Ski in 8K with the Insta360 X4 Revolutionise your snow videos!

The Insta360 X4 is a revolution in the world of action cameras, redefining the standard for immersive 360-degree content recording. Combining the latest in cutting-edge technology with an ultra-compact and rugged design, this device is a must-have tool for extreme sports enthusiasts and professional videographers in challenging conditions.

At ILOVESKI, we decided to take this innovative camera directly to the ski slopes to test it in its natural habitat and discover its capabilities first hand. With no strings attached and no compromises, as we have purchased this equipment independently, we will analyse in detail its strengths and the areas where it could be improved. We’ll give you a transparent and comprehensive review that will undoubtedly help you decide if this camera is the perfect companion for your snow adventures.

We start with the technical specifications of the new Insta360 X4 (weight, size, resolutions and battery life) and then introduce you to the different accessories that we consider suitable for ski filming. We will continue with the best shots you can take with the Insta360 x4 and how to make them. Then we present you with a comparison chart with other sports cameras and finally we give you our opinion of the Insta360 X4 and its usefulness for capturing your best ski trips. Do you have doubts about whether the successor of the Insta360 X3 is worth it for filming videos in the snow? Then put your retinas in ‘REC’ mode and let’s get started.

The Insta360 X4: Power in a compact form factor

We imagine there’s no doubt about it. The Insta360 X4 excels at shooting 8K and 360-degree video, offering creative options including slow motion, TimeShift and StarLapse. Here’s how battery life varies depending on the type of resolution you’re using to shoot your snow videos.

You should also note that the Insta360 X4 allows you to record in 8K but the card is not unlimited. Here is an example of how much space your videos will take up (per minute) depending on the resolution used.

We recommend using UHS-I and V30 class microSD cards or higher, with support for storage up to 1TB. In our tests, we opted for a 256GB SanDisk card, with read speeds of 200MB/s and write speeds of 140MB/s, ideal for handling the demanding requirements of 8K recording. Think about it, really, the Insta360X4’s storage with this type of card, then only 238.2GB is usable as the rest is used by the operating system and updates.

The best accessories for Insta360 X4 ski shooting

When capturing your skiing adventures with the Insta360 X4, selecting the right accessories is critical to getting high quality footage and ensuring your equipment is protected. Here are some of the accessories we have and have used on the slopes, along with their benefits and potential drawbacks:

Ski pole mount

The Insta360 Ski Pole Mount is an accessory designed to attach the camera directly to the pole, simplifying filming by eliminating the need for an additional selfie stick. This mount includes adapters to fit ski poles with different diameters, ensuring a secure and stable installation.

We recommend positioning the mount five to ten centimetres below the pole grip. A higher position can interfere with grip comfort, while placing it too low can compromise stability while skiing. By following this recommendation, you will notice an optimal balance that facilitates both handling the pole and capturing spectacular images with the camera.

To maximise the stability and quality of your footage, we suggest using the pole equipped with the mount and the Insta360 X4 with your dominant hand. Although the camera weighs only 200 grams, the extra weight and leverage of the extended selfie stick can make it difficult to turn and cause vibrations in your images. This approach not only enhances the shooting experience, but also allows you to maintain more precise control during every manoeuvre on the slopes.

Invisible selfie stick

This accessory isn’t just useful, it’s an absolute must-have for professional quality results with the Insta360 X4. Without a selfie stick, selfie shots will be too close to your body, forcing you to use wide-angle settings in post-production that distort the image and affect visual quality.

The Invisible Selfie Hanger integrates seamlessly with Insta360 technology, automatically removing itself from 360° images, allowing you to capture unique and totally uncluttered angles. It is available in different lengths, including an extended edition of up to 3 metres, ideal for wider, more cinematic perspectives. In our case, we used a shorter version, which extends to 100 cm and retracts to 28 cm, but we noticed that a longer model would be more suitable to avoid optical aberrations caused by the fisheye effect when using too short distances .

However, this accessory has certain challenges in its handling. In strong wind conditions, the length of the perch can be uncomfortable and affect stability, which requires more skill to maintain control. In addition, it is essential to practice using it to minimise the possibility of the selfie stick’s shadow being cast on the scene, a detail that could ruin a perfect shot.

Lens protectors

The Insta360 X4’s lenses are sensitive components that require additional protection during activities such as skiing. Standard and premium lens protectors are designed to protect against scratches and dirt. The premium lens protectors, made of high-transparency tempered glass, offer increased strength and image clarity. They are also screw-on, so there is no fear of losing them as there was with previous versions. However, in certain skiing circumstances, we have encountered problems with fogging between the lens protectors and the lenses themselves. This is a problem as you have to remove the gloves, take them off, clean them carefully with a chamois and put them back on.

Lens cap

To protect camera lenses during transport or while skiing, the silicone lens cap is a practical solution. This lens cap protects against scratches and dust, and is compatible with lens protectors. However, it is essential to make sure that there are no particles in the cap before attaching it, as they could damage the lens. It is also quite bulky as it does not fold up.

High-capacity battery

We had been told that we should have an additional battery. The high-capacity battery for the Insta360 X4 offers a longer battery life and is compatible with quick-charge chargers, allowing it to be fully recharged in approximately 75 to 80 minutes. However, it’s important to note that low temperatures can affect the performance of lithium-ion batteries, reducing their range. We had no problem recording at -15°C in Les 2 Alpes. The battery lasted a whole day of skiing without a problem.

Discover the top 5 best shots you can capture while skiing with the Insta360 X4

The best shots you can capture while skiing with the Insta360 X4 depend on creativity, handling the equipment and choosing the right accessories. This camera excels at 360° recording, allowing you to create immersive and visually stunning shots.

For starters, the Follow-Cam shot is one of the most iconic shots for skiing. This type of shot involves filming yourself or another skier from behind, capturing every turn, jump or movement on the snow. To do this with the Insta360 X4, it’s essential to use an invisible selfie perch. Position the camera slightly tilted upwards and extend the perch as far as possible to get a wide field of view that includes your subject and the landscape. You can also lower the angle a lot, leaving the camera at the height of your ski boots, the result is curious. In post-production, with the application, you can activate the automatic tracking mode, known as ‘Deep Track’, which allows you to keep the skier centred in the image as he or she descends the slope. It is essential to keep a constant distance of no more than five metres from the other skier. If you are further apart, the result is mediocre or non-existent.

Another option is the simulated drone shot, which, thanks to the technology of eliminating the selfie stick, allows you to create shots that look like they were filmed from a drone. This shot is ideal for capturing full descents or crossings in open terrain. To achieve this, extend the perch as far as possible and hold it with one hand as high up as possible, simulating an aerial viewpoint. It’s quite awkward to ski in this position for a selfie, but for filming someone else it’s a good solution. Later, in post-production, adjust the framing to give the sensation of flight. This technique is recommended on slopes with few skiers to avoid collisions.

The first-person shot, also known as POV, places the viewer directly on your helmet or chest, giving an immersive experience of what it’s like to glide down the slopes. This shot is perfect for capturing steep slopes, jumps or fast descents and keeping your hands free. To set it up, attach the Insta360 X4 to a helmet with an adhesive mount or to your chest with a mountain harness. It is crucial to level the camera correctly to avoid off-centre images. This type of shot is especially effective when skiing through forests or narrow trails, capturing the dynamism of the trail. It is advisable to protect the camera with a lens protector to prevent damage in case of a fall.

The dynamic side shot, on the other hand, shows the skier from a side angle, highlighting the skiing technique and the environment. To execute it, use the ski pole mount, placing the camera about ten centimetres below the grip of the pole or with the extendable pole. Hold the pole firmly to avoid vibrations and ensure that the subject remains in the frame.

The tracking shot from behind, also known as Over-the-Shoulder, places the viewer right behind the skier, providing a clear view of his trajectory and the landscape unfolding in front of him. To achieve this, hold the invisible selfie perch slightly tilted upwards from your back. Then adjust the framing in post-production to centre the skier and avoid including your shadow in the shot (try to have the sun at your back in this type of shot). This type of shot is perfect for capturing the skier’s perspective on wide runs or breathtaking scenery.

All in all, the Insta360 X4 offers unique versatility for capturing unforgettable moments while skiing. Experimenting with different shots and settings allows you to create visually stunning content that reflects the excitement and beauty of the ski slopes.

Comparison with other sports cameras

When comparing the Insta360 X4 to other options on the market, such as the GoPro MAX or the DJI Osmo Action 4, we found that the X4 (in addition to 360-degree recording) outperforms its competitors in a number of ways:

Insta360 X4 GoPro MAX DJI Osmo Action 4 Insta360 X4 Feature

The ability to record in 8K and FlowState stabilisation make the X4 a preferred choice for the most demanding creators.

Advantages in the snow

The Insta360 X4 shines in snowy environments thanks to its ruggedness and versatility:

• Flawless stabilisation – Its FlowState technology and horizon lock ensure smooth shots even on fast descents or jumps. Stabilisation is incredible. You’ll be able to shoot high-speed descents like it’s nothing: it’ll look like you’re using a gimbal.
• Improved battery life: 135 minutes of 5.7K@30fps recording is ideal for long days in the snow and mountains. However, you know that cold weather reduces the battery life of mobile phone and sports cameras. When you’re not using it, put it in your backpack or close to your chest in your jacket so it doesn’t get too cold.
• Accessory compatibility: We bought the Action Invisible Selfie Stick, which seems perfect for immersive filming while skiing or snowboarding and the stick disappears in the video. The unicorn helmet mount has the added bonus that you ski hands free but you will feel the weight on your head and strain on your neck if you use it for too long. The day we get it we will give you our opinion. On the other hand, we do have the ‘Ski Pole Mount’, which is a piece that is attached under the handle of the ski pole. It is very useful to be able to ski with both poles and record at the same time. Finally, there is a chest harness (we don’t have it) that allows you to position the insta360 at sternum level.
• HDR mode: Excellent for balancing the highlights of snow and the shadows of trees.
• Voice control: This 360° video camera allows you to operate various camera functions simply by using your voice. This function in the snow can be very useful in various situations. If you are 1 metre away from the camera, you can give basic instructions to the camera such as Take a picture, start, video, stop video, add keyframes for easy editing and turn it off. At the moment, this function is only available in English, Chinese and Japanese. On windy days in the mountains, it doesn’t work so you’ll have to press the button.

What we like most about the Insta360 X4

1. First-time use guide: There is a guide in the mobile app that explains the different features of the camera in detail (in English). It has help videos on ‘How to set up and shoot ski videos, another one with the 8 best snow photos and finally, one on Super shots in the snow. All three to quickly learn how to use it and get the most out of both the camera and the excellent application.
2. Learning curve: Whenever we get a new digital gadget, we always start to wonder whether it will be difficult to use. Our experience so far has been very positive. Everything is very intuitive, it connected to the wifi and bluetooth of the mobile without problems and when you start it for the first time, there is a guided learning phase showing you how to modify each setting by sliding your finger over the screen. Likewise, switching from 360º camera to Single Lens is a breeze. In short: we assure you that the learning curve to start using the Insta360 X4 is very fast.
3. Type of 360º shots: In addition to the typical mini-planet and the crystal ball, there are four other very useful types of recording. The ‘MegaView’ option is suitable for wide shots and vertical distortion is reduced in 16:9/2.35:1 aspect ratios. It also offers the ‘Ultra Wide’, a ‘linear’ that applies almost no distortion and finally it offers the ‘Dewarp’ style in which there is less image distortion than in the Megaview and Ultra Wide and applies a blur.
4. Exposure compensation: Like any self-respecting action camera, the Insta360 x4 allows you to easily change the exposure compensation. If you’re shooting in snow and the day is clear, we recommend setting it down to -0.3. HDR works great with light and shadow contrasts. There are also three exposure control options (Alot, Standard and Auto).
5. Impressive resolution: The ability to record in 8K offers unprecedented image quality but the storage consumption in 8K is quite high. We normally record in 5.7K and the result is quite good. The quality with 8K is supreme but the space taken up by each video is excessive. Forget about recording people far away. This camera delivers good results when recording people or objects at a maximum distance of 10 metres.
6. Advanced stabilisation and audio: The FlowState system ensures smooth recordings in extreme conditions. Noise-wise, it features a smart filter that cancels out wind noise (only snow and your breathing can be heard).
7. Rugged design: The X4 Premium lens protectors and the protective housing, are quite solid. It’s perfect for outdoor sports, with water and dust resistance. It looks pretty waterproof, but remember that the warranty on these types of cameras doesn’t usually cover damage from moisture.
8. AI and creative modes: TimeShift, StarLapse and intelligent reframing boost creativity.
9. Long battery life: Up to 135 minutes of battery life, ideal for long days in the mountains if you don’t shoot at very high settings.
10. Editing with Insta360 Studio: The free video editing application designed to work in conjunction with Insta360 brand cameras such as the X4, X3, ONE X2, ONE RS and GO3. It features an intuitive interface and we like the variety of tools it offers, including image stabilisation, deep track, colour correction and cropping options. In addition, the ability to combine multiple clips into a single timeline and the plug-in integration with professional editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro are great. However, we have noticed performance issues such as lag and skipping during playback in version 4.9.1, especially on our MacBook Pro systems with M1 processors. Despite these issues, Insta360 continues to update and improve the software to address these issues and improve the user experience.

Areas for improvement

1. Internal storage: No internal memory, requiring a high-capacity microSD card out of the box.
2. Limited accessories in the base package: Items such as the invisible selfie stick (a must-have), unicorn selfie stick, ski pole selfie stick and other specific mounts must be purchased separately.
3. Storage consumption: 8K video takes up a lot of space, requiring the use of high-capacity, high-speed cards.
4. High price: Although justified by its features, it may not be affordable for all users.
5. Weight: Carrying it in your hand is not a problem, but its 200 grams are noticeable when using a long selfie stick for a long period of time. ILOVESKI skiers tell us that when installed on the ski helmet with the single applique the weight is quite noticeable on the head and it seems that the feeling is exponential with the unicorn mount.
6. Editing time: Although the native editing application ‘Insta360 Studio’ is a marvel with its ‘DeepTrack’ function, the truth is that the use of this type of camera requires a somewhat tedious post-production.

Our opinion: Why choose the Insta360 X4?

Pros:

• 360-degree recording: you worry about recording and then edit it the way you want with the Insta360 Studio app.
• 8K resolution with great detail.
• Rugged and compact design, ideal for extreme sports.
• Intuitive software for creative reframing.
• Advanced connectivity (Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2).
• Very fast learning curve, thanks to the camera’s own interactive manual.

Cons:

• High price compared to entry-level alternatives or the best sports cameras for skiing.
• Dependence on accessories to realise its full potential. Official ones have a high price tag. Unofficial ones are cheaper but we don’t know if they have good quality.
• Each video requires post-production.
• Lack of sharpness in photographs of distant elements. HDR leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the camera of a high-end mobile phone such as the iPhone16.
• The case can only be used if you use it with the Insta360 X4 without anything. With the lens cap it doesn’t fit.

In our tests, the Insta360 X4 established itself as a versatile and robust tool. Its ability to adapt to various weather conditions and the quality of its 360-degree recordings make it a top choice for snow sports enthusiasts.

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