When I first got into capturing my adventures, I quickly ran into a problem: I kept missing the shot. Whether I was mountain biking, hiking, or just exploring a new place, I was constantly trying to point my camera in the right direction, inevitably failing to catch those unexpected, dynamic moments. It was frustrating knowing that some of the best parts of the experience weren’t being recorded because my limited field of view couldn’t keep up. Solving this was crucial because missing key moments meant the footage didn’t truly tell the story, losing the spontaneity and immersive feel of the real-life event. If I didn’t find a solution, my videos would remain static and incomplete, failing to do justice to the memories I wanted to preserve.
Before you jump into buying an action camera, it’s worth considering what you really need it for. This category of cameras is designed for capturing fast-paced activities and challenging environments where traditional cameras might fail or be too cumbersome. If you’re an adventurer, a vlogger who moves around a lot, a sports enthusiast, or someone who wants durable, portable video recording capabilities, an action camera is likely on your radar.
The ideal customer for a versatile option like a 360 action camera is someone who wants creative flexibility and doesn’t want to worry about framing the shot in the moment. They are often creators who enjoy reframing footage in post-production to tell different stories from the same recording.
Who might not need something this advanced? If you primarily shoot static vlogs, interviews, or simple point-and-shoot video in controlled environments, a standard camera or even a smartphone might suffice. Someone who is technically challenged or doesn’t have time for editing might also find the post-production aspects of 360 cameras daunting, although AI tools are helping with this. For them, a simple, traditional action camera with a fixed wide lens might be a better fit.
Things to think about before buying include video resolution and frame rates (especially for slow motion), stabilization quality, battery life, durability, waterproofing, ease of use (including screen size and app functionality), and essential accessories. Consider where you’ll be using it and what kind of footage you want to create.
- IMMERSIVE 360 VIDEO - The 8K era is here. Insta360 X4 delivers 360° video in stunning 8K or 5.7K60fps! Use Active HDR to keep shots color accurate too, even in action scenarios.
- SIMPLE, EASY REFRAMING - With Insta360 X4, get out there and shoot, not having to worry about lining up a shot. Shoot first, then reframe easily after, all in the AI-powered Insta360 app.
- INVISIBLE SELFIE STICK - The signature third-person Insta360 shot, a specialty of 360 cameras. Immerse your viewers in obstruction-free 360° video, just like you're using a drone or as if you have...
Introducing the Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 Get-Set Bundle is Insta360’s latest offering in their popular X series of pocket-sized 360 action cameras. It promises to usher in the 8K era for consumer 360 video, providing incredible detail and reframing potential, alongside enhanced durability and battery life. This bundle specifically includes the camera, standard lens guards, the indispensable 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, a lens cap, and a 256GB microSD card, giving you a solid foundation right out of the box.
Compared to its highly successful predecessor, the Insta360 X3, the X4 steps up significantly, primarily with the jump to 8K 360 video and higher frame rate options like 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at 100fps for slow motion. It also features a larger touchscreen, improved battery life, and more robust, removable lens guards. While GoPro is a leader in the traditional action camera space, Insta360 dominates the consumer 360 market, and the X4 solidifies their position.
This specific camera is ideal for creators who want the absolute best image quality and maximum flexibility for reframing their content. It’s perfect for action sports enthusiasts, travel vloggers, and anyone who wants to capture everything around them without missing a beat. It might be overkill for someone on a tight budget or who only needs basic 360 capabilities, in which case the X3 might still be a viable option, albeit without the cutting-edge 8K resolution and enhanced slow-motion capabilities.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons:
Pros:
* Stunning 8K 360 video resolution.
* Improved slow-motion options (5.7K 60fps, 4K 100fps).
* Longer battery life (up to 135 mins).
* More durable, removable lens guards included.
* Larger, brighter 2.5″ touchscreen display.
* Excellent FlowState stabilization and Horizon Lock.
Cons:
* Higher price point than the X3.
* Slightly larger and heavier design.
* 8K files are very large, requiring powerful editing hardware and large storage.
* Lenses are still vulnerable to scratches despite improved guards (tempered glass protectors are recommended but cost extra).
* Low light performance, while improved, isn’t its strongest suit compared to larger sensor cameras.
- True 4K60FPS & Pro-Grade Clarity: Shoot in real 4K at 60fps, Paired with 30MP high-resolution photos, this action camera 4k ensures crisp detail and lifelike motion capture for any fast-paced...
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- Impeccable Image Quality, Day or Night - Experience stunning image clarity and unparalleled low-light performance with the 4K action camera's large 1/1.3-inch sensor, capturing every adventure in...
Exploring the Capabilities: Features and Advantages
After spending considerable time using the Insta360 X4, the jump in performance and usability compared to previous generations is quite noticeable.
Immersive 8K 360 Video Quality
The headline feature is, without a doubt, the ability to record 360-degree video in 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. This isn’t just a number; it’s a significant leap in detail and clarity. When you’re working with 360 footage, you’re essentially capturing a massive sphere, and any final flat video you export is just a small window into that scene. The higher resolution of the X4 means that when you punch in or reframe to create a traditional flat video, the resulting image holds up much better, retaining sharpness and detail that would be lost with lower resolutions. It makes a huge difference for both professional-looking content and even just reliving memories with greater fidelity. You can also shoot in 5.7K at 60fps, which is fantastic for smoother motion, particularly in action scenarios. The inclusion of Active HDR helps maintain accurate colours and details in both bright and dark areas simultaneously, a common challenge in high-contrast outdoor activities.
Effortless Reframing and AI Editing
One of the core benefits of any 360 camera is the ‘shoot first, reframe later’ workflow, and the Insta360 X4 streamlines this process. You don’t need to worry about pointing the camera exactly where the action is happening while you’re in the moment. Just hit record and know that everything around you is captured. The true magic happens in the Insta360 app or desktop software, where you can use intuitive tools to choose your angles, pan, zoom, and create traditional flat videos from the 360 footage. The AI-powered editing features within the app, like Auto Framing, make this even easier, often identifying the most interesting parts of your video for you. This workflow is a game-changer, allowing you to focus on the activity itself rather than fiddling with the camera, ultimately leading to more authentic and dynamic shots.
The Magic of the Invisible Selfie Stick
A signature effect synonymous with Insta360 cameras is the invisible selfie stick effect. When used with the included 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick (or other compatible Insta360 sticks), the camera’s software automatically stitches the two lenses together in a way that hides the stick itself from the final 360 view. This creates incredible third-person perspectives that look like you’re being followed by a drone or filmed by a production crew, but it’s just you holding the stick. It adds a cinematic quality and immerses viewers by showing the environment around you without the distraction of the camera operator (you!). It’s a simple concept that delivers consistently impressive results.
Versatile 4K Wide-Angle POV
Beyond its 360 capabilities, the X4 can also function as a traditional wide-angle action camera. You can select one lens and shoot standard flat video at 4K resolution at a smooth 60fps. This is perfect for moments when you know exactly what you want to capture and prefer a more traditional perspective, like vlogging directly to the camera or filming a specific point of interest. There’s also a super-wide 170° MaxView mode available at 4K30fps, offering an even broader perspective similar to classic action camera shots. This dual functionality adds significant versatility, meaning you don’t necessarily need a separate camera for traditional wide shots.
Unshakeable FlowState Stabilization
Action camera footage can often be shaky, but Insta360’s FlowState Stabilization is, in my experience, one of the best digital stabilization systems out there. It smooths out bumps, shakes, and vibrations incredibly effectively, even during intense activities. Combined with 360° Horizon Lock, which keeps the horizon perfectly level regardless of how the camera is tilted or rotated, the footage from the X4 looks incredibly stable and professional. This is crucial for immersive viewing and makes previously challenging shots achievable. Whether I’m on a bumpy trail or leaning precariously off a cliff edge (safely, of course!), the footage remains smooth and level.
Rugged Design and Enhanced Protection
The X4 is built to handle the rigours of action filming. It feels solid and well-constructed. A key upgrade is the new bayonet-style removable lens guards that twist and lock into place. The standard guards are included in the bundle, offering decent protection for typical use. These are a big improvement over the stick-on protectors of the X3, which could be fiddly and affected image quality more noticeably. While the included guards are good, the lenses are still very exposed on a 360 camera. For maximum peace of mind, especially in environments with potential impacts (like trail riding), investing in the optional tempered glass premium lens guards is highly recommended. I personally found the standard guards sufficient for general use, but I do worry about accidental drops, which could be costly.
Built for the Elements: Waterproofing and Cold Resistance
Taking the Insta360 X4 into challenging weather isn’t an issue. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 metres) right out of the box, making it suitable for snorkeling, swimming, or capturing shots in the rain or snow without needing an extra case. For deeper dives, an optional Invisible Dive Case is available, extending its waterproof rating to 164 feet (60 metres). It also handles cold temperatures remarkably well, specified down to -4ºF (-20ºC), which is great for winter sports or cold climate adventures. This robust build means fewer limitations on where and when you can shoot.
Significantly Improved Battery Life
A major enhancement in the X4 is the boosted battery capacity, now 2290mAh. This translates to significantly longer recording times – up to 135 minutes in 5.7K 30fps mode, which is a substantial 67% increase over the X3. For anyone shooting longer sessions or multiple activities throughout the day, this is a huge benefit, reducing the need to constantly swap batteries or find a power source. Fast charging support also helps minimize downtime. While 8K recording does consume more power, the overall battery performance is a definite plus.
Enhanced Touchscreen Display
The X4 features a larger 2.5-inch touchscreen display protected by tough Corning Gorilla Glass. This larger size makes a noticeable difference for navigating menus, changing settings, and reviewing footage in the field. It’s brighter and more responsive than previous screens, improving usability, especially outdoors in bright sunlight. Having a clear, durable screen makes interacting with the camera much smoother when you’re away from your phone.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at feedback from others online confirms many of my own impressions. Many users are particularly impressed with the jump to 8K quality and the improved slow-motion options, noting that the reframed video looks much sharper. The enhanced battery life is frequently praised for allowing longer shooting sessions. People appreciate the more robust, removable lens guards compared to previous models, although some still recommend opting for the tempered glass versions for extra protection. The ease of use with the Invisible Selfie Stick and the power of the Insta360 editing app are consistently highlighted as major benefits, making the camera accessible even for those new to 360 video. While most feedback is positive, some users have noted that the camera is slightly larger and heavier than the X3, and a few rare reports mentioned potential issues like lenses scuffing easily or charging problems, although the latter might be isolated incidents. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards the Insta360 X4 being a significant and worthwhile upgrade.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
For anyone who has struggled with capturing the entirety of their experiences or wants the ultimate flexibility in creating dynamic video content, an action camera like the Insta360 X4 is a fantastic solution. The frustration of missing key moments is entirely eliminated because you’re recording everything around you. This camera is a great fit because of its industry-leading 8K resolution for unparalleled detail when reframing, its robust stabilization and horizon lock for incredibly smooth footage in any situation, and its thoughtful design features like improved battery life and durable build. If you’re ready to elevate your video creation and never miss the action, the Insta360 X4 Get-Set Bundle is an excellent choice. To learn more and check it out for yourself, click here!
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API