Insta360’s New Flagship X4 Camera Delivers 8K 360-Degree Video
Insta360’s new flagship camera, the Insta360 X4, offers 8K 360-degree video, plus 5.7K/60p and 4K/100p video. It promises ease of use with its invisible selfie stick effect and a single-lens mode that is a 4K/60p action camera.
8K Resolution Leads List of New Video Features
The 8K video mode is the highest resolution Insta360 has ever included in a 360-degree action camera. It promises sharp and detailed 360-degree video, and the company notes that 8K resolution provides significant reframing options during post-processing, ensuring users can crop video while still maintaining a sharp look.
While 8K footage is capped at 30p frame rates, those requiring more speed have plenty of options. 360-degree video at 60 frames per second tops out at 5.7K resolution, up from 4K on the Insta360 X3. Speaking of 4K, that resolution is now available at up to 100 fps, enabling four times slow-motion 4K footage.
“Whatever the resolution or frame rate, 360-degree shooting with X4 offers unique benefits like the Invisible Selfie Stick effect, creating impossible third-person views that look like they were shot on a drone or with a personal camera crew! That extends to photos too, with X4 capable of 72MP 360-degree photos, now with built-in AI denoising,” Insta360 explains.
A new 5nm processor designed for AI applications powers the AI denoising and other imaging features.
The X4 has a Type 1/2 image sensor paired with a 6.7mm equivalent f/1.9 lens. The camera can also record DNG (RAW) images, which is a nice feature. The X4’s ISO ranges from 100-6,400, and its shutter speed tops at 1/8,000s.
Double Duty With Single Lens Action Cam Mode
For times when 360-degree footage isn’t required, the X4 doubles as a more traditional wide-angle action camera. The 170-degree ultra-wide lens works for up to 4K/60p video.
Given that the X4 is aimed at action photography and outdoor shooting, it must be rugged and durable. An essential upgrade for the X4 is removable lens guards. These are made from scratch-resistant glass and are easy to remove or apply at a moment’s notice.
The Insta360 X4 Is Built for Adventure
The X4 also sports a larger 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen and can be taken up to 33 feet underwater straight out of the box. An optional Invisible Dive Case makes the camera suitable for underwater shooting more than 160 feet below the surface for even more waterproof performance.
The camera also includes a new, larger 2,290 mAh battery that promises up to 67% longer run time than its predecessor. According to Insta360, the X4 can shoot 5.7K/30p footage for 135 minutes.
Although many users will likely find the 4K/100p mode sufficiently swift, the X4’s Bullet Time mode, think The Matrix, works at 5.7K/120p or 3K/240p. There is also an 8K TimeShift hyperlapse mode and an 11K resolution Timelapse feature. For those who don’t want to use a physical neutral density filter, the X4 also has a digital Motion ND effect.
External Editing: Mobile and Desktop Apps, Plus Premiere Pro Plugin
Although the camera has an AI chip inside, the Insta360 app offers even more AI-powered functions, like AI Edit. Insta360’s custom algorithm handles the entire editing process, including reframing, using improved subject detection. Users can choose from more than 30 effects in a single tap.
The app includes Quick Edit, formerly known as Snap Wizard, which lets users move their phone or use a virtual joystick to edit 360-degree video. Insta360 says it’s “easier than playing a video game and just as fun.” The reframed clips are saved and immediately available for sharing.
Users can also edit X4 footage in Insta360’s newly updated desktop app, Insta360 Studio. It is compatible with 360-degree footage and regular flat images and enables easy editing at maximum resolution.
Both the mobile and desktop apps are entirely free to use and do not require a subscription.
Although Premiere Pro is not free, it’s a popular video editing tool from Adobe, and Insta360 just recently launched the Insta360 Reframe plugin for the app. With Reframe, users can, as the name suggests, reframe 360-degree files shot on X4 within Premiere Pro.
“8K will be transformative for creators as reframed video now holds its own alongside footage shot on regular cameras. But X4 isn’t just about image quality, it’s designed to be the most robust, easy-to-use 360° camera ever, no matter your experience. This idea was at the heart of a lot of the changes we made,” explains JK Liu, founder of Insta360.
Pricing and Availability
The Insta360 X4 is available now for $500. The camera’s complete specifications are on Insta360’s website.
Image credits: Insta360
