New immersive drone reviewed

The Antigravity A1 pairs a 360 degree camera with a drone and a headset to offer a new kind of immersive flying footage.

Insta360 Antigravity A1 Redefines Aerial 360 Footage

Insta360 is moving into drones with the Antigravity A1, a compact quadcopter that carries a 360 degree camera on top and bottom. It uses a headset style controller with a circular screen so bystanders can see what the pilot sees, and a handheld grip with a few controls to steer. The design makes the drone itself hard to spot by the cameras, giving the footage a continuous panoramic feel from every direction.

Size and weight place it near a DJI Air 3S, at roughly 249 grams with arms folded. The kit includes a drone, headset, and controller in one box, and release is planned for January next year with no price yet announced. Footage can be captured at 5.2K in this early test, with 8K promised later; image quality depends on post processing, and the footage may still look soft compared with high end 2D video. The experience leans toward immersive flying, not quick traditional maneuvers, and multiple drones nearby caused lag during field tests.

What makes the A1 striking is the combination of a 360 camera and a new kind of flight control. A headset and a circular view provide a sense of presence that could change how creators frame action. The tool seems aimed at beginners and enthusiasts who want to push creative boundaries, not mass market buyers who want a simple aerial shot.

Yet the project faces real headwinds. Pricing is unknown and may limit adoption. The control system moves away from familiar dual sticks, which could slow onboarding; regulatory constraints and possible sanctions could affect where the product ships. The company says it will run a co creation program to gather feedback, a smart move that could shape a future rollout.

Highlights

The future of immersive aerial footage will depend on reliability, price, and how smoothly creators can weave 360 footage into stories.