There are two clear leaders in action cameras: GoPro vs Insta360. Both companies offer a range of products to suit different budgets and needs. Still, their top-of-the-line models are the GoPro Hero 9 and Insta360 One R.
These cameras offer excellent video quality and a variety of features, but which one is the better choice for you?
In this article, we’ll compare the Gopro Hero 9 vs Insta360 One R and help you decide which camera is the right fit for your needs.
Hero 9 vs One R: Specs Analysis
The Insta360 One R is essentially three cameras in one, which is the most noticeable distinction between the two cameras. Because of the modular design, you can swap out the lenses to film different forms of video. With the 360 Mod, the One R can shoot 360 videos, “regular” linear video with the 4K Mod, and high-quality video with the 1-Inch Mod.
The Hero 9 cannot shoot 360 footage, which may or may not be a deal-breaker for you. When the One R is running the 4K or 1-Inch Mod, the Hero 9 and One R are the most similar. You can pick and choose which mods you want when you buy the One R; you don’t have to get them all.
The Hero 9 also has a detachable lens, suggesting that additional lenses will be released in the future. We know that a Max Lens will be available soon, delivering extensive-angle footage with more excellent stabilization and shooting options.
Both cameras offer a variety of resolution and frame rate settings, as well as powerful stabilization algorithms for smooth video. The quality of the video and photographs captured with each camera will be determined by the lens and color technology employed within the cameras.
Both cameras can broadcast, may be used as a webcam, and are weatherproof. While there are many similarities, there are significant design, software, and video quality changes.
Hero 9 vs One R: Video
The Insta360 One R is a modular camera with three lenses or mods. The 360 mod can shoot 5.7K 360 video, allowing you to shoot first and then point. It will enable the user to be creative with how they edit their video.
Although 360 video is typical of inferior quality, it provides the best stabilization and ensures that you never miss a shot. You don’t need to point the camera at anything because everything is recorded simultaneously.
Because the Hero 9 only has one lens, it cannot shoot 360 videos. It can purchase the Max Lens, which allows the camera to take super wide-angle footage and provides the same outstanding stabilization as a 360 camera.
I won’t go into detail because the Hero 9 doesn’t shoot 360 videos, but it’s worth considering if you want to shoot in 360 or not. We’ll concentrate on the One R’s 1-inch and 4K upgrades because they’re comparable to the Hero 9.
The video captured with Hero 9 is stunning. GoPro’s color expertise is unrivaled and it has a powerful image processor that produces vibrant, colorful video. The maximum resolution is 5K at 100mbps, resulting in an obvious and detailed video.
The biggest flaw is the lens’s small size, which is unchanged from prior GoPro models. A bigger lens enables more light, detail, and color to be captured, resulting in higher video quality.
In comparison to 4K Mod
The lens on the Insta360 One R 4K mod is the same size as the Hero 9. In a straight comparison, Hero 9 always comes out on top. The One R’s 4K mod does a respectable job, but it falls short of the Hero 9’s vibrant hues.
The 4K variant also has more noise, a lower resolution, and is less capable of video stabilization. Both cameras can capture slow-motion video at various frame rates, including the popular 4K @30fps combination.
In comparison to 1 Inch Mod
The Hero 9 faces a more significant battle with the 1 Inch Mod. The lens has a 1-inch sensor designed by Leica, three times larger than the Hero 9. The 1 Inch lens’ bigger sensor allows it to function better in low light circumstances, resulting in less noise and more detail.
With a slightly higher maximum resolution of 5.2K, the 1 Inch Mod can provide a slightly higher dynamic range and significantly crisper video. Despite the larger sensor, the difference between the two cameras isn’t significant, with the Hero 9 delivering superb video quality in good lighting.
When recording at night, indoors, or in full sunshine, the difference is more noticeable, as the GoPro footage is washed out while the One R footage remains clear.
Stabilization
Both GoPro and Insta360 claim that their cameras have industry-leading stabilizing software. It’s true that they’re both pretty comparable and provide a similar result. GoPro’s software is called Hypersmooth, whereas Insa360’s is called Flowstate. In even the most severe conditions, they use wide-angle lenses to keep moving film reasonably stable.
The optimum stabilization will be achieved by using the 360 mod with the Insta360 One R. most information is contained in 360 video, which allows the camera to attain near-perfect stability. The Hero 9 with the Max Lens Mod is the next best option. This additional lens (sold separately) has a 155-degree field of view, allowing it to produce the most stabilized footage possible on a non-360 camera.
The Hero 9 has excellent stabilization even without the Max Lens Mod, so you should be able to use it for moving video and get great results. In my opinion, it has the best stability of any action camera.
The Insta360 One R 4K & 1 Inch Mod and the Insta360 One R 4K & 1 Inch Mod have outstanding stabilization, so either would be a terrific pick for action photos. Overall, I think the Hero 9 has better stabilization than the One R 4K and 1-Inch Mods, although the difference is minor at best.
Shooting Modes
Timelapse/Hyperlapse is another capability that both the One R and the Hero 9 have. On both cameras, this distinctive moving timelapse is simple to create, but the One R editing software gives you more flexibility over speed and duration.
The Hero 9 also has a video option called Hindsight that records 30 seconds before you hit the shutter, which comes in helpful if you’re constantly missing that crucial shot.
Both cameras can live stream as well as serve as a webcam.
Summary
The Insta360 One R with the 1 Inch Mod is the winner here if you want the highest quality video possible, but there are some drawbacks. The overall quality of the 1 Inch Mod is the best, especially in low light, but the stabilizing software in the Hero 9 is somewhat better. This could influence your decision if you’re looking for a camera to capture action images. In almost every way, the 4K Mod falls short of the Hero 9.
The 1-Inch Mod is also the most costly option when purchasing the One R. Thus, you could find the Hero 9 to be a better value for money, especially if you don’t want to record 360 footage. The multi-lens One R is the best solution if you want the most shooting options and the most creative freedom with your videos.
Hero 9 vs One R: Photo
While neither of these cameras is built for photography, they include several photography-related capabilities. Both cameras offer a “night mode” that helps with low-light photography. The Hero 9 boasts a new LiveBurst feature that records for 1.5 seconds and allows you to pick the perfect shot.
The Hero 9 features a 20MP photo resolution, while the One R has an 18MP resolution, giving the Max a slight edge in image sharpness. The 1 Inch Mod can capture more light and detail and take photographs with a higher dynamic range.
However, I think the color profile of the Hero 9 images is better. Remember that the One R can take immersive 360-degree photographs, whereas the Hero 9 cannot.
When comparing both cameras’ photo and video quality, I discover a similar scenario. Regarding quality, the One R with the 1 Inch Mod wins out, but the Hero 9 is more adaptable, easier to use, and doesn’t require numerous lenses.
Want to know some tips to have more great photos, read our article: Way to make the quality camera better.
Hero 9 vs One R: Design & Build
Both the GoPro Hero 9 and the Insta360 One R are designed to be action cameras. Both are small, compact, waterproof, and come with mounts that may be used with various accessories. The Hero 9 has two screens: a large one in the back and a smaller one in the front. The One R has a single screen, but the camera’s modular design allows you to pick which way it faces.
The Hero 9 doesn’t need a case because the mount is incorporated into the camera; however, if you wish to utilize any accessories, you’ll need a chance for the One R.
Because the One R is a modular camera, you can physically disassemble it to swap lenses or add a new battery. It comes in three sections, each of which must be disassembled to replace a lens. While this enables a broader range of applications, it can be inconvenient to disassemble the camera constantly.
The Hero 9, on the other hand, is considerably easier to use, even though it also has a detachable lens. It has a better build quality, and the dual screens are handy. The One R does feature a case-free alternative. However, it requires the purchase of an additional device.
Hero 9 vs One R: Summary
Due to the One R’s many lens options, this is a pretty detailed comparison. The One R 1 Inch Mod has a slightly better photo and video quality because of the larger sensor, but it is the most expensive One R option. The Hero 9 is far superior to the 4K Mod in practically every area.
While the One R offers a higher video resolution, I believe the Hero 9 is the better action camera. The Hero 9 is possibly the best action camera, with the capacity to shoot 5K footage in a small, compact body. The One R is a better choice if you also want to shoot higher-quality vlogs and other sorts of video.
I prefer the One R because it can record 360-degree video, which helps me be more creative with my videos. I can change the lens if I want to capture different sorts of footage.
I’d suggest bypassing the 4K mod instead opting for the 360 and 1-Inch options. With this option, the One R becomes the more expensive option, and I accept that the Hero 9 is a better value for money.
See other articles to compare some cameras to help you choose the suitable camera:
- GoPro Max Vs Gopro Hero 9 Vs Hero 8
- Insta360 One X2 camera Vs One R camera
- Insta360 One X2 Vs the Gopro Max
FAQs
Is there a 360 camera on the Go Pro 9?
However, remember that the Hero 9 cannot take immersive 360-degree photos, whereas the One R can. When I compare the photo quality of both cameras, the video quality is similar. While the quality of the One R with 1-inch Mod is excellent, the GoPro Hero9 is more versatile and easier to use.
Is insta360 water-resistant?
– When fully assembled, the Insta360 ONE R is waterproof to a depth of 5 meters. That means all the components are secure, and just one R is in the Mounting Bracket.
How do I connect my phone to my Instagram 360 ONE R?
Connect your phone to the Insta360 One R through Bluetooth.
- Get the ONE R App on your phone (IOS or Android).
- Turn on your phone’s WiFi and Bluetooth.
- To switch on your ONE R, press the power button.
- Open the ONE R App, hit the camera button at the bottom of the app homepage, and in the WiFi panel, select Connect now.
Is it possible to charge the GoPro 9 while recording?
The good news is that it will happen! This is especially true with the latest GoPro models, such as the Hero 7 and 10. (usually the Black product lines). While recording using the gear, it’ll show a charging plug on the screen.
Video
Conclusion
In the end, the GoPro Hero 9 is the clear winner of this comparison. It offers better video quality and a more comprehensive range of features than the Insta360 One R, making it the perfect camera for anyone looking for an action camera.
If you’re looking for a camera that will give you top-notch video quality and plenty of features, the GoPro Hero 9 is the best option. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to Staaker on social media!
