The thing i'm missing in a review like this is a small talk regarding the disk space required with the two cameras. The GB/h of footage matters when going on a longer trip.
@@laggmonkei I've just run a test shooting for 5 mins in high bitrate: Osmo Action 4 4K25: 2.78 GB Insta360 X3 5.7K25: 4.67 GB Insta360 X4 8K25: 8.26 GB Extrapolating that, you'd be looking at roughly: Osmo Action 4 4K25: 33.36 GB/h Insta360 X3 5.7K25: 56.04 GB/h Insta360 X4 8K25: 99.12 GB/h Hope that helps! Cheers, John
@@laggmonkei Work on the premise of 1 gig of storage every minute for 5.7k 360 footage. However, whether recording in 360 or 4k, post edit, you'll probably only export and save for archive or upload to UA-cam in 1080 HD 25-60FPS (cinema screen quality) anyway. So a typical 15 min 360 film, exported in 1080 HD will probably be 1-2 Gig, rather than 15. I hope that helps.
I’m really not a fan of any 360 footage, however good the quality is. I find it nauseating. Like curved & 3D TVs of a few years ago, I’m praying these cameras will turn out to be a fad.
For me, a 360 camera captures all round views, so if anything happens, I’d hope to have some footage, so they have their place. Generally though, for Yt content, the image resolution can be an issue, and editing is often a little over the top - I’m guilty of this! 🙏👍
Thanks very much! I think they've got a real place, but I do think it's a second camera. It's almost a luxury addition to a video kit, like the Mini 3 Pro drone I bought used off a mate. Rarely used, but awesome when I can. Cheers, John
The X4 on auto tends to overblow the highlights so it's best to do some manual settings. Set the EV to -0.3, ISO 100-200 and ColorBalance at 5500K if it's sunny outside. Also, put Bitrate: High and Sharpness: Low
I use the X4 on the bike with the double Insta clamp, the Action 4 on a chin mount, my old Action 3 on the bars. No expert but I can get some pretty impressive footage, like having your own film crew. As a primarily solo rider they are such a great way of recording your trips…
@@bennettsbikesocial Agree with you re the desktop app too, just need to speed up my editing process😆love your testing. I don’t like the lens guards, so far I’ve been lucky.
One thing not mentioned John is that while speech is clear when recording audio via the Cardo, it reduced background noise (engine) too much, removing some excitement. The same is true just recording directly to the Cardo app itself. The DJI OSMO 4 juggles clear audio with atmospheric noise as the best overall balance so far - but only when combined with the DJI MIC2 wireless mic, which in itself is only sold in pairs and costs more than the camera. Overall though, in my experience the DJI 4 with wireless MIC 2 and neoprene lanyard (chest mounts the camera) is the best setup - with no cables, and no external helmet attachments needed - just segru (moldable glue) secure a magnet inside the chin bar to accept the already magnetized MIC 2 bluetooth mic.
Great honest comparisions. Could you please make a comparison of the action 4 vs 5 and vs x4? I wanna buy 1 360 cam and 1 dji action. What I can find it seems that the action 5 pro is better than the 4, but I don't trust all the fake and sponsorship reviews.
Thanks! It might be a while I'm afraid, as I have some big projects on the go. Will also likely be a written review on BikeSocial.co.uk, with video examples in it. Cheers, John
best review seen so far. im struggling between osmo4 and x4. for mountainbiking. the gap between lenses what collect dust is an issue and your the first that show that. also the lenses easely scratsh,and dust On the lenses.
It does need looking after, but it can produce great clips. Hope this has helped... they're both great, but I'd be wary of damaging a 360 camera when mountain biking. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for the answer John. benefits of the 350 should be: nice views from ridgelines, steep sections,and top of the hills. in case of a crash,its over for the 360 i think. :). im gonna check the link from eatsleep360 for more info
360 degree cameras are great in terms of set-and-forget, and offer unmatched flexibility for reframing. However, the X4 is just too fragile and the video quality is only 2.7K once reframed. A more rugged design and true 4K after reframing would pique my interest though.
Anecdotal I know but I can speak to the plastic protectors doing their job if you have one mounted to the front of your bike and someone does a very sudden turn across your lane. The lens guards were absolutely destroyed but my camera was fine. Bike was totaled. I was also fine, for the record. Good gear is worth its weight in gold.
What’s your setup for recording audio and avoiding wind noise whilst riding please? Is it simply the helmet comms as demonstrated, or do you have a standalone recorder and then sync its audio to your footage? Many thanks, great informative video as always.
Thanks! When I went to Spain, I had a Rode lav mic tucked into the foam of the cheek pad on my helmet, wired into the Osmo Action 4. To film on the X4, I'd do that with the lav mic wired into the DJi Mic 2, then Bluetooth that to the X4. However. You don't get a levels bar on the screen to see that it's working (though you could also internally record on the Mic 2 to be sure). Personally though, I don't like recording audio while I ride - I prefer to add it after as there's less to think about while I'm riding, and less footage to sift through after. Check out the review here, which has more footage: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-technology/honest-unbiased-insta360-x4-review
I just sold my X3 to buy X4 😅 to record our trip in Spain in October, I still have RAW footage recorded in Vivid mode form France and I think I made mistake as now I'm finished my Norway trip where I was recording in Log mode, well you live and learn. How do you like 8k footage VS 5k from X3 did you see difference? 11:31 I read about it today that you need and is crucial to low EV to -0,7 or at least to -0,3
It is an improvement over the X3. I'm putting together a written review for BikeSocial.co.uk, which will have more footage in it and be out on Tuesday all being well
Thanks very much! Numbers are really low on this one at the mo, which is disappointing given how long it took me to edit, but hopefully it's helpful. Cheers, John
Quick question regarding the safety of having the camera on your helmet. isn't there a risk that the camera and mount will increase the impact of a crash on a small part of the helmet potensially causing head injury, and/or increasing twisting forces on the helmet and therefore you neck ? If so how do you mount it to reduce the risk?
Interesting, I have Hero10 on my chin as an only source and for vaction and rides it is doing amazing job. I'm thinking about 360 so that I can have the "drone follow" style footage, but I'm kind of affraid of the more complicated processing... how is the mounting on the 360? Can it withstand higher winds or highway speeds? Given the test I don't expect any of the protectors to survive a drop at 40+mph. With the X4, X3 will hopefully drop in price and I will have an excuse to buy it, because right now it is just too expensive for recreational use.
Of course the DJI Osmo Action 5 is going to be released soon, which is probably why here in Canada the Action 4 camera and bundles went on sale, making it an even better deal cost wise. I'm glad I waited to buy the Action 4 and thanks to your reviews, I'm also glad I didn't buy either Insta 360 cameras for use as my primary on board cam. If you can afford it, the X3 and X4 make a great secondary Cam for those creative angles as John has stated in both videos.
I always appreciate the time and effort you put into all your content. I have no wish to use an action camera but I'm sure this review will help viewers make an informed decision on what is an expensive purchase. Please keep this great content coming👍
We still use a couple of Insta 360 one X2s usually as B roll. The DJI Action 3 & 4 are still our go-to main filming cameras. The Insta 360 also put an annoying cut after 30 minutes recording that misses 2 or 3 seconds of recording, which screws up synchronisation in the edit.
Thanks! Yeah, that's what I've found - a brilliant B-roll camera. The Osmo is primarily B-roll too, but in Spain it was my primary camera. I did one PTC with by phone in Spain (Pixel 7 Pro) and realised just how good the Osmo is there.
I’d love you to test the insta360 One RS as this has the best of both worlds with the interchangeable lenses?? Much chance of giving it a go? I’ve got the original One R and I finished it brilliant for Moto shots and skiing with both lenses (& underwater shots!) Ps. Love the detail in which you review everything, keep up the good work 👍🏻
I laboured over the X3 or Osmo Action 4 decision around 18 months ago and plumped for the Osmo. I didn't need this video to feel like I'd made the right choice but I'll take it all the same 😂 The easy swapping of lens cover and the additional protection (possibly just availability in general) of ND filters were big deciders for me. I got the Osmo remote too which is great because I can voice control the chin-mounted camera and be sure it's doing what I think it's doing from what the remote is telling me from my bars.
Thanks very much! Sounds like a good setup. I've got the remote, but don't tend to use it much as the camera's usually fairly close. Probably would have saved me checking it all the time in the mirror though in Spain! Cheers, John
Gosh the active hdr quality drop was awful. Reminds me of my Chinese special dashcam. Interesting to see the progression though. For me the Osmo still looks to be the king albeit it minus some of the interesting 360 benefits. Great to see an as ever thorough test.
Thanks! Yeah, it really surprised me with the HDR. As someone else commented, knocking the exposure comp down a touch might help. It's still a great tool, but it does have limitations that I think are missed in some reviews. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial really great tools. For me though I think I've concluded I don't find the footage the 360 cams get the most 'watchable'. Crazy how nearly every influencer type rider seems to have swapped over to the mind.
if x5 will have the quality of your osmo action 4 from this video - then I will most likely decide to buy insta360. At the moment the game is not worth the candle. The camera is definitely too expensive in relation to the quality it offers
The thing i'm missing in a review like this is a small talk regarding the disk space required with the two cameras. The GB/h of footage matters when going on a longer trip.
Good point, I should have included that, sorry! I tend to use 62GB or 128GB cards at most, as I don't want too much to wade through when I get back.
@@bennettsbikesocial hehe no worries. Keep up the good work!
@@laggmonkei I've just run a test shooting for 5 mins in high bitrate:
Osmo Action 4 4K25: 2.78 GB
Insta360 X3 5.7K25: 4.67 GB
Insta360 X4 8K25: 8.26 GB
Extrapolating that, you'd be looking at roughly:
Osmo Action 4 4K25: 33.36 GB/h
Insta360 X3 5.7K25: 56.04 GB/h
Insta360 X4 8K25: 99.12 GB/h
Hope that helps!
Cheers, John
@@laggmonkei Work on the premise of 1 gig of storage every minute for 5.7k 360 footage. However, whether recording in 360 or 4k, post edit, you'll probably only export and save for archive or upload to UA-cam in 1080 HD 25-60FPS (cinema screen quality) anyway. So a typical 15 min 360 film, exported in 1080 HD will probably be 1-2 Gig, rather than 15. I hope that helps.
I’m really not a fan of any 360 footage, however good the quality is. I find it nauseating. Like curved & 3D TVs of a few years ago, I’m praying these cameras will turn out to be a fad.
I think if used carefully they can be great, but like any tool, they can be misused. Cheers, John
For me, a 360 camera captures all round views, so if anything happens, I’d hope to have some footage, so they have their place. Generally though, for Yt content, the image resolution can be an issue, and editing is often a little over the top - I’m guilty of this! 🙏👍
Nice review, John. Still not entirely convinced by 360 cameras for motorcycle vloggers, though🤔
Thanks very much! I think they've got a real place, but I do think it's a second camera. It's almost a luxury addition to a video kit, like the Mini 3 Pro drone I bought used off a mate. Rarely used, but awesome when I can. Cheers, John
The X4 on auto tends to overblow the highlights so it's best to do some manual settings. Set the EV to -0.3, ISO 100-200 and ColorBalance at 5500K if it's sunny outside.
Also, put Bitrate: High and Sharpness: Low
Good call - thanks! I have the bitrate set high, but I've dropped down a third of a stop in exposure compensation now. Cheers, John
This is the case for almost all action cams. If it isn't a cloudy day, you really should adjust the EV. Great tip!
I use the X4 on the bike with the double Insta clamp, the Action 4 on a chin mount, my old Action 3 on the bars. No expert but I can get some pretty impressive footage, like having your own film crew. As a primarily solo rider they are such a great way of recording your trips…
Absolutely - off the bike too, they can give the impression that someone's panning to follow you. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Agree with you re the desktop app too, just need to speed up my editing process😆love your testing. I don’t like the lens guards, so far I’ve been lucky.
360 looks abnormal. Not for me ta.
I think it depends how it's framed and used. Cheers, John
One thing not mentioned John is that while speech is clear when recording audio via the Cardo, it reduced background noise (engine) too much, removing some excitement. The same is true just recording directly to the Cardo app itself. The DJI OSMO 4 juggles clear audio with atmospheric noise as the best overall balance so far - but only when combined with the DJI MIC2 wireless mic, which in itself is only sold in pairs and costs more than the camera. Overall though, in my experience the DJI 4 with wireless MIC 2 and neoprene lanyard (chest mounts the camera) is the best setup - with no cables, and no external helmet attachments needed - just segru (moldable glue) secure a magnet inside the chin bar to accept the already magnetized MIC 2 bluetooth mic.
You can buy the Mic 2 on its own, for £89
store.dji.com/uk/product/dji-mic-2-tx-black
Great honest comparisions. Could you please make a comparison of the action 4 vs 5 and vs x4? I wanna buy 1 360 cam and 1 dji action.
What I can find it seems that the action 5 pro is better than the 4, but I don't trust all the fake and sponsorship reviews.
Thanks! It might be a while I'm afraid, as I have some big projects on the go. Will also likely be a written review on BikeSocial.co.uk, with video examples in it. Cheers, John
best review seen so far. im struggling between osmo4 and x4. for mountainbiking. the gap between lenses what collect dust is an issue and your the first that show that. also the lenses easely scratsh,and dust On the lenses.
It does need looking after, but it can produce great clips. Hope this has helped... they're both great, but I'd be wary of damaging a 360 camera when mountain biking. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for the answer John. benefits of the 350 should be: nice views from ridgelines, steep sections,and top of the hills. in case of a crash,its over for the 360 i think. :). im gonna check the link from eatsleep360 for more info
@@nick22954 Try Ben Claremont too - both give some really good guides.
⁸⁸@@bennettsbikesocial
I enjoy the x4
It's a great bit of kit. What kind of thing do you film on it? Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial motorcycle, riding and scuba diving
360 degree cameras are great in terms of set-and-forget, and offer unmatched flexibility for reframing.
However, the X4 is just too fragile and the video quality is only 2.7K once reframed.
A more rugged design and true 4K after reframing would pique my interest though.
It'll be interesting to see how the technology progresses. Cheers, John
Anecdotal I know but I can speak to the plastic protectors doing their job if you have one mounted to the front of your bike and someone does a very sudden turn across your lane. The lens guards were absolutely destroyed but my camera was fine. Bike was totaled. I was also fine, for the record. Good gear is worth its weight in gold.
Glad you're okay, first of all, but also really good to know about the protectors, thanks! All the best, John
What’s your setup for recording audio and avoiding wind noise whilst riding please? Is it simply the helmet comms as demonstrated, or do you have a standalone recorder and then sync its audio to your footage?
Many thanks, great informative video as always.
Thanks! When I went to Spain, I had a Rode lav mic tucked into the foam of the cheek pad on my helmet, wired into the Osmo Action 4. To film on the X4, I'd do that with the lav mic wired into the DJi Mic 2, then Bluetooth that to the X4. However. You don't get a levels bar on the screen to see that it's working (though you could also internally record on the Mic 2 to be sure).
Personally though, I don't like recording audio while I ride - I prefer to add it after as there's less to think about while I'm riding, and less footage to sift through after.
Check out the review here, which has more footage: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-technology/honest-unbiased-insta360-x4-review
I just sold my X3 to buy X4 😅 to record our trip in Spain in October, I still have RAW footage recorded in Vivid mode form France and I think I made mistake as now I'm finished my Norway trip where I was recording in Log mode, well you live and learn. How do you like 8k footage VS 5k from X3 did you see difference? 11:31 I read about it today that you need and is crucial to low EV to -0,7 or at least to -0,3
It is an improvement over the X3. I'm putting together a written review for BikeSocial.co.uk, which will have more footage in it and be out on Tuesday all being well
Brilliantly informative as usual. Thank you
Thanks very much! Numbers are really low on this one at the mo, which is disappointing given how long it took me to edit, but hopefully it's helpful. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Give it time, everyones either in the pub, stuck in Friday traffic, or hiding under the bed because it is Friday 13th.
Quick question regarding the safety of having the camera on your helmet. isn't there a risk that the camera and mount will increase the impact of a crash on a small part of the helmet potensially causing head injury, and/or increasing twisting forces on the helmet and therefore you neck ? If so how do you mount it to reduce the risk?
The way I have it mounted, I think the risk would be greater of injuring my chest. I don't usually use a helmet mount
Can you share your chin mount for the dji camera please?
It's an Insta360 adhesive mount that I trimmed down. Cheers, John
Interesting, I have Hero10 on my chin as an only source and for vaction and rides it is doing amazing job. I'm thinking about 360 so that I can have the "drone follow" style footage, but I'm kind of affraid of the more complicated processing... how is the mounting on the 360? Can it withstand higher winds or highway speeds? Given the test I don't expect any of the protectors to survive a drop at 40+mph. With the X4, X3 will hopefully drop in price and I will have an excuse to buy it, because right now it is just too expensive for recreational use.
Mounting is fine, as long as you clamp it on okay - I've had no issues at all even at high motorway speeds, and on track. Cheers, John
Still with the action 3 ..... will wait for the 5 or the 4 rebate............after winter. Alain& Yellow
Of course the DJI Osmo Action 5 is going to be released soon, which is probably why here in Canada the Action 4 camera and bundles went on sale, making it an even better deal cost wise. I'm glad I waited to buy the Action 4 and thanks to your reviews, I'm also glad I didn't buy either Insta 360 cameras for use as my primary on board cam. If you can afford it, the X3 and X4 make a great secondary Cam for those creative angles as John has stated in both videos.
Thanks! Yeah, the Action 5 Pro looks interesting, but I think we'll see both brands (and GoPro?) continue to evolve. Cheers, John
I always appreciate the time and effort you put into all your content. I have no wish to use an action camera but I'm sure this review will help viewers make an informed decision on what is an expensive purchase. Please keep this great content coming👍
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
We still use a couple of Insta 360 one X2s usually as B roll. The DJI Action 3 & 4 are still our go-to main filming cameras. The Insta 360 also put an annoying cut after 30 minutes recording that misses 2 or 3 seconds of recording, which screws up synchronisation in the edit.
Thanks! Yeah, that's what I've found - a brilliant B-roll camera. The Osmo is primarily B-roll too, but in Spain it was my primary camera. I did one PTC with by phone in Spain (Pixel 7 Pro) and realised just how good the Osmo is there.
I’d love you to test the insta360 One RS as this has the best of both worlds with the interchangeable lenses?? Much chance of giving it a go? I’ve got the original One R and I finished it brilliant for Moto shots and skiing with both lenses (& underwater shots!)
Ps. Love the detail in which you review everything, keep up the good work 👍🏻
*find it brilliant
Thanks so much! I did have a One R years ago, but haven't tried the RS. Good call on it. All the best, John
❤
I laboured over the X3 or Osmo Action 4 decision around 18 months ago and plumped for the Osmo. I didn't need this video to feel like I'd made the right choice but I'll take it all the same 😂
The easy swapping of lens cover and the additional protection (possibly just availability in general) of ND filters were big deciders for me.
I got the Osmo remote too which is great because I can voice control the chin-mounted camera and be sure it's doing what I think it's doing from what the remote is telling me from my bars.
Thanks very much! Sounds like a good setup. I've got the remote, but don't tend to use it much as the camera's usually fairly close. Probably would have saved me checking it all the time in the mirror though in Spain! Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial I am very familiar with the thpanish mirror dance! That's what drove me to buying the remote.
Gosh the active hdr quality drop was awful. Reminds me of my Chinese special dashcam. Interesting to see the progression though. For me the Osmo still looks to be the king albeit it minus some of the interesting 360 benefits. Great to see an as ever thorough test.
Thanks! Yeah, it really surprised me with the HDR. As someone else commented, knocking the exposure comp down a touch might help. It's still a great tool, but it does have limitations that I think are missed in some reviews. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial really great tools. For me though I think I've concluded I don't find the footage the 360 cams get the most 'watchable'. Crazy how nearly every influencer type rider seems to have swapped over to the mind.
Loving the cameo at 18:59
At last! Someone noticed! She wasn't impressed...
@@bennettsbikesocial distinct "that's not how you use a stick" vibes
if x5 will have the quality of your osmo action 4 from this video - then I will most likely decide to buy insta360. At the moment the game is not worth the candle. The camera is definitely too expensive in relation to the quality it offers
I think, considering the tech in there, the price is fair (I'm not saying it's not a lot of money), but its value is something only you can decide.