Insta360
X4
8K 360 action camera with dual 1/2-inch sensors, 72MP photos, 4K60 single-lens mode, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproofing.
$499
Released Apr 2024
Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,899
Released Oct 2021
X4 is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
X4
Wins
Z9
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ9 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 0)
- AX4 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ9 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 120 frames)
- AX4 has lower Weight (203 g vs 1340 g)
- BZ9 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X4
46 × 124 × 38 mm
203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
X4 is 103mm narrower, 26mm shorter, and 53mm thinner than Z9.
X4 is 1137 g lighter than Z9.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X4 · 91mm Z9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X4
46 × 124 mm
Z9
149 × 150 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X4
46 × 38 mm
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X4: mount data unavailable
Z9
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
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
X4
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 123.6, 37.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
203 g vs 1340 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 45.7 MP — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z9
AF points / zones
493 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 149, 149.5, 90.5
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, CFexpress Type B / XQD
RAW buffer depth
1000 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X4
Pros
- ✓8K 360 video
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓4K60 single-lens mode
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –360 workflow needs reframing
- –8K runtime ~75 min
- –Larger than Ace Pro
Z9
Pros
- ✓45MP stacked
- ✓8K 60p internal
- ✓120fps stills
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –Heavy body
- –Expensive
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X4 and Z9 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X4 or Z9?
Z9 scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X4 — 45.7MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the X4 and Z9?
X4 is 72 MP and Z9 is 45.7 MP, so the X4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X4 and Z9 have in-body image stabilization?
X4 does not have IBIS, while z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X4 or the Z9?
X4 reaches 20 fps electronic. Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X4 and Z9?
X4 weighs 203 g and Z9 weighs 1340 g, so the X4 is 1137 g lighter.
Do the X4 and Z9 record 4K video?
X4: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the X4 and Z9 weather sealed?
X4: Yes. Z9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X4 and 740 shots for the Z9, giving the Z9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X4 launched at $499 and Z9 at $5,899. The X4 is $5,400 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Nikon press materials.