Leica is ambitious. While its cameras remain out of reach for many, it is determined to get in the hands of the masses anyway. It has co-engineered cameras for smartphones, has its own smartphones built with other smartphone makers, and it even has an action camera. Now, it has arrived in the gimbal world, too.
Behold the Insta360 Luna Ultra, a gimbal camera co-engineered by the German camera maker. That’s right. Insta360 has decided it is time to give the DJI Osmo Pocket a run for its money.
The Luna Ultra is a pocket-sized gimbal camera that combines a 1-inch sensor, a telephoto camera, and a three-axis stabilization system into a device small enough to disappear into a jacket pocket.
The headline feature is its ability to record 8K video, which immediately places it among the most capable compact gimbal cameras around. The main camera uses a Leica Summicron lens paired with a 1-inch sensor, while the secondary camera adds telephoto reach with up to 12x zoom.
One of the cleverest touches is the detachable touchscreen. Rather than forcing creators to stand awkwardly in front of the camera while guessing whether they are still in frame, the screen can be detached and used remotely. It functions as a monitor, controller, and framing tool all at once.
The Luna Ultra also packs Deep Track subject tracking, Dolby Vision support, 10-bit recording, built-in storage, and RockSteady-style stabilization that promises smooth footage whether you are walking, running, or attempting to recreate a chase scene from your favorite action movie.
Between the dual-camera setup, detachable display, Leica partnership, and 8K recording, Insta360 is not taking the budget route. Instead, it is cramming as much technology as possible into a pocket-sized gimbal camera and daring everyone else to catch up.
Whether that is enough to dethrone DJI remains to be seen. One thing is certain: pocket gimbal cameras just got a lot more interesting. Speaking of which, DJI does have an answer to this new “threat”, but that’s another story for another day.
The Insta360 Luna Ultra is available now from the Insta360 Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and select retailers worldwide for US$769.99. It’s not cheap, but we did warn you that Insta360 was not trying to compete on price.
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Images: Insta360.