Gimbal with DockKit: Insta360 presents Flow 2 Pro
The iPhone gimbal features improved subject tracking and can also keep an eye on several people. AI functions are available via the manufacturer's app.
The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro gimbal comes with a tripod.
(Image: Insta360)
Camera manufacturer Insta360 has introduced a new gimbal for photographers and videographers who mainly shoot with the iPhone. The Flow 2 Pro follows on from its six-month-old predecessor, the Flow Pro.
There is a pushable rotary wheel (“Smart Wheel”) on the handle with a small joystick within thumb reach. As with its predecessor, the arm of the Flow 2 Pro can be pulled out if you want to take selfies. The gimbal offers three-axis stabilization. It can rotate 360° around its axis to track a subject. If you turn the gimbal so that the iPhone holder is pointing downwards, you should be able to imitate panning shots like with a video crane.
To make self-portraits with the iPhone's main camera more successful, there is now a mirror on the housing of the gimbal. It can be folded up for transportation. The smartphone clamp still adheres magnetically to the arm and can be removed. A small tripod is built into the handle, which the manufacturer claims is more robust than its predecessor. The gimbal is powered by an integrated 1100 mAh battery; the predecessor still had a 2900 mAh model. However, one charge should still be sufficient for up to ten hours of operation. Charging is via USB-C. A power bank function can also be used to at least partially charge an iPhone. The Flow 2 Pro weighs 357 grams, the clamp mount an additional 25 grams.
Tracking with DockKit
While many smartphone gimbals often require a compatible additional app to recognize people and follow them automatically, the Flow 2 Pro, like its predecessor, uses Apple's API DockKit. The software interface allows compatible mounts to access the iPhone camera directly to control tracking. The gimbal connects via Bluetooth and is paired via NFC.
The Flow 2 Pro works in all apps that have integrated DockKit. In addition to the iOS camera app, this also includes social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok, as well as the Blackmagic Camera recording program. The gimbal also tracks the user in video conferencing apps such as Apple's FaceTime.
Multi-person tracking and automatic zooming
The manufacturer's Insta360 app is also suitable for recording and can record in Apple ProRes and HDR in Dolby Vision. It gives the gimbal a few additional functions. The Flow 2 Pro uses an AI-supported tracking algorithm called Deep Track 4.0 with the manufacturer's app.
While its predecessor keeps an eye on one person or animal, the Flow 2 Pro is designed to follow several people at once. Using the “Active Zoom Tracking” function, the iPhone also digitally pans towards distant subjects to keep them in focus.
Video artists can use the Pro Framing Grid function to display a nine-part grid. If you tap on one of the fields, the app will analyze the selection using AI and automatically adjust the position to maintain an ideal aspect ratio.
Videos by heise
According to the manufacturer, there is also a teleprompter mode for the Flow 2 Pro. Here, the speech text is shown on the iPhone display, which can be useful for VLogs and streams. If you place the Flow 2 Pro on the tripod, it can be controlled remotely via a second iPhone or an Apple Watch using the manufacturer's app. This allows you to start and stop recording as well as pan or zoom to change the image section. The app also supports gesture control.
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro (6 Bilder)
Insta360
)Prices, availability, and accessories
The Flow 2 Pro will be available from the manufacturer or retailers such as Amazon from January 16. Insta360 offers additional accessories for the gimbal. These include a backpack holder, an iPhone holder with a cooling function and a magnetic holder that can be attached to the back of the iPhone. The latter can also be used as a simple iPhone stand. The standard version of the Flow 2 Pro in white or gray costs €169.99 and includes a charging cable, a clamp mount and a case. A so-called Creator Bundle for €199.99 also includes an additional cable, the magnetic holder and a light.
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(hze)
