The Insta360 X3 is going to make deciding which action camera you should buy a lot harder. This new 360 camera is much easier to use than its predecessor, has a larger 1/2-inch image sensor, and can take 72MP 360-degree photos and HDR video.

This Insta360 X3 review is still in its final stages, but here are our hands-on impressions so far. It will likely take the top spot on our list of best 360 cameras.

New: Larger touchscreen makes the camera easier to use

One major change from the Insta360 One X2 is that the X3 has a larger touchscreen display. It is also easier to view the video while recording.

Below the touchscreen are two buttons: one to start and stop recording, and next to it is a multi-purpose button that lets you switch between using both lenses of the camera at once, just the front, or just the back.

On one long side is the power button and a quick settings button for quickly switching between shooting modes. On the other side are two latches, one protecting the USB-C port and the other covering the battery and microSD card slot. On the bottom is a standard tripod screw mount.

The Insta360 X3 has the same rectangular shape as previous models, making it more convenient to hold in one hand than the GoPro when not connected to a selfie stick.

However, at 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.3 inches, it is a bit too large to attach to a helmet when used as an action cam. Also, at 6.3 ounces, it is an ounce heavier than the GoPro Hero10 Black. Still, it has a rubbery texture with raised sides, so you don't have to worry about losing your grip.

The Insta360 X3 is available at Insta360.com, Amazon, and other retailers starting September 8 for $449.

Insta360 will also sell several accessories, including a microSD card quick reader with both USB-C and Lightning adapters, so it can be used with both Android and iPhone. from the camera via Wi-Fi. Much faster than transferring files to your phone.

New features: 1/2-inch image sensor, Active HDR for video, 72 MP 360 photos

The biggest improvement inside the Insta360 X3 is the camera's new 1/2-inch image sensor (the One X2 has a 1/2.3-inch sensor), which allows 72 MP 360-degree photos and 8K 360 time-lapse video.

As with Insta360's previous cameras, the X3's image stabilization is excellent; to test the quality of the 6-axis gyroscope, I strapped the camera to my dog's back using a GoPro harness and let him run around a local park. Despite the dog's bouncing around, there was very little shaking in the finished video.

The Insta360 X3's Active HDR mode worked quite well on a sunny day, but in the shade with the sun directly behind me, my face became a shadowy blur. [Stay tuned for our analysis of the camera's new features, including 8K 360 time-lapse, 4K single lens mode, 4K 120fps Bullet Time, and Me mode.

New: Vertical and Square Video Modes

As we have noted in other Insta360 reviews, just as important as the hardware is the company's software ingenuity.

One of the advantages of shooting with a 360-degree camera is that you can record video and then decide later how you want to frame it. To be sure, Insta360's app offers a dizzying number of editing options, and it will take some time to get all the features right. But there is no shortage of clever features.

For example, if you select a subject, the camera view will automatically lock onto that person until you turn off tracking.

Just in time for the TikTok generation, you can also choose the aspect ratio of the video you want to share; 16:9 and 2.35:1 options are also available, which will be nice for older users.

There is still a lot to unpack with the Insta360 X3 camera, but so far I like it. It is easier to use than ever and the app has added more features.

Stay tuned for my Insta360 X3 review as I'm looking forward to fully testing out all the features of the app and camera.