Shooting the breeze

Lew and Gash test out the Insta360 X4 on top of a very big hill

What if you could capture a whole classroom in one shot?

That’s the pitch of the Insta360 X4 – a compact dual-lens action cam that records everything around you in crisp 8K.

As learning designers, we’re always looking for tech to boost engagement, and the X4 promises just that.

It’s both a 360° camera and a 4K action cam, letting you film immersive VR or regular widescreen clips with ease. We took it up into the Yorkshire Dales to see if it deserves a spot in your education toolkit.

Video Quality – Sharp 8K in All Directions

The headline feature is 8K 360° video – and it delivers. We set it in the centre of a boardroom; later, we could pan around like we were there. It lets you shoot once and choose your angles later –perfect for training sessions where you want both the presenter and the audience in focus.

Stabilisation & Low Light

FlowState stabilisation and horizon levelling keep footage buttery smooth, even when walking with a selfie stick. Bright light footage is excellent; low light, less so, with grain and softer edges creeping in.

Still Photos – VR-Ready

The X4 also takes 72MP 360° photos, ideal for virtual tours. A panoramic snap of our office looked great in a VR headset, with enough clarity to read the whiteboard. For e-learning interactivity, that’s a win.

Audio – Mostly Solid

In a noisy open-plan office, audio was decent but not stand-out. Direction Focus helped isolate the speaker, while wind reduction kept outdoor sound clean. Good, but not pro-mic quality.

Ease of Use

Despite the advanced features, it’s dead easy to use. The 2.7-inch touchscreen is responsive, and switching modes feels like using a smartphone. It’s teacher-friendly tech that won’t confuse anyone.

Battery & Build

We got just over 2 hours of 360 recording. It does heat up at full 8K, so plan breaks. Rugged build too – shrugged off rain and puddles without drama.

Real-World Use

In action, it shines. We filmed a 360° fire safety walkthrough of our car park and replayed it in VR – perfect for inductions. Indoors, it captured a training demo with enough quality to export standard 2D clips too.

Price & Value

At £499, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting two cameras in one. Compared to buying a GoPro and a 360 cam separately, the X4 actually saves money. If immersive content is your thing, this is one of the best tools out there.

Final Verdict: 9/10

Highly recommended – especially for anyone looking to level-up training content with immersive, versatile video.