Insta360 X4: The Best Skiing Camera Yet? Full Review & Guide

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for all the support! Here's my link if you want to take advantage of the sick Black Friday discounts and get a free snow bundle. www.insta360.com/sal/x4?INRW52O Let me know if you have any questions in the comments. Always stoked to help!

[@COGMOFWOC7]

Thanks for the speed, trail, and altitude stuff man, it makes it almost immersive. I asked for it a video or two ago. It's awesome to see that creators are open to feedback. The video was awesome. Also you're ripping it. Keep it man.

[@Destiny-I-Draw-Things]

The link is overpowered… A 60$ snow kit free: chest mount, helmet rod, a mount for helmet, a memory card and more for free (with buying the x4) Thank you so much for the gift Rise & Alpine!

[@riseandalpine]

@@COGMOFWOC7 Thanks! Always opening and listening to feedback. I'd like to play with the speed stuff on a really good day when I can let it go super fast.

[@riseandalpine]

@@Destiny-I-Draw-Things I appreciate you! Watching my stuff and supporting what I do is the ultimate thank you.

[@Sawtorn2]

Sadly it won’t let you do the Black Friday deal and the winter kit aswell. I hope you still got your portion though

[@mmfproductionz97]

Been following your content for a while man! And it’s awesome! As an east coaster, thank you for letting us live the powder paradise through you!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks so much for following along & I'm happy I can help fill that powder void for ya.

[@scottydk1982]

I swear ive been looking for a ski review/suggestion video for the X4 for a while. Im shredding this weekend in the Swiss Alps and its been snowing all week! Cant wait to use all these features on pow days ....Subbed! Thanks bro!

[@riseandalpine]

This camera will look exceptional in the alps!

[@Addictedtoskiing]

Looking forward to the next vid because we all now that its a 100% a banger. Just normal skill issues that i like not a pro that dont make any mistakes however you are really good. Im an og btw

[@riseandalpine]

Appreciate ya brother!

[@clouder2098]

The X4 looks epic, Also epic video!

[@riseandalpine]

Great camera! Stoked you like the review. I wanted to wait a long time to make it so I could give ya the in depth review.

[@JetLi-h6g]

Think this season will see your channel blow up a bit more 🙏, you deserve every success with your energy.

[@riseandalpine]

I really hope so. Thanks so much for the support!

[@Yooouser584]

Studying for my final exam of medical school.... oh, wait, Rise and Alpine posted... Studying postponed!

[@riseandalpine]

You’re a legend! Congrats on being in Med school. Absolute grind.

[@slydogy41]

I realy wish i had bought the Inst 360 instead of the Hero 11. A review like this would have been a game changer. The GoPro is still a great camera but the Insta looks much more versatile. In my opinion the Horizon Lock on the GoPro makes the Skis at the bottom of the screen look a bit weird, kinda like they are detached or something. But the Hyper Smooth is good enough on its own.

[@riseandalpine]

I've got a hero 11 and I agree it's a wicked camera, but I never use it. I just don't get the shots I want without a 360 cam. The X4 without a doubt is a way better ski camera than anything with a single lens & it is more advanced than the Go Pro Max

[@ross.pepper7217]

Just bought mine today and revisited this video. This winter is going to be fun I’m telling you buddy.

[@riseandalpine]

Sick!!! You'll love this cam dude

[@BravoBrickStudios-tz8np]

2 in the morning playing Fortnite and listening to u. this is the life

[@riseandalpine]

Love that!

[@BravoBrickStudios-tz8np]

@@riseandalpine Are you gonna make it for the whistler opening day?

[@seanalexandersimpson]

This was a super informative review, I really appreciate the level of detail and especially the accessory options that were covered. The one thing is watching someone slide down a mountain going as fast as a car on a highway with no way to stop quickly and without anything protecting their body had me so tense that it wasn’t until the video was over that I realized I needed to physically relax my body. So new anxiety source unlocked. Yay…

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you enjoyed the review. Sorry for making you so tense hahahhaa. Time for a beer ;)

[@iuripinheiro8754]

Simply epic, my dream of consume. Amazing film, tanks my friend!

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for watching!

[@CG_prints]

i have the insta 360 go 2 and i love it all insta 360 cameras are great great vid

[@riseandalpine]

The go 2 looks pretty wicked and super versatile! I'll have to try and get really weird with shots at some point.

[@craigiannucci9914]

This is very helpful. Thanks for the feedback.

[@riseandalpine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Destiny-I-Draw-Things]

Wow 2 minutes ago!! I’m in the time Also super guide. This winter I want to buy x3 because it’s in my budget but what I heard is that it’s very good tho.

[@riseandalpine]

It's an amazing option as well! And also lighter :). Here's my link for the X3 if ya ever feel like pulling trigger. You'll get an invisible selfie stick. www.insta360.com/sal/x3?INRW52O

[@choisam20]

I SWEAR!! I was eyeing to see get the new x4 because you make the best ski aerial shots with x3. i'm trying to see if i can get away with using x3 if there is no significant improvement between the two. Now i'm gonna start watching this video now. thanks!! perfect timing! (mouth mount does look cooler. cuz it's a bit heightened than the chest mount. and yes, just a bit more inconvinient.)

[@riseandalpine]

X4 is definitely a better camera, but the X3 still gets amazing shots

[@ExoticxYoshi]

What chairlift is that at 6:30? I wanna try and hit that jump this season 🙂.

[@riseandalpine]

I think Strawberry chair

[@remusician]

man, that looks so tasty :D can't wait to go skiing

[@riseandalpine]

Just delicious!

[@LivingTinyish]

You can put the selfie stick in a back pack and do a high shot. Black diamond has a backpack ghat fits treking poles and it fits right into the pocket with the selfie stick.

[@riseandalpine]

Totally! There’s also an insta360 backpack mount. I personally find the angle is a hassle to setup and looks a little distorted but very very cool nonetheless

[@BradMcFeters]

Do you have a review of the ski pole mount?

[@riseandalpine]

Oh! You're talking about the insta360 ski pole mount. Ya I have a video where I show it skiing last season. Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTRfI2rrLB1qNE Check 3:04 of that video. Personally I don't ever use it. One more thing to carry. I'd rather just hold the selfie stick and put my other pole in my hand or leave it at the top. I find it's hard to hold it stable with the ski pole mount because I want to pole plant.

[@paulobirek8276]

Just ordered with your link! Looking forward to it! :)

[@riseandalpine]

Really appreciate that! Super stoked to see how you like it.

[@vincent7zheng]

I've got an 360X2, but I'm thinking of getting the new x4 for my upcoming trips to Japan.

[@riseandalpine]

The upgrade from the X2 is worth it for sure. The X2 can't film 5.7 or 8k so footage gets compressed much more when exporting and you lose the clarity.

[@vincent7zheng]

@ yeah! I found that out from your video too. It’s so crisp I’ll have to get one in a week or so. Another quick question is if I pick the snowboard combo I’ll lose the standard gift from your link?

[@divineashler]

James, just keep making fab videos!❤

[@riseandalpine]

So long as people keep watching & engaging I'll keep making them better and better!

[@aaalllen]

Hi. Say for general ski filming, are you on the video or HDR setting? Also, did you change any settings away from the default? Like the bitrate and video sharpness settings.

[@riseandalpine]

I leave everything stock with HDR on! Don't do any grading or anything and keep the settings as high as possible on export.

[@aaalllen]

@@riseandalpine Great. Thank you for responding. Have a great season. Whistler looks on fire.

[@eggtricks]

the speed feature is going to look so good

[@riseandalpine]

100%

[@roadtriprohan]

Greatest Camera for Snowsports!

[@riseandalpine]

Absolutely!

[@aidendunlap9353]

Surprised you don't film in 8k more often, because it allows you to do 1080p exports! Also the tip to have the camera perpendicular on the chest mount is super smart, since normally you want the a lense pointing forward....

[@riseandalpine]

The main reason is 8k requires full sunshine and good lighting. While skiing or in the mountains there are almost always clouds!

[@Subalpinism]

It sure beats my glitch GroPro, that's for sure...

[@riseandalpine]

GoPro's are the worst eh. I need to get ya in touch with my contact at insta360.

[@Untied_Shoelace]

You should come visit Stevens Pass. Small resort but has an insane backcountry, it's sick! I ski at Steven's Pass weekly and if you're looking for more companions to hit the slopes with, feel free to reach out! This year, la Nina will bring cooler wind from the Pacific predicted to have 120% snow above average at coastal ski regions like Whistler, and Mount Baker. This will be awesome You're a maniac with those outdoor stunts! Love the POVs and vlogs, keep it up!

[@riseandalpine]

Would be a blast to rip Stevens with ya. So stoked for La Nina! It's gonna be a wicked one for us :)

[@drgrodski]

where you planning on being opening day? whistler or blackcomb?

[@riseandalpine]

Always a day of decision (see what the wind does!)

[@kfitzp88]

Every run the ski pole mount? Also, do you have any settings tips for brightness etc while skiing ?

[@riseandalpine]

Not a fan of the pole mount. I think it looks unnatural because you are not pole planting and if you are it moves the camera too much. I leave everything on stock settings, works great for me. Don't do any color grading or after production.

[@Untied_Shoelace]

Thanks a lot for your advice! You're an absolute legend. I just bought the X4. Pardon my continuous questions, could you share your preferred or recommended resolution for filming skiing videos? You often record in 8K 360, which delivers insane detail and sharpness, but does 30fps feel a bit choppy for action shots like skiing on this camera? As you mentioned, low-light environments might negatively affect 8K performance. Could you elaborate on the limits of 8K in darker conditions, such as forest skiing or under heavy clouds? Lastly, platforms like KZbin only support 1440p to 4K and not 2.7K. What other 360 resolution would you recommend as the most balanced in terms of processing, detail, and fps, while best fitting KZbin's standards? Please correct me if I’ve misunderstood KZbin’s or the camera's resolution standards. I'm new to this video setup and compression. Thanks for your help.

[@riseandalpine]

No worries. Always happy to help. The 8k looks grainy if the light is low, so clouds or forests are a no go unless you have really good lighting. Not sure the science, but it just doesn't look good without sunshine. 70% of the time I film in 5.7k 30fps, the other 30% is in 5.7k 60fps. That's about the amount I get decent sunshine in the mountains and sometimes I just prefer to run the smaller file sizes of the 30fps for the SD card. 30FPS doesn't seem choppy to me and most of my videos are 30fps and are smooth as can be (unless I try and slo mo). 30fps will not slow mo smoothly. If you're posting to KZbin the best way to export is via the desktop app on the computer. Set your export settings to 4k 80mpbs, h.265. KZbin compresses to 50mpbs anyways so you can get away with that as well. Hopefully that was helpful!

[@Untied_Shoelace]

@@riseandalpine Thanks for your advice. Have a crazy winter!

[@zacstrick57]

what helmet mount do you use?

[@riseandalpine]

Just some helmet mounts from amazon

[@dj4978]

Thanks for the great review! Can you tell me which helmet mount you're specifically using to attach the insta360? Been having trouble finding the right one. The motorcycle mount isn't the same??

[@riseandalpine]

I'm not a fan of insta360's adhesive helmet mount. It's flexible but a little weird. I've honestly just always bought cheap plastic mounts on amazon and they've done fine on the helmet & are more low profile than the insta mounts. I've addressed my distaste for insta's provided mounts for skiers so hopefully they make some adjustments.

[@FranciscoJavier246]

Awesome video! Q: Do you think that the new battery life is reason enough to buy the x4 instead of the x3? How much does the x3 actually lasts in cold snow conditions? Thanks man!

[@riseandalpine]

I'd say battery life alone isn't a deciding factor. My X3 battery was solid. If you like the X3 I'd invest in a secondary battery to keep on your pocket on the mountain. It's super rare that I'll run through 2 batterrys in a day, and if I do, I'll have one heck of an editing shift ahead of me LOL

[@FranciscoJavier246]

@riseandalpine thank you man !!!

[@ejmotta]

hi, in a sunny ski day , should I film in HRD Mode? D-LogM or norma? tks in advance

[@riseandalpine]

Great question! I have no time for colour grading so I always keep HDR on all the time. If it is really low light I often switch to 5k 30fps and sometimes turn HDR off (other times I forget) and it still looks great. I never colour grade any of my footage and always run the natural camera colors and love them!

[@ejmotta]

@@riseandalpine thanks for the reply, Did you also leave the white balance as AUTO ?

[@iuripinheiro8754]

Do you use a smartwatch for skiing? Which one would it be?

[@riseandalpine]

I actually don't own a smartwatch! Never liked the feeling of watches on my wrist. I think a lot of my buddies use those Garmin GPS ones.

[@adamjagieo347]

yeah ,but why it can't be smaller, like half a size ???

[@riseandalpine]

That would be the ultimate level up! Keep all the same tech and battery life and make it the size (or smaller) than the original one x2. I found the X3 was a happy medium (much better than X2) but I still run the X4 every day because of the camera quality.

[@j.p.6228]

Agreed, that would be the ultimate upgrade. It is a sweet camera, size is the only downside imo

[@Jacob69.69.]

I have used a camera before and was in the market for one either a go pro 12 or insta 360 x3 or i suppose x4 after watching this video. But i just worry like would falling on it damage the camera and lens guard possibly shatter if my body as a snowboarder and it was on my belly on a groomed run? Sick video and shots btw!

[@riseandalpine]

I’ve broken as many go pros as I’ve broken insta360 hahaha. It’s all luck of the draw. Personally, I would never use a gopro as my main skiing camera, its just so hard to get a good angle.

[@Jacob69.69.]

@@riseandalpine Oh really is there any replacement policy for insta360?

[@walkcoolboy]

Awesome video. just got my X4. Could you do a 8k 30p vs 5.7k 60p detail comparison?

[@riseandalpine]

TBH it all depends on the lighting situation and how much compression the social platforms apply. I’ll see if I can get two similar side by sides

[@slydogy41]

LOL, "Run over to the Insta web site". I was wondering why you were running at the end? Ha Ha Ha😅

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you picked up on it hahhaha

[@fritzkocher]

Camera looks sick AF! super clear! is this the first video you havent had hot sauce? wtf bro! ha ha haaaaaaaaa now you must pee on the electric fence as your punishment! ha ha haaaaaaa

[@riseandalpine]

Plz don’t talk about the fence 🤣🤣. I think theres one sneaky sauce shot trickled in, just now song :)

[@FritzFrank]

Awesome review. I just got the X3 fairly recently so probably won't be upgrading this season. Will people also call me Jerry when I mount it on my helmet? 😜😆😁

[@riseandalpine]

No no... Just Tele-Tubby hahahaha. Totally worth it. Screw the haters. I'm the king of the horned skier gang out there :)

[@AbnerLi]

Hey James, I have x3, do you think it's worth spending the money on x4 upgrade? I also have GoPro12+Max mod 2.0 for better quality video filming.

[@riseandalpine]

It depends what you're making videos for... If you're trying to make serious Films or KZbin videos with optimal color and quality I'd say upgrade for sure. If you're just making personal films and social media clips, the 5.7k on the X3 is still unreal and it's a touch lighter. TBH you need optimal lighting conditions to really see the power of the 8k and 95% of the time we all ski in variable light conditions. I'd say unless you are really particular about film quality, you are probably good with the X3.

[@AbnerLi]

@ Thanks bro!

[@halimahmad1022]

Is the lens guard plastic or glass? Plastic allows more distortion than glass.

[@riseandalpine]

It’s plastic and not perfect yet imo. I just run the lens without it.

[@riseandalpine]

Plastic

[@jwommy10]

Anyone got any ski recommendations thats like 100 underfoot that’s good in the powder,park and occasionally on the groomers

[@riseandalpine]

Maybe a faction or liberty ski?

[@PetesRestorations]

Have you tried the ski pole mount yet?

[@riseandalpine]

Ya I have a video where I show it skiing last season. Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTRfI2rrLB1qNE Check 3:04 of that video. Personally I don't ever use it. One more thing to carry. I'd rather just hold the selfie stick and put my other pole in my hand or leave it at the top. I find it's hard to hold it stable with the ski pole mount because I want to pole plant.

[@natetro8787]

Keep killing it on the mountain, are you planning to go to sunpeaks for opening day?

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Nate! We'll see what happens, but Whistler will be open!

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

They're just so heavy. I still run a One X because of my helmet mount extension & jarring g-forces from riding snow bikes. The X4 is like twice as heavy!

[@riseandalpine]

Fair enough! I absolutely cannot tolerate the helmet extension on a helmet. If the X4 had the same capabilities but in a away lighter package, it would be Mental eh!

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

@@riseandalpine Yeah they should try to make a minimalistic lighter high quality 360 cam' but maybe that's too much to ask.

[@halimahmad1022]

I use a horizontal helmet mount. It’s not the weight it’s the leverage that it exerts on your helmet when you mount it vertically. It feel lighter when you mount it horizontally. But you can’t mount it horizontally in front of your helmet if you want a 360 shot. I mount it horizontally abt two-thirds towards the front.

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

@@halimahmad1022 The reason why there's leverage is because of the weight.

[@marahuberman5922]

No pole mount?

[@riseandalpine]

I personally think it looks weird. You have to hold your pole fairly stable and not plant it which is odd to me. Personal preference.

[@marahuberman5922]

@@riseandalpine thanks! loved the video sm. very helpful + used your link to purchase!

[@reybrooks7339]

I got the insta 360 x3 is it good?

[@riseandalpine]

Super good camera dude! I'd keep using that until something even better comes out.

[@Raffzyy]

Honestly... I do see the benefit of the Insta360 X4 but for POV shots, it seems way less personal. I think i prefer single lense mode when it comes to that.

[@riseandalpine]

Fair enough. I miss way too many shots with single lens. End up filming the wrong angle all the time

[@BeetsByHometownBrew]

Wen X5?

[@riseandalpine]

No idea. Probably not for a while. Also, I'm not sure what they could even improve at this point (a smaller version of the X4 with all the same shooting capabilities would be GOAT). But, that's more a matter of computing and AI chips getting smaller I imagine.

[@coolboi8252]

I use osmo action 5 pro

[@riseandalpine]

That's a solid camera for sure. I just personally prefer 360 filming for action shots. I always find the FOV on single lens cameras just misses the shot too often and knowing you won't miss an angle and can figure out later is the best insurance policy for me. I use the ace pro 2 as my vlog cam on my pole while skiing (it's super similar to the Osmo 5 I believe). As long as you're not using a Go Pro, you're winning!

[@kfitzp88]

No mention of HDR?

[@riseandalpine]

I keep it on I think. I think it is automatically on.

[@GumpterCrayon]

you know what would be a bit cooler than a insta360 x4? a new Ford Lightning. Day 4

[@riseandalpine]

There he is 🫡

[@GumpterCrayon]

@riseandalpine clocking in, sir!

[@jkharrop]

Serious question......why even bother filming in 8k when mostly all the viewers don't have an 8k monitor or TV to view the content in the intended 8k? Not to mention the sheer storage toll and edit times.. seems a bit silly but that's just me I guess

[@riseandalpine]

Great question. It's due to compression of the footage. When filming in 360 the footage is automatically compressed so 8k is more like 5.4k. When we edit, we usually compress the files even more from our video editors to 4k before uploading to a platform like KZbin. The advantage is in being able to zoom in on shots and not lose any clarity during the editing process so the 4k output looks the same. If you're filming in 8k on a non 360 cam I totally agree, it's a bit overkill!

[@jkharrop]

@riseandalpine Ohhhhhhhh I guess I hadn't thought about the compression factor.. makes a bit more sense now. I usually will film in 5.4 on my X3 and I always thought it did the trick but in your use case I suppose it makes more sense. What software do you recommend for editing that works best with the X3/X4 platform? I know some editing software has Insta 360 plugins for ease of use.

[@csmith0244]

Not hot sauce? 🍻

[@riseandalpine]

Sneaky sip, just no song :)

[@sampercival4244]

First

[@riseandalpine]

LEGEND!

[@jean-francoiscloutier7361]

Excellent description. 5 days to go ⛷🏂⛷🏂. PS Super great background.

[@riseandalpine]

Best background in the world right! Can't believe opening day is almost here!

[@kfitzp88]

Every run the ski pole mount? Also, do you have any settings tips for brightness etc while skiing ?

[@riseandalpine]

I saw that Fernie looked great! Hard to leave Revy when it's this good here too!