Insta360’s unique 360-degree dual-lens cameras have fast become one of the first choices for capturing on-bike action.
However, until now, that meant spending £500 for the 2nd-tier X4, or £519.99 to get the fully featured pro-level X5 with its 8k 30fps footage and ActiveHDR.
The new X4 Air brings the same 8k 30fps performance, now captured through larger 1/1.8in sensors, which Insta360 claims delivers much crisper 8k footage thanks to a 134 per cent increase in pixel area per frame compared to the X4.
The X4 Air is also Insta360’s lightest ever 360-degree camera at just 165g – and it's £160 cheaper than the X5.
Huge tech spec
The raft of upgrades to the X4 Air comes in both hardware and software.
For hardware, there's the lighter body, a built-in windguard, and replaceable lenses.
It's built tough too, with a weatherproof construction that Insta360 claims is good for 15 meters submersion.
However, it’s the software that has brought the biggest improvements, alongside the latest version of their Flowrate stabilisation and 360-degree horizon lock.
AdaptiveTone is Insta360’s so-called intelligent exposure algorithm, which takes light readings from both lenses to independently balance brightness and colour across the full image – leading to more natural skies, better shadow details, and improved colour grading, claims the brand.
ActiveHDR, which boosts the dynamic range in real-time to capture lifelike shadows and highlights, is now available in the highest quality setting of 8k at 30fps.
There’s also a new Portrait mode that automatically detects faces and adjusts brightness and colour to capture more natural skin tones.
More ways to control
As something of an action camera novice, I’ve always found the controls on cameras to be somewhat frustrating.
Insta360’s tiny Go Ultra went a long way in changing my mind with its simplicity.
The X4 Air can be controlled via a range of controls, from a twist of the selfie stick to start and stop recording, through to gesture controls to activate the camera – both video and stills.
It can also be operated via voice controls. I’m looking forward to trying out how all of these options pan out on the road (or trail).
Easy editing
Another element I liked about the Go Ultra was the easy-to-use, powerful and free app.
While the Insta360 app looks a little more involved, it still offers lots of powerful editing options straight from your phone. W
Insta360 says its AI-powered tools, including Auto-edit, Flashcut, and AI Frame, will automatically find highlights from raw footage, apply transitions automatically, and even sync footage to music.
Insta360 has an integrated cloud service (the first year is free, with 200GB of storage), which means you can almost instantly share footage via a customisable link straight from your phone.
Masses of accessories
As for accessories, the range available is vast.
From a clamp-on bar mount, saddle rail mount, a third-person-view bike handlebar mount (it looks a bit like a selfie stick for your bike), a wrist or bar mounting GPS preview remote, which gives camera control, video preview, and adds GPS data to your recordings... there's a lot!
Insta also offers a bike accessory bundle with a GoPro-style chest strap, handlebar mount, and action cam mount adaptors.
Off the bike, there’s a myriad of further accessories for everything from water sports, motorcycling, hiking, skiing, and more.
Prices
The standard Insta X4 Air is priced at £359.99 / $399.99 / €399 / AU$639.99, or there is a starter bundle available which includes a 114cm invisible selfie stick, lens cap, and extra battery for £389 / $439.99 /€429 / AU$699.99.
The bike-specific accessories are priced at
- The Bike kit bundle (chest strap, handlebar mount, action cam adaptors): £54.99 / $54.99 / €62.99 / AU$92.99
- Bike tail mount kit (saddle rail mount): £69.99 / $69.99 / €83.99 / $119.99
- Bike computer mount (out front mount for integrated bars) £34.99 / $34.99 / €42.99 / AU$60.99
- Third person bike handlebar mount £41.99 / $39.99 / €49.99 / AU$79.99
- Bike headset cap mount £39.99 / $39.99 / €45.99 / AU$69
- GPS Preview Remote £149.99 / £149.99 / €N/A / AU$269
