Review: Insta360 X4
Documenting the open road isn’t just about snapping a few photos. It’s about capturing the thrill, the freedom, and the unique perspectives that only two wheels can provide. That’s where Insta360 X4 comes in.
The Insta360 X4 feels solid and rugged, clearly built to endure the rigors of motorcycle travel. The unit is waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant—key attributes for riders who encounter unpredictable weather or venture off-road. The dual-lens system protrudes slightly from the camera body, but it’s reinforced with scratch-resistant coatings to handle minor mishaps without compromising image quality.
The device comes with several mounting options. I used the Insta360 motorcycle mount bundle, which included handlebar mounting components. Installing the camera was a breeze, and once mounted, it stayed securely in place, even on bumpy gravel roads.
The X4 is intuitive, even for those new to 360-degree cameras. Its large touch screen display and simple menu system make adjusting settings on the fly hassle-free, even with gloves on.
Voice controls, like “Start recording” or “Take a photo,” were a great concept, but never worked quite as well as I’d hoped. Whether it was the X4 or maybe the Sena communicator causing the issue, I’ll never know.
The companion Insta360 app offers features like real-time previews, editing tools, and AI-driven Shot Lab templates. The app's "InstaTour" mode stood out, automatically creating cinematic travel videos by stitching together highlights from the trip.
Stunning 360-Degree Footage
The heart of the Insta360 X4 is its dual-lens system, which captures 5.7K video in a full 360-degree view. Whether mounted on the handlebar or a helmet, the footage is immersive, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent dynamic range.
The X4’s low-light performance also deserves praise. Early morning rides and twilight shots came out crisp and surprisingly noise-free.
Stabilization is where the X4 truly shines. The FlowState stabilization technology eliminates vibrations and jitter, making even the choppiest rides appear silky smooth. This came in particularly handy on broken pavement and gravel roads.
Another standout feature is the invisible selfie stick mode. By mounting the camera on its special extendable stick, I captured shots where the stick itself disappears from the frame. The result? Seamless footage that looks like it was taken by a professional drone following my every move.
Photography and Other Features
For still photography, the Insta360 X4 shoots 72-megapixel photos with surprising clarity. Its ability to capture wide-angle panoramas and intricate close-ups made it versatile for scenic overlooks and roadside curiosities. The HDR mode was particularly effective in balancing bright skies and shady roads, delivering vibrant, true-to-life images.
The biggest hurdle to overcome when using the X4 was editing the footage. There is a 360 footage app that must be downloaded, and learning to set the camera to the right mode for the best video footage took a little bit of time. Luckily, a quick trip to YouTube University helped me get up and running quickly, and also when it came to editing the footage from our rides.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is adequate for most day rides, offering approximately 75 minutes of continuous recording at 5.7K resolution (at least that’s what Insta360 claims). I noticed that the battery would last at most 45 minutes before needing to be swapped. For extended rides, carrying a spare battery is necessary.
The camera supports microSD cards up to 1TB, which is plenty of space for a few days worth of riding. On long trips, I like to clear my SD cards and back up my footage each night. For a trip three days in length or shorter, it all stays on the SD card until I get home.
If you plan to film for hours, you’ll eat up the 1TB of space quickly. My suggestion is to be selective about what you film.
The Verdict
The Insta360 X4 is more than a camera—it’s a storytelling tool that lets you relive and share the magic of motorcycle touring in unparalleled detail. Its rugged build, intuitive features, and exceptional video quality make it an indispensable companion for riders who want to document their journeys.
At $449, the X4 sits at the premium end of action cameras, but it justifies the price with its robust feature set and unmatched versatility. Whether you’re riding the backroads of America or making laps around a track, the Insta360 X4 delivers an experience that’s as exhilarating as the ride itself.
+ Exceptional stabilization, stunning 360-degree footage, rugged design
- Battery life, learning curve for settings and 360 editing
Holiday Sales
The Insta360 X4, as well as several other Insta360 products, are on sale now through January 2, 2025. Use the links below to shop conveniently on Amazon.
15% off Insta360 X4 ($75 off)
10% off Insta360 GO 3S ($40 off)
20% off Insta360 GO 3 (the world's smallest action camera)
27% off Insta360 X3 (previous-generation 360 camera)
12% off Insta360 Flow (AI-tracking smartphone stabilizer)
10% off all accessories and Pro 2.