Ricoh Theta X vs Insta360 X4
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Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
Overview of the Insta360 X4

Insta360's flaghship 360 camera: 8K30fps video and great battery life
The Insta360 X4 is Insta360's latest 360 degree action camera and delivers incredible 8K spherical video. 360 cameras are the best way to capture group activities or footage where it is difficult to keep focus on a subject. The X4 is the overall best 360 camera right now.
- Pros
- 8K 360 video
- Great battery life
- Improved lens guard system
- Cons
- Not great at low light
Comparison of the Theta X vs the X4
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the X4 offers HDR video. Only the X4 features slow motion video. Only the X4 has image stabilization.
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
8K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 60fps
Max resolution
4K video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
5.7K30fps 360°
No slow motion video
Maximum slow motion
4x at 1080p
No image stabilization
Stabilization
FlowState
Why it matters:
A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.
Battery life
The X4 offers a much larger battery capacity. The X4 has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
1350mAh
Battery capacity
2290mAh
Non removable
Removable battery
Removable
30min 5.7K30fps 360° and 55min 4K30fps 360°
Battery life
135min 5.7K30fps 360° and 75min 8K30fps 360°
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Theta X features built-in storage. Both the Theta X and the X4 support SD cards.
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
46GB
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSDXC
Storage format
microSD
Feature missing
Maximun storage supported
1TB
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Weight and size
The Theta X is a slightly smaller camera. The Theta X weighs a little less than the X4.
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
Dimensions
1.81in x 4.87in x 1.48in / 46mm x 123.6mm x 37.6mm
6oz / 170g
Weight
7.16oz / 203g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Waterproofing and usage conditions
The X4 is a lot more waterproof when using a diving case. Both cameras have the same maximum usage temperature.
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
Feature missing
Waterproof
33ft / 10m
131ft / 40m
Waterproof with diving case
164ft / 50m
32°F / 0°C
Min operating temperature
-4°F / -20°C
104°F / 40°C
Max operating temperature
104°F / 40°C
Why it matters:
Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.
Camera and sensor technology
The X4 features a much higher resolution. The X4 features a much higher bit rate than the Theta X
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
60MP
Pixels
72MP
Feature missing
Field of view
170°
120Mbps
Video bite rate
200Mbps
Why it matters:
A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.
Camera settings
The X4's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to Theta X's. The X4's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
Ricoh Theta X
Insta360 X4
50-3200
ISO range
100-6400
+/-2
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
Ricoh Theta X versus Insta360 X4 specifications
Name | Ricoh Theta X | Insta360 X4 |
Year of release | 2022 | 2024 |
Width | 2.04in / 51.7mm | 1.81in / 46mm |
Height | 5.36in / 136.2mm | 4.87in / 123.6mm |
Depth | 1.14in / 29mm | 1.48in / 37.6mm |
Weight | 6oz / 170g | 7.16oz / 203g |
Waterproof | - | 33ft / 10m |
Waterproof with diving case | 131ft / 40m | 164ft / 50m |
Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | -4°F / -20°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 1350mAh | 2290mAh |
Removable battery | - | Yes |
Battery life | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° | 135min 5.7K30fps 360° 75min 8K30fps 360° |
Charging time | - | 55min |
Built-in storage | 46GB | - |
Storage format | microSDXC | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | - | 1TB |
Rear screen size | 2.25in | - |
Field of view | - | 170° |
Sensor | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS | 1/2.0" |
Pixels | 60MP | 72MP |
Aperture | F2.4 | F1.9 |
Focal length | - | 6.7mm |
ISO range | 50-3200 | 100-6400 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 200Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-2 | +/-4 |
360-degree video | Yes | Yes |
8K 360 video | - | 30fps |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | 60fps |
4K 360 video | 60fps | 100fps |
360 video format | - | INSV |
4K video | 60fps | 60fps |
2.7K video | 100fps | 60fps |
1080p video | - | 60fps |
Slow motion at 4K | - | 4 |
Maximum slow motion | - | 4x at 1080p |
HDR video | - | 5.7K30fps 360° |
Stabilization | - | FlowState |
Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.265 (HEVC) H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | - | Yes |
Webcam mode | Yes | Yes |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | - | Yes |
Photo burst mode | - | Yes |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 1 | 4 |
Stereo audio | No | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | aac |
Audio bluetooth support | - | SENA: 50S, ST1, 10S Cardo: PACKTALK EDGE Airide: G7+ ASMAX: F1 Lexinmoto: G4 Vimoto: V9S, V9X Apple AirPods 2 Apple AirPods 3 Apple AirPods Pro 2 Samsung Galaxy Buds2 |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 5.2 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB 3.0 |
GPS integrated | Yes | No |
GPS pairing | - | iOS Application Android Application |
Voice commands | - | Yes |
Gesture commands | - | Yes |