Amazing 8K @ 30FPS, 5.7K @ 60FPS, 4K @ 100FPS, 360° capture, 72MP photos, great battery-life, insane image stabilization.
In a nutshell: it’s just better. Insta360 reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in trying out the X4. I’ve been admiring a lot of different creators’ content filmed on the X4 for a while, so of course I said yes. Longer battery life, better image stabilization, more innovative shooting modes, higher resolution video and images, waterproof to 33ft right out of the box (164 feet if you buy the invisible dive case). Let’s get into some more in-depth comparisons below.
About a month ago, Insta360 reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in trying out their new Insta360 X4 action camera. They had seen my snorkeling and free diving videos, and my reviews of other underwater cameras for snorkeling, and asked if I would be into trying out their latest action cam.
Of course I was interested–this camera is a BEAST–and I was eager to put it to the test. I’m currently in the Sierra de Cadiz region of southern Spain, which is some of the most stunning landscape in Europe (in my opinion), with it’s incredible deep valleys, majestic granite rock formations, caves, rivers and the sprawling intersection of the Sierra de Grazalema and Alcornocales national parks.
In short, a fantastic place to put the Insta360 X4 to the test. Insta360 X4 hooked me up big time. If you’re just purchsing the camera, it only comes with the lens guards and selfie stick (and of course the USB-C charging cable, microfibre cloth and protective pouch).
Insta360 also sent me–which I was not expecting–the protective case (number 2), the floating hand grip (number 6), a silicone lens cap (number 7), the undertwater housing (number 5), the SD quick rader (numb er 8), and the selfie stick wrist strap (number 9).
I was really impressed by the design and the UI of the X4. The SD slot is behind the battery (and easier to take in and out than the DJI, in my view).
The user interface is fairly standard action camera. No real surprises there–swiping the screen in different directions to pull of different menus.
Here’s a size comparison beside my DJI:
It’s significantly lighter than the DJI, which I also like (especially if you’re carrying it around in your pocket a lot, like I do).
The point of this article is to compare the Insta360 X4 against the other two competitor action cameras on the market.
Let’s take a look at Stats of the GoPro Hero 12 and the DJI Osmo Action 4 vs the Insta360. The X4 is a newer camera–it was released April 2024 vs September and August 2023 for the GoPro 12 and DJI Osmo 4–although GoPro is set to drop the 13 some time next month (September 2024). It’s also just an all around more impressive piece of gear.
Of course, it comes with the sticker price to match, but if you are serious about creating the best quality content, the Insta360 produces commercial-grade movies that definitely feel a cut above. Click on the tabs below to see full stat breakdowns.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Capture Resolution | 5.3K60 (5.3K at 60fps), 4K120 (4K at 120fps), 2.7K240 (2.7K at 240fps), 1080p240 (1080p at 240fps) |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Maximum Focal Length | 30mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.9 |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
| Video Capture Format | MP4, INSV |
| Screen Size | Back: 2.5 inches, no front |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Special Features | 360 Degree Capture, Invisible Selfie Stick, Removable Lens Guards, Waterproof to 33ft (10m), 164ft (60m) with Dive Case |
| Battery Life | 135 minutes |
| Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization, 360° Horizon Lock |
| AI Editing | Yes |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Capture Resolution | 5.3K60 (5.3K at 60fps), 4K120 (4K at 120fps), 2.7K240 (2.7K at 240fps), 1080p240 (1080p at 240fps) |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Maximum Focal Length | 39mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Screen Size | Front: 1.4 inches, Rear: 2.27 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Special Features | HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization, Water-resistant to 33ft (10m) without housing, Built-in GPS |
| Battery Life | Approximately 155 minutes (varies with settings) |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 |
| AI Editing | No built-in AI editing (depends on app/software) |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Capture Resolution | Up to 4K at 60 fps, 4K slow motion up to 120 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Maximum Focal Length | 24mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SD |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Screen Size | 2.25 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Special Features | Dual Full-Color Touchscreens, 4K/120fps, 155º Ultra-Wide FOV, Anti-Shake, 1/1.3″ Sensor & Low-Light Imaging, Pre-Recording, Slow Motion |
| Battery Life | 150 minutes |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady |
| AI Editing | No built-in AI editing (depends on app/software) |
In the following sections, I’m going to break down exactly what each one of those statistics means for your shooting quality and abilities. I’m going to compare the Insta360 X4 against both the GoPro Hero 12 and the DJI Osmo Action 4 individually.
Each comparison has:
1) An expandable section explaining the practical and technical differences across all features.
2) A popup comparison table highlighting the “winning” and “losing” features for each camera comparison.
Click on the + below to expand the accordion.
Here’s how the Insta360 compares to the GoPro Hero 12 across all 10 categories in the above table. I’ve broken down each category and tried to explain what each difference means in practical terms when it comes to shooting.
The Insta360 X4 offers video capture up to 8K resolution. This high resolution is ideal for capturing intricate details in nature documentaries or expansive landscapes. For example, if you’re filming the fine textures of a bird’s feathers or a sprawling mountain range, the 8K resolution ensures every detail is sharp and clear, even when zoomed in.
The GoPro Hero 12 provides up to 5.3K video resolution. This is excellent for capturing detailed action shots, such as surfing or mountain biking. While not as high as 8K, the 5.3K resolution is more than sufficient for most sports and adventures, delivering vibrant and detailed footage without needing the highest possible resolution.
The Insta360 X4 uses a CMOS sensor, which performs well in various lighting conditions. This is beneficial for shooting dynamic scenes, such as a sunset during a kayaking trip or filming in a dimly lit cave. The sensor’s ability to handle different light levels ensures your footage remains clear and vibrant.
The GoPro Hero 12 also features a CMOS sensor but with advanced low-light capabilities. This can be particularly useful for night-time shooting or underwater footage, where capturing clear images in limited light is crucial. It offers improved performance in darker environments compared to many other action cameras.
The Insta360 X4 has a focal length of 15mm, providing a wide-angle view that’s perfect for capturing expansive scenes. For instance, when filming a large group of people at a sports event or a sweeping landscape, the 15mm focal length helps include more of the scene in each shot without distortion.
The GoPro Hero 12 features a 39mm focal length, offering a more focused view. This is great for detailed shots, such as close-ups of a rock climber’s hands or a skier speeding down a slope. The tighter focal length helps in capturing more specific and detailed elements of your action shots–basically, you can get closer to your subject without it going out of focus (which is always been a major issue for me with action cams because I like to shoot wildlife like frogs, snakes and insects).
The Insta360 X4 has a maximum aperture of f/2.2, allowing more light into the lens. This is advantageous for shooting in low-light conditions, such as during a forest hike at dusk or underwater where natural light is scarce. The larger aperture helps to maintain clarity and detail in challenging lighting situations.
The GoPro Hero 12 has a slightly smaller maximum aperture of f/2.5. While it still performs well in a range of lighting conditions, it may not capture as much light as the Insta360 X4. This might be noticeable in very low-light situations, such as night-time adventures or early morning shoots.
Both the Insta360 X4 and the GoPro Hero 12 use Micro SD cards for flash memory. This standard type of storage is suitable for handling high-resolution footage and extensive recording sessions. For long shoots, like tracking wildlife over an extended period or filming an all-day sporting event, Micro SD cards provide the necessary space and convenience.
The Insta360 X4 records in MP4 format, which is widely supported by most editing software. This makes it easy to quickly edit and share your action footage, whether you’re working on a commercial project or editing one of your adventure videos. It also stores INSV files, which are what the camera records when you’re capturing in 360 mode.
The GoPro Hero 12 also uses the MP4 format, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of editing tools. This is beneficial for creating professional-quality videos, such as extreme sports highlights or outdoor adventure reels, as it simplifies the editing process.
The Insta360 X4 features a 2.4-inch screen, which is adequate for previewing shots and adjusting settings. This size is suitable for quick on-the-go adjustments during shoots, whether you’re filming a fast-paced sport or a scenic landscape.
The GoPro Hero 12 has a slightly smaller 2.27-inch screen. While smaller, it remains functional for live previews and adjustments. Its compact size is manageable during active filming, making it practical for dynamic shooting environments.
Both the Insta360 X4 and the GoPro Hero 12 offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows for easy connection to smartphones for remote control and quick sharing. For real-time adjustments during dynamic activities or live streaming your adventures, both cameras provide seamless connectivity options.
The Insta360 X4 stands out with its 360-degree video capability and AI editing features. This is ideal for creating immersive content that captures every angle of your adventure, such as a nature documentary or an innovative action shot.
The GoPro Hero 12 features HyperSmooth stabilization and GPS capabilities. The HyperSmooth stabilization ensures smooth, shake-free footage even in rough conditions, making it perfect for high-action sports. The GPS feature adds value for tracking and mapping your adventures, whether you’re hiking a trail or exploring new terrain.
The Insta360 X4 offers up to 135 minutes of battery life. This is generally sufficient for extended shoots but may require extra batteries for all-day filming or long adventures, such as extended wildlife tracking or day-long sports events.
The GoPro Hero 12 provides up to 155 minutes of battery life. This longer battery life is advantageous for all-day recording, making it ideal for full-day activities or continuous shooting sessions without needing frequent battery change.
Click on the + below to expand the accordion.
The Insta360 X4 has exceptional image quality and delivers sharp, vibrant photos and videos. If I were trying to impress someone (a client, or just friends and family) with the quality of my videos or content, the high resolution, combined with the 360-degree field of view, and fantastic image stabilization of the Insta360 X4, is an easy choice.
It’s also super user-friendly, which an action camera should be. It should be easy to make changes on the fly without a ton of camera experience, and the X4 has been nothing but user-friendly (more so than DJI or GoPro, IMO). I also liked the well-designed companion app that simplifies shooting and editing.
The battery life is definitely a drawback for me, with frequent recharges required during extended shooting sessions–especially if you’re shooting in 8k–which can be inconvenient for long-term projects or travel. What’s more, as I touched on, the camera’s performance in low light is less impressive than I would like (or expect, even, from something with this price tag), as it struggles with motion blur and noise in darker environments.
I am also not that confident in the lens protection covers. They seem fragile, and they’re expensive to replace. They are also no waterproof. If you submerge them, they fill with water, which is fine, the X4 is waterproof, but you have to then remove the cap, dump the water out, and then put it back on to continue shooting above water if you want to avoid distortion.
Lastly, the camera tends to overheat when recording at maximum resolution or in warm conditions, which can impact recording time and performance. The first time I took this out was in 38 Celsius weather, and at 8K, just standing in the sun, I could feel the camera heating up.
In conclusion, the Insta360 X4 is a powerful 360 camera that delivers high-resolution imagery and smooth video stabilization, making it a versatile tool for immersive content creation. While it has areas needing improvement, such as battery life, low-light performance, and lens durability, its overall quality, its feature set and its UI make it a great choice for both casual users and dedicated creators.
I think with a few improvements, the X4 could easily supplant GoPro as the leading household name in the action camera niche.
Choosing the right snorkel fins can completely change your experience in the water. The best options balance comfort, propulsion, weight, and packability—especially if you’re traveling. Whether you’re floating above reefs or kicking into deeper water, the right fin helps you conserve energy and stay out longer.
Mexico — a land where land and sea meet with unrivalled drama. Along its vast coastlines, each season unfurls a new spectacle beneath the waves. In the Pacific, volcanic spires stand sentinel over deep, mysterious waters, while to the east, the Sea of Cortez stirs with a kaleidoscope of life, its moods shifting with the turning of the year.
Here, divers may hear the haunting song of whales resonating through the depths, feel the sudden rush of sea lions twisting through underwater forests of kelp, or witness the breathtaking moment when a curtain of hammerhead sharks sweeps past in perfect, synchronized motion.
To truly experience this great oceanic theatre, there is nothing quite like a liveaboard voyage — days and nights spent far from the shore, immersed in the rhythm of the sea. But when is the perfect time to dive in Mexico?
THE INSTA360 X4 Amazing 8K @ 30FPS, 5.7K @ 60FPS, 4K @ 100FPS, 360° capture, 72MP photos, great battery-life, insane image stabilization. Why the Insta360 X4 (and why NOT the GoPro 12 or DJI Osmo Action 4)? In a nutshell: it’s just better. Insta360 reached out to me and asked if
As someone who shoots underwater all the time, and having used both, I think the DJI Osmo Action 3 is the better underwater action because of it’s sensor, depth rating price,
If you’re interested in a full face snorkel mask, but are worried about poor quality and potential CO2 buildup dangers, checkout the Seaview V3.
Whether you’re heading below the surface for the first time or you’re a vet, check out this night diving guide. From compass use to signalling to dive light selection
