Insta360 launches Luna Ultra to challenge DJI’s gimbal camera range

Insta360 has entered the handheld gimbal camera market with the launch of the Luna Ultra, a new device aimed at vloggers, content creators and travellers. The camera arrives as a direct competitor to DJI’s popular Osmo Pocket series and combines advanced imaging technology with artificial intelligence-powered features.

Developed in partnership with Leica, the Luna Ultra features a Summicron lens paired with a one-inch 8K image sensor. The company says the combination is designed to deliver high-quality video and photography performance while maintaining a compact and portable form factor.

The launch marks a significant step for Insta360, best known for its 360-degree and action cameras. By entering the dedicated gimbal camera segment, the company is expanding its product portfolio and aiming at a market that DJI has largely dominated in recent years.

Leica partnership brings advanced imaging features

One of the Luna Ultra’s key highlights is its imaging system, which combines Leica optics with a large one-inch sensor capable of recording 8K video at up to 30 frames per second. The camera also supports Dolby Vision, allowing users to capture footage with enhanced colour and contrast.

Alongside the primary camera, Insta360 has included a secondary telephoto lens system featuring a 1/1.3-inch sensor and an F2 aperture. This setup enables portrait-style photography with background blur and offers a zoom range of up to 12x. The company positions the feature as a useful tool for creators who want greater flexibility without carrying additional equipment.

For photography, the Luna Ultra can capture still images at up to 37 megapixels. It can also produce panoramic photographs with a resolution of up to 200 megapixels. These specifications place the camera among the more advanced options currently available in the compact gimbal camera category.

Max Richter, Insta360’s marketing vice president and co-founder, said the new device represents the company’s commitment to redefining the segment.

“Luna Ultra marks Insta360’s arrival in the gimbal camera space, backed by the full strength of our imaging expertise,” said Richter. “We believe this category is ready for a new standard, defined by smarter technology, stronger performance, and a more intuitive user experience.”

AI tracking and detachable display target creators

The Luna Ultra includes several features designed specifically for content creation. Its 2-inch OLED touchscreen can be detached from the camera body and used as a remote controller from up to 66 feet away. This allows users to monitor shots and adjust settings without having to remain directly behind the camera.

Artificial intelligence plays a major role in the device’s operation. AI-powered tracking technology automatically follows subjects and keeps them within the frame while recording. Combined with the built-in stabilisation system, the feature is intended to deliver smooth footage even when subjects are moving quickly.

Audio recording has also received attention. Insta360 has equipped the camera with an integrated wind guard designed to reduce unwanted background noise during outdoor shoots. Users seeking higher-quality audio can connect a separate microphone, which is sold separately from the camera.

Battery life is another area where the company is aiming to attract creators. According to Insta360, the Luna Ultra can last up to 4 hours on a single charge with its 1,550 mAh battery. This should provide enough runtime for extended filming sessions without frequent recharging.

Storage options and pricing position Luna Ultra as a premium rival

The Luna Ultra includes 47GB of built-in storage for videos and photographs. Users who require additional storage capacity can expand storage using a microSD card, with support for cards up to 1 TB. This flexibility allows creators to capture larger volumes of high-resolution content without having to transfer files regularly.

Editing options are available through the Insta360 mobile application, which provides tools for adjusting and sharing footage. The camera also includes built-in timecode support, making it easier for users to work with professional editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. This feature can simplify multi-camera workflows and speed up post-production processes.

The Luna Ultra became available on 10 June through Insta360’s online store and major retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. Customers can choose between two colour options, Cosmic Black and Stellar White.

Priced at US$770, the Luna Ultra sits in the premium end of the market and costs notably more than the entry-level DJI Osmo Pocket 4. However, Insta360 may see an opportunity in regions where DJI’s latest camera models are in limited supply. With its Leica partnership, high-resolution imaging capabilities and creator-focused features, the company is positioning the Luna Ultra as a strong challenger in the increasingly competitive gimbal camera sector.

As competition intensifies between major camera manufacturers, the arrival of the Luna Ultra signals the start of a new battle for content creators seeking compact devices that combine professional-quality imaging with advanced stabilisation technology.