Back in 2022, Insta360 unveiled the Link webcam. It is a camera with Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) capability and people tracking, which gave you the freedom to move around the room while the camera worked to keep you in frame. It seems that a sequel is on the way, but it is going to change the formula significantly.
The original Insta360 Link
Here’s a first look at the Insta360 Link 2 webcam, thanks to leaked images shared by Roland Quandt. As you can see, the motorized pan and tilt mechanism is gone (the zoom function on the original Link relied on AI upscaling rather than optical zoom).
Insta360 Link 2 (leaked images)
This makes for a more compact package, but it does remove a rare gimbal feature that defined the original Link. The Link 2 might still be able to do tracking with an OIS-style camera that can tilt the lens to track a moving object, but it’s hard to tell from static images.
Here are some more images that show the Insta360 Link 2 in its element – be that broadcasting a lecture or filming your livestream:
Insta360 Link 2 (leaked images)
Like its predecessor, the Insta360 Link 2 has a 1/2” sensor and an f/1.8 lens. It will be able to capture 4K video and will use AI for tracking, judging by the label under the lens.
@MysteryLupin has provided a few more details – the camera will do 4K (presumably at 30fps) and 1080p at 60fps using its 8MP sensor. The Link 2 will allegedly cost $200, which means that dropping the gimbal mechanism has also dropped the price (the original Link was $300). No word on how tracking is achieved, though if at all. No details on a launch date either.