Insta360 X4 vs Insta360 X3 Review: Comparing Features and Quality

Insta360 X4 vs Insta360 X3 Review: Features, low light, video quality, stabilization
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0:00 Intro
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#insta360x4 #insta360x3 #insta360
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[@nowandrew4442]

I have two X3s and an X4, and hadn't noticed till now that the X3 doesn't have h265 😅 I guess that's how they stopped the overheating from which the X2 greatly suffered. 🤷‍♂ There is a point to the X3 if you do mostly timelapses. Or, if you need two cameras, one for video and one for timelapse. A), the X3 still does 8K timelapse, and more importantly B) it actually has better abilities for timelapse as it has much faster options, namely 0.2, 0.5 and 1s intervals which the X4 does not have - even at 8K. 🙄 And also the X3 seems to be somewhere more stable when running from a powerbank - a couple of times already my X4 has failed to charge adequately from an 18W USB-A port on a powerbank. Even though measured power draw when recording is still only 6W max.

[@OttoJulian_]

Good information all around. I did use (although not for extended time) a fast powerbank that works with the new iPhones and I didn’t notice any problems. In my experience I’ve seen that some devices won’t charge or will charge slowly when using a charger/powerbank that actually works fine with other devices.

[@nowandrew4442]

@@OttoJulian_ all my powerbanks have a capable USB-C port as well but I tend to favour the "dumb" USB-A (i.e. non-QC etc as well) since they are more resistant to devices' attempts to send a "I'm full, stop supplying!" message which has cost me a few captures too. I should mention that my captures are predominantly before-sunrise till after-sunset, so no mere couple-of-hours exercise 😊

[@OttoJulian_]

@nowandrew4442 wow yeah. I was wondering why you mentioned the usb-a in the first place but I think you have way more experience in that regard since my continuous charging/shooting has never lasted that long

[@Unduplicatable]

The X3 still overheats frequently and easily, especially in video mode.

[@nowandrew4442]

@@Unduplicatable I had many overheats with my X2 but can't remember it being a memorable problem on any of my 4 X3s to date.

[@DrunkPhotography]

Great review. I was going to skip this camera entirely but after I damaged my One RS 1inch, I realized I don't feel like taking my premium cam to do fun but dangerous things. 8K 360 makes a huge difference, I hated that X3 wasn't far better than X2, but X4 is worth the upgrade because the usable flat 8K 360 video output is decent 4k! On X2 and X3, it's really only low quality 2.7K* flat video. You'd take a picture from a X3/X2 video, it looked like garbage. Now, though, snapshots and photos are usable. The previous cameras interval shooting was HORRIBLE. Now, it's much improved as well, another feature I see the influences avoided reviewing for years. insta360 poisoned the HDR feature on tis camera though, I feel on purpose, to make you buy the One RS 1inch because if you can't bracket, then HDR is a waste of time. You take a picture and you can't use your camera until the camera is done processing the photo stacking the HDR itself for you. Waste of time and card space!

[@OttoJulian_]

The X3 is ok for social media but as you said, the output was exported is not as good as advanced users would like.

[@joaobaeta5445]

Good afternoon, I've been watching your videos and I'm undecided between the osmo 3, the insta 360 x4 and an M6 gimbal with the iPhone 15 pro max, I make a lot of vertical videos for social media. I love using the iPhone in cinema mode and the stability is perfect, but I would really like to have the Osmo 3 but from what I can see it is very fragile and the stability is not very good. the 360 ​​is brutal, even the stability is better from what it says. But later on, editing quickly can be more complicated. That's why I'm undecided

[@gabrielscarvalhoo]

I just got my X4 and I dont know about X3, but it is super easy to edit it on your phone. And there is an AI feature to do it for you

[@OttoJulian_]

Sorry about the late reply... regarding editing in post, yes, that's a step that people need to learn about, some say it's easy, some have a harder time and take more time learning, I think it's just about getting used to it, and having the time to do it after your shots have been taken.

[@Marco-gw5sn]

I really appreciate that your videos are not sponsored and that we get your honest opinion. That doesn't seem to be the case with many other KZbinrs. Thank you very much for that ❤

[@OttoJulian_]

Sure thing! Thanks!

[@kennyadvocat]

The X5 is gonna be a game changer with 12k video. =)

[@OttoJulian_]

We’ll have to wait until next year I guess. For now, the X4 will be the best option

[@kennyadvocat]

@@OttoJulian_ hope you make an X5 video for launch spring 2026. =)

[@nandysullivan3005]

I guess they release new version every 2years

[@OttoJulian_]

@@nandysullivan3005 X4 took about 1 year and a half to come out after the X3

[@aaronclark-c8c]

The x5 ain't shit compared to the x12 with 50k video in 7 years 😂😂🎉

[@The123el]

Hablas tan claro y tan preciso que yo no siendo hablador de inglés te entiendo.

[@OttoJulian_]

Excelente. Muchas gracias!!!

[@GWAStech]

Gteat rewiev! Thank You for helping me with decission. I already have x3 and I was thinking to buy next one because after damage and reparation my x3 is not waterproof anymore. X4 looks much much better with all points for me. Thanks! Good job! 👍

[@OttoJulian_]

it's a nice upgrade, hope you enjoy it

[@SittinLow]

Awesome Video! Have the Gopro12 but definitely want to get the X4! 🤩🔥

[@OttoJulian_]

The X4 is a good option. I wasn’t a huge fan of the X3 once I started to use it more, but the X4 just won a place in my travel backpack

[@SittinLow]

@@OttoJulian_ Thanks for the Reply! I’m ordering now!

[@Ozpeter]

I am in shock! Putting any 360 camera in a pocket unprotected is very risky. The lenses are so vulnerable. Anyway, thanks for posting these careful comparisons. As always, the improved resolution of the X4 is not always obvious to me when I pause the comparisons and closely examine the frame. Often, trees and distant posts look sharper on the X3. Grass is often better defined on the X4. Maybe it is simply a matter of how the AI is processing each element within the frame. Maybe sharpness is set higher on the X3 and that tricks the eye. But overall picture quality of the X4 is better, I agree. And its feature set is superior. Audio is markedly superior. But I am still unsure about the upgrade. Ultimately it is of course a personal thing.

[@johnhighfield]

I thought the same thing when he put the cameras in his pocket. I'm so protective of my cameras. I'm struggling trying to decide if I want to upgrade or not. I have an X3 and an Ace Pro.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Peter! Agreed! You had me giggling about the lens inside the pocket. I don't use carry them around like that but it was more of a demonstration of how small they can be, don't worry, I'd never advice to do such thing and no lens was harmed during the production of this video :) Just a quick note, sharpness was set to low on both devices and I apply some of it on Premiere Pro to compensate. You are also right, same sharpness doesn't mean that they are processing it the same way. Yeah Audio was a big surprise (I knew the X4 had a good mic but side by side you can tell a big difference)

[@aliyusuf7510]

This video is to the point, Thank you… you just got a new like and sub.

[@OttoJulian_]

Thank you so much!

[@adytaveras6439]

does the accesories from the X3 are compatible with the x4?

[@OttoJulian_]

Most of them are not

[@Chelsea-ys3xn]

Some of them do, mostly they don't. Which ones exactly do you want to know?

[@MCVlogsHk]

as always i like the clarity of your review and comparison...

[@OttoJulian_]

Thank you so much!

[@sammyesma5978]

hi sir , how are you? do you have a video of insta 360 x3 how to use in facebook live?

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi. No I don’t

[@VRuiz-fj7mo]

Great comparison Otto Thanks

[@OttoJulian_]

Glad you liked it!!

[@Chonkeeartist9001]

Basically, the X3 is now obsolete which is sad since I was initially considering it as it's far more cheaper. Guess I have to grind harder for an X4. 😅

[@OttoJulian_]

I wouldn't call it "obsolete", I still have it and works fine, but the X4 is just better with the higher resolution and if you can save or afford to get the X4, it's going to be better

[@PJVidz007]

Can you make a comparison of underwater video without using dive case for X3 and X4?

[@OttoJulian_]

Will try to. I might be moving out from the X3 in a very short term

[@aprabowo84]

can you check this Insta 360 X4 with BOYALINK, is the mic transmitter will has an effect with stitching video? thanks

[@OttoJulian_]

hi, I don't have that mic

[@DreadinNY]

Can the screen be cut off while recording to conserve battery?

[@rkdbaj]

Think x3 can if i remember. Not happy new 1 is heavier and bigger

[@OttoJulian_]

yes you can select a self timer to turn off

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

I didn't get the X3 but now I debating should I get the X4 because I had Insta360 Ace Pro and Go3. The X4 low light is not so good as I been watching X4 video from everybody. Should I wait the next one come out with low light improve. Thanks anybody.

[@OttoJulian_]

indeed, low light is not so good, and the X4 should not be bought if that is important for you. The X4 main advantage is the 360 recording and the ability to shoot first and frame later. If you don't care about that then it's really not worth the investment

[@tortangpagong]

Great comparison.Love your content bro.

[@OttoJulian_]

Thank you so much 👍

[@SpidaMez]

is the x3 still good?

[@OttoJulian_]

It is good, but the X4 is way better

[@allstarbury]

Otto i have pocket 3 question Do we need to make gimbal calibration? Every time when i am turning on camera pocket is looking into sky and i need to put 2x tap to recenter main sensor . Also when i am moving left/right camera is askew 20 degress and i again need to recenter It wasnt on pocket 2 never .This is only on pocket 3 now

[@allstarbury]

@@GipsyDean well still pocket 3 is 10bit picture and hdr if you know how to export Negative is also when you are recording in strong sun you need nd filters its must have otherwise video will be absolute blow overexpose But this oled screen is terrible i see almost nothing when recording

[@OttoJulian_]

it's a good idea to calibrate it once in a while. Not sure why yours is facing up when you turn it on. Dean: I had no idea that you want to get rid of the Pocket 3. I just used this camera for a personal trip and had no issues at all.

[@bashar_art_457]

Is there a difference in the quality of the 360° image taken from the Insta 360 x3 camera and the Insta 360 x4 camera? I have insta 360 x3..and I only care about 360° photography

[@OttoJulian_]

there is a difference but honestly it's not huge.

[@bashar_art_457]

@@OttoJulian_ Thank you

[@ManTeybor]

I just buy insta360 X4. I used phone Redmi C13. I can't download the insta360 app. It says that my phone didn't compatible with the app. What should i do? If i need to buy a new smart phone, what kind of phone? Please help me...😭😭

[@OttoJulian_]

So sorry about that. I’d stick with Samsung or Google Pixel. One plus also are good

[@xnautro]

is it more details or more sharpen and more saturation? :p

[@OttoJulian_]

I set the sharpness to low. It does have more details, footage looks better

[@TimeTravelShots]

Hi, Can we use X3 invisible selfie stick with X4?

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi. Yeah you can

[@TimeTravelShots]

@@OttoJulian_ Thanks 👍

[@mordfustang3794]

I'm new to this. Can someone tell me if the imsta360 can record front and back. Like if I want to use it as a bike dashcam and mount it on my helmet. Can I record front and back simultaneously?

[@SUPRAP2]

It records EVERYTHING around you. Front back left side right side up down EVERYWHERE. When you're done recording you get to choose exactly where you want the video to focus on at any point in time.

[@OttoJulian_]

xxxshift said it. Don’t poke your nose thinking it will not see you

[@jackpoopoo]

@@SUPRAP2 so its normal that the screen for the x3 doesnt show the 360 view right?

[@AbadyonYT]

​@@jackpoopooit's a touch screen if you swipe around it'll show. But at any given moment it won't show the whole 360 footage while capturing.

[@uno2807]

Tnx for this video..

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome!

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

My friend sell me the X3 for $250 should I buy it instead X4 with that price? Please advise. Thanks

[@DripSirius]

Yes If the accessories are complete.

[@OttoJulian_]

Not bad if it’s in good conditions. Check the state of the battery (no bumps or deformations) and most importantly take a good look at both lenses. Any visible scratch will have a negative impact in your videos

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

It’s just the camera with box and 128gb SD card like you buy the one the website $399. It’s a good condition. He give me a selfish stick. That its. This is my first ínta360 camera. Thanks

[@lecarrosharde0626]

Use that $250 to get the x4 you won't be disappointed

[@MinhNgo-qj1bt]

@@lecarrosharde0626 I thinking about it too by watching the video the X4 vs X3 the color do look nicer.

[@武川烁]

Is this insta360 x4 thing drop resistant?

[@OttoJulian_]

Depends on the point of impact and other factors. If the lens get hit (most of the time they will) it’s game over. Using lens guards might help, but in all honesty, try to avoid dropping it by all means

[@武川烁]

@@OttoJulian_ I know what you mean, my main use scenario is to set it up on top of my camera to record work footage for me, there may be a few bumps and bruises during my work probably similar to the Nangang 15c where the lights occasionally hit its body parts rather than the lens, would it be able to withstand that level of collision?

[@Unduplicatable]

If I turn on the defroster cold air to max speed my X3 will still overheat in the window on a 38-60 degree (Fahrenheit) day. Even if it's really cold out, I still can't trust it to not overheat. I basically can't use the HD video option at all, only regular video, but regular video still overheats so I'm stuck to the Timewarp or whatever it's called.

[@OttoJulian_]

might be your memory card, other users and myself have mentioned multiple times that having a slow or low quality memory card will get your device to overheat

[@nouman0596]

I'm waiting for your video

[@OttoJulian_]

hey there, just a few more days! Thank you ;)

[@gurusaham]

nice reviews

[@OttoJulian_]

Thanks!

[@azzurripro]

Did Insta 360 ask you to say the video is not sponsored? other reviewers have said insta 360 are asking reviewers to say the video is NOT sponsored when it is.

[@OttoJulian_]

No, they have never asked me to say such thing and I would say no if they ever did. Nothing that was said in this video was on behalf of them

[@biggooseadventures]

Nice video

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome!

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you Otto

[@OttoJulian_]

Thanks! You are welcome!

[@camilo8cheryl]

Ill keep using my X3 for now, until the release of a 1” sensor X5 or X6😂

[@OttoJulian_]

Yeah that’s a good idea too. I bet if Insta360 had changed the sensor more people would buy the X4

[@camilo8cheryl]

@@OttoJulian_ your right Julian, its not much of an upgrade if I’m only banking on resolution and for me the pocket 3 is my heavy use pocket camera for programs, events and vacations..

[@OttoJulian_]

@camilo8cheryl if you have the Pocket 3 as well that changes your whole panorama. Yeah, I think you are making a smart move

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

Neither of them actually record decent fps... It feels like this company just takes the accessories from the previous gen and just makes them a little bigger and changes software to trick people into thinking its better. Couldnt trust you about the overheating because when i went into a store and tried the x4 just like i did the x3 a year ago and the x2 a while before it got hot after 10 mins or so PLUS the garbage part is the split videos in the x3.... how can people be talking about quality with these if they cant get a good frame rate. Its a non issue talking about dynamic range and colour profiling as those after post processes, which you have to do with these cameras anyway.

[@OttoJulian_]

Being hot to the touch doesn’t mean it’s overheating, so I think you have the wrong concept. Even my Sony A7IV camera gets warm after a while when shooting at 24 fps. Now, higher frame rates doesn’t mean higher quality. Of course it’s not a 100% re designed camera so I don’t see where the lie is. I don’t owe anything to insta360 and I don’t particularly love these type of cameras so there is no reason for me to pump or hype them (or any brand to be honest). By the way, I love exposing these companies when their products overheat or perform badly with battery life or low light, really boring when they don’t overheat. Is the X4 better than the X3? Yes it is. Don’t like them? Buy something else, very simple

[@TankTheSpank]

Can someone please do a comparison of a iPhone 15 pro vs x4… Like all reviewers are ignoring that this is 500 dollar camera almost as expensive as a iPhone… (notice that iPhone has more features, so at the very least should be similar or same quality)

[@OttoJulian_]

yeah agreed, it's expensive. Thanks for the idea

[@CAMTechChris]

If you want a 360 camera the iPhone vs x4 is the wrong comparison.

[@TankTheSpank]

@@CAMTechChris iPhone can do more for only 50% more the cost.. If I phone had only feature was camera it would cost 500 dollars… this camera is inferior in almost all ways. Other than the ultra wide to 2 lenses.

[@RajivKDutt]

😊😊😊

[@Aejindagi]

😊😊😊

[@OttoJulian_]

Thank you all!

[@FantinoBrosee]

would you like to review our drone?

[@OttoJulian_]

To reach out you need to send me a message on instagram @ottojulian_

[@StephaneP]

👍

[@OttoJulian_]

Thanks!

[@TheHudsonValleyWanderer]

I don't care about 8K. I care about bitrate! 😁

[@OttoJulian_]

true, then get the X4

[@nouman0596]

Upload new video

[@OttoJulian_]

editing a new one

[@MaksimPipkin]

wait for x5

[@OttoJulian_]

12K resolution maybe? :)

[@KaioshinAemi]

This video is not needed, we want X4 compare to X2.

[@OttoJulian_]

Im really not trying to pick a fight, and I’m not the hoarder type of person, but when something doesn’t fit my style or if something better comes out I’ll get rid of the old stuff. With that being said, I love my Pocket 3 but I still kept the Pocket 2, but when the X3 came out, the X2 was a big paperclip for me doing nothing so I sold it. There is nothing that the X2 can do against the X4, except for the price if someone is thinking to buy it. It’s my opinion and some people won’t agree, but as soon as I read this I went ahead to look at my older X2 files and had a good laugh. Good back then, but not anymore by current standards

[@OttoJulian_]

😄 peace. Anyway, even if I wanted to I don’t have the X2 anymore