Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Action 4: Each unique strengths & limitations
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
DJI Osmo Action 4 is one of the best action cameras on the market, offering top-notch features and performance. However, how does it compare to the recently released Insta360 X4, another highly capable action camera with its own unique strengths and capabilities?
Key Takeaways
DJI OM 4 has better low-light performance, but Insta360 X4 offers more flexibility with its reframeable 8K 360 video. DJI OM 4 also has more professional features like Timecode Sync and 10-bit D-Log M, while Insta360 X4 has more beginner-friendly creative features like AI editing tools, Invisible Selfie Stick, and gesture control.
Insta360 X4
Best for Creative Pursuits
✓ Reframeable 8K 360 Footage
✓ FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
✓ AI-Powered Editing Tools
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick
DJI Osmo Action 4
Best for Low-Light Shooting
✓ 4K Video, 10 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady 360
✓ Timecode Sync, 10-bit D-Log M
#1 Price
DJI Osmo Action 4
Being the latest flagship model recently released in April 2024, the Insta360 X4 is quite expensive at US$500.
DJI Osmo Action 4 is more affordable at US$400, but it is still expensive and is considered a premium action camera in the market.
With a $100 price gap, it is important to consider your budget and the specific features you need before making a decision.
#2 Design, Display, & Durability
Insta360 X4
DJI Osmo Action 4 is compact at 44.2 x 70.5 x 32.8 mm and lightweight at 145g. It also features a dual full-color touchscreen on the front and back, making it easy to frame your shots and review your footage.
Insta360 X4 is longer at 46 x 123.6 x 37.6 mm and heavier at 203g. It also features only one large 2.5-inch touchscreen display. However, having a dual screen like the Osmo Action 4 is not necessary as the lens captures 360-degree footage, so you can always see the screen regardless of which direction the camera is capturing.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJ Osmo Action 4 boasts an innovative magnetic quick-release design that not only allows for easy mounting but also for easy switching to vertical shooting. Insta360 X4, on the other hand, doesn't need such a design element as the 360 footage can be reframed to any orientation, both horizontal and vertical, during post-processing.
Both cameras are also designed to be rugged and tough, making them ideal for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.
In terms of waterproof capabilities, the DJI Osmo Action 4 has a slight edge, being waterproof to 18 meters without a case, while the Insta360 X4 is waterproof to 10 meters. With an additional dive case, you can take both cameras to a deeper depth of up to 60 meters for the DJI Osmo Action 4 and 50 meters for the Insta360 X4.
#3 Video Quality
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 boasts a very high resolution of 8K, currently the highest resolution in the action camera industry. However, keep in mind that this resolution is spread across a 360-degree field of view, so the actual resolution of the reframed video will be lower.
In single-lens mode, which captures a traditional flat video, the Insta360 X4 can record up to 4K, which is on par with the DJI Osmo Action 4's maximum resolution of 4K/120fps. So, in terms of traditional flat video quality, both cameras are comparable.
DJI Osmo Action 4
In terms of field of view, that is how much of the scene the camera can capture, the Insta360 X4 is the clear winner. Its 360-degree lens can capture everything around it, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 has a more limited field of view of 155° like a typical traditional action camera.
DJI Osmo Action 4, however, is superior to the Insta360 X4 when it comes to low-light performance. Its large 1/1.3" CMOS sensor and advanced image processing algorithms allow it to capture cleaner and more detailed footage in low-light conditions. Insta360 X4, on the other hand, relies on its smaller 1.2" sensor, which may struggle in dimly lit environments.
#4 Features
Insta360 X4
Both cameras have stabilization capabilities to ensure smooth and stable footage, even in challenging conditions. DJI Action 4 comes in 3 stabilization modes: RockSteady 3.0, RockSteady 3.0+ for a greater degree of stabilization, and HorizonSteady to keep the horizon level.
Similarly, the Insta360 X4 offers FlowState Stabilization for smooth and steady footage, as well as the 360° Horizon Lock that keeps the horizon level even if the camera rotates a full 360-degree.
Some other similar features that both cameras offer include voice control and pre-recording. However, while the pre-recording in the Insta360 X4 only allows for up to 15 seconds of footage, the DJI Osmo Action 4 supports up to 60 seconds of pre-recording for more flexibility.
DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI Osmo Mobile 4 also boasts some pro-level features that the Insta360 X4 lacks, such as Timecode Sync and 10-bit D-Log M, which respectively allow for multi-camera synchronization and greater flexibility in post-production color grading. These professional features make the DJI Osmo Mobile 4 more similar to the GoPro Hero 12 rather than the Insta360 X4.
Read also: GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Despite lacking professional-level features, the Insta360 X4 has its own set of advantages. The capability to capture a 360 video gives greater flexibility and versatility in post-production, allowing you to reframe and create multiple perspectives from a single shot.
Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 comes with beginner-friendly Insta360 Studio desktop software and Insta360 mobile apps, which offer AI-powered editing and many creative templates to choose from, so you can easily create engaging and dynamic videos without much effort or expertise.
The Insta360 X4 is also compatible with the Invisible Selfie Stick, which allows you to capture unique third-person perspectives while keeping the selfie stick invisible in the final footage. DJI Osmo Action 4 has a similar Invisistick accessory, but the invisible selfie stick effect can only be achieved through a time-consuming editing process in the DJI Mimo app.
Insta360 X4
This is different from the X4 which automatically stitches out the selfie stick in real-time, enabled by its 360 lens that captures everything around. The result is footage without the selfie stick straight out of the camera, making the process much more seamless and efficient.
Some other features that make the Insta360 X4 stand out from the DJI Osmo Action 4 are gesture control, which allows you to control the camera hands-free using simple hand gestures, and Stats Dashboard, which overlays real-time data like GPS, speed, and more from compatible Garmin devices and Apple Watches directly onto your videos.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 is winning in terms of battery life. Its large 2290 mAh battery capacity allows for an impressive 135 minutes of continuous recording at 5.7K/30 fps. Additionally, the battery charges rapidly, reaching a full charge in just 55 minutes or 80% in a mere 38 minutes.
DJI Osmo Action 4, on the other hand, has a smaller battery capacity of 1770 mAh. At 4K/120 fps, it can last for up to 70 minutes while at 1080p/24 fps, it can last for up to 160 minutes. A smaller battery allows for faster charging, with the Osmo Action 4 reaching 80% in only 18 minutes, and a full charge in approximately 49 minutes.
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 4
Both the Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Action 4 are impressive action cameras with their own unique strengths. For traditional flat video, both cameras offer the same 4K resolution but the Insta360 X4 stands out with its 8K resolution for 360 videos.
Insta360 X4's 360-degree capture, reframing capability, AI-editing tools, Invisible Selfie Stick, and gesture control give it an edge for immersive, creative, and beginner-friendly filming.
Meanwhile, DJI Osmo Action 4 excels in low-light performance thanks to its large 1.3" CMOS sensor. It also has unique professional-level features like Timecode Sync and 10-bit D-Log M that make it more appealing for advanced users and professionals.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 X2 vs X4
Insta360 X3 vs X4
Insta360 X4 vs Ace Pro
Insta360 X4 vs ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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