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Insta360 Link 2C: review
The Insta360 Link 2C is a webcam that has pretty large shoes to fill. When the Chinese camera company released its predecessor a few years back, it was lauded as a top-tier, premium option, thanks to its excellent 4K video and smart use of AI. So now comes the Insta360 Link 2C, which aims to offer even more AI capabilities and superior noise cancellation among other things. So, does it deliver?
Well, before I answer that definitely, I want to start by exploring picture and video quality on the Insta360 Link 2C. Now, whether I was taking a video call on Google Meet or simply messing around with the camera app on my Windows laptop, I always looked ultra clear, with finer details – including individual hair strands, facial hairs, and markings on my face all bubbling to the surface.
That’s largely thanks to the Insta360 Link 2C offering up 4K resolution – something we always look for in our hunt for the best webcams. Of course, that premium quality isn’t going to come through on all video calling software, but if you’re a content creator or simply want top-tier performance, 4K support is going to be a must-have. For reference, this webcam also supports lower resolutions, such as 1080p, 720p and 360p, at varying frame rates.
Yes, if you’re taking a video in 4K, for example, you’re going to get 30fps – more than enough for some, but 4K 60fps is available on models like the pricey Elgato Facecam Pro. 60fps is available on the Link 2C, though you’ll have to drop the resolution to 1080p or 720p.
When holding up objects like an earbuds charging case or a piece of paper, the webcam was also excellent at shifting focus onto them. That’s thanks to enhanced Phase Detection Auto Focus, which speedily captures details on anything you want to highlight to your colleagues, students, or family on a video call.
And there are so many more features to uncover too, many of which can be found on the free-to-download Insta360 Link Controller software. Here, you’re able to mess around with a range of picture settings like exposure and white balance, as well as try out different filters – stuff like blur, bokeh, and even a makeup tool. I felt that the Link 2C could be a bit better in low-light conditions, but this doesn’t have to be the case if you drill into the settings in this companion. Simply jump in and activate HDR while also flicking brightness up and you’ll see a big improvement.
Insta360 Link Controller also lets you toggle gestures on and off – something I was really looking forward to using. If you hold your hand up – you know, like those big red hands on crossing lights – you can frame the shot to you. There’s also a whiteboard option, which will keep whatever you’re writing on squared and in focus. Both of these work well, and I found them useful when making a video call or just having a bit of fun in the companion software.
But one option that didn’t work so seamlessly for me, was the zoom in and zoom out gesture. You have to make an ‘L’ shape with your hand, which will make the webcam’s green LED light flash. After this, you can move that L shape up or down to zoom in or out respectively. But I found this to work a little more sporadically than I’d hoped. A good amount of the time, it worked well, but I often found that I had to make the L shape multiple times before it was registered, or the zooming would end a little prematurely.
Still, the vast majority of features worked without question on a very consistent basis. Stuff like auto-framing and AI tracking followed my movements with ease – ideal for an especially fidgety person like myself. Meanwhile, the 2C adds pause-track areas, which help the webcam to recognize areas that it shouldn’t track you – perhaps if you don’t want to show under your desk, say.
One of the improvements that the Link 2C is intended to bring is superior noise cancelling. That’s something you’re gonna want if you’re taking calls in a busy office environment, for example. I asked a colleague to make some noises while I called my friend and the results were decent, all things considered. Clapping, for instance, was still very much audible, but stuff like typing and light chatter was dulled nicely.
There are three modes: Voice Focus, Voice Suppression, and Music Balance – but none of these are going to offer the clarity you’ll get from the best microphones for streaming. Ultimately, my voice didn’t sound ultra-crisp on the 2C, but it will plate up clear enough quality for more casual users.
Still, audio is handled pretty well by webcam standards. But something that’s truly fantastic about the Link 2C is its design. It has a real premium metallic feel and finish, diminutive magnetic clip-stand and discreet detailing around the lens. It’s also ultra practical thanks to its compact size, slider for covering the camera and USB-C connectivity. There’s no gimbal or tripod for the 2C model, but if you’re after that, you can grab the standard Link 2 model.
There’s only one way I can tie all of this together and that’s by talking about price. Now, my mind was genuinely blown by the price of the original Insta360 Link – it was almost $300 / £320 / AU$570! But the Link 2C is far more affordable, while still offering some improvements over its predecessor, including better noise cancelling and a sleeker look. This newer webcam will set you back just under $150 / £150 / AU$250, and given the overall performance and quality of the product, I’d say that’s strong overall value for money.
So, at the end of it all, would I recommend the Insta360 Link 2C? Yes, definitely! You get super sharp video, responsive auto-frame adjustment, decent audio (well, by webcam standards), and really neat companion software for fine-tuning everything to your liking. In honesty, the Link 2C has given my setup the facelift I didn’t even know it needed – I’m seeing more detail and fluidity than ever, in each video call. And that’s something I’ve really grown to appreciate.
Sure, the zoom in/out gesture could be a little more reliable and I’d still be inclined to purchase a separate mic for the best speech clarity. But from the upgrade I’ve seen to my work the Insta360 Link 2C is still a fantastic all-round package.
Insta360 Link 2C review: price & availability
- $149 / £149 / AU$249
- Launched in September 2024
The Insta360 Link 2C launched alongside the Link 2 in September 2024, two years after its predecessor. The Link 2C carries a list price of $149 / £149 / AU$249, which is drastically, and I mean drastically, cheaper than the original model cost at launch. Yep, the original Insta360 Link released with a list price of $299 / £319 / AU$569 – woah. But don’t be fooled: the 2C has made some improvements over its predecessor, with better noise cancelling, AI features and a prettier build. I know which one I’d pick!
It’s worth noting, by the way, that the Link 2C comes in two color variants: Arctic White; or the version I tested, Graphite Black. The version you pick should have little to no bearing on the price you pay.
Insta360 Link 2C review: specs
|
Supported resolutions |
4K at 30fps, 1080p / 720p at 60fps, 360p at 30fps |
|
Sensor |
1/2-inch |
|
Lens |
Not specified |
|
Focal length |
26mm |
|
Aperture |
f/1.8 |
|
Focal length |
26mm |
|
Field of view |
79.5 degrees |
Should you buy the Insta360 Link 2C?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Design |
Practical, diminutive and premium-feeling build, sleeker than original. |
5/5 |
|
Performance |
Great video quality, plenty of settings to play with, some gesture issues. |
4/5 |
|
Value |
Huge price-cut over original, not too pricey against competition. |
4.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Insta360 Link 2C: also consider
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Insta360 Link 2C |
HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam |
Obsbot Meet SE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$149 / £149 / AU$249 |
$219.99 / £180 / AU$295 |
$69 / £65 / AU$119 |
|
Supported resolutions |
4K at 30fps, 1080p / 720p at 60fps, 360p at 30fps |
4K at 30fps, 1080 / 720p at 60fps |
1080p at 100fps, 720p at 150fps |
|
Sensor |
1/2-inch |
Not specified |
1/2.8-inch |
|
Lens |
Not specified |
18mm |
Not specified |
|
Focus range |
0.1m to ∞ |
0.1m to ∞ |
0.1m to ∞ |
|
Aperture |
f/1.8 |
f/2.0 |
f/1.8 |
|
Focal length |
26mm |
Not specified |
26mm |
|
Field of view |
79.5 degrees |
78 / 90 / 100 degrees |
78 degrees |
How I tested the Insta360 Link 2C
- Tested in a one-week period
- Made video calls and experimented with photo and video independently
- Exhausted range of features and settings in companion software
I had the Insta360 Link 2C connected to my work setup across a one-week period, testing out its various features and functions. Well, actually, I’ve kept it in my setup beyond initial testing – I’ve enjoyed using it that much!
In order to assess the Link 2C’s quality I tried making a number of video calls, taking photos, and playing around with picture settings in the Insta360 Link Controller software. I compared it to my laptop’s inbuilt camera, tried out gesture controls and also tested quality in both natural and low-light conditions.
Speaking more generally, I’ve tested a huge quantity of products here at TechRadar as a resident Reviews Writer. That covers everything from the latest TVs through to electric shavers – I’ve got experience right across the board.
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harry.padoan@futurenet.com (Harry Padoan)
