Insta360
X3
5.7K 360 camera with dual 1/2-inch 48MP sensors, 72MP photos, 4K single-lens mode, and IPX8 10m waterproofing.
$449
Released Sep 2022
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
X3 is 11 months newer.
Wins
X3
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- AX3 has lower Weight (180 g vs 658 g)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
X3 is 85mm narrower and 47mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV but it is also 18mm taller.
X3 is 478 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X3: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 114, 33.1
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
180 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only X3 supports it
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 580 shots — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
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
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X3 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 9.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for X3 — 33MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and Alpha 7 IV?
X3 is 72 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X3 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
X3 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the Alpha 7 IV?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and Alpha 7 IV?
X3 weighs 180 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the X3 is 478 g lighter.
Do the X3 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the X3 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
X3: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X3 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the X3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The X3 is $2,050 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.