Insta360 has recently announced Insta360’s X4 Air, the latest addition to its X series. It is a compact, ultralight, and filled with flagship-level features. Interestingly, it comes with AI-powered simplicity for the creators who wish to capture life instantly. If you are an avid explorer or even an expert videographer seeking to capture more exciting angles, Insta360’s X4 Air is a solid option. Let’s unfold everything about this newly introduced camera and find exactly what it offers.
A New Edition
For more than five generations, Insta360’s X Series has set the standard for 250 imaging, integrating intuitive design, better image quality, and solid software that make immersive storytelling accessible to everyone. The new edition —Insta360’s X4 Air — carries this legacy forward, reshaping portability and creative autonomy.
It is the lightest-ever 8K 260 camera, which is created for the street, the trail, and regular use. It is an entry-level model for those wishing to explore 360 storytelling for the very first time. It comes with a sleek, travel-friendly structure that can fit well into a pocket or backpack.
Insta360’s X4 Air Specifications
| Type | 360 camera |
| Sensor | 1/1.8-inch x 2 |
| LCD | 2.5-inch touchscreen |
| Memory | MicroSD |
| Dimensions | 45 x 112 x 25mm approx |
| Weight | 5.8oz/ 165g |
| Launch date | 28 october |
| Standard edition costs | $399 |
| Colour options | Graphite black and arctic white |
| Available | Worldwide |
The Insta360’s X4 Air offers the same recording capabilities as the original X4, with 360-degree 8k videos with a maximum of 30fps. However, it can decrease the resolution to 4k and increase the framerate to just 50fps. You need to use Insta360’s X4 Air in single-lens mode at 1080p to increase the framerate to 120fps. This model has reduced capabilities while clicking still pictures. It goes up to 29 megapixels.
Although there is a little performance deduction, Insta360’s X4 Air features two 1/1.8 inch sensors that are slightly larger than the ½ sensors incorporated in the previous X4 versions. The real attraction of this new Insta360’s X4 Air lies in its size. Even though it is not much smaller than X4 and X5, but shorter than the previous models at 113mm tall and 165 grams. Basically, it is 30 grams lighter than previous models, making it more convenient to carry anywhere.
However, the smaller body compromises the battery life, falling in between the X4 and X5 up to 88 minutes when capturing at 8K/30fps. The Verge reported that Insta360’s X4 Air starts at $399.99, which is quite affordable compared to the $549.99 X5. If you want more option for compact cameras, read our article on compact cameras that capture high-quality POV footage.
Insta360’s X4 Air Review
One may find working with Insta360’s X4 Air through the mobile app confusing. However, once you go through the step-by-step activation and connection processes that require Bluetooth for two-way communication between the mobile and the camera, you can use the mobile screen to see the scene at a distance with greater clarity than on the camera monitor.
It is quite easy to connect your devices and preview videos and photos saved in the camera roll. There is an option to download the files to the mobile for editing purposes. You can work on files stored on your memory card set in Insta360’s X4 Air. However, this can slow down the process. The app interface is quite user-friendly, though some advanced features may feel a bit overwhelming to beginners.
While using Insta360’s X4 Air, you can feel the responsiveness. The speaker ‘beep’ as the camera starts may seem quite loud out of the box, positively calling some unnecessary attention in quieter environments. The touchscreen is highly sensitive, and swiping to reframe 360-degree footage is lag-free. Reportedly, the previews are not of the highest quality commonly found on a camera. It looks comparatively low-resolution if you are using a recent phone screen or an interchangeable lens camera. At the same time, the small size means clicking icons on-screen is difficulty. This is why you need a phone to be paired with Insta360’s X4 Air. If you are new in the camera world, you can find our guide to cameras and DSLR cameras.
Insta360’s X4 Air Image Quality
With a sensor over 1.6x smaller compared to Insta360’s X5, you can expect a tradeoff in terms of picture quality. Smaller pixels are the required compromise that makes the size possible. If you purchase one, you may be doing so because of the compact size and weight. Considering the compact structure, Insta360 has performed well to optimize the internal engineering, and the sensor seems a bit larger than the chip inserted in X4.
When it comes to image quality, the Active HDR mode and Adaptive Tone setting are highly efficient at preserving highlights. It is noteworthy that HDR shooting is not possible beyond 30fps. The frame rate is also limited to 50 fps instead of the high 60p available on previous versions. You can expect the best results when shooting outside with good light. The automatic white balance system also adjusts well in direct daylight, though having full control over the colour temperature is possible with the available options. This provides 360 footage, a really immersive and real feel, ideal for capturing the true essence of the scene while traveling.
Who Should Buy Insta360’s X4 Air?
There may not be enough reason to switch to the latest camera model, but if you are a frequent traveler and wish to be discreet in shooting, Insta360’s X4 Air is a really affordable video camera. Even though 8k is overwhelming for many users, it allows cropping and reframing features. Having 8k capability is a portable package for the high-end photographers.
The reduced cost compared to the previous versions suggests the X4 Air is a reasonable entry point into the world of Insta360. You may get many features with little investment.
When to Avoid?
If you have recently bought an Insta360’s X5, then you should not switch to the latest version. You can own both if you are a fan of Insta360 system and want a smaller backup body. Although the image quality is great, the X5 has a bigger sensor and the advantages of PureVideo mode for low-light and night vision. You can also explore Adobe’s new camera app for better phone photography.
