Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Which is the winner?
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 are fundamentally two different cameras. One is a 360 action camera designed for capturing immersive footage, while the other is a gimbal pocket camera designed for vlogging and everyday use.
However, these two cameras are often compared due to their similarities in portability, features, and more. Let's take a closer look at how they stack up against each other to find the best camera for your specific needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways
While Insta360 X4 is more suitable for outdoor adventures and action sports, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is more recommended for content creators who mainly shoot indoors, in urban environments, or under low-light conditions.
Insta360 X4
Creative 360 Camera
✓ 8K 360 Video, 72 MP Photo
✓ Creative AI Editing
✓ Waterproof to 10m
✓ 135 min Runtime
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Exceptional Gimbal Camera
✓ 4K Video, 9.4 MP Photo
✓ 1” CMOS Sensor
✓ Beautification via DJI MImo App
✓ Webcam, Live Stream, Timecode Sync
#1 Price
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Both being the latest action camera from both brands, the Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 have a premium price tag. However, the Pocket 3 is slightly more expensive at US$519, while the Insta360 X4 retails at US$499.99.
The price gap between the two is not so big, but the costs of both cameras are not small either. So it's important that you consider your budget and needs before making a purchase decision.
#2 Design, Display, & Durability
Insta360 X4
Unlike most typical action cameras in the market with a boxy shape, the Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 share a similar candy bar form factor that makes them highly pocketable and also easy to hold.
I don't recommend holding the X4 directly though, as your hands may appear in the shot when shooting 360 videos. The more ideal setup is to use the popular Insta360's Selfie Stick accessory, which will be invisible in the final footage so you can take seamless third-person footage as if someone else is filming you from a distance. This is one advantage that the X4 has over the Pocket 3.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The Insta360 X4 also features a larger 2.5" touchscreen compared to Pocket 3's smaller 2" touchscreen. However, the screen of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is rotatable, you can switch it either vertically or horizontally to suit your shooting needs and preferences.
I don't think the X4 needs this feature, as reframing happens in post-production, where you can export the flexible 360 footage into your desired orientation, aspect ratio, angle, or field of view.
Insta360 X4
DJI Osmo Pocket 3's main limitation compared to the Insta360 X4 is its lack of waterproofing and ruggedness. The Pocket 3 is not waterproof and is only meant for use under 0°C to 40°C. With that being said, the Pocket 3 is more suitable for indoor use or urban outdoor environments.
In contrast, the Insta360 X4 can handle more extreme conditions. The camera is waterproof to 10m out of the box, or you can purchase a dive case to take it down to 50m of depth. The X4 also operates at a wide temperature range of -20°C to 40°C, making it more versatile for outdoor adventures, including snow sports, water activities, and desert explorations.
#3 Video & Photo Quality
Insta360 X4
In general, Insta360 X4 delivers better video quality and more flexible shooting options compared to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. With the X4, you can either take a 360 video at a maximum resolution of 8K or take a 4K single-lens video. With the Pocket 3, your option is limited to taking a traditional flat video at 4K maximum resolution.
Insta360 X4 also boasts a higher maximum photo resolution of 72 MP, which is much more than the 9.4 MP maximum resolution that the Pocket 3 offers. However, keep in mind that the 72 MP resolution of the X4 is spread across the entire 360-degree field of view, so the final reframed photo may not be as sharp or detailed as you might expect.
One thing that makes the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 clearly stand out over the X4 is its large 1-inch CMOS sensor, which gives it an edge in low-light performance. The camera is able to capture more light and produce cleaner, less noisy images in dimly lit environments compared to the smaller 1/2-inch sensor in the X4. So, for low-light shooting, the Pocket 3 is the clear winner.
#4 Features
Insta360 X4
When it comes to features, the winner is a bit tricky to choose. Both Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 have their own set of unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
The Insta360 X4's features are geared more towards unlocking creative possibilities and exploring unique perspectives. With its 360-degree capture, the X4 allows for more flexibility and experimentation in post-production.
Insta360 App and Insta360 Studio also offer easy ways to create engaging content, from AI-powered reframing, subject tracking, effects, transitions, to one-click editing templates for social media. Accessories like Invisible Selfie Stick and Bullet Time also open up new shooting possibilities that are not possible with traditional cameras.
Extended Invisible Selfie Stick of Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 is also suitable for various activities. Features like Stats Dashboard can overlay real-time data like speed, elevation, and GPS on your videos, making it ideal for action sports enthusiasts.
With the Auto Dash feature, you can even plug the X4 into your motorcycle to use it as a dashcam that will automatically start recording when you start your engine and stop when you shut it off.
There is also a pre-recording mode suitable for fishing, which captures footage a few seconds before you press the record button, so you never miss the moment when you catch a fish.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also offers the DJI Mimo app as an editing tool, but its features are more focused on enhancing the traditional vlogging and filmmaking experience compared to the X4's more experimental and creative-oriented features. For example, Glamour Effects in the DJI Mimo app can automatically enhance your appearance with adjustable beautification effects.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also supports webcam and live streaming, which makes it more suitable for content creators who frequently stream their daily lives. Insta360 X4, on the other hand, doesn't offer webcam and live streaming features.
Another distinctive feature that the Pocket 3 offers is a built-in timecode function. This feature is valuable if you use multiple cameras for shooting and need to synchronize the footage in post-production. Insta360 X4 doesn't come with a built-in timecode feature, which makes it less suitable for professional multi-camera productions.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 is powered by a large 2290 mAh battery life, which allows for up to 135 minutes of continuous recording at 5.7K/30 fps. It is significantly more time compared to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3's 1300 mAh battery, which only lasts up to 116 minutes for 4K/60 fps recording.
However, a larger battery capacity means a longer time needed for charging. While the Pocket 3 can reach 80% in just 16 minutes, the Insta360 X4 takes twice as long to achieve the same charging level. The Insta360 X4 can reach 80% in 38 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes.
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
At a lower price, the Insta360 X4 wins over the Pocket 3 in terms of outdoor durability, video quality, and battery life. Its ability to take 360 footage coupled with its creative editing features make it a more versatile and fun camera to use.
However, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 outshines the X4 when it comes to low-light shooting performance. It is also equipped with distinctive features perfect for daily vlogging and professional content creation, such as webcam support, live streaming, and built-in timecode.
In sum, if you're leaning more towards exploring new possibilities and unleashing your creativity, the Insta360 X4 is the clear choice. It is also a more suitable pick for people who enjoy outdoor adventures and action sports.
However, for content creators who mainly shoot indoors, in the urban environment, or in low-light conditions, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the better option. It is also perfect for professional filmmakers who require multi-camera synchronization and timecode support.
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 Action 4
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