Insta360
Luna Ultra
Flagship dual-lens 3-axis gimbal camera with Leica Summicron 1-inch 8K main lens, 1/1.3-inch telephoto, detachable 2-inch OLED screen, 8K30 / 4K120 video, and 37MP UltraPhoto.
$770
Launch priceReleased Jun 2026
JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
Luna Ultra is 6.8 years newer.
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Wins
Luna Ultra
Wins
GY-HC500U
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BGY-HC500U has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- ALuna Ultra has higher Resolution (37 MP vs 9.35 MP)
- ALuna Ultra has lower Weight (233 g vs 580 g)
- ALuna Ultra has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BGY-HC500U has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Luna Ultra
52 × 170 × 39 mm
233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
GY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Luna Ultra is 82mm narrower and 34mm thinner than GY-HC500U but it is also 79mm taller.
Luna Ultra is 347 g lighter than GY-HC500U.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm Luna Ultra · 72mm GY-HC500U
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Luna Ultra
52 × 170 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
GY-HC500U
134 × 91 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Luna Ultra
52 × 39 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
GY-HC500U
134 × 72 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Luna Ultra
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1-inch
116 mm² area
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
1.9× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Luna Ultra
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 52.4, 169.9, 38.5
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
37 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better
Weight
233 g vs 580 g — lower is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 7 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, ProRes
AA filter
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Eye AF
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Luna Ultra
Pros
- ✓Dual Leica lenses (1" + tele)
- ✓8K30 with 4K120 & 1080p240
- ✓Detachable 2" OLED screen
- ✓3-axis gimbal + Deep Track 5.0
Cons
- –Premium vs Pocket 3
- –No waterproofing
- –Tele reach capped at 240mm equiv
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 Luna Ultra
JVC GY-HC500U
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Luna Ultra or GY-HC500U?
GY-HC500U scores 9.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for Luna Ultra — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U?
Luna Ultra is 37 MP and GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP, so the Luna Ultra captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U have in-body image stabilization?
Luna Ultra uses a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, while GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
What's the weight difference between the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U?
Luna Ultra weighs 233 g and GY-HC500U weighs 580 g, so the Luna Ultra is 347 g lighter.
Do the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U record 4K video?
Luna Ultra: 8K (7680×4320) (max), 4K up to 120p. GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Luna Ultra and GY-HC500U weather sealed?
Luna Ultra: No. GY-HC500U: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Luna Ultra launched at $770 and GY-HC500U at $3,395. The Luna Ultra is $2,625 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Luna Ultra vs GY-HC500U vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and JVC press materials.