DJI OSMO 360 vs INSTA360 X4: Evolution vs Revolution

The INSTA360 X4 set the standard for accessible 8K 360° cameras. Now DJI enters the ring - but are they fighting the same battle?

Technical Specifications

DJI OSMO 360

Sensors: Dual 1-inch CMOS
Max Resolution: 8K/30fps
Photo: 21MP per lens
Storage: MicroSD + internal storage
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, USB-C
Price: ~$799-899 (est.)

INSTA360 X4

Sensors: Dual 1/2" CMOS
Max Resolution: 8K/30fps
Photo: 18MP per lens
Storage: MicroSD only
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, USB-C
Price: $499

The Sensor Size Advantage

The most significant difference lies in sensor technology. The DJI OSMO 360's 1-inch sensors are 4 times larger than the X4's 1/2" sensors.

What This Means in Practice:

Low Light: OSMO 360 should perform significantly better in dim conditions
Dynamic Range: More detail retention in bright and dark areas
Bokeh: Potential for shallow depth-of-field effects in 360° content
Professional Appeal: Sensor size matters for serious videographers

User Experience Philosophy

INSTA360 X4: The Social Creator's Choice

The X4 was designed with content creators in mind:

Intuitive mobile app with one-tap sharing
AI-powered editing suggestions
Extensive template library
Perfect for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts
Proven track record with regular software updates

DJI OSMO 360: The Professional's Tool

DJI appears to target a different market:

Professional video production workflows
Color grading and post-production flexibility
Integration with existing DJI ecosystem
Higher-end build quality and materials
Focus on image quality over convenience

Software Maturity

This is where INSTA360 has a significant head start:

INSTA360's Advantages:

4+ years of 360° software development
Mature mobile editing suite
Large community of users and content
Established partnerships with social platforms

DJI's Challenge:

New to 360° content workflows
Unproven mobile app ecosystem
Learning curve for 360° post-production

Price and Value Proposition

At an estimated $300+ price difference, these cameras target different markets:

X4 ($499): Mass market appeal, accessible to content creators
OSMO 360 (~$799): Professional tool pricing, targeting serious users

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Choose the INSTA360 X4 for:

Social media content creation
Travel photography and videography
First-time 360° camera buyers
Quick, shareable content
Budget-conscious creators

Choose the DJI OSMO 360 for:

Professional video production
Real estate and architectural photography
Low-light and challenging shooting conditions
Integration with existing DJI workflow
Maximum image quality requirements

The Verdict

The INSTA360 X4 and DJI OSMO 360 represent different philosophies in 360° camera design. The X4 democratizes 360° content creation with its user-friendly approach and affordable pricing. The OSMO 360 appears to elevate 360° cameras into professional tool territory.

For most users, the X4 remains the better choice due to its proven software ecosystem, lower price, and mature feature set.

For professionals who prioritize image quality and don't mind paying premium prices for cutting-edge hardware, the OSMO 360's larger sensors could be game-changing.