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
ZV-1
The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.
$749
Launch priceReleased May 2020
X3 is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
X3
Wins
ZV-1
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZV-1 has higher AF points / zones (315 vs 0)
- AX3 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (24 fps vs 6 fps)
- AX3 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 20.1 MP)
- AX3 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 260 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
ZV-1
106 × 60 × 44 mm
294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)
X3 is 60mm narrower and 10mm thinner than ZV-1 but it is also 54mm taller.
X3 is 114 g lighter than ZV-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 44mm ZV-1
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X3
46 × 114 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 60 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
ZV-1
106 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
ZV-1
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
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
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 114, 33.1
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
72 MP vs 20.1 MP — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 260 shots — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only X3 supports it
Reasons to choose
ZV-1
AF points / zones
315 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I, Memory Stick Duo
Burst (mechanical)
24 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only ZV-1 supports it
ISO max (native)
12,800 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
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
ZV-1
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
- ✓24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
- ✓Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
- ✓Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
- ✓4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo
Cons
- –Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
- –No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
- –No EVF
- –Short battery life for long shoots
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X3 and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X3
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, X3 or ZV-1?
X3 scores 5.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for ZV-1 — 72MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and ZV-1?
X3 is 72 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the X3 and ZV-1?
X3 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic), while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the ZV-1?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. ZV-1 reaches 24 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and ZV-1?
X3 weighs 180 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the X3 is 114 g lighter.
Do the X3 and ZV-1 record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.
Are the X3 and ZV-1 weather sealed?
X3: Yes. ZV-1: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X3 and 260 shots for the ZV-1, giving the X3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and ZV-1 at $749. The X3 is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X3 vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.