Intelligent multifunctional 360-degree action camera

After the novelty of panning video wore off, the first consumer 360-degree cameras were a short-lived success. As Reels and TikTok gain popularity, the versatility of these cameras may bring them back into the spotlight. A camera like this? Insta360 X4.

I always forget to capture behind-the-scenes video for social use, but the ability to set up the camera in seconds and choose a composition later might help me save some effort with Reels.

Insta360 X4 meets all your expectations for a 360-degree camera. But it can also add pan and tilt effects in post-production to keep people centered in the frame even if they move behind the camera, and easily create picture-in-picture shots. Additionally, it features higher resolution, longer battery life, and other improvements compared to its predecessor.

I always forget to capture behind-the-scenes video for social use, but the ability to set up the camera in seconds and choose a composition later might help me save some effort with Reels. I tried Insta360’s latest immersive camera and was surprised by the many features inside.

Is a 360-degree panoramic camera worth buying? If you’ve tried action cameras and want to shoot first and then pan, the Insta360 X4 may be what you’re looking for.

Prices, specifications and availability

Insta360 released the X4 on April 16, 2024, and started accepting orders on the same day. The camera retails for $500.

Design, size and style

Insta360 X4 is easy to operate

The Insta360 X4 is approximately 1.5 inches thick, with the girth of an action camera and the vertical rectangular shape of a smartphone. This design gives it a vertical touch screen. The display slides easily, and there are shortcuts to easily find different settings.

The camera itself only has four buttons, including a dedicated record switch below the screen. You can also use voice commands, gestures, or the Insta360 companion app to shoot without touching the device. The latter comes in handy when taking drone-like photos using a 10-foot selfie stick or wearing thick gloves.

Since it’s difficult to hold a 360 camera without putting your hand in the lens, most people will want to pair the camera with Insta360’s invisible selfie stick.

On the side, a lockable door hides a USB-C port. The microSD card slot is hidden beneath the battery cover. If 135 minutes of one-time use isn’t enough, the battery is replaceable.

There is a tripod thread on the bottom. Since it’s difficult to hold a 360 camera without putting your hand in the lens, most people will want to pair the camera with Insta360’s invisible selfie stick. The company’s software is smart enough to automatically edit accessories in shots.

Insta 360 X4 is waterproof to approximately 32 feet (10m). However, the built-in microphone needs to dry out before it can record audio properly again, a process the company says can take up to 24 hours. Therefore, shooting underwater is best suited for footage that can be later edited for audio.

Performance and ease of use

Versatility is a major advantage

X4 takes a format that could easily feel like a short-lived gimmick, but it turns it into something with seemingly endless creative opportunities. Yes, it can take swipeable 360-degree photos and videos and capture GoPro-like footage. But the X4 can also pan from one thing to another without anyone having to physically operate the camera. It can add creative camera movements from fixed positions. Picture-in-picture blends the scene in front of the cameraman and the viewer. I was surprised by the many different possibilities contained within the X4.

While the biggest pluses are the automated editing and tutorials, the app leaves plenty of room for customization.

The key to this versatility is the Insta360 app. By far the best feature is Shot Lab, which walks you through different special effects and handles many edits automatically. The app also leaves plenty of room for customization. Keyframes mark points in your video to add different effects, such as from super wide angle to an asteroid effect. Editing essentials such as aspect ratio, speed, volume, exposure and color are also covered. It’s easy to start with automatic AI editing and then add your own adjustments.

Exporting and generating some of the included AI effects may require some patience. Using the app also drains the battery of the camera and iPhone 15 Pro, but that’s to be expected when transferring large files over Wi-Fi. I found that a single charge was enough to shoot an hour’s worth of short film and get some editing done.

X4 has some built-in tools to minimize editing time when you have the final result in mind. Me Mode uses artificial intelligence to put you in the center of standard-sized action videos, eliminating the need to reframe the shot later. The action camera’s single lens mode is also easy to use.

Image and video quality

Increased resolution and excellent stability are key

The X4 uses two smaller 1/2-inch sensors per lens. This puts the camera’s image quality on par with a decent smartphone, but not on par with high-end dedicated cameras.

Insta360 X4 shoots up to 8K content at 30 fps. However, these pixels are stretched across both lenses. Single-shot mode captures the ultimate quality of horizontal video: 4K at up to 60 fps. This is a considerable resolution and the biggest upgrade from the X3.

Images default to 18 megapixels, but there’s a 72-megapixel stitching option that delays the next photo for added detail. Again, this is extended in a 360 degree view. One thing that makes the camera more versatile is physical zoom. You’ll notice more grain when switching between ultrawide mode and warp mode, which crops the image more closely.

Considering the size of its sensor, I was surprised at the X4’s ability to handle low-light scenes. There’s some noticeable grain in the low-light photos, but the resulting video is still postable on Instagram. Since the X4 captures 360-degree footage, stabilization is just a matter of keeping the framing steady. Videos were recorded while walking and rollerblading with only a small amount of back and forth motion.

Seams are a common problem with 360-degree videos. The most annoying lines come from using the camera too close to objects and driving underwater, although Insta360 says a waterproof housing (sold separately) creates a smoother seam effect. Colors sometimes feel overdone and oversaturated, making skin tones look a darker orange than they actually are. However, this is a simple post-fix.

Conclusion: Is the Insta360 X4 worth it?

Previous cameras like Insta360 brought new life to the 360 ​​panorama genre by expanding the capabilities of users. The X4 continues this focus with improved resolution and longer battery life. It’s not just a 360-degree camera, it can capture action, add camera movement without anyone having to physically operate the camera, POV video, and picture-in-picture recording.

The added resolution is a nice boost compared to the X3, putting the new camera on par with excellent smartphones. At $500, the X4 is more expensive than the earlier X3. In addition, necessary accessories such as invisible selfie sticks will also increase the cost. There were a few other complaints, including the microphone taking time to dry after being underwater, oversaturated colors, and a small sensor that doesn’t perform well in low light.

If you’re looking for an action camera but want something a little more flexible, consider the X4. If resolution is critical, the GoPro Hero Black12 doesn’t have nearly the same level of flexibility or post-refactoring, but offers 5.7K, 60 fps video at a lower price, and the mic is ready to use in just a few seconds Exhausted immersed in water.