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
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 7 months newer.
Wins
X4
Wins
Alpha 1 II
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher ISO max (native) (32,000 vs 6,400)
- AX4 has lower Weight (203 g vs 743 g)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X4
46 × 124 × 38 mm
203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
X4 is 90mm narrower and 45mm thinner than Alpha 1 II but it is also 27mm taller.
X4 is 540 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X4 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X4: mount data unavailable
Alpha 1 II
✓ 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
X4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 123.6, 37.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
203 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 50.1 MP — higher is better
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
32,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Eye AF
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓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
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
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X4 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X4 — 50.1MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the X4 and Alpha 1 II?
X4 is 72 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the X4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X4 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
X4 does not have IBIS, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X4 or the Alpha 1 II?
X4 reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X4 and Alpha 1 II?
X4 weighs 203 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the X4 is 540 g lighter.
Do the X4 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
X4: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the X4 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
X4: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X4 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the X4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X4 launched at $499 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The X4 is $6,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.