Insta360 X4 Air Review: Making 360 Cameras Accessible and Beginner-Friendly
I've always had a love-hate relationship with 360 cameras. I love their "shoot first, frame later" capability, which solves the biggest composition challenge for ordinary people. You don't need to find tricky camera angles to capture a full 360-degree view, even when you're alone.
As a true leader in the 360 action camera space, Insta360 is aiming to solve this "unfriendly price" problem.
Today (October 28th), Insta360 launched the Insta360 X4 Air, featuring a lighter body, simpler operation, and a more accessible price point, aiming to bring 360 action cameras from a niche community to the mass market.
So, how does the Insta360 X4 Air perform? Here is our review.
Light, Simple, and High Value
In terms of design, the Insta360 X4 Air continues the brand's familiar family look for its 360 cameras. The main difference is that the two physical buttons below the front screen have been merged into a single record button, reminiscent of an early iPhone's Home button. If you've used the Insta360 X4 or X5, you'll immediately notice the significant weight difference. Weighing in at 165g, it's about 30g lighter than mainstream 360 cameras. This reduction in weight makes a noticeable difference whether you're hand-holding it or mounting it on a backpack strap or helmet.
While the lighter weight comes with a trade-off—the body feels more plastic and toy-like—it's an acceptable compromise for the price. Crucially, core features remain intact. The microphone ports still feature a multi-layer windproof design, delivering top-tier wind noise reduction with Insta360's proprietary algorithms. A standout feature is the new replaceable lens guards. Previously, the protruding lenses on 360 cameras were prone to scratches over time. This new design allows users to easily and affordably replace a scratched lens themselves, a milestone feature for 360 cameras.
However, the X4 Air isn't without flaws. Due to cost-saving measures, the screen resolution is noticeably lower than the X5's, which can affect your judgment while shooting. Another persistent issue is the memory card slot's location. It remains hidden inside the battery compartment, requiring you to power off, remove the battery, and then press the card to eject it—a cumbersome process. Battery life is decent, providing about 74 minutes of continuous recording in 8K 30fps mode. It charges quickly, reaching 65% in 30 minutes, but heavy users should still consider a spare battery.
Making 360 Cameras Beginner-Friendly
Despite some compromises on external features, the Insta360 X4 Air doesn't skimp on image quality. It is equipped with flagship-level dual 1/1.8-inch sensors, supporting up to 8K/30fps video recording. In our tests, its performance is nearly identical to other mainstream 360 action cameras. In bright daylight, details like trees and cracks in the pavement are clearly visible. Thanks to algorithm optimizations, the 8K footage shows improved edge sharpness and more natural stitching, significantly reducing the common "blurry seam" issue. The camera also handles backlighting impressively, suppressing strong light from the sun without producing ghosting.
The X4 Air's core appeal is its "shoot first, frame later" philosophy, but complex controls can deter beginners. Insta360 has streamlined the user experience, making it intuitive without sacrificing professional features. On-camera controls are simplified to a single record button and a touchscreen. A short press starts/stops recording, a long press powers it on/off, and swipes adjust settings. The Single-Lens Mode is particularly useful, outputting up to 4K60fps video. With the ultra-wide-angle mode enabled, you get a 170° field of view, effectively turning the X4 Air into a powerful action camera like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. Furthermore, the FlowState stabilization is excellent, keeping footage incredibly smooth even during bumpy activities like cycling.
The Insta360 app has also matured, catering to all skill levels. Beginners can use the "AI One-Click Edit" feature, which automatically identifies highlights and generates a short video with transitions and music in seconds. For more advanced users, the app offers powerful tools like "Focus Tracking" to keep a subject centered and "Dynamic Follow" for automatic reframing, creating a ready-to-share flat video. The combination of simplified hardware and intelligent software truly makes the X4 Air easy for anyone to pick up and use.
Easy to Use and Simple, Is It Worth Buying?
So, is this affordable and capable 360 camera worth buying? While not perfect, the X4 Air strikes an excellent balance between image quality, portability, and price, making it ideal for three types of users: daily life recorders, sports enthusiasts and vloggers, and beginner creators. For those seeking the absolute best low-light performance and professional-grade durability, the Insta360 X5 remains the top choice. But for users who prioritize portability and creative efficiency, the X4 Air's 165g weight and mature ecosystem of accessories and editing software give it a distinct advantage. The launch of the X4 Air solidifies Insta360's product lineup, offering a clear vision from entry-level to professional, allowing users to choose based on their budget and needs.
Pros:
1. Lightweight and easy to carry.
2. Good image quality with minor issues correctable in post.
3. Extremely low learning curve; easy to use out of the box.
4. Mature ecosystem with readily available accessories.
5. Affordable price.
Cons:
1. All-plastic body feels less premium and raises durability questions.
2. Lacks a dedicated night mode; performance in extreme low-light is average with noticeable noise in 8K.
3. Inconvenient memory card access.
The Insta360 X4 Air marks the entry of 360 cameras into the mainstream era. Its 165g weight shatters the stereotype that professional equipment must be heavy, and its 8K quality ensures a great creative experience. In an industry often focused on piling up specs, the X4 Air takes a more practical path by returning to the user's core need: to easily record beautiful moments. It may not have the ultimate performance of a flagship, but it understands what ordinary people want, potentially heralding a new era where everyone can be a 360 photographer.
