Insta360 Luna Ultra review: steadier 4K filming without a gimbal

Insta360 is expanding into the compact gimbal-camera space with two new models, the Luna Ultra and Luna Pro. They’re built to flip the script on mobile filming: you can get smooth, stabilized video without strapping a separate handheld gimbal to your camera phone. Think of it as a mini, all-in-one stabilizer that you can slip into a backpack or coat pocket.

Both Luna cameras share a 20 mm class field of view in practical terms, thanks to a 20 mm equivalent lens with an bright f/1.8 aperture. They sit around a 1-inch sensor, which is a noticeable step up from smaller sensors in many phone camera setups. In everyday terms, that means better light handling and a more pleasing background separation when you’re shooting video in dimmer environments or on the move.

The main differentiator between the two is the zoom option. The Luna Ultra includes a second lens that provides optical zoom, giving you more flexibility for framing distant subjects or changing your shot composition without swapping rigs. The Luna Pro, by contrast, keeps the design streamlined and trims the zoom feature to save cost and complexity. If you’re on a tighter budget but still want stabilized 4K footage, the Pro is the pick; if you want more framing options out of the box, the Ultra is the stronger lure.

Picture this scenario: you’re walking through a crowded street or filming a quick interview on the go. Built-in stabilization helps keep the image steady even when your hands wobble, and the 4K capture ensures you have plenty of detail to crop or color grade later. That combination makes these cameras a compelling alternative to lugging around a separate gimbal or relying on a shaky phone video alone.

As a benchmark in this space, DJI’s Osmo Pocket family has long been the reference point. Insta360’s Luna line aims to match the stability and ease of use, while leaning into its own processing and stabilization stack. In markets where DJI’s newer pocket devices aren’t readily available, Luna Ultra and Luna Pro become particularly tempting options for creators who want a compact, all-in-one solution.

For everyday users, the message is simple: you get smoother video from a small, pocketable package, without juggling multiple devices or apps. The Ultra’s zoom gives you more creative options for dynamic scenes, while the Pro keeps things affordable without sacrificing the core benefit of stabilized footage. The trade-offs come down to cost and flexibility rather than image quality alone.

Insta360 has also emphasized that the Luna cameras are designed to be user-friendly. Expect straightforward controls for focus, exposure, and framing, along with what the company describes as reliable stabilization that holds up during walking shots and casual runs. If you’ve wanted to upgrade your mobile video kit but didn’t want to go full-on film rig, this pair could be a practical middle ground.