Insta360
X3
5.7K 360 camera with dual 1/2-inch 48MP sensors, 72MP photos, 4K single-lens mode, and IPX8 10m waterproofing.
$449
Launch priceReleased Sep 2022
Insta360
X4 Air
Ultralight 165g 8K 360 camera with dual 1/1.8-inch sensors, replaceable lenses, AdaptiveTone exposure, 15m waterproofing, and swappable 2010mAh battery.
$400
Launch priceReleased Oct 2025
X4 Air is 3.2 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
X3
Wins
X4 Air
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AX3 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs -1 shots)
- AX3 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 29 MP)
- AX3 has higher ISO max (native) (6,400 vs 3,200)
- BX4 Air has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BX4 Air has higher Waterproof depth (15 m vs 10 m)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
X4 Air
46 × 114 × 37 mm
165 g (0.36 lb / 5.82 oz)
X3 is 4mm thinner than X4 Air.
X3 is 15 g heavier than X4 Air.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 37mm X4 Air
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X3
46 × 114 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4 Air
46 × 114 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X3
46 × 33 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4 Air
46 × 37 mm
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
X3
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs -1 shots — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 114, 33.1
Resolution
72 MP vs 29 MP — higher is better
ISO max (native)
6,400 vs 3,200 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
X4 Air
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 113.8, 37
AA filter
Only X4 Air supports it
Eye AF
Only X4 Air supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only X4 Air supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds AVC, HEVC
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only X4 Air supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X3
Pros
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓5.7K60 360 video
- ✓Great value used
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –No 8K vs X4
- –Single-lens capped at 4K30
- –Older AI editing
X4 Air
Pros
- ✓Lightest Insta360 8K 360 (165g)
- ✓Dual 1/1.8-inch sensors (134% more pixel area vs X4)
- ✓8K30 + 6K50 360; 4K single-lens mode
- ✓Replaceable lenses + 15m waterproof
- ✓AdaptiveTone + Portrait Mode
Cons
- –No 8K60 vs X5 flagship
- –8K runtime ~88 min
- –360 workflow needs reframing
- –Fewer pro codecs than X5
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X3 and X4 Air at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X3
Insta360 X4 Air
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, X3 or X4 Air?
X4 Air scores 9.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for X3 — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and X4 Air?
X3 is 72 MP and X4 Air is 29 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X3 and X4 Air have in-body image stabilization?
X3 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic), while X4 Air has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the X4 Air?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. X4 Air reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and X4 Air?
X3 weighs 180 g and X4 Air weighs 165 g, so the X4 Air is 15 g lighter.
Do the X3 and X4 Air record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. X4 Air: 4K up to 30p.
Are the X3 and X4 Air weather sealed?
X3: Yes. X4 Air: Yes.
Which has better battery runtime?
X3 is rated for about 81 minutes of continuous recording and X4 Air for about 88 minutes, giving the X4 Air the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and X4 Air at $400. The X4 Air is $49 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X3 vs X4 Air vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 press materials.