Not long ago, the concept of a compact, capable, and affordable camera gimbal seemed out of reach. But then DJI pioneered this space with the Osmo Mobile and Osmo Pocket, both of which have proven extremely popular. Now, Insta360 has joined the fray with the Insta360 Luna Ultra and Luna Pro, two gimbal cameras that mirror their DJI rivals in many ways.

Given the legal battle currently raging between DJI and Insta360, you might be forgiven for mistaking these cameras for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and 4 Pro. In fact, the two companies are duking it out in a US court over these and other camera models. Ironically, neither DJI’s cameras are available in the US, making the Insta360 Luna series a more compelling purchase.

Both the Luna Ultra and Pro feature a 20mm equivalent lens with a wide, bright f/1.8 aperture, recorded on a 1-inch sensor, which mimics a 20mm f/5 lens on a full-frame camera. The Ultra introduces a zoom lens, making it a bit more luxurious, while the Pro lacks this feature but is more budget-friendly. With its zoom lens, the Ultra offers a more versatile shooting experience, but the Pro remains an excellent option for those who can live without the extra feature.

Despite their similarities, the Ultra and Pro have subtle differences. The Ultra’s zoom lens adds an extra layer of flexibility, making it a top contender for the best gimbal camera available in the US market. However, the Pro is a worthy alternative for those looking to save some cash without compromising on quality too much. The competition between these two brands is likely to keep prices and performance standards high, benefiting users everywhere.