Insta360, Vivo challenge DJI’s turf, eyeing a slice of the gimbal camera boom

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.Visitors at the Insta360 booth during BILD Expo 2025 at the Javits Center in New York City. Photo: GettyInsta360 and Vivo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.