New Insta360 Link 2 and 2C web cams have AI noise cancellation, magnetic mounts

2024-09-24

The Insta360 Link was announced in 2022 with a 2-axis gimbal that allowed the webcam to track you as you moved around the room. Now the company has released a sequel and it has two versions – with and without a gimbal.

The Insta360 Link 2 is a direct sequel to the original, while the Link 2C drops the gimbal for a more compact and lighter form factor. It’s cheaper too, of course.

New Insta360 Link 2 and 2C web cams have AI noise cancellation, magnetic mounts

A major selling point of this generation is the AI-powered noise reduction, which tunes out things like nearby conversation, the sound of keyboards clacking and traffic noise. Both models support several profiles, including Voice Focus, Voice Suppression and Music Balance.

The Link 2 and 2C feature a 1/2” sensor with improved low-light capabilities and HDR, which helps preserve more detail in the shadows. The lens has an f/1.8 aperture and features Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF). The cameras can create a DSLR-like bokeh effect to blur out the background. They also support the usual background replacement feature.

Insta360 Link 2: tripod mount • hand gestures • Smart Whiteboard Mode

The sensor delivers 4K video at up to 30fps. You can use it in horizontal or vertical orientation (with the 4K Portrait Mode). The Smart Whiteboard Mode is great if you use whiteboards during your presentation as it will ensure that the board remains in frame and in focus. There is also a DeskView Mode for overhead presentation. The PDAF system can focus at just 10cm/4in if you need to show a product up close.

The lens has a 79.5° diagonal field of view (26mm in 35mm equivalent) and the cameras use AI-based tracking to keep you in the frame. There is a new Group Tracking mode for presentations involving multiple people. Insta360 also added Pause-Track Areas, so you can go out of frame in certain locations or keep certain areas hidden.

AI also comes in handy for Gesture Control – you can get the camera to start/stop AI Tracking, to zoom in and out or to enable Smart Whiteboard Mode. Alternatively, you can control the cameras with your smartphone.

Insta360 Link 2C: monitor mount • DeskView Mode • game streaming

The Insta360 Link 2 has a 2-axis gimbal, which creates smooth, stabilized footage. And it is much better at tracking you around the room, of course. It also has a Privacy Mode, which points the camera down and mutes the mic.

Both cameras now have a magnetic mount, allowing you to snap them on metal surfaces. There is a 1/4” tripod screw for more traditional mounting. The cameras are compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Twitch and other platforms.

The new magnetic mount

The Insta360 Link 2 and Link 2C are available globally now. You will find them on the Insta360 store, Amazon and select retailers. Below are the prices for the two models in several regions (links lead to Amazon).