reduce flicker.
• Video Bitrate & Sharpness: Set to high for quality, and experiment with sharpness levels to suit your preference.
• External Mic Gain: Adjust when using an external microphone.
• Auto Sleep & Power Off: Configure to save battery life during inactivity.
• SD Card & Customize Button: Format the SD card in-camera and customize button functions to your liking.
• Gyro Calibration: Ensure accurate horizon detection by calibrating the gyroscope.

Shooting Modes

360 Shooting Modes

• Video & Active HDR: Use Active HDR for outdoor shots with ample light; switch to regular 360 video in low-light conditions.
• Time Lapse: Capture 8K time-lapses quickly, with automatic file combination.
• Time Shift & Bullet Time: Use Bullet Time for high-frame-rate effects; avoid Time Shift in favor of post-production editing.
• Loop Recording: Ideal for capturing spontaneous moments without wasting storage.
• Starlapse & Burst: Use Starlapse for low-light time-lapses and Burst for action shots.

HDR Photo Modes

• Pure Shot Mode: Best for high-quality photos (72 megapixels); ideal for virtual tours.
• HDR Photo Mode: Suitable for everyday snapshots (18 megapixels) with HDR technique.

Single-Lens Shooting

• Standard Video & Photo, Loop Recording: Similar to 360 modes.
• Me Mode: Perfect for stabilized vlogs with a selfie stick, capturing your surroundings effortlessly.

Exposure Settings

Configuring Exposure

Swipe from the right-hand side of the screen to access the exposure menu. Adjust settings based on your chosen mode to optimize quality.

Essential Settings

• Resolution & Frame Rate: Ensure maximum quality by setting the appropriate resolution and frame rate.
• Self-Timer & Time-Lapse: Use a three-second self-timer for photos and set 8K for time-lapses.
• Bullet Time Mode: Choose between 3K 180 or 4K 120 based on preference.

Presets

Optimizing Auto Exposure

• Color Profiles: Choose Vivid for the best colors without post-production, or Standard/Log for specific needs.
• Isolated Exposure Mode: Useful for scenes with varying brightness levels.
• Quick Settings & Presets: Access and customize exposure presets for different shooting scenarios.

Gallery

• Access & Manage Shots: Swipe left to view shots, tap to play videos, and delete unwanted shots efficiently.

Happy 360ing!

Ben Claremont

Full YouTube Video. 👇