Insta360 X4 Review

Insta360 X4 Review: 8K is Here, and It Actually Matters

For years, the conversation around 360-degree cameras has been a numbers game, a relentless push for higher resolution. With the arrival of the Insta360 X4, we’ve finally hit the 8K milestone in a consumer device. But the crucial question isn’t whether 8K is possible; it’s whether it’s practical. After putting the X4 through its paces, the answer is a resounding—and frankly, surprising—yes. This isn’t just a spec bump; it’s a fundamental upgrade to the “shoot first, point later” philosophy that makes 360 cameras so compelling.

Design and Usability: A Refined Powerhouse

At first glance, the X4 maintains the familiar candy-bar form factor of its predecessors, but key refinements are immediately apparent. The most significant is the massive 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen, which makes navigating menus and previewing shots a vastly improved experience over the X3’s smaller display. The body is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate a new, larger 2290mAh battery, a worthy trade-off for the impressive 67% increase in run time.

Insta360 has also addressed a long-standing pain point: lens protection. The X4 now ships with standard screw-on lens guards, offering a simple and effective layer of defense against the inevitable bumps and scrapes of action sports. For those demanding pristine quality, Premium Lens Guards made of tempered glass are also available. While the increased size makes it a bit less pocketable, the robust build and native 10m (33ft) waterproofing inspire confidence. It feels less like a gadget and more like a serious production tool.

The 8K Difference: More Than Just Pixels

The headline feature is, of course, 8K/30fps 360-degree video. This isn’t about watching content on an 8K TV; it’s about the profound increase in creative freedom during the edit. The sheer pixel density means that when you “reframe”—that is, punch in and select a traditional 16:9 flat frame from your 360-degree sphere—the resulting 1080p or even 4K clip is incredibly sharp and detailed. Foliage, distant textures, and fine details that were once a mushy mess in older 360 cameras are now crisp and clear. This extra resolution transforms reframed footage from “good enough” to genuinely great.

Beyond the 8K flagship mode, the X4 is a versatile beast. It now shoots 5.7K at a smoother 60fps and offers stunning slow-motion at 4K/100fps. The single-lens “Me Mode” has also been upgraded to 4K/60fps, turning the X4 into a legitimate vlogging camera that rivals dedicated action cams, all while retaining the magical invisible selfie stick effect. FlowState Stabilization remains a class leader, delivering gimbal-smooth footage in even the most chaotic scenarios. The one area where it still shows its small-sensor roots is in low light. While improved, noise becomes noticeable quickly as the sun goes down, a predictable but important limitation.

Features and Software: The Unbeatable Ecosystem

Hardware is only half the story, and Insta360’s software ecosystem continues to be its killer app. The mobile and desktop apps provide a powerful suite of tools for reframing, editing, and exporting your footage. AI-powered features in the Shot Lab make creating complex, viral-style effects a one-tap affair. New additions like Gesture Control and Timed Capture add practical convenience, allowing you to start recording with a hand signal or schedule a sunrise timelapse without waking up.

The workflow is intuitive for beginners but offers deep control for professionals. You can quickly reframe a clip on your phone for a social media post or dive into the Insta360 Studio desktop app for keyframing and high-bitrate exports. However, be warned: processing 8K footage is computationally demanding. While you can edit smoothly using lower-resolution proxy files, the final export will put even high-end computers to the test.

The Verdict: The New King of 360

The Insta360 X4 is a landmark achievement. It’s the first 360 camera where the resolution is so high that it effectively eliminates the quality compromises of reframing. It delivers on the promise of its category: capture everything, worry about the composition later, and still end up with a high-quality final product. The thoughtful upgrades to the screen, battery, and lens protection round out a package that feels mature and robust.

While the premium price and demanding 8K workflow may not be for the casual holiday-goer, the X4 is a game-changer for content creators, action sports enthusiasts, and anyone who values ultimate creative flexibility. It’s not just the best 360 camera on the market; it’s a powerful and versatile imaging tool that genuinely pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon