Insta360 is a company that is challenging GoPro’s position in the action camera market through continuous innovation. Their newest product, the Insta360 X4, is set to redefine the space as it is the first camera with a field of view of 8K 360 degrees.
The Insta360 X4 is equipped with an AI-powered 5 nm chip and a smart control system, which will revolutionize shooting on the slopes and take it to a whole new level.
Image Credit – Insta360
The Insta360 X4 can capture 8K video in the round or 4K 60p in single camera mode. It records everything around the camera, allowing the content creator to choose to frame the image later in post-production.
By capturing the entire 360° sphere of influence, users can choose their shot and drop it at an angle they didn’t see before, resulting in unmatched creativity from seemingly endless possibilities.
Image Credit – Insta360
At the heart of the X4 is a powerful 1/2 inch 5 nm AI-driven sensor that offers both voice and gesture control systems with a robust and easy-to-use camera interface.
The camera offers Insta360’s flow state image stabilization and 360° Horizon lock for smooth, level shots in the middle of the action, no matter how rough the experience.
The camera also works well in low light thanks to two 6.7mm F1.9 lenses on either side, each with a field of view.
It also has a 6-axis gyroscope that can capture rock-solid H.265 video of up to 8K 30p in 360° mode, or 4K at up to 100 fps in single camera or “Me” mode. Me mode records 170° field-of-view flat video, which is perfect for POV video with an invisible selfie stick.
5.7K at up to 60 fps is also available for that extra bit of resolution. The camera also supports 72 MP and 18 MP still images in lossless DNG or Insta360 360’s dialed-in INSP codec with vivid, standard, and LOG color profiles.
MegaView is also a new option within the Insta360 App that will process the video for less distortion and higher image quality in aspect ratios ranging from 1:1, 16:9, 4:3 and 2.35:1. Vertical video options of 9:16 and 3:4 are also available for social media content.
Image Credit – Insta360
Other modes of the Insta360 X4 include Active HDR, Timelapse (in 11K, no less), 8K TimeShift/Hyperlapse, Bullet Time, Look Recording, and a pre-recording function when the action is too busy to hit record on time.
The camera also offers various photo modes, including Internal, StarLapse, Burst, and HDR Photo. There is also a “Motion ND” mode for applying a digital ND filter without the need for an add-on filter.
The camera can be controlled using hand gestures to start/stop shooting or taking photos or by using voice commands through Insta360’s Voice Control 2.0. Time Capture will schedule the camera to automatically power on, record and shut itself off.
Image Credit – Insta360
The camera is capable of a max shutter speed of 1/8000 of a second and offers an ISO range of 100-6400, and a max video bitrate of 200 Mbps.
Exposure compensation can be engaged to offer +/- four stops. As for audio, the camera records from four microphones in 16-bit AAC at 48 kHz.
The battery life of the Insta360 X4 promises a run time of 75 minutes in 8K or 135 minutes in lower resolutions from its interchangeable 2290 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with charging up to 80% in 38 minutes, and 100% in just under an hour.
The camera also offers Bluetooth, 2.4/5Ghz WiFi connectivity, and a Type-C USB 3.0 port. However, that connection is only supported on Android devices, which is a bit odd. iOS devices can connect wirelessly via WiFi.
Image Credit – Insta360
The camera offers a rugged design that weighs just 203 grams with a 2.5-inch LED touchscreen and removable lens guards. Optional premium lens guards made from tempered scratch-resistant glass are also available.
Image Credit – Insta360
After a day’s shoot, Insta360’s AI-powered Quick Edit (formerly Snap Wizard) can reframe the image by either moving the camera or using the virtual joystick.
The reframed clips are then saved for sharing. AI Edit can automatically edit and reframe images, while Shot Lab provides up to 30+ effects to give the video or still image more viral-worthy pizzazz.
The Insta360 Desktop Editor is also available as a free download, plus there’s an Insta360 Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro to add to your Creative Cloud Workflow.
Pricing and availability
The Insta360 X4 is available now for $499.99 from Insta360 direct or through its authorized retailers.
[source: Insta360]
Order link:
- Insta360 X4 360° 8K Camera (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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