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Writer's pictureGuillaume H

How to Use the Insta360 X4's Different Video Formats for Your Projects

Updated: Nov 26

The Insta360 X4 is a powerful action camera that offers a variety of video formats to suit different needs and content creation projects. Whether you’re a vlogger, professional content creator, or action sports enthusiast, understanding the different video formats and how to best use them can really improve the quality of your projects. Each video format has been designed to meet specific needs, from ultra-high-resolution videos for professional projects to lighter formats for maximizing recording time and smooth action scenes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the Insta360 X4 ’s format options and explain when to use each to optimize your recordings, so you can get the most out of this cutting-edge camera.


Insta360 X4 on Skis
Insta360 X4 on Skis

Insta360 X4: Video Formats Available on the Insta360 X4

The Insta360 X4 offers multiple video formats ranging from high-resolution 8K to lighter resolutions, each format having its own specific benefits and applications. Here are the main formats available:

  • 8K at 30fps : Ultra high resolution for incredible details.

  • 5.7K+ at 60fps : High resolution with better fluidity.

  • 4K at 120fps : Ideal for cinematic slow motion.

  • 3K at 100fps : Lighter format for slow motion videos, perfect for fast action situations.

Each format can be used optimally depending on the scenes to be captured and the type of content you want to produce. This allows you to adapt the visual quality and fluidity of the videos according to the specific needs of each project, whether for social media publications or more ambitious productions.



Insta360 X4: When to Use 8K Format

8K at 30fps is the most advanced format and captures images with stunning detail. It’s ideal for projects where image quality is a top priority, such as travel videos, documentaries, or professional projects intended to be displayed on 4K or 8K displays. The ultra-high resolution allows for zooming and cropping without loss of quality, which is very useful in post-production.

This format is particularly suited for capturing vast landscapes where every detail counts, whether it’s mountains, dense forests or historical monuments. In addition, the cropping option allows you to transform a shot into several different angles, adding variety to your productions without the need to reshoot. This makes it a powerful tool for creators who want to maximize the value of each scene filmed.

However, 8K produces very large files and is resource intensive. Therefore, it is recommended to use it when you have enough storage and editing equipment that can handle such resolutions. 8K is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and intricate architectural details, or for projects that require exceptional quality to be viewed on high-definition screens. For documentaries and large-scale projects, using 8K resolution ensures total immersion for the viewer.


Insta360 X4 on a motorcycle
Insta360 X4 on a motorcycle

Insta360 X4: When to Use 5.7K+ Format

5.7K+ at 60fps is a great compromise between quality and smoothness. It offers high resolution while allowing for smoother motion capture thanks to a refresh rate of 60 frames per second. This format is ideal for vlogging and action scenes where you want sharp visual quality without sacrificing smooth motion.

5.7K+ is perfect for creators looking for a balance between resolution and file size. If you’re shooting vlogging while traveling or capturing dynamic activities like hiking, this format is ideal because it provides enough quality for professional editing while maintaining an efficient workflow in post-production. The smoothness of 5.7K+ is also an advantage when shooting with camera movement, such as tracking shots or panning shots, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

This format is also very suitable for online platforms like YouTube, as it allows for the production of high-quality videos while remaining compatible with the networks' broadcasting capabilities. Content creators can thus offer high-quality videos that stand out on social networks, without having to manage files that are too heavy to download or edit.


Insta360 X4: When to Use 4K Format

4K at 120fps is ideal for capturing cinematic slow-motion scenes. With a high frame rate of 120fps, you can slow down scenes to get sharp details in fast-action situations, such as sports scenes, waterfalls, or water features. This format is very popular among creators who want to add a dramatic touch to their content.

Use 4K at 120fps for projects that require showing details that are difficult to perceive at normal speed. This allows you to make every movement visible, creating immersive and captivating videos, especially for extreme sports or emotional sequences where every detail counts. For example, filming an athlete performing a complex figure or a dancer performing fast movements allows you to capture the beauty of each gesture and bring out all the grace.

4K at 120fps is also suitable for creative scenes, such as music videos or narrative sequences where the slow motion effect adds an extra dimension. This format gives you the flexibility to add drama and emotion to your videos, making them more memorable for the viewer.



Insta360 X4: When to Use 3K Format

3K at 100fps is lighter but still has good smoothness due to its high frame rate. It’s a great choice for action situations where storage is limited, or when you need more recording time without compromising the overall quality of the capture. With this format, you can still achieve smooth slow motion, although the resolution is reduced.

3K is ideal for adventure vlogging or outdoor sports captures, where fast motion is common but file sizes need to be kept reasonable. This makes it a great format for users who want to capture long sequences without worrying about storage space. Additionally, the smaller file sizes allow for faster editing, which is essential when you want to produce content consistently and quickly.

This format is also suitable for users who focus on social media platforms where maximum resolution is not necessarily a criterion. It allows you to shoot dynamic sequences while maintaining a reasonable file size, making it easy to upload and share online, without losing the ability to capture moments of action with correct fluidity.


Insta360 X4: Tips for Choosing the Right Format

When choosing the right video format for your Insta360 X4 , it’s important to determine your project’s needs in terms of quality, smoothness, and file size. Here are some tips to help guide you:

  • Choose 8K if your project is detail-oriented and you plan to publish on platforms that support high resolution. 8K is ideal for large screens and projections.

  • Use 5.7K+ for a balance of quality and smoothness, ideal for vlogging, travel, and dynamic projects. This format captures smooth motion while maintaining good visual quality.

  • Choose 4K at 120fps when you need dramatic slow motion, such as in sports videos, artistic scenes, or music videos. This format adds a cinematic touch that enhances the emotional impact of your videos.

  • Go for 3K at 100fps if you need extended recording time while maintaining good quality for motion. It’s the ideal format for outdoor adventures and long filming sessions.

The Insta360 X4 offers a wide variety of formats to suit a variety of projects and situations, allowing you to create content that lives up to your expectations, whether for personal or professional use. With the right formats, you can tell visual stories that captivate and inspire your audience.



Why Choose the Insta360 X4 for Your Video Projects

The Insta360 X4 is an incredibly versatile tool that offers multiple video formats to suit every content creator, no matter their needs or preferences. Whether you’re a professional looking to shoot high-quality video for ambitious projects or an action sports enthusiast looking to share your adventures, the Insta360 X4 is designed to meet all your creative challenges.

By using the right video formats, you can capture every moment with the resolution and fluidity that best suits your vision, always ensuring exceptional quality. Remember to take into account the nature of your project and the specific characteristics of the available formats in order to achieve optimal results.

This camera offers unmatched flexibility to transform every idea into a captivating visual achievement. Experiment with different formats and find the one that works best for telling your unique story.

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