– Philip Mohaupt
The action cam specialists from Insta360 are expanding their product range into new areas: The Insta360 Link is a 4K webcam that wants to make a name for itself with particularly good image quality and also uses AI functions for this.
Insta360 also calls the introduction of the “Link” as a “new chapter” for the company, after all (in the consumer sector) they have focused primarily on (modular) action cams, 360-degree and other small cameras focused. That’s exactly why the step is actually a logical one and not surprising, because the company undoubtedly has the technology for a professional webcam. And that’s exactly what the Insta360 Link is. The web camera relies on you 1/2 inch sensor and offers 4K UHD resolution with 24, 25 or 30 frames in the second. A Full HD transmission can be started with up to 50p or 60p. An integrated 3-axis gimbal and built-in AI algorithms should allow the webcam to always keep the filmed person in the picture and to react to gesture control. The integrated lens offers a Focal length of 26 millimeters (KB equivalent) and achieves it a light intensity of F1.8. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 3200 ISO, and Insta360 also promises a high dynamic range. Exposure compensation, shutter speed and white balance can also be set. The webcam works with two microphones and also has one 1/4 inch thread integrated for tripod mounting.
Insta360 Link – Introductory video of the manufacturer
Also a special HDR mode is available to achieve a better balance between light and shadow in the image, according to Insta360, to ensure, for example, that the background is not overshadowed by a nearby window or other light source. Using “True Focus†technology, the “Link webcam†can Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) use and also automatically adjust the exposure. Accordingly, the image should always be sharp. Using a gesture control, the link can be controlled from afar without any contact. With simple hand gestures you can, for example the AI tracking switch on, zoom in and out and activate other camera modes. The Insta360 Link provides a whiteboard, portrait, overhead or desk view mode. Integrated software algorithms automatically straighten the perspective, to be able to show documents during a presentation. Once your call is over, the Link automatically tilts its lens down after 10 seconds of inactivity to protect privacy. It is compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet and other platforms on macOS and Windows.
The Insta360 Link wants to allow professional live streams and has integrated a 1/2 inch sensor for UHD video with up to 30p and stabilizes the image using a 3-axis gimbal including intelligent, automatic tracking.
The Insta360 Link can now be used for 370 euros to buy. It comes with four reusable whiteboard identification markers, a USB-C cable and a USB-C to A adapter.
You simply plug the Insta360 Link onto the notebook monitor or an external screen. There is also a 1/4 inch thread for tripod mounting. The webcam communicates with the computer via USB-C and also via USB-Type-A using an adapter cable.