Insta360 X4 Air: A Lighter, More Affordable 8K Action Camera
Insta360 has rolled out a new member of the X family, the X4 Air, six months after introducing the X5. The company positions the X4 Air as a lighter, smaller, and more budget-friendly option that still delivers high-resolution recording, with 8K capability available at a starting price of $399.99. Global availability is live through Insta360’s online store in graphite black and arctic white, with availability in the US and Canada listed as “coming soon.”
Key specs and performance
- Video capabilities: The X4 Air mirrors the X4’s 360-degree 8K recording, topping out at 30fps. If you lower the resolution to 4K, the maximum frame rate drops to 50fps. By comparison, the X4 and X5 can push 4K up to 100fps for slow-motion footage.
- 1080p option: For those chasing supremely smooth motion, switching to single-lens mode at 1080p enables up to 120fps.
- Still photography: The X4 Air caps stills at 29MP, while the X5 and X4 both shoot 72MP images.
- Sensors: The X4 Air uses two 1/1.8-inch sensors, slightly larger than the 1/2-inch sensors in the older X4 and said to improve detail and color straight from the camera. However, both are still smaller than the X5’s 1/1.28-inch sensors, so low-light performance may tilt in favor of the newer model.
Design, size, and endurance
- Size and weight: The X4 Air aims for greater portability, measuring about 113mm tall and weighing 165 grams—roughly 10mm shorter and 30 grams lighter than the X4 and X5.
- Battery life: A smaller footprint comes with a reduced battery, rated at 2,010mAh, delivering up to around 88 minutes of recording at 8K/30fps.
- Lens protection and versatility: Like the X4, the X4 Air supports removable lens guards and introduces user-replaceable lenses that can be swapped quickly, a highlight that was strongly featured on the X5.
- Durability and hands-free features: The camera remains waterproof up to 49 feet without a dive housing and continues to offer hands-free controls, including gesture and voice commands, plus the option to twist a selfie stick to begin recording.
What this means for buyers The X4 Air is pitched as the more pocketable, affordable option within Insta360’s high-end lineup. If your priorities are portability and price, and you’re content with a 4K/8K mix and 29MP stills, it presents a compelling choice. Those who shoot frequently in low light or want the highest possible still resolution and sensor size may find the X5 or the older X4 more appealing, depending on their needs.
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