The new Insta360 X4 is here, packed with exciting new features while retaining many elements from its predecessor, the X3.

In this blog post, I'll provide an honest and unbiased review of the X4, analyzing the 8K quality and helping you decide if it's worth the investment.

Design and Build 📷

The Insta360 X4 maintains the sleek, user-friendly design of the X3 with some subtle differences:

• Size and Weight: The X4 is slightly thicker, taller, and a few grams heavier, yet it remains lightweight.
• Premium Feel: The textured back and larger touchscreen enhance the camera's premium feel.
• Battery: Upgraded to 2290 mAh, providing extra shooting hours compared to the X3.
• Microphones: Positioned on every side for omnidirectional audio capture.
• Touchscreen: Slightly bigger, offering a better user experience.
   

Lens Guards 🛡️

A significant addition to the X4 is the lens guards:

• Standard Lens Guards: Included for free, they are discreet and do not degrade image quality.
• Premium Lens Guards: Sold separately, made of scratch-proof material but prone to lens flare in bright sunlight.

Why No Replaceable Lenses? 🤔

Replaceable lenses would be expensive and challenging to install correctly, potentially ruining the 360 video stitching. The lens guards provide sufficient protection for most situations and are easy to replace.

Accessories 📦

The X4 comes with several accessories:

• Neoprene pouch
• USB-C cable
• Lens cloth
• Manuals
• Protective case

Additional accessories, specifically designed for the X4, include:

• Quick reader
• Mic adapter
• Spare battery
• Lens cap
• Wind mic muff

Sensor & Aperture ⚙️

Both the Insta360 X3 and X4 share a:

• f1.9 aperture
• ½ inch sensor size

The X4 boasts noticeable improvements in 8K video quality compared to the X3's 5.7K.

Do You Need 8K? 🤔

8K video offers:

• Sharpness: Significantly sharper images, especially noticeable when zoomed in.
• Reframing Flexibility: Allows for more zooming without losing quality, enhancing editing flexibility.

X4 vs. X3 vs. One RS 1-inch 🥊

• Sharpness: X4 is sharper than X3 and One RS 1-inch when zoomed in.
• Contrast and Detail: One RS 1-inch captures better contrast and detail due to its larger sensor.
• Dynamic Range: X4 and One RS 1-inch have superior dynamic range compared to X3.

5.7K at 60 FPS 🏃‍♂️

The X4 can shoot 5.7K at 60 FPS, providing more lifelike movements, particularly beneficial for VR experiences.

Slow Motion & Bullet Time ⏳

The X4 supports:

• 4K 100 FPS 360 video
• 5.7K 120 FPS bullet time

Low Light Performance 💡

The X4 outperforms both the X3 and One RS 1-inch in low light conditions, making it a great choice for low-light shooting.

Single Lens Mode 🤳

• Shooting Options: Capable of shooting up to 4K 60 FPS.
• Field of View: Select your desired field of view before recording to avoid distortion.

Me Mode 🙋

Available at:

• 4K 30 FPS
• 2.7K 120 FPS

This mode is designed for selfie stick shots but may not fully utilize the 360 capabilities of the camera.

Stitching 🎞️

Despite its thicker build, the X4 offers decent stitching. Keep a distance of at least 3 ft to avoid noticeable stitching issues.

Sound Quality 🔊

The sound quality is disappointing with background noise. Consider using a professional mic setup or CapCut for noise removal.

Does the Insta360 X4 Overheat? 🔥

Yes, the X4 can overheat after 27 minutes of 8K recording in a room at 29°C. Use 5.7K for longer recording sessions to avoid overheating.

Editing Workflow for 8K Footage 🧑‍💻

• Low-Resolution Proxies: Provided for smooth editing.
• High-Quality Export: Insta360 software ensures the best quality in final exports.
• Hardware Requirements: Recent smartphones and computers are recommended for smooth 8K editing.

Beware of Biased Reviews 🙅‍♂️

Some reviews may exaggerate the X4's capabilities. The X4 is about 10-20% better than the X3, offering sharper images, better low-light performance, and more features.

Price 💸

• Insta360 X4: Priced at $500, ideal for semi-professionals and enthusiasts.
• Insta360 X3: Priced at $399, a budget-friendly option for beginners.

Which Camera Should You Buy? 🛍️

• Insta360 X3: Best for budget-conscious users, still relevant in 2024.
• Insta360 X4: Best for those seeking the highest 360 video quality.
• One RS 1-inch: Best for high-quality virtual tours and low-light performance.

Full YouTube Video. 👇