Insta360 Link 4K Webcam

I’ve had a need for a 4K camera for streaming, and after a little research plumped for the Insta360 Link 4K Webcam. It’s an AI-powered Ultra HD 4K webcam which features gesture control and some nifty tracking technology, to ensure you’re always in the frame.

It has a HDR mode that balances the highlights and shadows in an image, which makes sure your background isn’t impacted by a nearby window. It also has some magic inside that helps if autofocus much quicker than other webcams (called PDAF).

It has a 3-axis gimbal which allows it a good field of movement, and a powerful AI tracking algorithm which means Link’s lens rotates to follow you when you move. Coupled with its automatic zooming and framing, it’s quite freaky how it follows you around!

The Insta360 Link is extremely well packaged and is quite secure in its box.

It is now certified for Zoom, and is fully compatible with Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet and other video conferencing software.

What you’ll find in the box, in a cardboard container underneath the webcam, is a USB-C cable, along with an adapter for USB-C to USB-A conversion. There’s also a pack of 4 recognition markers to use to identify where a whiteboard is, as well as a quickstart guide and warranty card.

One great feature I’ve really liked, is that within 10 seconds of inactivity, Link will automatically point downwards to protect your privacy. Note that this isn’t whilst you’re inactive on a zoom call or similar – it’s once the device isn’t active.

It also makes use of dual noise-canceling microphones to reduce background noise, while automatic gain control amplifies your voice. I use an external microphone, a Rode Podcaster, so I don’t have a need to use this. But I did test it when initially setting up the webcam, and it seemed to work really well during that brief use.

Gesture control allows you to command the webcam by different hand movements. Holding your palm still initiates Follow Me, and another palm still will remove it again.

Using an L shape will trigger the zoom, moving your hand up to zoom. However, I’ve had difficulty with this, and have got a little frustrated at trying to get it recognising I want to zoom.

One feature I haven’t made the most of yet is the Overhead Mode. You can capture a perfect bird’s-eye view of your desk to share what you’re doing.

I tested this with it mounted on my monitor – a quick gesture and it pivots quickly to view what you’re doing on the desk.

You can use the fixing underneath Insta360 Link to attach it to a stand to record squared-off, perfectly level footage if you’re in need of a professional view.

The camera is well protected in transit, with a cover over its lens, and around the base.

At the bottom is a built-in 1/4″ mounting point, allowing you to use Link with universal accessories such as a tripod.

If you’re into live streaming and frequent social media posts, you can also use Link to shoot totally uncropped 9:16, which it achieves by rotating its gimbal head. It’ll be much better quality than using a mobile phone, I expect. I haven’t tested this, as I’m not a TikTok superstar, unfortunately.

The adapter for changing from USB-C to USB-A is really easy to slip on. It’s proved really hand for switching between my MacBook Air, where I used USB-C and my office laptop, which has USB-A sockets.

The Insta360 Link comes with 4 markers that allow you to plot where the edges of your whiteboard are (if you’re using one). Once set up, with a simple gesture the camera will move to focus on your whiteboard. I personally haven’t used this, so can’t really tell you how well it works. But if the other movement actions are anything to go by (Overhead Mode, follow me) then I’m sure it’s excellently implemented.

You can get your shot exactly right by manually adjusting brightness, exposure, gimbal position and more using the Link Controller desktop software. It’s available for macOS and Windows.

I use macOS and found it easy to download and set up. There are a vast array of settings to play with, and get everything spot on.

I use it to adjust the position and zoom of the camera before starting a livestream, to save me using gestures at the start of the stream.