Insta360's Link is created for those who need to make an impression in virtual meetings, such as artists, professionals, and creatives. As if you had the services of a whole production team to help you out, this AI-powered camera lets you shoot like a pro.
Insta360 Link is the first webcam from the firm behind the Insta360 One RS action camera.
Don’t worry if you took a double take as you heard about the Insta360 Link; I did the same. The Insta360 One RS and the One X2 have long been identified with Insta360’s action camera series, with the likes of which taking on GoPro.
With the Insta360 Link, I’m amazed that Insta360 didn’t get in on the dedicated webcam game sooner.
The Insta360 Link looks like a hacked-up DJI Pocket 2 camera. Based on a rival’s concept, the Insta360 Link can track your moves without sacrificing video quality.
Insta360 Link’s feature set supports its claim that it’s aimed at professionals, educators, and content creators.
With four adhesive corner stickers, the Link can zoom in on a whiteboard to make things simpler to read.
DeskView Mode allows individuals to see real-time drafts from a 45-degree angle. It’s similar to Apple’s Continuity Camera, which allows you to use your iPhone as a webcam for your MacBook. Despite liking the idea, I find it clumsy in practice.
DeskView showed my lap when the link was on a monitor. Putting the webcam on a laptop instead of your desk is a solution, but it would be preferable if the AI could distinguish between your desk and the rest of the room or give you full control over tilt angle.
Overhead Mode is great for unpacking videos or teaching but requires a separate stand to use. Unfortunately, I preferred DeskView. Manually moving the gimbal to alter the angle leads in an upside-down perspective of what the Link sees, which isn’t optimal and can’t be turned off.
I used the Link’s default configuration, which permits camera movement without image flipping.
The camera’s True Focus function is far better than the Sony ZV-1’s Product Showcase feature, which lets you rapidly switch the focus from your face to an item. The Insta360 Link allows me to show off the latest technology without worrying about its compatibility.
Insta360 Link gestures may be used to enable and disable motion tracking and Whiteboard Mode. Some work could be done on the zoom feature, which is enabled by creating a “L” with the thumb and index finger while sliding the palm up and down.
The Insta360 Link’s 4K capabilities will be a big selling feature, despite being widely available.
The Link’s camera can catch a clear video feed, so you’ll be happy to hear this.
The camera functioned well in low-light. The Insta360 Link produced a brighter tone than other cameras in my dark workspace.
HDR option made the room darker, to my surprise.
Autofocus and movement tracking work together to ensure even the tiniest position change doesn’t impede data flow. The Link’s LED light indicates when gesture controls are acknowledged, so you can watch the broadcast.
The Insta360 Link might get heated when connected in but not utilized. Although that hasn’t occurred to me, I can imagine the camera warming.
As easy as placing the rubber-tipped mount on your screen, the camera may be used. Using a USB-C cable, you may attach the Link to your computer using the springy mechanism on the back of the device.
Insta360 suggests utilizing the USB-C cable that comes with the Link to charge. However, much to my delight (and laziness), I discovered that the webcam worked just as well with third-party connections, including all of the cool camera techniques I’ll discuss later (see image below). The Elgato Facecam, for example, only operated with its proprietary adapter when I tested it.
The Link will grow a little warm to the touch after a few hours of usage, no matter what type of cable you use. If you want to keep the webcam hooked into a PC, this might be a problem. A little warming isn’t surprising given the consistent power use and high-resolution output.
While you may use the Insta360 Link with any recording program, you can access the webcam’s major capabilities with Insta360 Link Controller.
Insta360 Link Controller has been built with all ages in mind by eliminating extraneous UI components and opting for a clean style.
Gimbal Control gives you a virtual joystick to move the Link, and you may select preset camera settings.
More Settings gives granular adjustments for brightness, saturation, and more than Image Settings. HDR, gesture controls, and streamer mode are toggled here.
Streamer mode includes portrait mode and 60fps 1080p shooting with suitable applications. 60fps won’t function in 4K, but it’s a good bonus.
The Insta360 Link Controller toolbar may be moved to any region of the screen for quick access to critical functions without minimizing your game. You can rapidly switch between settings, which is great if your streaming setup has many areas of interest.
The Insta360 Link costs $299, which is a lot more than most cameras we suggest for Zoom or Google Hangouts, but it’s worth every penny for the right consumers. There are a lot of people that might utilize this webcam, including teachers, streamers, and businesses.
You’ll get four disposable whiteboard identification markers, a cable, and a cleaning cloth in the package with the Insta360 Link.
As of right now, the Insta360 Link may be purchased from Insta360 and a few other merchants.
Insta360’s initial step into the realm of webcams has been a tremendous success. Even in low-light situations, the Insta360 Link produces stunning 4K footage, thanks to its industry-leading tracking technology, which guarantees that you don’t lose quality as you move about the room.
The gesture controls and Whiteboard Mode are well-executed, but there’s definitely more that can be done. The Insta360 Link’s shortcomings in the Overhead and DeskView modes, along with the webcam’s high price, keep it from being the finest in its class. It’s not a deal breaker, and if you can afford it, the Insta360 Link is an excellent choice for both streamers and pros.
