The Insta360 Flow has officially been launched, competing with DJI’s OM series, and targeting smartphone vloggers seeking to enhance their handheld videos or produce hands-free content.
Touted as the world’s most sophisticated AI-tracking smartphone stabilizer, the Insta360 Flow pairs with a smartphone app for iOS or Android, merging 3-axis hardware stabilization with intelligent software capabilities such as subject tracking.
Design
The Insta360 Flow’s design is reminiscent of the DJI OM 6, featuring a grip with a joystick and a fold-out arm for holding the phone, which extends to form a modest selfie stick for broader shots and overall improved shooting versatility. The Creator Kit for the gimbal also includes a USB-C LED light that connects to the Insta360 Flow to illuminate scenes. When not in use, the phone can be connected to the USB-C port on the Flow’s arm for on-the-go power from the built-in 2900mAh battery.
Want More? Click here!
Controls
A unique aspect of the Flow is the rotating dial around the buttons for zoom control and the touch-sensitive area around the joystick to toggle between stabilization modes. The design also stands out with its white plastic and transparent section along the arm, adding a see-through style similar to the Nothing Phone (1).
The Insta360 Flow: Integration
Insta360 guarantees live tracking in apps like iOS’s FaceTime and live streaming to platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The Flow also offers 360-degree photo capture and time-lapse functionalities. At a price of $159 / £145 / AU$239, the Insta360 Flow is on par with DJI’s OM 6, making it one of the most high-end smartphone gimbals available. Insta360 has also introduced a creator kit, bundling the gimbal with a USB-C light, a soft-touch Grip Cover, a Type-C to lightning cable, and a carry bag for $209 / £199 / AU $319.
Analysis: A Comprehensive, Portable Camera Assistant
Having used the DJI OM series before and after a day with the Flow, Insta360’s integration of extendable tripod legs into its mobile gimbal is a brilliant move. This feature creates a comprehensive camera assistant in your pocket without needing to assemble multiple components for it to stand alone. For a more stable, broader base, a tripod thread allows for easy mounting.
The addition of a cold shoe mount enables upgraded audio capture, so connecting a DJI Mic or Rode Wireless Go 2 is possible, preventing your smartphone’s subpar microphones from hindering your vlogs. You can watch the gimbal in action in Insta360’s video above and stay tuned for our full review in the coming weeks. If you’re still unsure about the Flow or would like to explore other mobile gimbals before making a decision, take a look at our guide to the best phone gimbal currently available.
