Insta360 X4 Ultimate Beginner's Tutorial: The BEST Features Explained

MountMedia
3 May 202430:16

TLDRThe Insta360 X4 camera is a versatile device with a multitude of features that can be daunting for beginners. This tutorial breaks down the camera's best features, starting with its dual sensors and lenses, and the importance of protecting them with accessories like lens caps and guards. The tutorial covers the camera's buttons, ports, and the significance of using a fast SD card. It explains how to use the Insta360 app for camera activation, firmware updates, and controlling the camera. The video also delves into shooting modes, including 360 and single lens modes, and the various video modes like standard video, HDR photo, interval, burst, and StarLapse. The importance of selecting the right resolution and frame rate for different conditions is emphasized. The summary also touches on advanced settings, the use of presets, and the editing process using both the smartphone app and the Studio desktop app. The tutorial highlights the Me mode for simplified recording and the app's additional features like AI Highlight Assistant, gesture and voice control, and the Shot Lab for creative effects. Finally, it encourages viewers to explore further with the X4 and stay tuned for more tutorials.

Takeaways

  • 📷 The Insta360 X4 is a versatile camera with two sensors and lenses, offering a range of features for different shooting needs.
  • 🧵 Protective accessories like lens caps and guards are essential for the camera's delicate fisheye lenses and can be purchased separately.
  • 🔋 The X4 has side doors for accessing the USB C port and battery, with the battery door also revealing the SD card slot.
  • 🔩 The camera is equipped with four buttons for various functions, including power, quick switch, capture, and mode selection.
  • ⚙️ The X4 can be attached to mounts using a 1/4 inch thread, with a selfie stick being the ideal mount for 360 shots.
  • 📱 The Insta360 app is necessary for camera activation, firmware updates, and controlling the camera, as well as for editing and enhancing footage.
  • 🎥 The X4 can record in both 360 mode, which allows for post-production framing selection, and single lens mode for a traditional camera experience.
  • 🌟 Active HDR mode combines different exposures for higher dynamic range, but may have trade-offs in image quality.
  • 🔢 The X4 offers various shooting modes, including standard video, photo, HDR photo, interval, burst, StarLapse, Loop Recording, Bullet Time, and Time Shift.
  • 📹 The Me mode is a special single lens recording mode that automatically detects and frames the subject, eliminating the need for manual reframing.
  • 📱 The Insta360 app provides advanced editing features, including AI-powered editing, Shot Lab effects, and the ability to create videos with music and titles.

Q & A

  • What is the Insta360 X4 camera?

    -The Insta360 X4 is a camera that offers a wide range of features and settings, including 360-degree capture and single lens mode. It is equipped with two sensors and two lenses for capturing immersive footage.

  • How should you protect the lenses of the Insta360 X4?

    -The lenses should be protected by storing the camera properly, such as in the pouch provided with the standard packaging. Additionally, you can use a rubber lens cap or lens guards for extra protection, although the lens cap does not protect during shooting.

  • What is the purpose of the side doors on the Insta360 X4?

    -The side doors on the Insta360 X4 serve different functions. The top door conceals a USB C port for charging and connecting accessories, while the bottom door is the battery door that also provides access to the SD card slot.

  • What is the recommended SD card rating for the Insta360 X4?

    -For optimal performance, the SD card used in the Insta360 X4 should have a rating of at least UHS one and V30.

  • How can you connect the Insta360 X4 to the Insta360 app?

    -To connect the Insta360 X4 to the app, you need to activate the camera and then connect it via the Insta360 app by tapping on the camera icon at the bottom center of the app interface.

  • What is the Me mode on the Insta360 X4?

    -The Me mode is a single lens recording mode that allows users to record as if using a 360 camera. The camera automatically recognizes the subject's position in the frame and creates a clip without the need for manual reframing.

  • What are the different shooting modes available on the Insta360 X4?

    -The Insta360 X4 offers various shooting modes including standard video mode, photo mode, HDR photo mode, interval mode, burst mode, StarLapse, Loop Recording, Bullet Time, timelapse, HypeLapse, and active HDR.

  • How does the active HDR mode differ from the standard video mode?

    -Active HDR mode combines different exposures to achieve a higher dynamic range, retaining more detail in very bright and dark areas. However, it may have some disadvantages in terms of image quality and is recommended for use in particularly challenging lighting situations.

  • What is the significance of the AI Highlight Assistant feature?

    -The AI Highlight Assistant uses artificial intelligence to analyze and identify important and interesting moments during recording. These moments are marked as highlights and can be used by the app's Auto Edit feature to create a quick clip from several recordings.

  • How can you stabilize footage taken in Me mode that is more than 2.7K and 30 frames per second?

    -For Me mode recordings exceeding 2.7K and 30 frames per second, stabilization can only be applied within the Insta360 app. Users must open these recordings in the app and then save or export them for stabilization.

  • What are some of the editing features available in the Insta360 app?

    -The Insta360 app offers various editing features such as changing the field of view, color grading, adding music or motion blur, setting highlights, and using the Shot Lab for quick application of special effects. It also includes an Auto Edit feature that uses AI to create a clip from recordings based on saved highlights.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Overview of Insta360 X4 Features

The first paragraph introduces the Insta360 X4 camera, emphasizing its wide range of features that may seem overwhelming initially. The video aims to explain the camera's important features and settings for optimal use. It mentions the camera's two sensors and lenses, the need for protection, and the availability of accessories like lens caps and guards. The standard packaging contents, including a pouch and lens guards, are discussed. Instructions are provided on how to attach and remove lens guards and the importance of activating them in camera settings for stabilization and stitching are highlighted. The paragraph also covers the camera's side doors, USB C port, battery door, SD card slot, and the significance of using a fast SD card. The camera's buttons and their functions are explained, along with the importance of a selfie stick for 360 shots and the camera's compatibility with various mounts.

05:05

🔄 Camera Controls and Shooting Modes

The second paragraph delves into the camera's controls, settings menu, and shooting modes. It explains how to wake the camera from standby mode and navigate the settings menu using swipe gestures. The importance of selecting the right shooting mode is stressed, with a focus on 360 mode versus single lens mode and their respective advantages. The paragraph outlines various shooting modes available, including standard video, photo, HDR photo, interval, burst, StarLapse, Loop Recording, Bullet Time, and time shift. It also discusses the importance of selecting the optimal lens before shooting in single lens mode and the lack of an invisible selfie stick effect in this mode. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for further details on the most important shooting modes.

10:09

🎥 Video Mode Settings and Considerations

The third paragraph focuses on the settings for the standard video mode in the Insta360 X4. It discusses the importance of choosing the highest possible resolution, especially when editing in 360 mode, and the trade-offs of recording in 8K versus 5.7K or 5.7K+. The impact of frame rates on video smoothness and the option for slow-motion recording at reduced resolutions are explained. The paragraph also covers the choice of field of view in 360 mode, color profiles, and the use of EV to correct exposure. It touches on the Low Light Stabilization feature and its effect on image noise, and concludes with how to save custom presets for quick access during shooting.

15:12

📹 Starting Recordings and In-App Editing

The fourth paragraph explains the process of starting a recording on the Insta360 X4 and the various methods available for in-app editing of 360 recordings. It covers the use of the Capture button, marking highlights during recording, and deleting failed recordings. The paragraph then describes three reframing methods in the app: AI, Quick, and Pro. Each method's process for setting keyframes, adjusting the field of view, and exporting clips is detailed. The paragraph also mentions additional editing features like color editing, adding music, and setting highlights.

20:14

🖥️ Studio Desktop App and Single Lens Mode

The fifth paragraph introduces the Insta360 Studio desktop app, highlighting its unique features for editing and the process of transferring files from the camera. It contrasts the app's capabilities with those of the smartphone app and emphasizes the organic transition between keyframes and the ProRes export option. The paragraph then discusses shooting in single lens mode, recommending the highest resolution and the necessity of setting the format and field of view before shooting. It also touches on the Me mode, which automates the reframing process and removes the selfie stick from the shot.

25:16

📱 Smartphone App Features and Final Tips

The sixth and final paragraph focuses on additional features available in the smartphone app's settings menu, such as activating lens guards, using AI Highlight Assistant for automated clip creation with music, and gesture and voice controls. It mentions the Quick Capture feature for immediate recording start and Timed Capture for scheduled recordings. The paragraph also discusses connecting Bluetooth headphones or a GPS remote and setting the bit rate and video sharpness for optimal image quality. It concludes with a recommendation to explore the Shot Lab for special effects and the Auto Edit feature for hassle-free clip creation, encouraging viewers to experiment with these features and promising more tutorials on the X4.

Mindmap

Keywords

Insta360 X4

The Insta360 X4 is a 360-degree camera that is the central focus of the video. It is described as having two sensors and two lenses, which allow it to capture a full panoramic view. The camera is highlighted for its various features and settings that enable users to customize their shooting experience. In the video, the X4 is discussed in detail, with explanations on how to use its different modes and accessories to get the most out of its capabilities.

Lens Guards

Lens Guards are accessories for the Insta360 X4 that provide physical protection for the camera's lenses. They are mentioned as being quick and easy to attach and remove, with a specific instruction on how to properly position them for optimal protection. However, it is noted that they may slightly affect image quality and must be activated in the camera settings to prevent issues with stabilization and lens stitching.

USB C port

The USB C port is a universal port located on the Insta360 X4 that serves multiple functions. It is used for charging the camera and connecting it to accessories like a microphone adapter or a Quick Card Reader. The port is situated behind a side door on the camera, which must be removed for access. This port is crucial for expanding the camera's functionality and ensuring it can be used in various shooting scenarios.

Microphone Adapter

A microphone adapter is an accessory that can be connected to the Insta360 X4 via the USB C port. It allows users to improve the audio quality of their recordings by attaching an external microphone. This is particularly useful for capturing clearer sound in situations where the built-in microphone might not suffice, such as in videos with significant background noise or where professional audio quality is desired.

360 Mode vs Single Lens Mode

The video explains two primary shooting modes for the Insta360 X4: 360 mode and single lens mode. In 360 mode, the camera captures a full panoramic image using both lenses, which can later be reframed to create a traditional video clip. This mode allows for post-production framing selection but requires editing before use. Single lens mode operates the camera like a traditional action camera, recording with only one lens and not requiring the invisible selfie stick effect or post-production reframing.

HDR Photo Mode

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a photo mode on the Insta360 X4 that combines multiple shots with different exposures to create a single image with a greater dynamic range. This feature is used to capture more detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of a scene, which is particularly useful in high-contrast lighting situations. The video mentions HDR photo mode as one of the camera's special features for enhancing image quality.

Bullet Time

Bullet Time is a special shooting mode on the Insta360 X4 that creates a unique effect where the camera is rotated in a circle while mounted on a dedicated mount. This results in a sequence where the background appears to move around a subject who remains relatively still, creating a dramatic and visually appealing effect. It is mentioned in the video as one of the more interesting and creative modes available on the camera.

Time Shift

Time Shift is a shooting mode that allows for the creation of hyperlapse videos where the camera is in motion. Unlike traditional time-lapse, which is static, Time Shift involves moving the camera while recording and then stabilizing the footage in post-production. The video script emphasizes the need for stability and smooth, regular movements during shooting to achieve a cool hyperlapse effect.

Lens Stitching

Lens stitching is a process that refers to the camera's ability to seamlessly combine the images captured by its two lenses into a single, coherent 360-degree image. Proper lens stitching is crucial for creating high-quality panoramic shots. The video mentions that lens stitching can be affected if Lens Guards are not properly activated in the camera settings, leading to potential issues with stabilization and image quality.

Me Mode

Me Mode is a special recording mode on the Insta360 X4 that simplifies the process of capturing and editing 360-degree footage. In Me Mode, the camera automatically recognizes the subject's position and adjusts the framing accordingly, eliminating the need for manual reframing. This mode is particularly useful for social media content, as it allows for vertical shots to be recorded with ease and automatically removes the selfie stick from the view.

App Features

The Insta360 app is highlighted in the video for its ability to control the camera, update firmware, and edit footage. It is integral to the user experience, offering features like AI Highlight Assistant, which marks important moments in recordings, and various editing tools that allow users to reframe, stabilize, and enhance their videos with effects, music, and titles. The app's capabilities are showcased as a significant advantage of the Insta360 X4 system.

Highlights

The Insta360 X4 is an advanced camera with numerous features and settings designed for various shooting needs.

The camera comes with two sensors and lenses, requiring protection with accessories like lens caps and guards.

Standard packaging includes a pouch for storage and two quick attach/detach lens guards.

Premium Lens Guards offer better protection but may slightly affect image quality.

LensGuards need to be activated in the camera settings to avoid issues with stabilization and stitching.

The X4 has two side doors, one for USB C port and accessories, and the other for the battery and SD card slot.

A fast SD card with a rating of at least UHS one and V30 is recommended for the X4.

The X4 features four buttons for power, quick switching, capture, and mode changes.

The camera can be mounted on various accessories, with a selfie stick being ideal for 360 shots.

The Insta360 app is essential for camera activation, firmware updates, and full camera control.

The X4 offers shooting modes like 360 mode, single lens mode, HDR photo, interval, burst, StarLapse, and Loop Recording.

In 360 mode, the camera merges shots from two lenses, allowing for optimal framing in post-production.

Single lens mode functions like a traditional camera, recording with only one lens.

The Me mode in single lens recording allows for hands-free recording with automatic subject recognition and framing.

The X4 offers different shooting modes like standard video, active HDR, and various time-lapse options.

The highest resolution in 360 mode is 8K, with 5.7K+ offering a balance between quality and file size.

The app provides various editing tools, including AI-based reframing, manual selection, and subject tracking.

The Studio desktop app offers advanced editing features and the option to export in ProRes for the highest quality.

The app includes additional features like Shot Lab for special effects, a video editor, and an Auto Edit feature.