Review: Our Insta360 X4 Action Camera Experience

4.9
Editor's Choice

In the coastal town of Mount Maunganui, where the translucent blue waters kiss white gold sands, local surfers Geniya and Brad decided to put the new Insta360 X4 action camera to the test. This little Kiwi surf town provides the perfect playground to test the capabilities of this much-talked-about 360-degree action camera.

Like the previous versions, the Insta360 X4 is a game-changer in the realm of action cameras. Boasting unbeatable 360° image quality, this device sets a new standard in capturing immersive footage of life’s most exciting moments.

With the Insta360 X4 attached to a floaty stick, Geniya swam out at Omanu Beach, a local favorite known for its exposure to even the tinest of swells. The camera, recording at a either the stunning 5.7K 60 fps or cinematic 4K 100 fps, caught several angles of Brad sliding along fun little waves. These two modes, ideal for action shots, showcased the camera’s ability to produce smooth, slow-motion sequences that bring every moment of adrenaline and excitement to life.

The next morning at dawn, Geniya mounted the Insta360 X4 on her longboard using a standard surfboard mount paired with an Insta360 Quick Release Mount. She paddled out into the glassy morning ocean, with the camera set to a cinematic 4K 60 fps using its single-lens feature. The results speak for themselves, capturing her skillfully navigating small, playful waves in her distinct style. The footage, crisp and vibrant, highlighted every droplet of water and the soft morning light reflecting off the ocean.

The dual-camera capability of the Insta360 X4 allows seamless switching between 360° and single-lens modes, providing unparalleled versatility in one compact device.

Not just limited to the water, the Insta360 X4 proved equally adept on land. Geniya embarked on a hike up the iconic Mount Maunganui — once a volcano but now a hotspot for runners, walkers and tourists. With the camera mounted on the magnificently long Extended Edition Selfie Stick, it provides drone-like footage, capturing breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling coast below. The footage shot in sharp 8K 30 fps allowed for breathtakingly clear and detailed landscapes, giving the impression of soaring high above the ground.

Other new features we love about Insta360 X4

  • Built Tough for Adventure: Designed to withstand the rigors of action-packed adventures, the X4 is rugged and reliable. With removable Lens Guards for added protection, users can embark on their escapades with confidence, knowing their camera is built to endure.
  • Extended Battery Life: Equipped with a powerful 2290mAh battery, the X4 offers extended recording time, lasting up to 135 minutes at 5.7K30fps. This impressive battery life ensures users can capture every moment of their adventures without interruption.
  • Stabilization: With features like 360° horizon lock, you will defy gravity and embrace the thrills of paragliding flips or roller coaster dips, knowing your video will come out perfectly level.

Whether fixed on a surfboard, hand-held in the waves, or extended on a stick from the mountain’s peak, the X4 consistently delivered quality, proving itself as a first choice in the world of action cameras.

One thing we particularly appreciate about all Insta360 products is how fun and easy they make editing footage. You can directly edit clips on your phone and quickly share them on social media, or you can use the Insta360 Studio Desktop to effortlessly create cinematic cuts.

Over the years, we’ve tested not only the Insta360 X series but also the Go 2 and Ace Pro. We love all these models and always include them in our travel gear. The X4 introduces a revolutionary “shoot first, frame later” approach with its 360º reframing feature. Now, you can choose any angle after shooting, ensuring that no moment is missed and every perspective is explored to its fullest potential. This is especially useful for extreme athletes who want to capture the action without worrying about composition.

The new Insta360 X4 continues to offer the same invisible dive case that we loved from the previous X3 model. Exploring underwater with the 360-degree experience provided by the Insta360 X3 and its Dive Case was a delight, and we are eagerly anticipating testing out the new X4. We’re planning a tropical getaway before the year ends, and it will be the perfect opportunity to see how the X4 performs in those vibrant underwater environments.

Buy Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Case

In conclusion, the Insta360 X4 sets a new benchmark for action cameras with its unparalleled image quality, versatile functionality, and innovative features. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking to capture epic adventures or a content creator looking to push the boundaries of storytelling, the X4 is the ultimate tool for capturing life’s most exhilarating moments.

Insta360 X4 is available to purchase from official website Insta360 Official Store priced US$598.99 and Amazon U.S.

Review: Our Insta360 X4 Action Camera Experience
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4.9
Editor's Choice