Shenzhen-based camera company Insta360 is generating buzz after its CEO, Jingkang Liu, shared a teaser image on Chinese social media platform Weibo, revealing what appear to be two unreleased cameras. The post by Liu, also known as JK Liu, hints at the company's expansion into new photography segments beyond its well-known action and 360-degree cameras. This strategic move could position Insta360 as a direct competitor to established players in the compact fixed-lens and gimbal-stabilized camera markets.[techradar+3]
A Glimpse at the First Camera
The most prominent device in Liu's teaser image is a white camera held vertically in his right hand. This camera features a large rear display screen and several physical control buttons above it. These buttons include dedicated toggles for switching between video and photo modes, along with a playback button.The design of this camera is a notable departure from Insta360's current product lineup, which primarily consists of action cameras like the Ace Pro series and 360-degree cameras such as the X-series.[t3+6]
Observers noted that the on-screen user interface of this camera closely resembles the controls found on Insta360's Ace Pro series, suggesting it is a genuine Insta360 product.The display also shows the camera set to aperture-priority mode with an f/1.8 aperture setting.This fast lens, combined with Liu's accompanying caption "go to a new focal segment," has fueled speculation. Many industry experts believe Insta360 is developing a compact fixed-lens camera, potentially aimed at vloggers and casual content creators.There is also discussion about the possibility of a larger-format sensor, perhaps a Micro Four Thirds or APS-C size, within this new device.Some analysts even suggest an interchangeable-lens system could be in the works, with potential L-Mount compatibility, given Insta360's existing partnership with Leica.[t3+8]
The Mysterious Second Device
The teaser image holds a second, more subtly revealed camera. This device appears on the main camera's display screen, but it is intentionally blurred and pixelated. Despite the obscuring, its form factor suggests a compact, gimbal-stabilized camera.This has led to widespread speculation that Insta360 is preparing its own version of a "pocket" camera, directly challenging DJI's popular Osmo Pocket series.[t3+6]
The deliberate pixelation of this second camera, unlike the clear view of the first, suggests a "controlled tease" rather than a true accident.Some reports indicate that this Insta360 Pocket-style camera could be closer to an official launch, with some sources mentioning February or March 2026 as a possible release window.Further speculation suggests this device may also incorporate modular capabilities, offering users greater flexibility.If these rumors prove true, Insta360 would be entering a highly competitive segment dominated by DJI, aiming to capture a share of the growing market for portable, stabilized video cameras popular among vloggers and travelers.[t3+5]
Expanding Beyond Action and 360
Insta360, officially known as Arashi Vision Inc., has built its reputation on innovative action cameras and cutting-edge 360-degree cameras. The company, founded in 2015 by Jingkang Liu, has consistently pushed boundaries in portable imaging technology.Its flagship X-series and miniature GO series have earned it a strong position in the market.The leak of these two new camera types signals a significant strategic shift for the Shenzhen-headquartered firm. It indicates Insta360's ambition to diversify its product portfolio and cater to a broader range of photography and videography needs.[en+5]
Entering the fixed-lens compact camera market would allow Insta360 to compete with traditional camera manufacturers in a segment valued by those seeking high-quality imaging in a portable form factor, without the complexities of interchangeable lenses. The f/1.8 aperture highlighted in the leak suggests a camera capable of excellent low-light performance and pleasing background blur, features highly sought after by creators. Similarly, a gimbal-stabilized pocket camera would directly address the demand for smooth, professional-looking video capture in a compact design, a niche currently dominated by DJI.This expansion demonstrates Insta360's intent to become a more comprehensive imaging solution provider.[t3+2]
Insta360's Journey and Market Impact
Insta360's journey began in 2015 when CEO Jingkang Liu, a computer science graduate from Nanjing University, founded the company.Liu's vision for 360-degree camera technology was inspired by a music concert, leading him to develop products for recording and sharing large-scale events.Since its inception, Insta360 has grown significantly, establishing international offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Berlin.The company also entered a strategic partnership with Leica in 2020, collaborating on products like the ONE R 1-Inch Edition camera module.[en+5]
Financially, Insta360 has shown robust growth. In 2024, the company reported an impressive revenue of $780 million, with a net profit exceeding $131 million.The company went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, trading as Arashi Vision, and its public debut in June 2025 saw its shares almost quadruple.This successful IPO valued the company at approximately 71 billion yuan (about $9.9 billion) and made its 33-year-old founder, Liu Jingkang, a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion.These financial milestones underscore Insta360's strong market position and its capacity for significant research and development investments.[en+4]
The introduction of new camera categories could significantly impact Insta360's market share and influence the broader camera industry. By offering products that directly compete with popular DJI models and traditional compact cameras, Insta360 aims to capture new user bases. This move could intensify competition, potentially leading to further innovation and more choices for consumers across various price points and feature sets. The company's history of creating innovative gadgets suggests that its new offerings will likely bring fresh ideas to these established categories, pushing rivals to evolve their own products.
The teaser from CEO Jingkang Liu has successfully ignited excitement and curiosity among photography enthusiasts and industry watchers. Everyone is now eagerly awaiting the official announcements and detailed specifications of these two intriguing new cameras.
