Upgrading from traditional action cameras, the Insta360 X4 Bike Bundle offers a significant boost for creating cycling content in the professional realm.
The Insta360 X4, a 360-degree action camera, is making waves in the cycling community with its impressive features. This camera, priced at £499/$499 (camera only) and £589/$586 for the Bike Bundle, stands out for its 8K 360-degree resolution, offering crisp, detailed footage that removes the stress of framing shots because you can choose the angle later in post-production.
The Insta360 X4's build quality is solid and well-engineered, making it ideal for rugged cycling use. Weighing in at 204g, it's slightly heavier but robust. The camera's long, slim shape positions its weight far from the mounting point, ensuring stability during rides.
The Insta360 X4's dual lenses capture a full spherical view, allowing you to reframe footage afterwards without worrying about initially framing the perfect shot. This flexibility is ideal for dynamic cycling footage, as it captures every direction simultaneously.
The camera's touchscreen display is bright and vibrant, offering seamless, real-time 360° preview and playback without lag. This feature improves ease of use on the bike, allowing cyclists to review their footage instantly.
The Insta360 app integrates with third-party apps like Garmin Connect, making it easier to overlay real-time stats like speed, power, heart rate, and cadence onto your footage. Most functions on the Insta360 app can be controlled from a smartphone, providing convenience on the go.
On rough roads, the Insta360 X4 can bounce around, although the stabilisation software corrects this in the final footage. Replacement lens guards for the Insta360 X4 are inexpensive, making it easy to keep your camera protected.
However, the camera’s design is somewhat large and elongated, which can compromise stability on very rough terrain and make it more noticeable on the bike. The protective lens guards are slightly fragile and prone to damage, requiring occasional replacement. The longer “invisible selfie stick” accessory mount is not very durable and susceptible to breakage under cycling stresses.
Some users find the default image processing overly sharp or artificial-looking, which can complicate color grading and blending with footage from other cameras. Additionally, at 204g, it’s heavier than some other compact action cameras, which might be a consideration for minimalists.
In summary, the Insta360 X4 excels for cyclists by providing versatile 360-degree video capture with strong build and excellent touchscreen usability, supported by powerful editing and app integration. Its main drawbacks relate to its size, some fragile accessories like lens guards and selfie sticks, and occasional image processing style that may not fit all tastes. Overall, it is regarded as one of the premier action cams for cycling, balancing innovative features with practical durability.
The Insta360 X4's performance and technology make it a valuable addition to a smart-home setup, as it seamlessly integrates with third-party apps like Garmin Connect, transforming it into a versatile gadget that captures and enhances your cycling experiences. With its robust build and easy-to-use touchscreen display, this action camera serves as a perfect companion for modern cyclists who appreciate cutting-edge gadgets and smart-home devices.
