Deep Dive into Insta360 One R's Performance Underwater: An Analysis

In the world of action cameras, two standout devices are the Insta360 One R and the GoPro Hero9. Both are popular choices for underwater video and photography, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages.

The Insta360 One R, with its modular design, boasts a wide lens developed by Leica, a one-inch sensor larger than most competitor action cameras, and the ability to capture 5.3K video at 30 frames per second, 4K video at 60 frames per second, and even 360-degree 5.7K video. Impressively, it can also take 21MP images.

One of the key advantages of the Insta360 One R for underwater use is its 360-degree capture mode. This feature allows for immersive video and creative reframing options in post-production, which the GoPro Hero9 does not provide. The camera also features FlowState Stabilization, which helps smooth out underwater footage. Insta360 offers a dedicated underwater mode that optimizes color profiles and settings to enhance underwater video quality and reduce color distortion.

However, the Insta360 One R does have some drawbacks. Its battery life is generally shorter compared to GoPro action cameras, which can be limiting for longer dives. Additionally, while modular, the One R’s underwater performance hinges on which lens module is equipped, and certain modules might have limited low-light performance. Post-processing is also often required for 360 footage, which may not be ideal for quick sharing.

On the other hand, the GoPro Hero9 is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) out of the box, and deeper dives require additional housing. It offers longer battery life, better image quality, and improved color underwater, especially when paired with red filters or lights. The Hero9's easy-to-use interface, touchscreen, and waterproof design make it user-friendly underwater. It also has a large ecosystem of underwater housings, filters, and mounts, and Hypersmooth 3.0 stabilization produces smooth underwater video.

Despite these advantages, the GoPro Hero9 also has limitations. Underwater, its wide-angle sometimes produces a greenish tint and darker footage in certain conditions without filters or lights. It cannot shoot 360-degree video, and it relies on manual settings and accessories for underwater optimization, unlike the Insta360’s preset underwater mode.

In summary, the Insta360 One R is ideal for those seeking creative 360-degree underwater footage and a dedicated underwater mode that optimizes settings automatically. The GoPro Hero9, on the other hand, is a better choice for ruggedness, longer battery, stronger native image quality underwater, easy-to-use controls, and extensive accessory support.

Both cameras are durable and suitable for tough diving conditions. The Insta360 One R includes underwater color correction in its app and desktop studio, although it could be improved. The Insta360 One R's FlowState Stabilization is a digital stabilization feature that can be added in the Insta360 app or desktop studio, improving underwater video stability significantly. The camera's 360 mod is particularly effective for shooting 360 video and editing with the interesting view modes offered by the Insta360 app/studio. However, underwater video quality could be improved slightly on the standard one inch mod in terms of dynamic range and color.

Ultimately, the choice between the Insta360 One R and the GoPro Hero9 depends on your specific underwater shooting style and priorities. For deeper dives and extensive underwater use, GoPro’s ecosystem and battery life may be more reliable, while Insta360’s modular design and 360 capture provide unique creative advantages.

With its 360-degree capture mode, the Insta360 One R offers immersive underwater video and creative reframing options in post-production, exceeding the GoPro Hero9's capabilities.
The Insta360 One R's FlowState Stabilization helps minimize underwater camera shake and smooth out footage.
The Insta360 One R's app and desktop studio come with an underwater color correction feature to enhance video quality and reduce color distortion.
Underwater, the GoPro Hero9 delivers better image quality and improved color, especially when red filters or lights are applied.
The GoPro Hero9's easy-to-use interface, touchscreen, and waterproof design make it user-friendly for underwater diver photography and bluewater photography, offering a seamless experience for both beginners and experts.
The Insta360 One R's 360 mod, when paired with the Insta360 app or studio, provides tools for shooting 360-degree video and editing with various view modes, enhancing the Coral Reef and wreck photography experience.
Compact gadgets and advanced technology, such as the dedicated underwater mode and digital stabilization found in the Insta360 One R, offer unique advantages for macro photography and capturing Kelp forest scenes.
Both action cameras are tough and suitable for diving conditions, but divers considering Insta360's modular design might appreciate its customization options when focusing on various underwater subjects and environments.
In terms of editing and optimizing underwater photography, the Insta360 One R provides a dedicated app and desktop studio for underwater photography enthusiasts to fine-tune their footage to their preference.