Insta360
X3
5.7K 360 camera with dual 1/2-inch 48MP sensors, 72MP photos, 4K single-lens mode, and IPX8 10m waterproofing.
$449
Launch priceReleased Sep 2022
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 2.2 years newer.
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Wins
X3
Wins
Alpha 1 II
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher ISO max (native) (32,000 vs 6,400)
- AX3 has lower Weight (180 g vs 743 g)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 60 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
X3 is 90mm narrower and 50mm thinner than Alpha 1 II but it is also 17mm taller.
X3 is 563 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X3
46 × 114 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X3
46 × 33 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 1 II
136 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X3: mount data unavailable
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
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
X3
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 114, 33.1
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
180 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 50.1 MP — higher is better
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
32,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X3
Pros
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓5.7K60 360 video
- ✓Great value used
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –No 8K vs X4
- –Single-lens capped at 4K30
- –Older AI editing
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X3 and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X3
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X3 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X3 — 50.1MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and Alpha 1 II?
X3 is 72 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X3 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
X3 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic), while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the Alpha 1 II?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and Alpha 1 II?
X3 weighs 180 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the X3 is 563 g lighter.
Do the X3 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the X3 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
X3: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X3 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the X3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The X3 is $6,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X3 vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.