Insta360 has unveiled the Luna Ultra, its first gimbal camera, developed in collaboration with Leica. The gimbal ensures that the camera remains steady and aligned, even when the device is moving, shaking or rotating. According to the manufacturer, the device is aimed at filmmakers seeking professional image quality in a compact format. The camera features an 8K 1-inch sensor combined with Leica Summicron lenses, as well as an additional telephoto lens system with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and an f/2.0 aperture. The dual-lens design enables shooting across five focal lengths with up to 12× zoom, including 6× lossless zoom. The Luna Ultra weighs barely more than 200 grams and is therefore just as easy to carry as a smartphone, according to the manufacturer. Max Richter, VP of Marketing and co-founder of Insta360, explains: “The Luna Ultra marks Insta360’s entry into the gimbal camera category – building on our extensive imaging expertise. We are convinced that this product category is ready for a new standard: with smarter technology, greater performance and a more intuitive user experience.”
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Video and photo features with extended dynamic range
The camera records 8K video at 30 fps and supports Dolby Vision video. For post-production, 10-bit I-Log recordings are available, which provide more colour information. The dynamic range extends up to 14 f-stops and preserves detail in both highlights and shadows. When it comes to photography, the Luna Ultra captures 37 MP UltraPhotos and 200 MP landscape panoramas. PureVideo mode is designed to improve performance in low-light conditions, reduce noise and optimise brightness and detail at up to 4K 60 fps. A triple AI chip handles image processing and ensures better performance. The natural bokeh effects are created by the combination of a telephoto lens and a large sensor, which is said to be particularly effective in portrait photography.
A 2-inch OLED touchscreen can be detached from the body, enabling remote preview and control from a distance of up to 20 metres with HD transmission. This feature makes solo shooting easier and expands the range of possible shooting angles. The 3-axis stabilisation system utilises electronic image stabilisation and delivers smooth footage whilst on the move, according to the manufacturer. Deep Track 5.0 offers precise, automatic subject tracking, active zoom tracking, group tracking and smart framing. According to the manufacturer, the 1550 mAh battery offers a runtime of up to four hours and charges to 80 per cent in around 23 minutes. The built-in storage provides 47 GB of usable space, and microSD cards with a capacity of up to 1 TB can also be used.
Professional colour profiles and workflow integration
According to the manufacturer’s description, the Insta360 Luna Ultra includes three Leica colour profiles: Leica Natural, Leica Vivid and Leica Chrome. It also features cinematic filters for various looks, available directly in-camera. Professional colour workflows such as ACES (Academy Colour Encoding System) are supported. The integrated timecode is designed to enable the synchronisation of multiple cameras and to facilitate editing in Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. QR Colour Share allows colour settings to be shared between devices. The Insta360 app utilises AI-powered editing, recognises key moments and creates clips that are ready to share. In terms of audio, the camera features a built-in windscreen for outdoor shooting and is directly compatible with Insta360 mic systems featuring one or two transmitters. The range of accessories includes a POV head tracker for hands-free recording, Black Mist filters for cinematic diffusion, and a wide-angle lens with an extended field of view of up to 108 degrees. ND filters allow for exposure control and motion blur.
The partnership between Insta360 and Leica has been in place for six years and now encompasses five jointly developed products. The collaboration combines Leica’s optical expertise and colour aesthetics with Insta360’s Emmy Award-winning imaging technology, according to the two brands. Marius Eschweiler, Vice President of the Mobile Business Unit at Leica Camera AG, explains: “With the Insta360 Luna Ultra, we are translating the Leica imaging philosophy into a new form of mobile imaging. Together with Insta360, we have developed a camera system that combines optical precision, intuitive operation and the characteristic Leica visual aesthetic in a compact format.”
Insta360 Luna Ultra: Availability and prices
The Insta360 Luna Ultra will be available from 30 June in the Insta360 Store, via Amazon and from selected retailers worldwide. It will be available in Germany at a later date. The Standard Bundle costs 729 euros, whilst the Creator Bundle costs 929 euros. The camera is available in Midnight Black and Astral White.
For more information, visit store.insta360.com
