Review of the Insta360 X4 Air: Small 360° Power for Makers
The Insta360 X4 Air Review provides an assessment of the compact 360-degree camera which delivers high-performance capabilities to content creators. The Insta360 X4 Air functions as a lightweight 360-degree action camera which enables users to produce immersive films through its portable design. The product exists in the market as an entry-level option because it provides affordable access to premium features which enable content creators to use the shoot first frame later technique.
The X4 Air has a base price of ₹45,990 which costs less than the X5 which retails for ₹57,990. The Starter Bundle costs an additional ₹5,000 and provides users with a second battery and lens cap and 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick. The pricing structure creates a more accessible option for users who need to make a substantial investment.
Design & Portability
The X4 Air maintains its “Air” branding through its smaller and lighter design which surpasses all of its previous models. The device weighs 165g which makes it 40g lighter than the X4/X5. This weight difference becomes apparent when users carry the device in their pockets or when they attach it to their helmets. The compact design enables users to travel easier and attend concerts and create vlogs and explore outdoor environments.
The product maintains strong construction despite its smaller dimensions. The camera system supports waterproof operation up to 15 meters without housing protection and it allows users to replace damaged lenses through its X5 lens system which enables lens replacement at home.
The new design approach replaces the two-button system through a single large button which operators can find under the screen. This new setup enables users to capture images fast without needing to check their cameras. The 2.5-inch touchscreen functions well but users who want better control and clearer visual displays will find better results with the Insta360 mobile app.
Image & Video Performance
The X4 Air delivers impressive performance for its size and price:
- 8K 360° video at 30fps
- 29MP 360° still photos
- Active HDR for improved highlights and shadows
The system uses Adaptive Tone to achieve balanced color results together with proper exposure distribution.
The system uses dual sensors which have 1/1.8-inch dimensions as its main components because these sensors provide better performance than X4 sensors but lower costs than X5 sensors.
The testing shows that all footage from the concert remains clear with usable details during low-light testing including evening concerts and the performance of dynamic range shows strong results during high-contrast outdoor scenes. The system handles automatic white balance because it performs well when transitioning between direct sunlight and artificial lighting.
The 8K footage is well-stitched, maintaining Insta360’s strong reputation for seamless 360 video processing.
The system requires users to accept certain limitations. The X5 system provides users with better options for high-frame-rate slow motion compared to X4 Air. The X4 Air system reaches its maximum performance through 6K 50fps because it does not support 120fps which exists in the flagship model. The system limits users to 29MP for still images while the X5 system offers 72MP as its maximum resolution.
Software and Creative Tools
The software ecosystem functions as Insta360’s primary software strength. The “shoot first, frame later” workflow enables creators to record all content before selecting their desired visual framing.
The system includes these main components:
- AI-based reframing solutions
- The Invisible Selfie Stick feature
- The InstaFrame Mode enables users to capture both standard video and complete 360° footage at the same time.
- The system provides FlowState Stabilization together with Horizon Lock functionality.
- The system provides voice commands together with gesture-based controls.
- The system supports various shooting modes which include Me Mode.
The Insta360 mobile application together with Insta360 Studio desktop program provides users with easy editing tools which beginners can use without difficulty. The camera enables vloggers and content creators to quickly and easily reframe their footage for social media platforms.
Battery & Performance
The X4 Air utilizes its 2010mAh battery which represents the smallest capacity battery that Insta360 provides in its 360 products. The device provides the following performance metrics:
The device achieves 80 to 88 minutes of 8K 30fps recording time. The device provides 100 minutes of recording time at 6K 24fps. The device achieves an 80% charge after 30 minutes of charging. The device requires one hour to reach a full charge.
The battery life provides decent performance according to its capacity but users who need extended battery power should consider additional batteries because it makes the Starter Bundle package more appealing.
Advantages
- Very portable and lightweight
- 360° 8K video with excellent stitching
- sophisticated AI editing tools
- Changeable lenses
- Waterproof for up to 15 meters
- Outstanding software ecosystem
The camera does a great job of balancing portability, quality, and creative flexibility. Because it’s portable, it’s more likely to be used frequently.
Restrictions
- Battery that is smaller than the X5
- Restricted slow motion at high frame rates
- reduced still-photo quality compared to the flagship
- When accessories are added, the price increases to almost X5.
Although it is less expensive than the X5, the price difference is reduced by adding accessories, which presents a choice between saving money on the X4 Air and stretching the budget for the flagship.
Final Verdict
The Insta360 X4 Air provides casual users and entry-level creators with a compact 360-degree video solution that meets their needs. The product maintains the core features of Insta360 cameras which include strong stabilization and excellent stitching and creative software tools and high-resolution capture capabilities while achieving reduced weight and lower production costs.
Despite not offering the same technical capabilities as the X5 generator, the X4 Air machine provides users with an appealing solution because of its lightweight design and simple operation and its ability to produce creative work.
The X4 Air provides creators who want to create content spontaneously with a portable camera they can use about their work.
