Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 in Test: Is it still worth it in 2026?

In a nutshell: The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition It is no longer an current purchase recommendation in 2026, but it has not become worthless either. Its two 1-inch sensors continue to provide good starting material for indoor use, with high contrast and low light conditions. Those who already own the camera can continue to produce very useful 360° shots with it. Those who are buying new today should, however, primarily consider the current X series from Insta360 – and also consider whether a classic 360° panorama is still the right format for virtual spaces.

We therefore deliberately keep this post as Legacy Test 2026. The focus remains on Insta360 One RS, supplemented by the question of how the camera compares today to current 360° cameras, 3D scanning, and Gaussian Splatting.

Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360: the most important technical data

Until today, the crucial point has been the sensor area. The ONE RS 1-Inch 360 was one of the few compact 360° cameras with two large 1-inch sensors. This was a real advantage especially in indoor environments and in difficult lighting conditions, compared to many smaller consumer sensors.

What's still good about the Insta360 One RS in 2026

1. The large sensors remain relevant

Higher resolution is not automatically synonymous with better image quality when shooting in 360°. Among other factors, dynamic range, noise, detail rendering, and the quality of the source material for post-processing are crucial. This is where the ONE RS 1-Inch 360 can continue to excel. The two 1-inch sensors collect comparatively more light and still deliver a convincing result, especially when shooting static scenes and in controlled camera positions.

2. Good camera for documentary 360° shots

The camera is still useful for location documentaries, virtual tours, construction site views, interiors, or classic 360° panoramas. Those who have an established workflow do not have to automatically switch to a newer camera.

3. RAW and Post-Production

In professional productions, it is not only crucial what comes directly from the camera. The ability to further process 360° photos as DNG makes the ONE RS particularly interesting for more demanding panoramas. In difficult lighting conditions, this can be more important than having the highest possible nominal megapixel count.

Where one can clearly see the ONE RS 1-Inch's age now

The camera comes from a generation where 6K 360° video and large sensors were extraordinary. In 2026, the market looks different. Newer models offer higher resolution, faster frame rates, better displays, more robust housings, interchangeable lenses, longer battery life, and significantly more AI-powered features.

In addition, modern 360° cameras are no longer just devices for capturing spherical videos; they are increasingly being used as the starting point for automated reframing workflows and even for spatial 3D reconstructions.

Current alternatives to the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 in 2026

The X6 is particularly interesting: Insta360 markets it as the current flagship 360° camera and combines significantly more modern processing with very large 1/1.1-inch sensors. With the ONE RS, it no longer has the same unique selling point as when it was first launched in 2026.

ONE RS 1-Inch or X6: What is more important today – sensor size or workflow?

Purely by virtue of its nominal sensor size, the ONE RS 1-Inch remains interesting. In practice, however, the overall system will decide in 2026. A current camera like the X6 not only offers higher resolution and frame rates, but also more modern processing, 10-bit recording, stronger automation, and a significantly more comfortable workflow.

This means: Anyone who has maximum control over an existing ONE-RS setup can continue to produce good results with it. Anyone who starts with zero today usually receives the more flexible overall system with the current generation.

360° camera or 3D scan and Gaussian Splatting?

Here, the most significant change has occurred since the original test. In the past, a 360° camera for virtual tours was often the obvious solution. Today, one must first decide, which spatial experience is intended to emerge in the end.

More information about our professional workflows can be found on the page. 3D Scans & Gaussian Splatting. For virtual tours, the comparison is also available. Matterport vs. Gaussian Splatting helpful.

New for 2026: 360° cameras are even included for starting Gaussian Splatting

The boundary between a traditional 360° camera and 3D capture is becoming increasingly blurred. Insta360 offers with Spatial Capture For current models, a workflow has been created that allows 360° shots to be captured in the Insta360 app. 3D Gaussian scattering model can be processed.

This is technologically exciting because it makes it possible to start spatial reconstruction at a very low level. However, it does not automatically replace a professional 3D scanning workflow. For demanding projects, controlled capture methods, data quality, larger scenes, geometry, masking, and subsequent processing still play a major role. Insta360 even refers to Spatial Capture as a feature under development; in addition, its use is currently limited and not available everywhere in the region.

For us, therefore, the crucial distinction is: A 360° camera can today certainly provide the starting material for Gaussian Splatting – but it is not yet a professional 3D scanner.

Those who want to delve deeper into the topic will find it in our article. to the practical challenges of Gaussian Splatting a realistic assessment beyond the demo videos.

When would we still use the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 today?

• If the camera is already available and the workflow works.
• For high-quality static 360° panoramas in indoor environments.
• For documentary footage with controlled camera position.
• When large sensors are more important than maximum mobility and the latest comfort features.
• As an affordable used solution, provided the condition and price are truly attractive.

When would we rather buy a current camera in 2026?

• If 8K video and higher frame rates are important.
• For moving shots, action and frequently changing setups.
• When a modern mobile app workflow is important.
• When Spatial Capture or other current AI features are to be used.
• If the camera is used regularly by professionals and reliability, battery life, display and replaceable lenses are important factors.

For classic immersive film productions, our article on Challenges in 360° video productions as well as the comparison 180° or 360° camera.

Conclusion: Is the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 still worth buying in 2026?

As a new purchase, only to a limited extent – but as existing production equipment, certainly. The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 still has a tangible strength: its two large 1-inch sensors. That doesn’t suddenly make it technically inferior just because newer cameras have appeared.

However, the current X series is clearly moving forward in 2026. In particular, the X6 combines high 360° resolution, modern sensor and image processing, 10-bit video, and new spatial workflows. Therefore, anyone investing today should first check out the current generation.

And even more importantly: In virtual rooms, we would no longer automatically resort to a 360° tour. Depending on the project, 3D Scanning and Gaussian Splatting that deliver a significantly more convincing result.