Insta360 Luna Pocket Camera: Did the Future of Pocket Cameras Arrive Too Soon?

REVIEW · POCKET CAMERAS

We put Insta360's bold new release up against the proven DJI Osmo Pocket 3 — with one eye on the imminent Pocket 4.

Context: A Market That Never Stands Still

The pocket gimbal camera segment is having one of its most exciting moments in years. DJI has dominated this space for a long time with its Osmo Pocket line, and the third generation — launched in October 2023 — quickly became the industry benchmark thanks to its 1-inch sensor and cinematic image quality. Now Insta360 has just announced its Luna Pocket Camera, entering the ring with a technically impressive proposal... right at the moment when everyone is waiting for DJI to announce the Pocket 4.

Is the Luna Pocket a serious competitor? Or did it arrive at the worst possible time? Let's dive in.

Insta360 Luna Pocket Camera: What We Know (and What We Don't)

Announced on February 25, 2026 with a launch price of USD 699, the Luna Pocket turns heads immediately. Unlike virtually all of its competition, Insta360 bets on extraordinary photo resolution: 50 megapixels on a 1/3.3" sensor, complemented by an additional 48 MP sensor for the telephoto lens. This makes it the first pocket camera with a true dual optical system — wide-angle plus tele with a reported 3x optical zoom.

On the video side, the specs are equally ambitious: 4K up to 240 fps with 10-bit color, although the full official spec sheet is still pending confirmation. What is confirmed is 4K at 60 fps and Full HD at 240 fps, which positions it strongly for high-resolution slow motion content.

Another key differentiator is battery life: approximately 1,500 mAh, translating to roughly 180 minutes of continuous recording. For reference, the Pocket 3 delivers around 166 minutes with its additional battery. Not a dramatic difference, but a meaningful one.

Luna Pocket Key Strengths

• Dual lens system: the first pocket camera with both wide-angle AND 3x optical telephoto
• 50 MP photo resolution: ideal for cropping and reframing in post
• Full HD slow motion up to 240 fps: perfect for sports and dynamic content
• ~180-minute battery life: the longest declared autonomy in its class
• microSD storage: full flexibility to manage your footage
• Wi-Fi 5G, Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless external microphone support
• Modular design: the camera body detaches from the gimbal for creative flexibility

DJI Osmo Pocket 3: The Veteran That's Still the Reference

With over two years on the market, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 currently retails at USD 499 — $200 less than the Luna Pocket — and remains one of the best options for content creators and videographers. Its 1-inch CMOS sensor captures significantly more light than the Luna Pocket's 1/3.3", delivering superior performance in low-light conditions.

On the video front, the Pocket 3 offers 4K up to 120 fps — double the Luna Pocket's 4K ceiling — with support for timelapse, hyperlapse, and slow motion. Its 2" rotating touchscreen with 314×556 px resolution and its 3-axis mechanical gimbal remain among the best in the market.

The Pocket 3's major absence is optical zoom: its lens is fixed, forcing reliance on digital crop. It also lacks a microSD slot, which means internal storage can be a limiting factor for long shooting sessions.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Key Strengths

• 1-inch sensor: superior in low light and dynamic range
• 4K at 120 fps: ideal for high-resolution slow motion
• USD 499 price point: $200 more accessible than the Luna Pocket
• Mature DJI ecosystem: established accessories, support, and firmware updates
• 3-axis mechanical gimbal: physically superior stabilization
• D-Log M profile: greater flexibility in post-production color grading

Side-by-Side Technical Comparison

• Full comparison here

The Elephant in the Room: What About the Pocket 4?

We can't discuss this matchup without addressing what the entire community is waiting for: the DJI Osmo Pocket 4. With DJI's launch cadence pointing toward 2025-2026, it's reasonable to expect the Pocket 4 to arrive in the coming months with significant upgrades to sensor size, video capabilities, and connectivity.

This puts the Luna Pocket in a peculiar position: it arrives with specs that look strong on paper against a 2023 camera, but could be overshadowed if DJI launches the Pocket 4 at a similar or lower price point. Insta360's decision to announce it now seems strategic — an attempt to capture buyers looking for a serious alternative before DJI refreshes its lineup.

Who Should Buy Each Camera?

The Luna Pocket is for you if...

• You need optical zoom — it's the only pocket with a true dual optical system
• Full HD slow motion (240 fps) is a priority for your content
• High-resolution photography matters just as much as video
• You value extended battery life for long shooting sessions
• You rely on microSD cards and don't want to depend on internal storage

The Pocket 3 is for you if...

• Low light performance is your biggest challenge — the 1" sensor makes a real difference
• You need 4K at 120 fps for high-resolution slow motion
• Your budget is USD 500 or under
• You prefer a mature ecosystem with proven accessories and support
• You don't want to wait on a camera whose full specs aren't 100% confirmed yet

Verdict: A Bet vs. A Sure Thing

The Insta360 Luna Pocket Camera is technically fascinating. Its dual lens system makes it unique in its category, and its video specs are genuinely ambitious. However, its USD 699 price tag and the fact that some of its specs are still "reported" or awaiting official confirmation make it a bold bet.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, on the other hand, is a sure thing. Two years on the market have validated it with millions of real-world hours of use, and its 1-inch sensor remains superior in the condition that matters most in real environments: low light.

Our recommendation for now: if you were already planning to buy the Pocket 3, wait — not necessarily for the Luna Pocket, but because the Pocket 4 could be just around the corner. If you need optical zoom or ultra slow motion in Full HD regardless of price, the Luna Pocket deserves your full attention. And if you need a reliable pocket camera today at USD 499, the Pocket 3 remains an excellent buy.

This article is based on official and reported specifications as of February 25, 2026. Some Insta360 Luna Pocket Camera specifications are pending official confirmation.