Insta360, Vivo challenge DJI’s turf, eyeing a slice of the gimbal camera boom
Insta360 and Vivo plan new handheld cameras to challenge DJI, but analysts say building a content ecosystem will be the tougher battle
Chinese electronics companies Insta360 and Vivo are preparing aggressive moves into the gimbal-stabilised camera market, setting up a direct challenge to DJI’s dominance, though analysts warn the newcomers may struggle to match the drone maker’s entrenched content ecosystem.
Insta360, a key rival to GoPro, is planning a handheld gimbal camera aimed at DJI’s popular Pocket series, currently slated for release in the first half of the year, according to people familiar with the matter.
Separately, smartphone maker Vivo approved plans in late 2025 for a “vlog camera” designed to compete with DJI’s Pocket line, with a launch also targeted for this year, Chinese outlet Jiemian reported last week.
The Dongguan-based company has already signalled its intent through two gimbal-related patent filings published in late January.
The applications describe a retractable lens system to speed deployment and a rotating screen designed to reduce overall device weight, according to records on the business registry platform Tianyancha.
Insta360 and Vivo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.