DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X4: Six Aspects Compared
Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
DJI and Insta360 are some of the competing action camera brands on the market. How do their latest flagship models, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Insta360 X4, compare in terms of features and performance? Let's explore the key differences between these two action cameras across 6 important aspects!
Key Takeaways
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has better overall imaging capabilities and pro-level features, thanks to a large 1/1.3" sensor for stunning low light, 10-bit color depth, HLG support, and timecode function. However, Insta360 X4 allows for more creativity with its reframeable 360 footage and AI-powered edits.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
High-Performing Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 40 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ Dual OLED Touchscreen
✓ Air Pressure and Water Pressure Gauge
Insta360 X4
Action Camera for Creative Pursuits
✓ 8K 360 Video + 72 MP 360 Photo
✓ 4K Single-Lens Footage
✓ AI-Powered Editing
✓ Gesture Control
#1 Price
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 is the more expensive option, retailing at US$499 compared to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro at US$349.
With a $150 price gap, the Insta360 X4 will need to offer significantly better features and performance to justify the higher cost. But does it live up to the premium price tag? We'll explore that in more detail below.
#2 Design & Display
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
While both the Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro are compact, rugged, and durable, they have some notable design differences that may appeal to different users' preferences.
Insta360 X4 has a taller candy bar-like design, measuring 46 x 37.6 x 123.6 mm and weighing 203 g. It features a 2.5" LCD touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass and a dual-lens setup on its front and rear body. A lens guard is included for extra protection and the camera is waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a boxy shape more typical of traditional action cameras, measuring 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm and weighing 146 g. The front body has a 1.46" touchscreen display next to the camera lens, while the rear has a 2.5" touch display. Both of the screens are OLED, and the camera is waterproof to 65ft (20m) right out of the box. A glass lens cover is also included for added protection.
In terms of design, both cameras are also different in their mounting setups. Insta360 X4 has a built-in 1/4" screw hole for attachment to various mounts and accessories, while the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro uses the attachable magnetic Quick-Release Adapter Mount to connect to various mounts and accessories. Magnetic attachment is more convenient for quick mounting and dismounting, so I give the edge to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro in this aspect.
#3 Video & Photo
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 can capture up to 8K 360° videos and 72 MP 360° photos, which allows for highly flexible reframing and editing in post-production. When using the single-lens mode, the X4 supports a maximum video resolution of 4K, which is the same as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
The X4's 360 capability not only allows for more immersive capture, but also allows for more creative flexibility in post-production. The Insta360 X4 even offers a unique FreeFrame Video mode, which lets you export your single-lens footage in any aspect ratio after recording.
While the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is losing in terms of flexibility, it has better low-light imaging. Its 4nm high-performance chip and a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor deliver superior low light performance compared to the 1/2" CMOS sensor and 5nm AI chip used in the Insta360 X4. The camera also offers a dedicated SuperNight mode for nighttime shooting, making the Osmo Action 5 Pro a better choice for low-light and nighttime video capture.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also stands out with pro-level features like 10-bit color depth, D-Log M, and HLG support, all of which are not supported on the Insta360 X4.
#4 Audio
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with DJI Mic 2
Insta360 X4 is a 360 camera that captures the entire scene around the camera, so it makes sense that it has 4 microphones to provide immersive 360 audio capture, as compared to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with just 3 microphones.
While both cameras offer wind noise reduction, Insta360 X4 seems to be taking this feature more seriously, offering 2 modes of wind noise reduction – Auto and Active. The Active Wind Reduction provides even stronger wind noise suppression, designed for motorcycle sports and other high-wind environments.
Both cameras also support an external microphone connection, though a separate adapter or cable is required to enable this functionality. If you don't want to purchase an external microphone adapter, a Bluetooth connection is also possible.
However, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is meant to connect to DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth, while the Insta360 X4 is compatible with a range of Bluetooth microphones and headsets, including DJI Mic 2, Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, motorcycle helmet headsets like Sena, and more.
#5 Features
Insta360 X4
Two distinctive features of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro are the built-in timecode function, which helps to sync multiple cameras for professional video production, and the built-in water/air pressure gauge, which measures underwater depth and altitude for diving and other related sports activities.
Insta360 X4's unique features are related to the operation, including voice control and gesture control for hands-free operation, as well as an Apple Watch remote control for convenient operation from your wrist. Meanwhile, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro only features voice control.
Insta360 X4 also stands out with its comprehensive AI-powered editing tools in the Insta360 app, from AI editing, reframing, Shot Lab templates, and more. Deep Track 3.0 is also available, which tracks subject from the 360-degree footage with impressive accuracy.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also features subject tracking, but it is an in-camera mode instead of an in-app editing feature. Remember that Osmo Action 5 Pro is not a 360 camera, so it tracks subject only within its field of view. The camera doesn't mechanically follow a subject like a gimbal either, so subject tracking involves zooming and cropping the footage to keep the subject centered throughout the video.
Compared to Insta360's Deep Track which can track subjects across the entire 360-degree sphere, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's subject tracking is more limited in scope and may result in reduced image quality.
Another unique feature of the Insta360 X4 is Auto Dash, which caters to motorcyclists. Like a dashcam, the X4 can automatically start recording when the motorcycle is turned on, and stop recording when the engine is turned off.
#6 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a pretty good runtime of 240 minutes at 1080p/24 fps, thanks to its large-capacity 1950mAh battery.
However, the Insta360 X4 offers an even larger battery. At 5.7K/30 fps, the X4's 2290mAh battery can last for up to 135 minutes, which is very impressive for recording at such a high resolution.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X4
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The Insta360 X4's 360-degree video capabilities, AI editing features, and impressive battery life make it a strong contender for adventurous videographers who prioritize creative flexibility and immersive footage. However, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's superior low-light performance, pro-level video features, and convenient magnetic mounting system may be more appealing to users focused on high-quality, professional-grade action video. Ultimately, the choice between these two action cameras will depend on the user's specific needs and preferences, as each model offers a unique set of strengths and capabilities.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Osmo Action 4 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 3 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X3
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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