As a tech reviewer who also creates content, I rely heavily on my iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera capabilities when taking product photos and creating Instagram reels. That said, the latest camera in Insta360's arsenal has me reaching for my wallet — and it's not because it's a DJI Osmo Pocket 4 dupe.
The Insta360 Luna Ultra has been highly anticipated since its sneak peek at CES 2026, and it officially launched last week on June 11. However, in its short time on the market, the camera and its maker have already experienced a slate of criticism, including a legal battle instigated by DJI, but that doesn't mean the new gimbal should be dismissed by potential buyers completely.
In fact, it should be commended for the new features that make it a direct competitor to DJI's longstanding reign over gimbal cameras. While its lightweight, handheld compact design is, admittedly, very similar to its competitor, the Luna Ultra introduces a first-of-its-kind feature in the form of a completely detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen for remote controlling of the device.
Gone are the days when creators (and photography newbs like myself) had to coordinate solo shots by using a timer, an app, or, in my case, using my Apple Watch to control the camera. Now, you can just as easily set up the Luna Ultra, take a few steps back (up to 20 metres) and still have total control over what the camera is filming (even if the subject is you), as you'll have the screen in your hands.
Better yet, the Luna Ultra also comes with a dual-camera system that can capture in 8K resolution, boasts Leica-powered Summicron lenses and filters, a 3-axis stabilisation system, precise subject tracking and up to 12x zoom, including 6x lossless zoom.
The only factor that might deter potential buyers a little is cost. The Luna Ultra is now available in Australia at select retailers, including the Insta360 Store, Amazon and JB Hi-Fi, for AU$1,229.99, in Cosmic Black and Stellar White. You can also purchase a creator bundle with additional accessories for AU$1,549.99.
Levelling up content creation
Content creation — whether it's rooted in a serious or playful nature — is challenging, so having the right tools is becoming more and more important. In my case, 'content creation' means putting together a fun highlight reel of my life, but for a plethora of other creators, it's literally their bread and butter.
The Insta360 Luna Ultra and other gimbal cameras have taken plenty of hassle out of the work that is content creation, and by no means is the social media boom going to slow down anytime soon. Even if there's a potential issue of patent infringement, there's no denying that whether you purchase the DJI Pocket Osmo 4 or the Insta360 Luna Ultra (or another gimbal device completely), your photos and videos will be vastly better than those taken on any type of smartphone.
I, for one, am eager to get my hands on the Luna Ultra, largely to check out what it can do to level up my social videos, as well as to take product pictures and footage for my reviews. While its pricing may be a hard pill to swallow, especially for those with tighter purse strings, sometimes investing in a passion project pays off in strides.
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