Revolutionizing Motovlogging: The Insta360 X4 Camera Review

If you’re into watching motorcycle vlogs on YouTube, you’ve probably noticed multiple cameras capturing every angle. Typically, you’d see a camera mounted on the helmet for first-person views, one on the handlebars facing the rider, and occasionally, additional cameras capturing various perspectives. Managing such a setup has always been cumbersome for content creators.

Enter the Insta360 X4, a game-changer that simplifies this complex setup by consolidating multiple camera roles into one versatile unit. This device promises to ease the life of motovloggers significantly.

Insta360 provided me with an X4 for review purposes, fully equipped with all conceivable accessories a rider could need. After a shipping mishap with the first unit, Insta360 promptly sent a replacement, ensuring I had the full experience to share.

The X4, succeeding the popular X3, is more than just an incremental update. While the X3 is a familiar sight in many motorcycle videos, the X4 steps up with substantial enhancements, including an upgraded image sensor capable of capturing 8K 360-degree videos. Though this might scale down in traditional 16:9 formats, the extra resolution affords greater cropping flexibility without quality loss, albeit at the expense of larger file sizes.

But the X4 isn’t just about improved visuals. It offers faster frame rates—up to 60 fps at 5.7K and 100 fps at 4K, allowing for smooth slow-motion effects in post-production.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade is in its software, particularly beneficial for riders. The X4 can directly connect to Bluetooth communication systems, capturing clear audio directly from the mic inside your helmet. While the audio quality isn’t flawless—occasional Bluetooth compression and syncing issues are noticeable—it’s a leap forward in convenience, eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring.

For motorcyclists, the X4 also introduces hands-free operation. Facial recognition technology allows you to start and stop recording through simple hand gestures—a boon for those wearing gloves. Though not perfect due to occasional obstructions from helmet designs, it works effectively in most scenarios.

Will I switch exclusively to the X4 for all my motovlogging needs? Not quite. For comprehensive reviews, I’ll still employ multiple cameras to ensure varied angles and audio capture through a dedicated mic. However, the X4 does offer a compelling single-camera solution that simplifies the filming process considerably, especially for casual or solo creators without access to a professional editor.

For current Insta360 X3 users, there’s no rush to upgrade unless the new features significantly impact your shooting style. However, for new entrants into motovlogging, the Insta360 X4 presents a cost-effective solution, potentially replacing the need for multiple higher-priced cameras.