![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know.webp]] # Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review: 25 Things You NEED To Know [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_u8ZEHyOJs) · MountMedia · 2024-04-16 · 16:52. Written from the uploader's English captions (manual track), plus the chapters, frames and the description. Section headings follow the video's chapters. ## Outline - **0:00 – Insta360 X4 Review.** The **X4** arrives with features that could change the 360 market and maybe action cameras in general: **8K 360** that yields high-resolution reframed exports, plus several **AI** features that improve image quality and speed up editing and reframing. After weeks of testing and hundreds of shots, Werner covers **25 things** you should know about what it can and cannot do well. - **0:38 – 8K on the X4 – is it worth it?** The X4 shoots **8K at up to 30 fps** by combining two **4K** sensors into a stitched 360 8K image; you pick framing in the app and export a normal (non-360) clip. Older cameras like the **X3** and **GoPro Max** reframed to about **1080**, which looked soft on a high-res screen. X4 exports are **4K** by default with real resolution closer to **~2.7K**, and they look sharp. He calls 8K the main selling point and one of the biggest advantages; frame rates are **24 / 25 / 30**. ![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know-t0100.webp]] - **1:43 – How is the handling of the 8K files?** 8K files are about **twice** as large as 5.7K (~**1.5 GB/min**), still manageable. On an **M1 iMac with 8 GB RAM** he has no performance issues reframing 8K; the app uses a lower-res preview. Smartphone reframing of 8K is also fine. - **2:37 – New frame rate in 5.7K.** Without needing 8K, the X4 offers **5.7K at up to 60 fps**—useful for up to **~40% slow motion** and a more fluid look for action. Resolution at 5.7K is similar to the X3; a detailed X4 vs X3 comparison is coming. - **3:09 – Better image quality for slow motion?** Beyond 5.7K60, the X4 shoots **4K at 100 fps** for usable 360 slow motion (still needs reframing, so quality drops, but it's a clear step up versus older 360 cameras). - **3:37 – Overall image quality: is it better?** Colors look rich and contrasty. Profiles: **Standard**, **Vivid** (more saturation), and **Flat**—no real **10-bit log**. The two small sensors can't match large-sensor action cams like the **Ace Pro** on every metric. - **4:15 – The new Active HDR mode.** **Active HDR** blends exposures to protect highlights and lift shadows, but only at **5.7K30**, and dark areas get more noise. He does **not** rate it as a particular strength. - **4:58 – Recording modes and improved Bullet Time.** Beyond Video and Active HDR: **TimeLapse** (360 up to **11K**), **TimeShift** hyperlapse (**8K**), photo modes, **Starlapse**, and revised **Bullet Time** (spin the camera on a dedicated accessory)—now **5.7K120** or **3K240**, looking much better than on the X3. ![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know-t0500.webp]] - **5:53 – Pure Shot format for photos.** **Pure Shot** uses AI processing for higher dynamic range and less noise; especially strong in poor light versus standard photos—useful for anyone shooting 360 stills. - **6:25 – The improved Single Lens mode.** One lens only: no reframing, but you lose free framing and the **invisible selfie stick** effect—behaves like a normal action cam you can share immediately. Up to **4K60**. Quality is good but not quite a current dedicated action camera; he still sees **360 mode** as the camera's great strength. - **7:12 – How good is the new Me mode?** **Me mode** shoots 360 and auto-reframes to keep the subject centered while keeping the invisible stick effect. Big upgrades vs X3: up to **4K30**, **2.7K120**, and you can switch lenses to track someone else. Above **2.7K30** you still open/stabilize in the app (no manual reframing). Even 2.7K30 is fine for social. He calls improved Me mode an absolute highlight. ![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know-t0830.webp]] - **8:33 – How good is the image stabilization?** 360 stabilization on the X4 is outstanding and competitive with any action camera, including **360 Horizon Lock** that keeps the horizon level without a big crop. - **9:01 – Has low-light performance improved?** Stabilization and image quality are strong in good light / 8K, but the X4 is **not** a low-light specialist and trails **Ace Pro** and **Action 4** because of smaller sensors. Low light is somewhat better than the X3, but for lots of indoor/pro low-light work he'd still pick the **ONE RS 1-Inch** (no 8K). - **9:53 – The new body.** Enabling new features made the X4 a bit larger: about **200 g**, ~**25 g** heavier than the X3. Noticeable on a helmet; still more compact than the ONE RS 1-Inch. - **10:29 – How good is the battery life?** Bigger body, stronger battery: **1 h 15 min** at **8K30**, **2 h 21 min** at **5.7K30**—excellent, and at 5.7K30 clearly beyond typical action cams. Importantly, **no 30-minute recording limit**. - **11:04 – Does the X4 have overheating issues?** Switching to 8K shows an overheating warning, but in his office at **22 °C** with no airflow it recorded 8K until the battery died (~1 h 15 min). Real summer heat is harder to predict, but he says it doesn't have the classic action-cam overheating problem despite 8K. ![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know-t1200.webp]] - **11:49 – The new lens guards.** Included **screw-on** lens guards (not glued) attach/remove quickly; you still must enable them in-camera because they change the light path. Higher-quality **Premium Lens Guards** (also screw-on) are sold separately. - **12:25 – Underwater.** Waterproof to **10 m** without a dive case, but without a case underwater use is **single-lens only**—stitching needs Insta360's special **dive case** accessory. - **12:45 – The new display.** Slightly larger, bright, responsive vertical screen typical of Insta360 360 cams. - **13:02 – Gesture control.** Software is a strength (full tutorial coming). Besides voice control, **gesture control** starts/stops recording or takes a photo with hand motions (works with gloves); the camera only needs to see you from some angle, not dead-on. - **13:34 – The AI features of the X4.** App can auto-build a music/title clip from several shots; a new AI analyzes one recording and proposes short reframed clips; **Quick** reframing (tap subject, or move the phone / finger); plus full **Pro Reframing**. Insta360 is trying to erase reframing friction—the last big downside of 360. - **14:44 – AI Highlights Assistant.** Like on the Ace Pro: during recording an assistant spots subjects/highlights; the app uses that data to auto-build clips. Camera extras: **scheduled recording**, **pre-recording**, and press-and-hold capture to **delete a bad take**. No pause function like the Ace Pro. - **15:21 – Connection to Garmin, Apple Watch and Preview Remote.** No onboard GPS; pair a **Garmin** or **Apple Watch** for GPS and other data. Supports the **GPS Preview Remote** (watch-like remote with live preview and settings). - **15:46 – Connection of external microphones.** External mic via **USB-C**; Bluetooth headphones (e.g. **AirPods**) can act as a mic, but he wouldn't overestimate it—audio quality is average. ![[images/Insta360 X4 The Ultimate Review 25 Things You NEED To Know-t1500.webp]] - **16:00 – The price – how much does the X4 cost?** He sums up: many new features, especially **8K30** as a game changer for 360 (and maybe action cams) because high-res exports from 360 are finally possible. Price: **$500**, with bundles in the description. Coming soon: detailed **X3** comparison, comparisons vs **Hero 12** / **Action 4**, and a full X4 features tutorial. ## Things mentioned ### Cameras - **Insta360 X4**: New 8K 360 camera under review (~200 g, $500 at launch). - **Insta360 X3**: Predecessor; reframed exports ~1080; lighter/smaller; comparison video promised (see [[Insta360 X4 vs X3 In-Depth Comparison A Huge Difference]]). - **GoPro Max**: Older 360 cam cited for the low reframed-resolution problem. - **Insta360 Ace Pro**: Large-sensor action cam used as a dynamic-range / low-light / AI Highlights / pause-feature benchmark. - **DJI Action 4**: Traditional action cam for low-light and upcoming comparison. - **GoPro Hero 12**: Upcoming traditional action-cam comparison. - **Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch**: Preferred for heavy indoor/low-light 360 work (no 8K). ### Accessories - Invisible selfie stick effect (360 / Me mode) - Bullet Time accessory for spinning the camera - Included screw-on lens guards; optional **Premium Lens Guards** - Dive case (required for underwater stitching) - **GPS Preview Remote**; Garmin / Apple Watch for GPS - USB-C external microphone; Bluetooth headphones / AirPods as mic ### Settings and features - 8K30 / 25 / 24 360 (~1.5 GB/min; reframed export 4K / ~2.7K real) - 5.7K60 (~40% slow motion); 4K100 360 slow motion - Color profiles: Standard, Vivid, Flat (no 10-bit log) - Active HDR (5.7K30 only; more shadow noise) - TimeLapse 11K, TimeShift 8K, Starlapse, Bullet Time 5.7K120 / 3K240 - Pure Shot AI photos; Single-lens 4K60; Me mode 4K30 / 2.7K120 (app stabilize above 2.7K30) - Stabilization + 360 Horizon Lock - Battery: 1 h 15 min (8K30), 2 h 21 min (5.7K30); no 30-minute file limit - Waterproof 10 m (single-lens underwater without dive case) - Voice + gesture control; AI auto-edit, AI per-clip reframes, Quick / Pro reframing; AI Highlights Assistant - Scheduled recording, pre-recording, hold-to-delete bad take; no pause - Insta360 app / Studio editing workflow ### Related videos - [[Insta360 X4 vs X3 In-Depth Comparison A Huge Difference]] - https://youtu.be/MvSuQl-OG00 - [[Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Action 4 THIS Is The Best Action Camera]] - https://youtu.be/QyvfudBxhi8 - [[Insta360 X4 Ultimate Beginners Tutorial The BEST Features Explained]] - https://youtu.be/16al_FBC490 ### Purchase options - Insta360 X4 (with FREE Invisible Selfie Stick): https://www.insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRNHMF&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=KOL&utm_campaign=MountMedia&utm_content=date20240412X4Review - Insta360 X4 Accessories: https://store.insta360.com/accessory?utm_term=INRNHMF - Music (Audiio), promo code **SAVE70** for 70% off: https://audiio.com/pricing?oid=1&affid=606 - Price quoted in the video: **$500**; description links are affiliate ## Bios - **Werner Plank** runs MountMedia, a YouTube channel of camera tests, comparisons and tutorials focused on 360 and action cameras from Insta360, DJI and GoPro, often filmed in the mountains (Instagram: @werner.plank; contact [email protected]). In this launch review he demonstrates the X4 on desk tests, outdoor action and sample reframes while walking through all 25 points.