Is the Insta360X4 worth the upgrade?

Is the Insta360X4 worth upgrading for? And is it a smart choice if you've just started diving into the 360 action camera sea?

Insta360 started spring 2024 with a bang by releasing it's new flagship cam, finally, one may say. It's been a whopping 19 months since the X3 has come out and this sure feels like an eternity in action camera terms. However the wait was well worth it, since the X4 comes with a bunch of improvements and innovations.

If you are unfamiliar with the 360 degree cameras, you can have a read at this article of mine. Short explanation:  you just position the camera and start recording. Later, during post-production,in the app or on your laptop, you can fine-tune the framing to your preference. Easy, right?

Now what did Insta360 work on for the past year and a half? Here's my first impressions and a comparison of the features, that I personally consider to be important, between the X3 and the X4.

Let's start with the technical data

Camera Quality

The X4 boasts an upgraded lens system and image sensor with 5.7K/30p to 8K/30p, with 5.7K/60p, resulting in even sharper and more vibrant images and videos compared to the X3. It also offers improved low-light performance, however it may look almost artificial at some point. If you frequently shoot in low-light conditions, then I would personally opt for the Ace pro to be honest.

On my first rides and during post-production I could definitely notice the difference of top-notch imagery. Another aspect that immediately stroke me was the enhanced zoom capability as well as a tiny improvement with regards to low-light scenery.

Features and Functionality

Both the Insta360 X3 and X4 come equipped with a range of features such as 360-degree video recording, live streaming capabilities, and advanced stabilization technology. The X4, however, also introduces features like gesture control, enhanced connectivity options. Caution here: I enabled gesture control before a ride and didn't notice there were kids, who were passing closely, waving at the camera disabling the gesture control again. So make sure you keep an eye on it, otherwise you won't have much of riding content in the end, just like I had.

The battery has also gotten an upgrade and you now get a total of 135 minutes recording time at 5.7K30fps. I did the test on my rides and with 8K I got around 85 minutes of full riding time. So if you plan on recording all ride long, I either recommend you get a second or third battery pack or get a usb installed on your bike. This can be especially useful for us content creators when out on extended shooting sessions or when traveling. I honestly can't wait to see who's finished earlier : myself riding a swiss pass or the battery life of the X4.

Accessories

Both the Insta360 X3 and X4 are compatible with a range of accessories, the selfiesticks and literally every mount can be used by both. As mentionned earlier, the X4 comes with a new improved battery, which is slightly larger so the X3 won't fit the X4 and vice-versa.

My non-negotiables : The quick reader, the quick release and the lens guards. I'm all about efficency and saving time and these tiny helpers definitely contribute to that. Also worth notifying : the X4 Quick reader is compatible with the Iphone15Pro.

Should You Upgrade to Insta360 X4 from Insta360 X3?

The X4 is definitely making waves. It boasts higher resolutions, better frame rates, extended battery life, and the exciting addition of gesture control and high-quality slow-mo. Innovative? For sure! Needed? We'll see.

Summarized, both the Insta360 X3 and X4 offer outstanding options for capturing amazing 360-degree content. The choice between the two ultimately lies on personal preferences. Regardless of whether you select the X3 or the X4, you can anticipate a top-notch camera delivering breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge features.

Sure, the X4's 8k shooting and 5.7k slo-mo sound highly impressive, but let's be real, most platforms can't handle that level of power just yet. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok – they're all mainly sticking to 4k@60fps.

So, why bother with the X4 now? Well, tech and it's evolution doesn't stop today. Trust me when I say that the era of high-res streaming is on the horizon. Faster internet connections are becoming the norm, and people are hungry for more pixels. When that 8k standard hits, you'll be ahead of the curve with your X4, while your 4k footage might start to look a bit dated and odd, very quickly.

Personally, I see a ton of potential in the Insta360 X4 and, as we all know, the next big camera is probably just around the corner so if you already own the X3 and don't plan on going pro with your content/footage then you will surely not miss out on anything. However, if you're anything like me, eager for even better quality and innovative solutions, then you should definitely hit the order button asap.