I find the panoramic camera to be quite interesting, I used to think this market was way too small, limited to just a few specialized industries. I thought not many would wanna buy one, but clearly, that's not the case. Take Insta360, for example, their shipment volumes for these cameras are surprisingly high, and it seems they're making good money. Just look at what they raffle off at their annual meetings, right? Just look at what they raffle off at their annual meetings, right? Their influence is growing by the day. It makes me wonder, what's your main reason for buying these cameras? For me, initially it was for collecting lighting info for visual effects. For me, initially it was for collecting lighting info for visual effects. Recently, though, that's changed a bit. Now, I use it to explore the Vision Pro viewing experience, checking out panoramic content, and even using it in our reality shows. It makes framing a bit easier. And Insta360 has really secured its footing in the panoramic market. And Insta360 has really secured its footing in the panoramic market. Now that they have released the fourth gen, you can really tell, instead of focusing on gimmicky features, they've shifted their R&D focus to address long-standing issues with panoramic cameras, like the quality of exported flat videos not being up to par, lenses that scratch easily, complicated composition, and high usage costs. These past tricky issues, they've actually found some solutions with the X4. they've actually found some solutions with the X4. So, is this one of the best portable panoramic cameras out there? Maybe. Is it worth buying? Let's take a look. Compared to the X3, X4 is bulkier and heavier. X4 is bulkier and heavier. The battery inside takes up the most room. The battery inside takes up the most room. If you take it off, see, you can pop it right out. Unlike the previous 1,800mAh battery, this one's upgraded to 2,290mAh. But that means the old batteries won't work with this new model. But that means the old batteries won't work with this new model. But that means the old batteries won't work with this new model. The SD card slot is still the same as the last gen. Press here, and it pops right out. Press here, and it pops right out. But every time you want to switch cards, But every time you want to switch cards, you gotta remove the battery first, which isn't the best experience. The back has gone from flat to having ridges and textures, The back has gone from flat to having ridges and textures, The back has gone from flat to having ridges and textures, pretty rugged and sporty. Even feels pretty solid with some water drops. Even feels pretty solid with some water drops. The grip feels sturdier too. The grip feels sturdier too. The most noticeable change is probably the front screen. The most noticeable change is probably the front screen. It's gone from 2.29 inches to 2.5 inches, It's gone from 2.29 inches to 2.5 inches, just a bit bigger. But the real upgrade isn't the size. It's the interface and UI responsiveness are smoother It's the interface and UI responsiveness are smoother than the last gen. For the epic upgrade in UI, like I said in our previous episode, like I said in our previous episode, if you grip this camera horizontally, such a horizontal display mode couldn't be activated. And, they finally added a horizontal mode. And, they finally added a horizontal mode. Not like when you change from vertical to horizontal with X3, your subject looks like lying in your screen, which is terrifying. your subject looks like lying in your screen, which is terrifying. your subject looks like lying in your screen, which is terrifying. The logic of operation is mostly the same, very intuitive. The logic of operation is mostly the same, very intuitive. The logic of operation is mostly the same, very intuitive. Anyone familiar with action cameras can get the hang of it pretty quickly. But unlike typical action cams, this one has 360-degree panorama mode using both lenses this one has 360-degree panorama mode using both lenses and a single-lens mode for regular 2D video. and a single-lens mode for regular 2D video. You can switch between them easily with the touchscreen. You can switch between them easily with the touchscreen. Now, panorama mode lets you preview the composition Now, panorama mode lets you preview the composition right from the touching screen, unlike before when you had to triple tap and drag around. unlike before when you had to triple tap and drag around. We did find 2 issues in terms of the system when shooting panoramas. We did find 2 issues in terms of the system when shooting panoramas. We did find 2 issues in terms of the system when shooting panoramas. Using PureShot to shoot 72MP photos results in great image quality, Using PureShot to shoot 72MP photos results in great image quality, Using PureShot to shoot 72MP photos results in great image quality, but the camera locks up for about 5 seconds but the camera locks up for about 5 seconds for noise reduction and optimization, so when you press down the shutter, you can't do anything in the following 5 seconds. you can't do anything in the following 5 seconds. You can't take more photos, playback, switch modes, you just can't. You can choose not to use PureShot noise reduction to speed up file saving, but the overall image quality drops noticeably. but the overall image quality drops noticeably. Another minor issue, which seems like not a big deal, Another minor issue, which seems like not a big deal, is when you start recording, the screen shows a noticeable drop in image quality the screen shows a noticeable drop in image quality noise, sharpening, jaggedness, all very bad, but the actual file is fine. but the actual file is fine. That's because when recording, the camera deals with both the recording and preview streams, and due to chipset limitations, the preview can't be optimized for noise reduction. On other cameras, this would be a huge deal, almost unbearable, but on a panoramic camera where you're not usually looking at the screen where you're not usually looking at the screen because the camera is often several meters away from you, because the camera is often several meters away from you, like this. Past panoramic cameras always had trouble with lens protection, but for this X4, you'll notice a locking structure around the lens edge you'll notice a locking structure around the lens edge that allows you to secure protective lenses in a twist-lock manner. that allows you to secure protective lenses in a twist-lock manner. Beyond the standard protective lens, Insta360 also offers a more advanced version that's more durable and has less impact on image quality. that's more durable and has less impact on image quality. Generally, this protective lens works well in most situations, Generally, this protective lens works well in most situations, but there are two scenarios where you might need to remove it. but there are two scenarios where you might need to remove it. First, if there are fingerprints or dust on the lens, First, if there are fingerprints or dust on the lens, First, if there are fingerprints or dust on the lens, the image quality drops significantly when backlit, the image quality drops significantly when backlit, you'll definitely feel it. Secondly, since the lens protector isn't hermetically sealed since the lens protector isn't hermetically sealed to prevent fogging, it's not recommended for underwater use. If you do, you'll end up with a somewhat abstract, submerged view. you'll end up with a somewhat abstract, submerged view. So, most of the time, our team treats the protective lens more like a lens cap. our team treats the protective lens more like a lens cap. We take it off for shooting, then immediately put it back on after. But be careful not to get any sand in there But be careful not to get any sand in there because it could easily ruin both the protector and your X4 in one go, because it could easily ruin both the protector and your X4 in one go, not a nice story. About the sensor, it's a bit disappointing. About the sensor, it's a bit disappointing. The X4 still uses the same two 1/2-inch 48MP sensors The X4 still uses the same two 1/2-inch 48MP sensors The X4 still uses the same two 1/2-inch 48MP sensors as the last gen. as the last gen. However, thanks to the upgraded sensor, the panorama video recording capability has improved from 5.7K/30fps in the last gen to now 8K/30fps. has improved from 5.7K/30fps in the last gen to now 8K/30fps. It also supports 5.7K/60fps and 4K/100fps, It also supports 5.7K/60fps and 4K/100fps, and it continues to support 72MP photo shooting. You can see the difference when you compare the panorama video quality between X3 and X4. Honestly, the improvements are pretty clear. Previously, a 4K panoramic camera could only output 2D videos at 1080p, Previously, a 4K panoramic camera could only output 2D videos at 1080p, Previously, a 4K panoramic camera could only output 2D videos at 1080p, but now, the 8K X4 can output approximately 8.3MP in 4K 2D video. but now, the 8K X4 can output approximately 8.3MP in 4K 2D video. When you play the video on Vision Pro with 11.5MP single-eye resolution, When you play the video on Vision Pro with 11.5MP single-eye resolution, it is still far from unleashing the full potential of Vision Pro. it is still far from unleashing the full potential of Vision Pro. But for real, the clarity is definitely much better compared to the X3. the clarity is definitely much better compared to the X3. Beyond the higher export resolution, 8K provides much more leeway for post-cropping. You can make broader adjustments to your shots, which is really nice. Aside from standard panoramic videos, X4's frame rates in other modes have also improved. X4's frame rates in other modes have also improved. I'm particularly fond of the bullet-time mode, I'm particularly fond of the bullet-time mode, which has upgraded from 4K/120fps and 3K/180fps to 5.7K/120fps and 3K/240fps. The older bullet-time accessories were a bit risky, The older bullet-time accessories were a bit risky, kinda like swinging a yo-yo sideways, not exactly safe. The new accessories for bullet-time mode, made up of a selfie stick and a bullet-time handle, made up of a selfie stick and a bullet-time handle, are much safer, offering a sturdy structure that won't easily send your camera flying or hit your girlfriend, that won't easily send your camera flying or hit your girlfriend, right? This makes the experience a lot more user-friendly. Aside from the panoramic mode, there's this single-lens mode from the last gen that I really like there's this single-lens mode from the last gen that I really like and must mention. It has upgraded from 4K/30fps to 4K/60fps. I once complained that if you could hold the camera vertically I once complained that if you could hold the camera vertically and record horizontal videos, it wouldn't make better use of the screen, pretty cumbersome. I asked Insta360 if they could implement a mode I asked Insta360 if they could implement a mode to rotate and record using a side button, to rotate and record using a side button, and they actually listened! Now, you can do exactly that. It's a totally different solution compared to Pocket3's lens rotation. It's a totally different solution compared to Pocket3's lens rotation. It's more like using a smartphone. You can keep a conversation going while filming someone else, You can keep a conversation going while filming someone else, You can keep a conversation going while filming someone else, then quickly switch to filming yourself. then quickly switch to filming yourself. You might ask, "Why not just use a smartphone?" Well, the quality is consistent between the front and back, Well, the quality is consistent between the front and back, and with gyro-based stabilization, the footage remains steady even if you're moving. the footage remains steady even if you're moving. The side Q button not only supports recording, but also supports switching between front and back cameras and modes. but also supports switching between front and back cameras and modes. Pretty good. However, you can't switch cameras while recording, However, you can't switch cameras while recording, you have to stop and then switch, you have to stop and then switch, which means there's still some room for optimization. Additionally, in single-lens mode, there's a free-aspect ratio recording mode that shows guidelines for both vertically and horizontally on the screen, that shows guidelines for both vertically and horizontally on the screen, that shows guidelines for both in vertical and horizontal on the screen, making it easier to create content for different platforms. For me, it's really useful for those who frequently switch between platforms. it's really useful for those who frequently switch between platforms. Okay, let's talk about AI. The term "AI" has been overused lately, The term "AI" has been overused lately, especially among camera manufacturers, and it feels like a gimmick, I have no idea what "AI" did. However, Insta360 has been a pioneer in promoting AI features However, Insta360 has been a pioneer in promoting AI features However, Insta360 has been a pioneer in promoting AI features and has even integrated a 5-nm AI chip into the hardware of X4. and has even integrated a 5-nm AI chip into the hardware of X4. Personally, I've been skeptical about such features, Personally, I've been skeptical about such features, feeling they're more hype than substance. But having used the X4, I must admit some of the AI features are genuinely impressive. I must admit some of the AI features are genuinely impressive. Very good. Probably the first AI camera that wins my heart. Probably the first AI camera that wins my heart. Like they did on Ace Pro, Log option in the X3 was removed, leaving only a flat color profile for X4. Instead, Insta360 has focused on leveraging the AI Instead, Insta360 has focused on leveraging the AI to enhance direct outputs. I don't know your ideas about it. Most people, including myself, Most people, including myself, rarely use Log on such small devices anymore. rarely use Log on such small devices anymore. As we age, I just want to quickly share the footage. As we age, I just want to quickly share the footage. I don't want to spend time on fining it to improve just a little bit. I don't want to spend time on fining it to improve just a little bit. With the AI chip, X4 can capture finer details in shadows and highlights, improving dynamic range and skin tone adjustments. improving dynamic range and skin tone adjustments. But compared to X3, you can directly feel this chip's performance. you can directly feel this chip's performance. Apart from that, more optimization is reflected in the interaction. more optimization is reflected in the interaction. Like voice commands, other cameras also installed such features. But for panoramic cameras, voice control is not that practical. For example, when you holding the camera on an extended pole in a crowd, you look at this camera and you want to start recording, you look at this camera and you want to start recording, you have to shout out "Start Recording" to send your command. "Start Recording" to send your command. That's not convenient, right? It's a little awkward. Insta360 has tackled this issue Insta360 has tackled this issue by implementing advanced gesture recognition in X4. by implementing advanced gesture recognition in X4. Now, you can simply make a gesture to take a photo or start recording, Now, you can simply make a gesture to take a photo or start recording, and the camera recognizes these gestures accurately, even from tricky angles and distances. Like this, and this, not a problem. However, the camera still lacks the ability... it's important I have to say, it's important I have to say, it's hard to recognize its owner. it doesn't know the owner. For example, if you walk down the road, see a man holding it, and you recognize it's an X4 since it has such lines, and you recognize it's an X4 since it has such lines, you can walk in front of the camera and stop the recording. you can walk in front of the camera and stop the recording. Absurd. But all in all, for gesture recognition, You can only appreciate its extreme accuracy if you try it yourself. You can only appreciate its extreme accuracy if you try it yourself. That's something I would give a high score. To some extent, I didn't like to use a panoramic camera, mainly because you have to do some composition after filming, mainly because you have to do some composition after filming, it's the same as shooting it all over again in post-editing. You have to do it again, that's really cumbersome. You have to do it again, that's really cumbersome. Insta360 knows this well, and is clear to solve that issue with AI. and is clear to solve that issue with AI. When the Insta360's AI Highlight Assistant is on, it can automatically mark moments it considers exciting during shooting. it can automatically mark moments it considers exciting during shooting. it can automatically mark moments it considers exciting during shooting. It's not 100% right, but almost all of your exciting moments will be marked. but almost all of your exciting moments will be marked. but almost all of your exciting moments will be marked. So, it significantly reduces the time in post-editing. Another challenge for panoramic cameras is stitching the footage from the two lenses seamlessly. There's a thing called, Proximity Effect. It's like this, these are not two completely overlapping shots. these are not two completely overlapping shots. So when you reach 30 cm or 20 cm closer, the middle part would break. So it's very hard to stitch perfectly. Insta360 has introduced an AI stitching option in their software, Insta360 has introduced an AI stitching option in their software, which works remarkably well with predictable scenes, like buildings, which works remarkably well with predictable scenes, like buildings, which works remarkably well with predictable scenes, like buildings, which works remarkably well with predictable scenes, like buildings, but, it's not a panacea. You can't let AI guess the missing part of your darlings' faces. You can't let AI guess the missing part of your darlings' faces. AI is not almighty like this. AI is not almighty like this. If you let AI do that, it may harm your relationships. it may harm your relationships. Regarding audio, given that panoramic cameras are often used on extendable poles, given that panoramic cameras are often used on extendable poles, an external microphone becomes essential for clear voice recordings. an external microphone becomes essential for clear voice recordings. an external microphone becomes essential for clear voice recordings. X4 excels here as well. It pairs seamlessly with popular external microphones like DJI Mic2 It pairs seamlessly with popular external microphones like DJI Mic2 without needing any additional accessories, with one click to finish pairing. That's a good point. Battery life in our tests, X4 lasted 74 minutes at 8K/30fps, X4 lasted 74 minutes at 8K/30fps, though it did enter a thermal protection mode at around 33 minutes with the screen constantly on. at around 33 minutes with the screen constantly on. Like I mentioned before, monitoring while shooting with a panoramic camera often isn't necessary. monitoring while shooting with a panoramic camera often isn't necessary. monitoring while shooting with a panoramic camera often isn't necessary. If you're concerned about overheating, you can simply turn the screen off to prevent it. In terms of charging, the battery can be fully charged in about 50 minutes via a Type-C cable. the battery can be fully charged in about 50 minutes via a Type-C cable. Unlike the last gen, the new one displays the battery percentage, which is reassuring for those who worry about battery life. which is reassuring for those who worry about battery life. the lack of this feature in the last gen was truly baffling. the lack of this feature in the last gen was truly baffling. It got fixed in X4. At this point, the quality and ease of use of panoramic cams the quality and ease of use of panoramic cams have reached a pretty impressive stage. If you ask me if I'd like to use one, honestly, I'd quite like to try it out. Especially using it with the Vision Pro, I'd really like to film with it and then viewing through the Vision Pro. It's that immersive experience I find particularly fascinating. Overall, if Apple were to release a more affordable version of Vision Pro someday, if Apple were to release a more affordable version of Vision Pro someday, I believe that's when these features will truly become mainstream. I believe that's when these features will truly become mainstream. That, to me, is the most unique aspect of panoramic cameras. That, to me, is the most unique aspect of panoramic cameras. I've always wanted to convey the idea that panoramic cameras are among the few devices that can preserve both space and time completely. that can preserve both space and time completely. Regular cameras capture just one perspective, but with a panoramic camera, in post-editing, you can discover someone smiling at you from behind. That's what I see as its greatest value. In a way, the methods we currently use to operate panoramic cameras don't fully exploit their most powerful features. But with the next generation of Vision Pro, maybe we'll have the chance to use these cameras in new ways. maybe we'll have the chance to use these cameras in new ways. So, that's everything about the Insta360 X4 experience. You can share what you plan to shoot with it or what you hope to do. If you like this, feel free to share it with friends who might want to try such a camera, feel free to share it with friends who might want to try such a camera, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share, that means everything to us. So, until next time!
