Insta360 has recently unveiled the 1-inch 360 Edition One RS action camera, a new addition to its One RS series that was launched back in March. This newer model features 1-inch front and back sensors as part of its 360-degree imaging system, which is co-developed by the company and Leica. It’s worth noting that this is the second device from Insta360 to feature a sensor of similar size in collaboration with the renowned German camera manufacturer – the first being the 1-inch One R from 2020.
Keeping in line with the brand‘s modular action camera approach, the 1-inch 360 Edition can also be attached to the battery base of the original One RS or other compatible accessories from Insta360. Included together with it is a vertical mounting bracket that doubles as a grip, a core module with an LCD screen and microSD slot, as well as a battery module.
The latter two can be slotted into the bracket on top of each other, with the 1-inch 360 Edition camera attached on the very top to complete the entire assembly. Insta360 says each module is securely attached to the bracket as well as one another, thus enabling IPX3 water resistance. Meanwhile, found on the grip are two release buttons for freeing the modules, a power button, and a record button. Situated underneath it is a 1/4-inch screw mount for attaching a tripod or a selfie stick.
The camera itself is capable of recording up to 6K resolution 360-degree videos or capturing up to 21MP photos, thanks to the two Insta360 and Leica developed 1-inch sensors on either side. In addition, the core module of the 1-inch 360 Edition is equipped with an upgraded processor, which enables the camera to support its built-in FlowState Stabilisation system and Active HDR video capture. The battery module, on the other hand, allows for up to 62 minutes of 6K 30 fps video recording.
You can also find all previously available features and AI-powered enhancements from Insta360’s other cameras on the 1-inch 360 Edition One RS. These include PureShot, PureShot HDR, Starlapse, Cinelapse, Skyswap, TimeShift, MultiView, and the impressive Invisible Selfie Stick feature. Additionally, the new 360-degree action camera comes with live streaming and webcam capabilities as well.
The Insta360 1-inch 360 Edition One RS is offered in two options: the complete set including the camera, grip, core and battery modules for US$ 800 (~RM 3,519), or just the camera module for only US$ 650 (~RM 2,859). The new camera’s availability and pricing for the Malaysian market has not been confirmed at this time.
Canon’s latest product announcement has caught most people off-guard. Instead of a new camera or a traditional lens, its newly revealed product is a dual fisheye lens that allows you to shoot content specially viewed on VR or AR headsets.
Known as the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye, the new lens is designed to be used together with Canon’s high-end mirrorless cameras such as the EOS R5 – taking advantage of their large CMOS sensors to capture and deliver high quality content. Undeniably, its design may seem unusual for most users – featuring two bulging fisheye lenses on a flat surface that is attached to an RF mount connector. When attached to a compatible EOS camera, it does give you an impression that your camera either has a new pair of eyes or, amusingly, a snout.
But as bizarre as it looks, the whole point of its design is to enable your camera to capture up to 190-degree stereoscopic high resolution 3D footage or photos, while at the same time giving them a perception of depth. Other than that, Canon says it features coatings to control flare and ghosting, a F.28 to F16 aperture range, as well as dust and water resistant sealing.
Oh, and the Dual Fisheye is manual-only, by the way. Much like most lenses, it features a ring that adjusts the focus on both lenses simultaneously. There’s also an Allen screw adjustment that enables you to calibrate the focus on one lens if required.
Canon also announced a forthcoming firmware update for compatible cameras which would enable them to support the lens and the company’s new EOS VR system. Included in the update are new features such as MF (manual focus) peaking and Magic Window UI that aids users to customise their footage or photos for different types of VR/AR headsets.
Concurrently, new EOS VR Utility and EOS VR Plugin applications have also been introduced. These allow users to edit footage captured with the Dual Fisheye with a variety of tools for customising its resolution output and export format (DPX, Pro Res, H264, etc.). Last but not least, Canon will release an EOS VR plugin for Adobe Premiere as well.
The new Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye is slated to be released in select markets in late December 2021 and will retail at US$1,999 (RM8,362). The company has yet to announce whether the lens will be making its way to Malaysia in the foreseeable future.
