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 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
X4 is 2.5 years newer.
Wins
X4
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 120 frames)
- AX4 has lower Weight (203 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
X4
46 × 124 × 38 mm
203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
X4 is 85mm narrower and 42mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV but it is also 27mm taller.
X4 is 455 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X4 · 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
X4: 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
X4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 123.6, 37.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
203 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only X4 supports it
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 580 shots — 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
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 120 frames — 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
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓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 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, X4 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 9.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for X4 — 33MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the X4 and Alpha 7 IV?
X4 is 72 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the X4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X4 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
X4 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X4 or the Alpha 7 IV?
X4 reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X4 and Alpha 7 IV?
X4 weighs 203 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the X4 is 455 g lighter.
Do the X4 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
X4: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the X4 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
X4: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X4 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the X4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X4 launched at $499 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The X4 is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.