The Xtra Muse is a compact 3-axis stabilized camera built for vloggers, travelers, and content creators. With AI tracking, cinematic stabilization, and ultra-portable design, it redefines on-the-go video creation. Here’s the full review, pros and cons, and verdict.
The Rise of Smart Cameras for Everyday Storytellers
In the age of social media and short-form storytelling, video quality is no longer optional — it’s everything. Whether you’re a travel vlogger, a food blogger, or someone capturing daily life, shaky footage or poor focus can kill even the most beautiful moment.
That’s where the Xtra Muse steps in — a sleek, palm-sized AI camera with rock-solid 3-axis stabilization, intelligent auto-tracking, and a rotating touchscreen built specifically for modern creators. It’s not just another gadget; it’s your pocket-sized director, designed to make shooting look effortless and cinematic.
With a retail price of $529 (down from $699), it competes with established names like DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Insta360 Go 3, while offering its own blend of portability and AI smarts.
A Camera That Understands Your Movement
The Xtra Muse’s real magic lies in its AI-assisted stabilization and object tracking. The built-in 3-axis gimbal system smooths out every step, tilt, and pan, allowing you to move freely without worrying about jerky footage. Whether you’re walking through a crowded market, recording a mountain hike, or filming food reels in your kitchen, the footage stays buttery smooth.
It also features smart subject detection, automatically identifying faces and locking focus as you move. The camera’s “MuseTrack” mode keeps you centered in the frame, even if you walk in circles or turn suddenly. For solo creators, this means you can shoot professional-level clips without a cameraman.
The gesture control system adds another layer of convenience — simply wave to start or stop recording, or make a “V” sign to switch between selfie and subject tracking. It’s intuitive, fast, and surprisingly reliable.
Real-World Use: Social Media’s Best Friend
Over a week of testing, the Xtra Muse proved to be a dream companion for vloggers, travelers, and social media content creators. Its lightweight body and pocket-sized form factor make it ideal for spontaneous shooting — no bulky tripod or external setup needed.
Imagine this scenario: you’re at a café, recording a quick food vlog. You place the Xtra Muse on the table, tap “Auto Composition Mode,” and it automatically frames you and your meal perfectly, keeping focus as you gesture or lean. The built-in AI framing engine ensures your shot composition looks balanced, even when you move around.
Outdoors, the HDR video mode shines. Shooting under bright sunlight or in low light, the camera balances shadows and highlights beautifully, delivering crisp, natural colors.
Creators also appreciate the vertical shooting mode, ideal for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts. Simply rotate the gimbal, and the display adapts instantly — no need for post-edit cropping.
Design and Usability
The Xtra Muse combines premium design with ergonomic function. The metallic matte finish feels sturdy, while the rotating 2-inch touchscreen makes framing shots intuitive. Unlike traditional cameras, the Muse doesn’t intimidate — it feels approachable and friendly, perfect for casual creators who want professional results without a steep learning curve.
The compact joystick allows precise control for pans and tilts, while the scroll wheel adjusts zoom smoothly. You can even connect it to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for live previews and instant sharing.
At just under 200 grams, it slips easily into a pocket or small bag — a real advantage for travelers or on-the-go journalists.
Performance and Features That Impress
Under the hood, the Xtra Muse features a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor and an f/1.8 wide-aperture lens, capable of recording 4K video at 60fps and capturing stunning 12MP stills. The sensor performs exceptionally well in daylight, while its low-light AI noise reduction keeps footage sharp even in dim cafés or street scenes.
Other notable features include:
- AI Auto-Focus Tracking: Locks onto moving subjects instantly.
- Dynamic Timelapse Mode: Perfect for cityscapes or sunsets.
- Smart Panorama Sweep: Create seamless panoramic images in seconds.
- Voice Command Activation: Hands-free shooting for vloggers.
- AI Editing Companion (App): Automatically trims, adds transitions, and optimizes color for instant upload.
It’s clear the Xtra Muse isn’t just about stabilization — it’s about enabling creativity. You can film, edit, and post in under ten minutes, all from your phone.
What Could Be Better
While the Xtra Muse hits a sweet spot in innovation, a few limitations remain.
The battery life, rated for about 2 hours of continuous shooting, could be longer — especially for travel vloggers who shoot outdoors all day. There’s fast USB-C charging, but a swappable battery option would’ve been a bonus.
The touchscreen, while responsive, can be a bit small for detailed previewing, and the AI editing app occasionally lags on older phones. The internal storage (32GB base) fills up quickly with 4K clips, though microSD expansion solves that issue.
Still, these are minor trade-offs considering the performance packed into such a tiny device.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-portable and lightweight design
- 3-axis mechanical stabilization with AI enhancement
- Accurate face and object tracking
- 4K 60fps video and HDR capture
- Vertical mode and gesture control for social creators
- Fast AI editing companion app
Cons:
- Limited 2-hour battery life
- Small screen for precise composition
- Occasional app lag on older smartphones
- Base model lacks external mic input
Who Should Buy It
The Xtra Muse is tailor-made for content creators, vloggers, and everyday storytellers who want professional-grade footage without heavy equipment. It’s ideal for influencers, journalists, travelers, or even small business owners creating promo videos for social media.
If your workflow is fast-paced, mobile, and creativity-driven — this camera will fit right in.
Quick Verdict & Star Ratings
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Design & Portability | ★★★★★ | Compact, premium, and easy to handle. |
| AI & Stabilization | ★★★★★ | Incredibly smooth tracking and motion control. |
| Camera Performance | ★★★★☆ | Excellent 4K quality; slight low-light noise. |
| Battery & Usability | ★★★☆ | Decent, but short for long travel shoots. |
| Value | ★★★★☆ | Strong features at a mid-range price point. |
The Xtra Muse proves that great storytelling doesn’t need bulky gear or complex editing tools. It’s a sleek, AI-powered gimbal camera that makes capturing cinematic moments as easy as pressing a button.
Whether you’re filming your next travel vlog, capturing behind-the-scenes content, or just sharing life creatively, the Xtra Muse gives you the power of stability, clarity, and smart framing — all from your pocket.
It’s not just a gadget; it’s a creative partner that helps you focus on what matters most — your story.
