Insta360 X4 | Complete Beginners Guide & Best Settings

This video provides a complete guide to the Insta360 X4. Included in this video is a tour of the X4 camera body, what each button does, how to navigate the touchscreen menus, the best settings I recommend for every mode, tips for better filming, and how to reframe and export footage for the best quality using the Insta360 Mobile App and Studio App.
🌐Buy the Insta360 X4 here: bit.ly/3w3Y6aB
Table of Contents:
0:00 - Content overview
0:50 - X4 Camera Body
5:47 - On-screen icons and buttons
9:18 - Swiping functions
10:02 - Main menu key settings
12:35 - Firmware update
13:15 - Video mode
18:34 - Single lens mode
22:38 - Low light video
22:51 - Saving Custom Presets
23:58 - Active HDR
24:29 - TimeLapse mode
25:50 - TimeShift mode
26:25 - Bullet Time
27:04 - Loop Recording
27:59 - StarLapse
29:25 - Burst
30:27 - Interval
32:04 - HDR Photo
33:25 - 3 key filming tips
36:48 - Importing footage in the mobile app
38:46 - Editing and reframing in the mobile app
44:47 - Export settings in the mobile app
45:48 - Other Editing options in the mobile app
47:35 - Importing footage in the Studio app
49:06 - Editing and reframing in the Studio app
55:20 - Export settings in the Studio app
58:16 - Editing a full project in the Studio app
1:02:27 - Project export settings
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[@vcasqu]

I don´t usually comment videos, but I have to in this one. I have watched plenty of X4 instructional videos, but this one is by far the best! Congrats.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. I really appreciate your feedback and support!

[@michaelvarney.]

I’ve wondered why the native file is often smaller than the exported files. I wish insta360 would allow direct manipulation of native files in other programs like Davinci.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Yes, part of that is the variance in compression with h.265 native files vs exporting as ProRes422 which doesn’t have the same compression. Insta360 does allow for direct editing of the native files in Premiere Pro but so far, I think it is only Premiere Pro. The 360 degree files can be edited in DaVinci Resolve but the process does involve first exporting the files from the Insta360 Studio app and then installing a plugin from a third party. Hopefully Insta360 will continue to expand the ability to edit the INSV files in other programs.

[@chrisaugenthaler3499]

I really appreciate your step by step how to for this camera. I am an old fart and it nice to have someone walk me through the Insta360 ×4. I will watch this and practice so I can capture some great vids on this wonderful device. Thank you.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome and I appreciate your feedback.

[@bmcg9376]

The best instructional video I have watched so far (and I have watched many). My X4 is due in a few days and I an looking forward to circling back and watching this again, once I have the device in my hands. Thank you and Kudo's!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy your X4!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Awesome tutorial. I will be getting the X4 soon after using the X3 for some time. I am one of the very few who often uploads the complete 360 video instead of reframing but I will be doing more reframing videos in the future. Watching from the PHILIPPINES. I also hope to use the DJI wireless mic with Bluetooth. I have not seen much info on this application yet online.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy your X4!

[@alandsofairandbright]

this is the best instructional video, waiting for my X4 in the mail, will definitely coming back to this video for all the recommended settings.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you and hope you enjoy your new X4!

[@alandsofairandbright]

I got it ,thank you for the great setting instructions. Appreciate your advice . Also love your timelapse's , been watching your videos for years , and you helped me understand my GoPro hero 9 and it's settings .

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@alandsofairandbright Thank you!

[@corei51]

I have only owned the X4 for 1 day and I will sit down and listen to your familiar explanation, thank you in advance. greetings from Holland 👍👍

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. Enjoy your X4! It’s a great camera.

[@Hart-en-Ziel]

What a splendid and detailed overview. Impressive. Thank you!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you!

[@JustVeganin]

Definitely one of the best videos explaining how to edit!!! Thank you! Quick question how do I get back to the original footage?

[@krzysztofkenobi8072]

What is sense of picking lens mode in 360 modes (mega ultra dewarp) if you can choose it later in the software?

[@ZaireP]

Thanks for a great tutorial. I have the x4. Do you know if there is a way to hook up a Bluetooth to record two mics. I just bought my mics a month ago so I don't want to spend more on the DJI mic 2. I can hook up via Bluetooth to a DJI TX but only 1 of the mics is recorded. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you

[@danielvaldes8534]

Amazing video! Super comprehensive and useful. Just got my x4 yesterday and can’t wait to try these tips. Thank you’

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy your X4!

[@martymusselwhite7423]

Very informative. Just purchased the X4 yesterday, so as a complete newbie, this helps tremendously.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. I’m glad you found this helpful and hope you enjoy your new X4. Just took mine out again today on a hike and had a blast filming with it.

[@RonnieB300]

Excellent informative video from A to Z. Thank You

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. I appreciate your feedback!

[@zenseekerEric]

That was super helpful. Thank you! 😁

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome!

[@girlvsglobe86]

Man you are the best! i just bought the camera and im waiting for it and i was already scared to use it but this video is a lifesaver!!! Thankyou thankyou!!!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome! Glad you found it useful and hope you enjoy your X4! It’s a fun camera.

[@IceUpsun]

I may have missed it but could you tell me the best settings for catching peoples face reactions in the background I am on a motorcycle by the way

[@DrPsyBlaze]

this is the best instructional video. thank you

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome and thank you for your feedback.

[@ronenmeir4343]

Great video! Thanks

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thanks!

[@broodjebeeld]

What a great overview and instruction video. Your video is to-the-point, clear and complete. Thank you very much.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you!

[@mikelafferty5253]

Im gonna edit a few now, thx for the help!!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome!

[@annetteramirez206]

Great job on the video. Very detailed. Thanks.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you

[@jcmarsan]

Congratulations, this is the best help guide for beginners in using this camera, I have seen hundreds of videos and tutorials and yours is the best of all, it perfectly explained all the settings and I greatly appreciate your recommendations. Thank you so much.💯👌👏👏👏

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you! I really appreciate your feedback and support.

[@roninr8199]

Once we record video in flat only after framing in insta 360 studio and export video then do we have to again edit that video in davinci for colour grading? We have to edit twice?

[@MeMess34]

Thanks for this video and the time you spend for, super complete and usual 👏👏👏

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and support!

[@itsaakashyadav]

amazing insights, thanks for this video, really helpful.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Appreciate it and I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@ashgurungtravelvideo]

The best introduction video.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you.

[@Campingkayakride]

I really like your setting explanations. Helpful with my ace pro & can’t wait for the x4 arrival. Many thanks for sharing 👍

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you and I appreciate your feedback! Hope you enjoy your new X4. It’s a fun camera.

[@txkflier]

Whew! That was a lot of info. Thanks!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You’re welcome!

[@graphicsorders6536]

I'm not seeing (when recording from single lens) the option in Studio (PC) to lock the Horizon, is it hidden somewhere? Using the Insta360 x4 here.

[@ShabsieS.Scruff]

Thanks for the Great explanations. I do have a couple of questions, when you have a moment. 1. Would you recommend the x4 over the x3? 2. I want to film my son’s football game. Do you think this camera would be suitable?

[@mavicprah8063]

I want to use the X4 for moto vlogging. Would you recommend going premium for that? Because I suppose without a lens guard, it's easy for a stone to hit the lens, right?

[@WillieWheels]

Thanks for your time and hard work on this video ✅ splendid Job!!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@damorgman]

Great videa - also, I can't believe the starry sky you got on the bike ride, was that right out of the camera with no editing?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you. That starry sky with the bike ride was a sky replacement shot lab feature. This is a feature you can use in the Insta360 app. It’s a neat feature that is fun to play with.

[@jasbirno-gy9qo]

I travel a lot and I was looking for a camera that is compact but can also record video and take pictures. Basically, I'm more interested in taking pictures than recording videos, but also in compactness. This is the best how-to video yet. Do you think it's ok for me to take the X4 and use it for family photography, of course, and recording while traveling with children. Thank you for your reply and best regards

[@DrunkPhotography]

Great tutorial. Question, at 13:15, there was a firmware update since this video, and under anti-flicker is the option “In-camera stitching.” Did you get to compare stitching in camera vs in post?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Yes, I tried both options and tested and I do not see any noticeable stitching differences between the two modes.

[@robertkruse6188]

Under image settings mine has in-camera stitching should that be on or off. And i have a 5.7k+ is that good to use? Great video thanks for sharing😂

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Ah yes, these two new settings that were added via a firmware updates after I had released this video. I recommend keeping in-camera stitching on. That way you don’t have two .INSV files to stitch in the app later on. 5.7K+ is supposed to be “almost 8K” and is good for those who are concerned about the 8K files taking up too much space. I personally still prefer 8K for the very best quality and reframing flexibility later on. Thanks!

[@stoldrag85]

The looping mode at 27:05 sounds very useful

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Yes, it can be quite useful in many scenarios.

[@crandallcrute3918]

My X4 arrived yesterday ..........Fantastic video - do you have a recommendation for a Mountain Biking preset?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thanks. For mountain biking I’d recommend 8K30 with MegaView and an ISO Max limit of 800. Adding the MotionND affect when reframing later on should look nice with your mountain biking footage. If you will be going through lower light/shade then I recommend switching to the 5.7K30 during those moments as recommended by Insta360 for better low light performance.

[@crandallcrute3918]

@@GreatDayForAHike Thanks so much!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@crandallcrute3918 You’re welcome!

[@Ozpeter]

Very comprehensive, thanks. But I would advise against using low sharpness. In a review on an end user channel I saw a test shot of a distant brick wall using each setting, and while the medium and high settings were not very different from each other, the low setting turned the bricks to a blurred smear and completely threw away the 8k advantage of the x4.

[@GazBarton]

Hi, I noticed with a recent update that a new option was added, it's called in-camera stitching and can be found under image settings. It's turned off by default. What are your thoughts on the setting ?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

I noticed this setting being added after creating this video. I turn this setting on so that I have just one INSV file to reframe per clip and not two INSV files like the X3 had per clip. I suppose there may be an advantage in having it off if one wants slightly more battery life or slightly less heat generation by the camera as I expect this in-camera stitching uses a bit more energy. Before that firmware update the default on the X4 was one INSV file with no option to change that setting. I think Insta360 wanted to make that setting available for anyone that wants the two INSV files per clip still for various reasons.

[@GazBarton]

@GreatDayForAHike thanks for the explanation. It was very helpful.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@GazBarton You’re welcome.

[@DrunkPhotography]

14:57 they’ve now added something “5.7+” so I’m curious what your thoughts on this are.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

I find it does look a bit better than the standard 5.7K but I still prefer the 8K mode for best quality since the only reason to really use 5.7K+ is if file storage is an issue. Of course the 5.7K (non +) is still the recommended mode for best results in low light. Although I find 8K30 to do well in low light too.

[@DrunkPhotography]

@GreatDayForAHike I have to get out and test this then. I want to test this very scenario.

[@stoldrag85]

3:17 note so I can find the micro SD card you spoke of. Thank you

[@GreatDayForAHike]

I recommend the SanDisk Extreme or SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD card. I use the Pro version but the regular Extreme version is fast enough: amzn.to/49RgBgi

[@paullaw5054]

As a newbie to the 360 camera, is there a right or wrong way to face the lens. I.e if I'm walking along does it matter if the lens with the screen side faces me or forward. And what about if the lens are at 90 degrees, facing outwards. Oh! Another question, can I use my samsung S9 tablet to edit the footage. Brilliant video by the way. Will use this as my bible to get to grips with the camera.

[@africanson1124]

No. Unless you're using single lense mode... The most magical thing about the camera is that when in 360 mode, the lense doesn't even have to be on you and you can still be captured. I think once you download the app you should be able to edit footage on any device.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@africanson1124 This is correct. Thanks!

[@Flow-rs1qg]

The X3 has a quick recording feature, but it is exclusive only to the 5.7K 360 mode. Does the X4 have a quick recording feature in single-lens mode (such as 1080p mode, single lens)?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Yes, the X4 allows you to enable the Quick Recording feature and once you enable it you can then choose from several different modes including 360 or single lens and not just video but also time lapse, photo, HDR, etc.

[@Flow-rs1qg]

@GreatDayForAHike Thank you for the quick reply. i might buy the X4 if that is the case. I used my X3 often as a body cam, but it is a hassle because it has no quick capture singe lens.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@Flow-rs1qg Yes, it’s good to see improvements and more flexibility with settings like this as well on the X4.

[@oquefizhoje]

Hi Excelente video. How long it takes 10 min export file? Hugs. Carlos M.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thanks! The amount of time it takes to export a file is going to vary depending upon the hardware of a device. I find the export time for a 10 minute video on my computer to take about 5 minutes.

[@oquefizhoje]

​@@GreatDayForAHike Today I inported 4 clips to VirbEdit. Add the telemetry and finally export 20min 4K. The destination file as 7.5 GB and I took 210 minuts to complete.... I have I5 Intel processor 8GB memory and a dedicated videocard....

[@user-mz8kb2ng4i]

Здравствуйте.iУстановил nsta360 studio.но она не запускается.В чем может быть дело?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Could be some type of error during the installation process or maybe something unsupported about the computer it is running on. Those are my two thoughts.

[@HansanTran]

How do I factory reset x4 ? Can't change the language to vietnamese there's no option where chang language is

[@GreatDayForAHike]

From the General menu under the settings cog icon on the second page of the menu you can click that and down near the bottom is a factory reset option.

[@FabrizioNannini]

So you can't just shoot an HDR with DNG? Any workaround or just manual bracketing?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

That is correct. At this point the HDR Photo mode only offers the Pureshot photo and not a DNG. There is no AEB option so far (maybe Insta 360 will add later on via firmware). For now I would recommend manual bracketing using the Photo mode in DNG.

[@FabrizioNannini]

@@GreatDayForAHike it seems to be the only solution. But it's absurd, AEB is not heavy on the hardware like it might be a 10 DNG HDR shot. BTW 1-inch 360 Leica does it without breaking a sweat. I know it's a lower res but what the hell, just automate DNG shooting and let us stitch it in the desktop app!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@FabrizioNannini I agree. Therefore, I hope this gets added in a future firmware update. I believe the X3 had AEB and even though the HDR Photo mode may be better on the X4, having AEB with DNGs is still a powerful feature.

[@FabrizioNannini]

@@GreatDayForAHike let’s wait then! Great video BTW!!!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@FabrizioNannini Thanks!

[@12Rosen]

How can I blur or cover things, such as my face, in Insta360 studio?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

To my knowledge, the Insta360 studio does not have this functionality.

[@12Rosen]

@@GreatDayForAHike is there another software i can use to do this? maybe premiere pro?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@12Rosen Yes, you can do a mask in most video editors, including Premiere Pro.

[@anficyon]

how can edit the 360 photos?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

You can edit these within the Insta360 mobile app or Insta360 Studio app.

[@anficyon]

@@GreatDayForAHike I thought the app was only for video

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@anficyon The app allows for editing photos from the X4 as well.

[@sstefany]

Just FYI- I found in testing between the X4 single video lens mode at 4K is inferior in quality to the GoPro 10 shooting in 4K also. I shot the same subject and zoomed in a great amount on the same area in both cameras' video. The X4 was ok but the GoPro 10 was somewhat better in capturing details. I think this is to be expected in a 360 camera (although in single mode for this test). I wanted to know if I could leave my GoPro behind next trip, guess not. I am very happy with the 360 capabilities of the X4 at 8K however.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Yes, I agree with you. Single lens mode on this vs my other action cameras like the GoPro I still prefer the GoPro. The 360 degree footage on here in 8K is the main appeal of this camera to me.

[@sstefany]

@@GreatDayForAHike Thanks for the reply. Aside from increase resolutions (clarity), stabilization is the monster that has improved cameras over the last decade imho. I wasn't a fan of GoPro till the Hero 7. Sony's Action cams' (HDR & FDR models) stabilization was better before the Hero 7. Got 'great' Grand Canyon river rafting 1080p video with Sony 10 years ago. We are all spoiled now :) Great video btw.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@sstefany You are so correct. We are very spoiled now with stabilization. I still remember the GoPro Hero 4 and 5 days with no built-in stabilization as I hiked with these cameras in places like Hawaii and the US west coast. Beautiful places to hike but difficult to capture the adventure at the time 😂

[@sstefany]

@@GreatDayForAHike Oh....I was so thrilled to buy a Hero 5 Session so cheap recently and then use today's Gyroflow to stabilize it. Some say the data is faulty (especially on a drone) but I've had no problem. Looks great. For old other unstabilized (no gyro data) I use ProDad's Mercalli stabilization software which does a decent job.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@sstefany Yes Gyroflow is a great tool. I’ve also used ReelSteady for many years for GoPro footage. I have not used that other tool.

[@gregskakadu863]

I want good quality in small filesize. I film in 5 weeks 45 hours on my bike journey. I had with 512gb 13 hours with my One RS. With my new X4 and 8k30 I have less then 7 hours. With 5.7k+ I have 11 hours I dont want to double my sd cards. I think 5.7k+ is best for me. Have you another option for me?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

The 5.7K+ is close to the same quality as the 8K but with the smaller file size. I think that option may be best for your use case from my perspective.

[@gregskakadu863]

@GreatDayForAHike Ty, then I settle with this option until they change something :)

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@gregskakadu863 You’re welcome.

[@davidrowley2755]

X4 supports SD cards up to 1TB which could give you more recording time

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@davidrowley2755 Yes, also a good point. A 1TB cards can hold a lot of 8K30fps footage.

[@toniyoung9804]

My screen is just black what do i do?!

[@GreatDayForAHike]

I recommend removing the battery and then attempting to power on again. If it still doesn’t work I’d recommend contacting Insta360 support.

[@Yoshi-Mooch]

Did I miss how to edit out the invisible selfie stick?

[@GreatDayForAHike]

The Insta360 app and Studio app automatically apply the selfie stick removal effect.

[@Yoshi-Mooch]

@@GreatDayForAHike so I’m guessing I did it wrong if I still see it? 😂

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@Yoshi-Mooch If you still see the whole selfie stick then yes, because it should disappear automatically when you edit provided it was attached properly at the base of the camera.

[@Yoshi-Mooch]

@@GreatDayForAHike I think cause the camera was 90 degrees from selfie stick. Whoops

[@GreatDayForAHike]

@Yoshi-Mooch Ah yes, that would explain it. Yes the selfie stick does have to align with the same vertical direction of the camera between the two lens even if the camera is held horizontally.

[@albertoarcos5822]

Excellent video…..

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Thank you.

[@Calvarydima]

Hi guys. Do you recommend using android phone version for edit and if yes , which version, meaning preferred specs! Thanx . I do have an iPhone 13pro which works great . But I would like to have a second device just for editing because I like using my phone during export and run other tasks 🩵

[@GreatDayForAHike]

I’m not too experienced with Android phones and specific models but I would say you shouldn’t need a real high-end phone as the Insta360 app does run pretty lightly even when editing 8K clips. I would say make sure you have enough storage space though if you’ll be handling a lot of files from the X4 on your phone.

[@francojohnathon]

Great job on the video. Very detailed. Thanks.

[@GreatDayForAHike]

Appreciate it and glad you found this useful. Thanks!

[@meing4853]

@@GreatDayForAHike which is your preference 360 X4 or DJI osmo action 4. I am new into this and love to get a nice one for my many upcoming trips. Appreciate your help and comment. Very nice video and great information. Thanks again.