(Credit: Insta360)
Insta360 is back with its next generation of webcams. Compared with the Insta360 Link 2, the two new models feature larger sensors, more AI-powered features, and a higher price.
The flagship Link 2 Pro and more affordable Link 2C Pro both feature a 1/1.3-inch sensor capable of shooting up to 4K resolution up to 30 frames per second in landscape and portrait. Improved low-light performance comes from a newly tweaked dual native ISO paired with HDR support.
Insta360 says audio has changed with better AI noise cancelling and improvements to the microphone pickup system through the use of beamforming tech. It also provides four different audio modes to switch between depending on how you're using the camera. Alongside a standard mode, there's Original for unprocessed sound, Wide for capturing multiple speakers at once, and Focus to lock onto your voice in a noisy environment.
The big difference between the two models is the design; the Link 2 Pro sports a 2-axis gimbal for natural AI tracking, while the Link 2C Pro is static. Both have auto framing to focus on those speaking. Other features include gesture controls, a whiteboard mode for presenting, bokeh effects to imitate a shallow depth of field, and scene presets to easily switch between setups.
All of these features make what Insta360 says is "remarkably close to a professional camera and microphone setup, without the complexity typically required."
PCMag's review of Insta360 Link 2 criticized the video quality, saying it wasn't "particularly sharp" and showed "significant background noise" even in a fully lit environment. The new sensor improvements on this latest camera may help improve that.
Both cameras are on sale now via Insta360's online store and Amazon. The Link 2 Pro is $249.99, and the Link 2C Pro is $199.99.