Right out of the box
During the unboxing, we noticed a lot of obvious similarities between the X4 and the X3, but also a few small differences aesthetically. The X4 is only 0.4 inch (1 cm) taller and only a few ounces/grams heavier, so handling it felt pretty much the same. The external button layout and the internal menu/modes are all the same. So, if users are familiar with Insta360 X3, they can get started right away with the X4.
We also tried the new Invisible Dive Case X4, which is specific to this new model. Previously with the X3, we did notice that the stitching wasn’t always completely seamless, and we were curious to see how, or if, the X4 case improves on that.
Now everyone can film in 8K
The Insta360 X4 is not the first 8K or 360-degree camera, but it is the first to combine these two features—all in a product about the same size as the iconic Nokia 3310. The filming capability of the X4 is only half the surprise, with the AI processing running in the background to ensure seamless stitching and invisible selfie sticks perhaps even more impressive.
Turning it on for the first time, the camera gives an encouraging jingle and the screen is crystal clear. The X4 is the tallest camera of all the Insta360 handheld cameras and it comes with a large, 2.5-inch screen. The screen is made from scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass so it can handle any action you have in mind.
There are many modes, both for videography and photography. Once we reminded ourselves of what the buttons did, navigating through the menu was pretty straightforward. It did help that we have used the X3 in the past, as the setup is the same.
For videography and photography, users can choose to film in 360 degrees or opt for Single Lens, which uses either the front or back lens only. In 360 degrees, the modes are HDR Photo, Photo, Video, Active HDR (video), Timelapse, Timeshift, Bullet Time, Loop Recording, Starlapse, Burst, and Interval. In Single Lens, the modes are Video, Me Mode, Loop Recording, FreeFrame Video, Photo, and Video.
*HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and refers to a technique that reveals details in both very light and very dark scenes.
If you have experience with the Insta360 X3, you will find the X4 to be much the same. From the button positions to the menu layout and the different capture modes, the X4 is, in many ways, the same camera—just a little bigger and a whole lot better. The X4 features similar shooting modes, just with increased resolution and frames per second. For a quick comparison:
360 degrees: X3, 5.7K 30fps → X4, 8K 30fps & 5.7K 60fps
Me Mode: X3, 1080p 60fps → X4, 4K 30fps & 2.7K 120fps
Life Resistant
On a recent dive trip to Malta, one of the first things that struck us about the X4 were the changes Insta360 made to ensure that the camera is much more resilient.
First, the large 2.5-inch screen is made from Corning Gorilla glass, a brand of chemically strengthened glass that’s scratch-resistant and can withstand drops from up to 5.2 feet (1.6 m). Life happens, and occasionally the camera fell out of our hands or got knocked off the table, but the screen always looked perfectly fine.
A few years ago, during an e-foil testing session, we did unfortunately get a small scratch on one of the X3 lenses. Although it wasn’t very visible in our footage, that wasn’t ideal. So when we saw that the new X4 comes with Standard Lens Guard, we were thrilled. The lens guards are basically large, plastic contact lenses that easily clip around each lens. Now when you scrape the lens guard, which you probably will, you can simply swap new guards in.
A new addition to the X4 is agrip cover on the non-screen side of the camera. Even though this feature doesn’t necessarily deter damage, it did make the camera feel more secure to hold. We also noticed thatthis grip was useful on rocky dive boats, and ensured that our camera didn’t slide across or off tables.
Double Trouble
The secret to Insta360’s success is having two identical wide-angle lenses coupled with AI technology. These lenses each capture footage of 210 degrees so, when paired together, they can create a full sphere of 360-degree footage. This overlap, along with a little help from AI, magically cloaks over the selfie stick.
The applications for 360-degree footage are endless and a real game changer for filming underwater. Understandably, capturing all there is to see underwater presents its own unique challenges.
Action can come from any angle, and divers tend to miss out on filming opportunities or can’t quite capture the scene they had hoped for. Now, with the Insta360 X4 360-degree sphere, you can capture all the action in 8K, and choose what you want to keep or cut later on. Or as Insta360 puts it, “Shoot first, frame later.”
Insta360’s Smart App
As beautiful as 8K is, a full sphere of footage requires a little legwork to make it usable content. To access and edit all of the footage, we needed to download the latest Insta360 app. If you’re passionate about video editing, you’ll be amazed by its remarkable AI capabilities and infinite creation possibilities.
Cutting and stitching 360-degree footage might sound a little daunting, but the usability of the Insta360 app means anyone can become an incredible editor overnight. When editing, users can choose between AI, Quick, or Pro.
AI analyzes the full video to create different clever cuts and compilations for you to choose from. Quick makes the phone a gyroscope, and as you physically move your phone, it will move around the footage, recording the changes you make. This is useful if you want a specific scene within the footage.
Lastly, Pro offers frame-by-frame editing, which is another ballgame of options and possibilities. For example, you can choose from different Field of Views (FOVs) like Tiny Planet, which you’ve probably seen doing the rounds on social media.
FOVs essentially equal how zoomed in or out you choose to be—Tiny Planet is when you’re so zoomed out you look like you’re on a little globe. In Pro, we could track large subjects (divers, animals, etc), which smoothly moves the point of view with our subject.
Accessories
Invisible Dive Case
The Insta360 X4 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), making it suitable for various watersports. We love to scuba dive here at DIVEIN.com, so having a waterproof case is a must. Since the new X4 is slightly larger than the previous X3, the X3 Invisible Dive Case X3 is not compatible with the X4. The X4 Invisible Dive Case, like the X3’s, can withstand depths up to 165 feet (50 meters). Although we didn’t get to take it that deep, on our latest trip to Malta, we dove to 130 feet (40 m) and the case and the camera functioned fine.
The Invisible Dive Case X4 is nearly invisible and, even when we brought our hand close to start or stop the video, the case was barely visible. There were a few occasions, just like with the X3, when there was a glimmer in the footage, hinting at the dive case.
We think that’s from sunlight or a flashlight reflecting inside the case, which doesn’t seem to happen often and is barely noticeable. We also noticed that when the subject is very close to the camera, the stitching isn’t 100% seamless.
Users can also place anti-fog inserts in the Invisible Dive Case X4. We chose not to use them and experienced no fogging. If you prefer the extra reassurance, they are a useful addition.
Invisible Selfie Stick
Most people who want to take the X4 underwater will want to pick up an Invisible Selfie Stick. We tried both the 3.7-foot (114 cm) and the 10-foot (3 m) Invisible Selfie Sticks. Thanks to the viscosity of water, the 3-foot stick didn’t feel heavy underwater, but trying to stow it in a BCD pocket when we were done shooting was another matter.
We liked the extra-long 10-foot selfie stick because it gave the footage a dynamic drone look. We didn’t take the selfie stick underwater, though, as it would be even more difficult to stow, and drying it out is already a bit tiresome.
Standard Lens Guard
The lens guards will be a standard addition when purchasing the X4. Often when we buy a new phone or anything with a screen, we intend to buy a protector, but forget before it’s too late. Insta360 has added these lens guards directly in the package, so everyone can protect their X4 lenses from the get-go.
The lens guard simply twists and clicks over the lens itself. Since they change the view from the lens, you do need to select the appropriate stitching for the Standard Lens Guard in the Insta360 app under accessories. There is no option for a Standard Lens Guard with the Invisible Dive Case, and they are not watertight. You need to remember toremove the Lens Guards if you intend to use the X4 underwater and/or inside the Invisible Dive Case.
Neoprene Case
Another accessory that comes in the box is a simple zippered neoprene case. The case has small slip pockets inside to store away the Standard Lens Guards when using the Invisible Dive Case.
Price/Quality Ratio
You can imagine that an action camera as impressive as the X4 comes with a high price tag, not to mention any additional accessories you might want, such as the Invisible Dive Case or the selfie stick. However, considering the endless filming opportunities in such stunning resolution and 8K, the X4 is not unreasonably expensive. It costs a lot because it offers a lot.
Do we recommend the Insta360 X4 action camera?
If you need a simple point-and-shoot action camera, then splashing your cash on all of the X4’s extensive features might not be necessary. The Insta360 ONE R might be a better choice for you.
What if you currently have the X3 and use it all the time? Should you be rushing to buy the X4? Well, potentially. The filming capabilities of the X4 are extremely impressive and there is a big difference between the two models’ footage.
For videographers and content creators who need top gear, enjoy the small size of an action camera, and want one that really can do it all—both on land and underwater—the Insta360 X4 will not disappoint.
Specs & Features
| Dimensions | 6.73 x 5.94 x 2.72 inches (46 x 123.6 x 37.6 mm) |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 2.5-inch rectangular screen made of Corning Gorilla glass |
| Waterproof rating | 33 feet (10 m) without the Invisible Dive Case; 164 feet (50 m) with the case |
| Weight | 7.2 ounces (203 g) |
| Image quality | 72MP (11968 x 5984); 18MP (5952 x 2976) |
| Video quality | 360 8K up to 30fps; 5.7K up to 60fps; 4K up to 100fps |
| Single-lens mode | 4K at 60fps |
| Charging | Run time of 135 minutes |
Take a moment to look at this.
