Insta360 - Capture Setup

Recommended capture settings and file requirements for Insta360 cameras used for 360° photogrammetry in Prevu3D.

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Supported Cameras

The following Insta360 models are supported:

• Insta360 ONE X2

• Insta360 X3

• Insta360 X4

• Insta360 X5

• Insta360 X6

Camera Setup

Before starting capture:

• Update the camera firmware to the latest version

• Remove lens caps

• Remove lens guards unless the manufacturer requires keeping them fitted

• Clean both lenses using a microfiber cloth

• Ensure sufficient battery and storage space

• Calibrate the IMU (gyroscope) on a stable, level, vibration-free surface. Follow Insta360’s instructions for your model and keep the camera still until calibration finishes.

Recommended Recording Settings

Timelapse Settings

Select Timelapse 360, then set:

Setting	Value
Resolution	5.7K when available; 8K for X6
Playback Frame Rate	30 fps
Capture Interval	0.5 seconds

General Camera Settings

Setting	Value
Video Encoding	H.265 where supported (X6: automatic; X3: H.264)
Bitrate (recommended)	Highest available: High, otherwise Standard

Image quality and file size

For the best possible image quality, choose the highest available bitrate for the recording mode. If you prefer smaller files, choose a lower bitrate at the cost of image quality.

Mounting Recommendations

Selfie Stick

Use a rigid selfie stick to hold the camera in front of you, slightly above head level.

Recommended option:

Insta360 Carbon Fiber Selfie Stick

Caution

Do not use gimbals or other mechanically stabilizing mounts.

360° video capture guidelines

File Requirements

Prevu3D requires original camera files (.insv) recorded with a supported Insta360 camera.

MP4 files exported from the Insta360 mobile or desktop applications are not supported.

Two upload modes are supported depending on how the video was recorded.

Single Video Upload

Upload one .insv file that contains:

• Both fisheye video tracks

• Embedded IMU (motion sensor) data

This format is supported on some newer Insta360 devices.

Two Videos Upload

Upload two .insv files from the same recording:

• VID_XXXX_00.insv

• VID_XXXX_10.insv

Requirements:

• Each file contains one fisheye track

• At least one file must include IMU data

• Both files must belong to the same capture session

• Both files are required. Uploading only one file will result in processing failure.

Upload Constraints

Important Guidelines

Do not:

• Export the video using Insta360 Studio or mobile app

• Convert files to .mp4 or .mov

• Rename or modify the .insv files

• Upload stitched or edited videos

• Re-mux files with ffmpeg — this strips the required protobuf footer

Always upload the original files directly from the camera’s SD card. Files must contain accelerometer and gyroscope metadata.

Video Duration Limits

• Minimum: 15 seconds (at least 30 frames)

• Maximum: 30 minutes (1800 seconds)

For large environments, capture multiple recordings.