Insta360's new 'invisible' drone cam for DJI Mavics looks incredible

Insta360's has just released a new camera – the Insta360 Sphere – which enables you to capture 360-degree footage on your drone. 

The Insta360 Sphere is currently only compatible with two drones – DJI Mavic Air 2 and DJI Mavic Air 2S – although to be fair, they are some of the best drones around.  Once mounted securely, it'll enable you to capture 360 footage, which can be reframed in post to create multiple different edits from one recording session, and in which the drone itself is completely invisible.

Insta360 is known for its action cameras (this is the brand behind some of the best GoPro alternatives around – we especially like the Insta360 ONE RS). But with the release, it's bringing its 3D expertise to the drone accessory world. Check out a taster in the video below.

Let's take a quick look at three of the coolest features Insta360 is promising with this new gadget. 

1. You can create multiple edits from the same footage

Typically, the drones can only capture the view in one direction at a time. At the risk of stating the obvious, 360 cameras capture the entire surrounding area, which means you can change the camera angle later on, via the Insta360 app and Studio desktop. The option to reframe afterwards opens up the possibility of creating multiple, very different edits from one flight. 

2. The drone won't appear in your footage

If you've been mounting a 360 cam above or below your drone to capture 360-degree footage, you'll know the issue with that system is that the drone will obscure a big chunk of the footage you capture. The Insta360 Sphere has lenses mounted in such a way that the drone is invisible in your footage. "Insta360's proprietary dynamic stitching algorithm makes the whole drone (including the propellers) disappear automatically, leaving the user with glorious, uninterrupted shots," says Insta360. 

3. You can add flying tricks in post

A 360 camera can also means you can add exciting maneuvers such as rolls and sharp turns to your aerial footage in post, even if you can't (or just haven't) achieved them during the actual filming process. Insta360 says it gives the effect of FPV footage without any of the handling stress. 

The Insta360 Sphere is available to buy now in the US and mainland China (sorry Brits) with an RRP of US$429.99. To find out more, head to Insta360. 

The Insta360 Sphere is available to buy now in the US and mainland China (sorry Brits – there's no UK release planned) with an RRP of US$429.99. To find out more, head to Insta360.