Insta360’s new $110 Flow 2 gimbal sacrifices some useful pro features

Insta360 has announced a new version of its entry-level smartphone gimbal. The new Insta360 Flow 2 includes many of the upgrades introduced on the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro that launched earlier this year including multi person tracking and the ability to use the Apple Watch as a remote control. But you’re also going to lose useful features like the ability to use alternate camera apps, including the iPhone’s native one, by saving yourself $50.

Like the pro version, the Insta360 Flow 2 features a built-in extending selfie stick, a set of short metal tripod legs so it can stand on its own, and up to 10 hours of use from its 1,100mAh battery which will be reduced when using the gimbal in handheld mode given it requires continuous stabilization.

Using NFC the Flow 2 can automatically connect to smartphones over Bluetooth and launch the Insta360 app which features the company’s Deep Track 4.0 technology that can keep individual subjects or groups of people in frame, even when temporarily obstructed by things like passing cars. The app also features a new teleprompter feature that will automatically scroll a script while recording and tracking you.

So what are you sacrificing by choosing the Flow 2 over the Flow 2 Pro and saving $50? The cheaper gimbal doesn’t have a selfie mirror on the back of the smartphone mount that lets you see yourself while recording selfie videos using a phone’s rear camera, and it doesn’t have the Pro’s glowing ring light that makes it easier to see when tracking is working.

The Flow 2 also doesn’t have infinite 360-degree panning, so it can’t keep you in frame while you’re walking in circles around the gimbal. But the most notable omission is that it doesn’t support Apple’s DockKit framework which allows the Flow 2 Pro to track subjects using iOS’ native camera app and third-party alternatives. You’ll need to stick with Insta360’s app when using the Flow 2, or pay an extra $20 for the dedicated tracking add-on if you want to use your preferred camera app.