Insta360 X4 Air, full review: 360° in just 165 g!

Insta360 springs a surprise with the arrival of a new 360° camera called Insta360 X4 Air. Its name suggests a lighter version… but the reality is more interesting: the X4 Air is not only more compact and lighter, it even surpasses the X4 on certain points. So, what is this Insta360 X4 Air really worth? Who is it designed for? Is this the 360° camera for you? All the answers in this article.

Insta360 X4 Air: What you need to know

No time (or laziness 😅 ) to read it all? Here are the key points to remember about the Insta360 X4 Air 👇

• 🎯 More compact and lighter than the X4 and X5, with just 165 g on the scales
• 💧 Waterproof up to 15 metres without housing
• 🔁 Interchangeable lenses, as on the X5, easy to remove/replace without tools
• 🔋 Autonomy correct: 88 min in 8K30 and up to 105 min in 6K24
• ⚡ Fast recharge: 80% in 36 minutes
• 📷 1 /1.8″ sensors, video up to 8K/30, 6K/50 and 4K/50
• 📸 All X5 photo/video modes present (InstaFrame, timelapse, etc.), except PureVideo
• 🎨 Color profiles: HDR up to 8K30, AdaptiveTone, I-Log
• 📱 Still the excellent Insta360 apps (mobile and desktop), the best on the market
• 📦 From €399 for the standard pack, €429 for the discovery pack with battery and pole

📌 A compact, well-equipped 360 camera ideal for exploring 8K without breaking the bank.

Insta360 X4 Air : Design

Dimensions (W x H x D)	46 x 113.8 x 37 mm
Weight	165 g
Touch screen	2.5 inch
Storage	MicroSD card
Operating temperature	-20 ℃ à 40 ℃
Waterproofing	15 meters

The Insta360 X4 Air follows the design philosophy of its larger siblings, but in an even more compact format. With a size reminiscent of a smartphone – apart from the two large sensor bubbles – it slips easily into a pocket, and can be carried without a second thought. At just 165 g, it’s the lightest 8K 360° camera on the market today.

Despite its light weight, the X4 Air doesn’t feel at all fragile. Its chassis is well finished, pleasant to the touch, and seems perfectly ready to take the small drops and scratches of everyday use. Insta360 has also taken the opportunity to improve itswaterproofing: from 10 to 15 meters of certified depth, a real plus for creators of aquatic content.

The 2.5-inch touchscreen is fluid and comfortable, and the controls have been simplified: a single round button on the front panel, used to trigger recording, replaces the duo of buttons found on the X4 and X5. A minimalist approach in keeping with the “Air” spirit.

But the real big plus of this version is the arrival of theinterchangeable lens system, inherited from the X5. If a lens is scratched or damaged, you can simply replace it yourself, without going to the after-sales service. This saves time… and often money too.

The camera is available in two sober, elegant colors: graphite black and arctic white.

Insta360 X4 Air: Autonomy and overheating

Battery	2010 mAh
Autonomy	8K at 30 fps: 88 min 6K at 24 fps: 105 min
Charging time	80% in 36 min 100% in 57 min

Autonomy and recharging

The X4 Air features a 2010 mAh battery, designed specifically for this model. Batteries from the X4, X5 or any other Insta360 model are not compatible. So you’ll have to pay again, even if you’ve already invested in the range.

In terms of official figures, the brand claims up to 88 minutes of autonomy in 8K at 30 fps, and 105 minutes in 6K at 24 fps. This is still less than the X5, which may disappoint some. But it’s logical: the camera is more compact, and so is its battery.

Fortunately, rapid recharging is there to compensate: 80% in 36 minutes, and a full charge in less than an hour. This is a real plus point for those who shoot a lot.

Thermal management

As we all know, overheating is a frequent problem with action cameras, especially when resolutions and framerates are pushed. And in this respect, the X4 Air fares rather well.

According to user feedback, the camera keeps up in 8K at 30 fps indoors without triggering thermal cut-off. This is encouraging, especially for such a compact body.

Insta360 X4 Air : Image

Sensors	1/1.8 inch
Objective	Aperture f/1.95 6.4 mm equivalent
Photo resolution	29 MP
Video resolution (360°)	Normal video: 8K up to 30 fps / 6K up to 50 fps / 4K up to 50 fps InstaFrame mode: 6K up to 30 fps / 1080p up to 30 fps
Video resolution (single-lens)	Normal video: 4K up to 60 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 120 fps FreeFrame mode: 4K up to 30 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 120 fps Me mode: 4K up to 30 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 120 fps
Photo format	INSP, DNG
Video format	INSV (360°), MP4 (single-lens)
Color profiles	Bright, Standard, Flat
Maximum video bit rate	180 Mbps
ISO range	100 à 3200

Sensors and resolutions

The X4 Air features two 1/1.8-inch sensors, an intermediate size between the 1/2-inch sensors of the X4 and the 1/1.28-inch sensors of the X5. Like the X5, it also benefits from a 5nm AI chip, to improve image processing quality.

For photos, up to 29 megapixels can be captured. On the video side, the X4 Air offers 8K at 30 fps in 360°, enabling more advanced cropping in post-production. Other definitions are available, such as 6K at 50 fps or 4K at 50 fps.

On the downside , although you can shoot at up to 120 fps in 1080p with a single lens, there’s no real 360° slow-motion mode, as the frame rate is limited to 50 fps in 6K or 4K. A pity for those who like to add this kind of effect to their videos.

Image quality

The X4 Air is at its best in good light. Images are detailed and well exposed, with natural, balanced colors. It delivers truly convincing results, even if, logically, we don’t quite reach the level of the X5, which benefits from a slightly larger sensor.

Dynamic range is generally well controlled: highlights rarely burn out, and shadows retain a good level of detail. It’s not perfect, but for such a compact camera, rendering is more than satisfactory in most situations.

As soon as the light fades, the limits start to be felt. It’s worth noting that the X4 Air doesn ‘t offer a true night mode in video, unlike the X5 with its PureVideo mode. Despite this, images remain usable as long as the scene is not too dark. There is some digital noise and loss of sharpness, but nothing catastrophic. Those who regularly shoot at night may prefer another model, but for evening or street shots with a bit of light, it still holds up well.

Last but not least, there are several settings to optimize rendering. HDR mode is always present, and isnow available up to 8K at 30 frames per second, making the most of maximum definition. There’s also a new AdaptiveTone mode, which automatically adjusts exposure according to scene contrast.

And for the most demanding users, the camera offers an I-Log flat profile, which provides the greatest leeway in post-production: colors can be precisely adjusted to suit personal preferences or the style required.

Insta360 X4 Air : Features

Photo modes	Standard, HDR Photo, Interval, Starlapse, Burst
Video modes	360°: Standard, Active HDR, InstaFrame, Timelapse, TimeShift, Loop recording, Road mode Single-lens: Video, FreeFrame video, Me mode, Loop recording
Audio modes	Automatic wind reduction, Active wind reduction, Stereo, Directional focus

Photo and video modes

As previously mentioned, the only feature missing is PureVideo mode, reserved for the X5. As for the rest, the essentials are there: the X4 Air offers a wide variety of photo modes (HDR, Interval, Starlapse, Burst) and video modes (TimeShift, Timelapse, Route mode, Loop recording, Me mode, etc.).

Among the most interesting, InstaFrame deserves a special mention: this mode records two videos in parallel – a classic 1080p version ready for publication, and a 360° video (5.7K at 30 fps) that can be reworked later. For the flat version, you can choose between a still view or a selfie, giving you both animmediate result and a more complete base to work with later.

📌 Note: in addition to conventional voice and gesture commands, the user can also trigger a remote recording via the Twist function (already present on the X5), simply by making a double back-and-forth movement with the selfie pole.

The best applications on the market

It’s a point on which Insta360 never disappoints. Whether on mobile with theInsta360 app or on computer with Insta360 Studiothe editing experience is always top-notch.

On smartphones, everything is designed for speed: intelligent cropping, stylized effects, automatic subject tracking via AI, assisted editing… Even without any editing experience, you can create professional videos in a matter of minutes.

And for those who prefer to work on a computer, Insta360 Studio offers a more complete software package, handy for refocusing videos, adjusting the angle of view or exporting in high quality. So you can fine-tune your editing with a little more precision if required.

In the end, whether for casual or advanced use, no competitor offers such well thought-out and comprehensive applications. Insta360 simply remains the absolute reference in this field.

Insta360 X4 Air : Packs and prices

Standard package	399 €	See on Amazon
Discovery pack	429 €	See on Amazon
Theme packs	From €462 to €621

One of the strengths of the Insta360 X4 Air is its price. With a standard package launched at €399, it’s a far cry from the nearly €590 charged for an X5. A difference of almost €200 makes the X4 Air much more affordable, while retaining the essence of the Insta360 experience.

The standard package includes only the camera with its main battery and a USB-C cable. Nothing superfluous, it’s a simple base, ideal for those who already own compatible accessories or who want to compose their own customized setup.

But it’s the €429 Discovery Pack that really catches the eye. For just €30 more, you get :

• an additional battery ,
• a 114 cm invisible selfie pole ,
• a protective cap for the lens.

A complete, well-thought-out package that lets you take full advantage of the camera right out of the box, without having to buy any additional accessories.

For those with specific needs, Insta360 also offers a series of themed packs, ranging from €462 to €621, depending on the accessories included. There are a dozen of them: diving, skiing, motorcycling, cycling, content creation… Each pack includes targeted accessories: mounts, protections, poles or harnesses.

As drone enthusiasts at Maison du Drone, we particularly liked the “No Drone No Problem” package, with its invisible boom that can be extended up to 3 meters. Perfect for simulating shots worthy of an FPV drone, with a stunning impression of height.

☂️ Trouble-shooting warranty
Insta360 offers a FlexiCare plan with up to 2 replacements per year: €24.99 for 1 year or €45.99 for 2 years. A good option for the clumsy… or simply to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Insta360 X4 Air conclusion: Should you give in?

As announced in the introduction, theInsta360 X4 Air is not an X4 “light”, but an X5 light, designed for those who want to combine performance and compactness. And in this respect, it lives up to all its promises.

Weighing in at just 165g and ultra-compact, it’s far more comfortable to carry and use than its larger siblings. In your pocket, on a motorcycle helmet, at the end of a pole… you can hardly feel it. Less wind, less fatigue: it’s a real pleasure to use, especially on the move.

And despite its light weight, it doesn’t sacrifice the essentials: beautiful image quality in full light, effective stabilization, HDR in 8K, I-Log profile… so many features that make it possible to create polished, immersive content, even without being a professional editor.

Admittedly, it omits a few advanced functions such as PureVideo, and doesn’t quite match the X5 in low light. But at this price – €399 for the standard pack, €429 for an already well-stocked discovery pack – it’s not only more affordable than the X5, but also than the X4 when it was launched. The ideal camera for 360° photography!

💡 Still not sure which 360 camera is right for you? Here are our tests of today’s leading models:
👉 Insta360 X6 review: the brand’s new flagship model
👉 Test Insta360 X5: the brand’s previous flagship model
👉 Test Insta360 X4: the previous generation, still in the running
👉 Test DJI Osmo 360: DJI’s serious alternative
👉 Test GoPro MAX 2: GoPro’s 360 camera finally updated
👉 Insta360 X4 vs X4 Air comparison: what are the differences and which one should you choose?