Insta360 X4
The X4 is Insta360's latest and most evolved 360 action camera and was released in 2024. It comes two years after the Insta360 X3, which was already an amazing camera. The X4 is improved in just about every aspect, better sensor technology, with up to 8K30fps 360 video, higher bit rate video and improved ISO range, better battery life, shorter charging times. The X4 also improves the lens guard system integrated to the camera body instead of the previous adhesive system and a new premium lens guards option with better scratch resistance than the normal lens guards.
All of these features make the X4 the best 360 camera of the moment.
New features of the Insta360 X4
- 8K 360 video The X4 offers 8K30fps 360° video which greatly improves the quality of reframed footage when exporting to traditional video.
- Overall video improvements The lower resolution video has also improved, bringing 5.7K360 video up to 60fps and 4K360 video all the way up to 100fps. There is also a new 5.7K+ video mode, offering higher quality video, notably in low light situations, while retaining a small file size. Single lens video is also improved, with 4K footage now recorded at 60 fps.
- Extended battery life The improved battery in the X4 brings run times up to 135min of 5.7K30fps 360 video, nearing twice the run time of the Insta360 X3.
- New lens guard system The X4 now comes with lens guards that screw directly on to the camera, instead of the adhesive system of the X3. There is also the option of purchasing premium lens guards which Insta360 claims are more scratch resistant, great for activities like mountain-bike-mtb.
Reasons to buy the Insta360 X4
- Leading 360 company Insta360 was founded as a 360 camera company and has built a solid reputation for their cameras. The success of the Insta360 X3 and the Insta360 One X2 before that testify of Insta360's experience delivering great quality 360 cameras.
- 8K video The main advantage of 360 cameras is that they capture everything so we can reframe and export a traditional video later. Therefore, initial resolution of the footage has a huge impact on how good the final footage will look like. So the higher the resolution, the more options you have for reframing and the higher quality your final footage will be. The X4 is no longer the only 360 camera with 8K video, but it does remain the most affordable option right now.
- Versatile While 360 footage remains the X4's selling point, it will also work well as a traditional action camera. In single lens mode it offers up to 4K60fps video, which rivals other state of the art action cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
- Battery life The X4 is slightly bigger than it's predecessor and includes a larger battery, brining run times over 2hours of 360 footage.
Reasons to avoid the Insta360 X4
- Heavy The X4 is over 7.05oz / 200g and combined with it's long shape, it is an awkard camera to use on helmet mounts. If you plan on using a helmet mount or need to take weight into account, you might want to look into smaller and lighter traditional action cameras like the GoPro Hero (2024) or even a wearable camera like the Insta360 Go 3S.
- Overheating when using 8K Insta360 itself warns about the heat issue when filming in 8K, and only recommends filming at such a high resolution in windy or cold environments. If you plan on filming in hot conditions you will need to limit yourself to 5.7K 360 video or consider another 360 camera like the Kandao Qoocam 3 Ultra.
- No integrated GPS The camera itself does not integrate GPS and although you can pair your X4 with your smartphone to sync GPS data, it is a drawback for some use cases. If GPS is a must for your, the Kandao Qoocam 3 Ultra is a good alternative.
Better alternatives to the Insta360 X4
X4 rules over the 360 action camera category, but some competitors do beat it at some things.
Cheaper alternatives to the Insta360 X4
The X4 is Insta360's flagship 360 camera and is naturally still pricey. Here are some cheaper alternatives.
We also have guide covering the cheapest action cameras.
Other Insta360 action cameras
Insta360 has a whole range of action cameras and 360 degree cameras.
Insta360 X4 specifications
Name | Insta360 X4 |
Year of release | 2024 |
Width | 1.81in / 46mm |
Height | 4.87in / 123.6mm |
Depth | 1.48in / 37.6mm |
Weight | 7.16oz / 203g |
Waterproof | 33ft / 10m |
Waterproof with diving case | 164ft / 50m |
Min operating temperature | -4°F / -20°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 2290mAh |
Removable battery | Yes |
Battery life | 135min 5.7K30fps 360° 75min 8K30fps 360° |
Charging time | 55min |
Storage format | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB |
Field of view | 170° |
Sensor | 1/2.0" |
Pixels | 72MP |
Aperture | F1.9 |
Focal length | 6.7mm |
ISO range | 100-6400 |
Color Depth | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 200Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 |
360-degree video | Yes |
8K 360 video | 30fps |
5.7K 360 video | 60fps |
4K 360 video | 100fps |
360 video format | INSV |
4K video | 60fps |
2.7K video | 60fps |
1080p video | 60fps |
Slow motion at 4K | 4 |
Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p |
HDR video | Yes |
Stabilization | FlowState |
Horizon lock | Yes |
Video format | H.265 (HEVC) H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | Yes |
Webcam mode | Yes |
Timelapse mode | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes |
Subject tracking | Yes |
Photo burst mode | Yes |
RAW format supported | Yes |
Microphones | 4 |
Stereo audio | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes |
Audio format | aac |
Audio bluetooth support | SENA: 50S, ST1, 10S Cardo: PACKTALK EDGE Airide: G7+ ASMAX: F1 Lexinmoto: G4 Vimoto: V9S, V9X Apple AirPods 2 Apple AirPods 3 Apple AirPods Pro 2 Samsung Galaxy Buds2 |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.2 |
USB | Type-C USB 3.0 |
GPS integrated | No |
GPS pairing | iOS Application Android Application |
Voice commands | Yes |
Gesture commands | Yes |