Back in January 2023, I picked up my first Insta360 X3 camera — and right from the start, it became a staple in my filming kit. Whether I was hiking, biking, or out soft-roading in the Volvo, the X3 added a whole new dimension to my storytelling. Being able to shoot in full 360 let me capture not just what I was seeing, but everything around me — and with a little editing, I could frame the story later.
But it hasn’t been all smooth filming.
The Achilles Heel: Those Lenses
If you’ve used a 360 cam like the X3, you’ll know this already — the lenses are incredibly vulnerable. The slightest nick, scratch, or smudge can ruin a shot. I’ve learned (the hard way) that you absolutely need to keep protectors on at all times, plus have a full backup set on hand.
After a solid two years of regular use, my X3 is finally showing its age — specifically the back lens (the side with the touchscreen). It’s developed some lighting issues right along the stitch line. On bright days, it overexposes; on overcast ones, it gets really dark. The result? Awkward, unusable footage unless I heavily tweak it in post. That’s not something I want to do every time.
One Good Knock…
I’ll be honest — this camera didn’t have an easy life. A few months ago it took a hard knock, hard enough to puncture a lens guard and leave a scratch in the lens. That’s part of adventuring, though. Gear gets beat up, and at some point you’ve got to decide: repair or replace?
So I reached out to Insta360’s service department. After a detailed back-and-forth, they quoted me about $300 CAD for repairs and shipping — including a full module replacement on the front lens and a new lens on the back. But that would be for a refurbished unit with no new warranty and a turnaround time of weeks.
Then Came the Sale…
Today, I was scrolling through old emails to find my repair order when I noticed something new — a brand new X3 on sale for $399 CAD. A fresh unit. One-year warranty. No guesswork. I’d have it in a couple of days, not weeks.
I hit buy.
Why Not Upgrade?
People have asked, “Why not grab the X4? Or switch to a GoPro or DJI Action?” And the answer is simple: budget and practicality. I’m on a fixed income. I need gear that does exactly what I need without breaking the bank — and the X3 already fits that bill. But the DJI Action 5 really ticked all the boxes in a side by side comparision.
What Makes the X3 Great for Time to Xplore?
Here’s why I’ve stuck with it — and why it’s coming along for another few years of adventures:
- Mountable anywhere – It’s ridden on the roof of my XC70, the handlebars of my bike, and even perched on rocks mid-hike. Versatility is everything.
- 360-degree field of view – Perfect for remote trails and rugged coastlines where I might want to reframe the shot later.
- Single-lens action cam mode – Even with the current lens issues, it still works great in single-lens mode for vlogging and POV clips.
- Easy to edit – The app makes reframing simple and intuitive, even on the go.
- Compact but tough – It’s taken more hits than it probably should’ve and still (mostly) works. That says a lot.
What Happens to the Old One?
For now, the original X3 gets semi-retired. I’ll probably still use it in single-lens mode — it’s good enough for b-roll or backup angles. And who knows — I might even take a crack at replacing the lens modules myself. Worst case? I turn it into a test camera or stash it in the rig as a spare.
Final Thoughts
Cameras — like all gear — eventually wear down. But when something works well and fits your lifestyle, sometimes it makes more sense to stick with what you know. For me, the Insta360 X3 continues to be a solid, reliable part of how I capture Time to Xplore — and I’m looking forward to pushing this second one just as far.