The Ideal 360 Camera for Vloggers who Want Quality Without Spending Too Much

Yes, it’s been a few weeks since I last shared anything with you, yet this post is going to rock your socks off! I’ve recently made a large purchase to improve my videography, and I reckon you will all love the reason behind it.

Casey Neistat just dropped a vlog about the evolution of his camera gear over 25 years, from analog tapes to DSLRs, and now into the world of 360 degree cameras – particularly the Insta360 range.

For me, it hit home. For those of us who’ve been through the grind, every camera has its memory, its moment — and yes, plenty of mistakes. But for the newbies? You’ve skipped the blisters and jumped straight into the good stuff! It’s a blessing, but also a little bittersweet.

Back in the day, my generation were eyeballing cameras and all their wondrous attachments with a rose-tinted lens, being very picky – because our budget was smaller and our knowledge was minimal. We didn’t have easy-access comparison websites, nor did we have a hand-held device to view them so easily!

When you’re just starting out, either in photography or vlogging, and feeling the pressure to get every shiny new gadget — seriously, pause, put your wallet down, slowly move your hand away from the mouse!

It’s easy to think that a new camera means better content. Yet anyone who’s shot on old-school tape knows — creativity thrives under constraints. It’s not about having the fanciest kit; it’s about making the most of what you’ve got. That’s a lesson that’ll outlast every firmware update.

For now, and for as long as it takes, use mid-tier gear to teach you to frame smarter, light better, and pan slower and plan your shots. Become resourceful. So that when you finally do upgrade, you will know exactly what’s necessary and why it matters.

I still use my vintage Canon EOS M1, complete with lenses and extra attachments so I can see the external viewscreen. It’s not the latest tech, and no, it doesn’t shoot in 12K or float mid-air using AI. But it’s reliable, it’s teachable, and above all, it reminds me that storytelling trumps tech every time.

So here’s to the beginners who don’t know the struggle of rewinding film with a pencil — and here’s to the ones of us who still do. We’re all lucky, but those of us who remember how far we’ve come? We’re the ones who never take it for granted.

{pause – because the story really starts here…}

Let me explain why I’m writing this: Casey’s right. There’s something about the Insta360 X3 that just clicks. For me, it’s the perfect infant of its generation. Why? Because it slots perfectly next to my trusty Canon EOS M1 – without trying to outshine it, just complementing it. And it’s the perfect replacement for my old GoPro Hero 3+. The X3 wins on almost every front: it offers more creative control, better stabilisation, and far more flexibility in post-production.

Here’s the kicker: The Insta360 X3 will work brilliantly within my workflow.
I can drag and drop footage straight into any folder I like. No fussing with clunky transfer software. And Movavi? My research shows it will work a charm: I simply export from the Insta360 Studio (which is free, by the way) and voilà. Reframe the 360 footage into a standard format Movavi gets, then edit away – cut, colour, overlay, narrate, etc.

The Insta360 X3 doesn’t replace my old gear — it respects it.

That’s why it’s more than just another camera. It’s part of the creative journey. My Super73ZG will help capture the story — every dirt track, roadside stop, and clifftop moment. And I hope you enjoy the results when they make it to my YouTube channel.