12 Feb How Long Does Insta360 X3 Battery Last?
The Insta360 X3 is a cutting-edge 360-degree camera with advanced features and a sleek design. Its robust build quality ensures it can withstand any adventure’s rigors. The X3’s impressive capabilities enable it to capture breathtaking 5.7K 360 video and stunning 72MP photos, making it one of the most powerful cameras in its class. However, it’s important to remember that the camera’s performance can be significantly impacted if its battery dies unexpectedly. So, how long does insta360 x3 battery last?
The official advertised battery life of the Insta360 X3 is up to 81 minutes, but this can vary depending on several factors:
- Recording resolution and frame rate: Higher resolutions and frame rates demand more power, so your battery will drain faster when recording at 5.7K@30fps compared to 1080p@30fps.
- Features used: Using features like FlowState stabilization or Wi-Fi will also consume more battery.
- Ambient temperature: Batteries perform worse in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
That being said, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- 5.7K@30fps: Around 81 minutes
- 3K@60fps: Around 60 minutes
- 1080p@30fps: Around 120 minutes
An Overview of the Insta360 X3’s Battery
The X3 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery built right into the camera body. It’s not removable or swappable, so you get whatever battery life is built in.
According to Insta360, the X3’s battery is designed to record up to 80 minutes of continuous 5.7K 360 video on a single charge. That’s not too shabby for such a small and powerful camera!
The rated capacity of the X3’s built-in battery is 1630 mAh. That may not mean much on its own, but it shows the battery has solid capacity relative to the camera’s power requirements.
To charge the X3, connect it directly to a power source like a USB charger, power bank, or computer USB port using the included USB-C cable. A full charge takes about 2 hours.
There are also two battery status LEDs on the camera body itself. They display green, yellow, or red to give you an idea of the remaining charge level.
Factors That Affect Battery Life
Of course, that 80-minute estimate is for ideal conditions. Several factors can affect how long the X3’s battery lasts in the real world:
Shooting Resolution
The higher the video resolution you shoot at, the faster the battery will be used up. 5.7K understandably consumes more power than lower resolutions like 4K or 3K. Sticking to lower res will extend battery life.
Framerate
Higher framerates drain the battery faster. Shooting at 50fps or 60fps will drain the battery quicker than 30fps or 24fps.
Bitrate
A lower bitrate puts less strain on the battery than high 100Mbps+ bitrates.
Screen Usage
The touchscreen, especially at higher brightness, uses extra battery compared to not actively using the screen.
Connectivity
Having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled in the app can use an extra battery in the background. Turning off connectivity features when not needed will help.
Temperature
Using the camera in hot and cold temperature extremes can reduce battery efficiency compared to moderate temperatures.
Camera Settings
Features like Active HDR use more processing power and, thus, more battery juice. Simple point-and-shoot modes will have longer battery life.
Age Of Battery
All lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over hundreds of charge cycles. A well-used X3 battery may not last as long as a brand-new one.
Video Stabilization
Having FlowState image stabilization enabled uses more power than when disabled.
As you can see, runtime varies greatly depending on your shooting scenario and settings. In optimal conditions, you can come close to that 80-minute estimate. But it’s easy to get far less than that if you’re taxing the battery with high resolutions, framerates, bitrates, etc.
Best Practices For Optimizing Battery Life
To get the most recording time out of your X3’s battery charge, keep these tips in mind:
Shoot at a lower resolution
The 5.7K looks amazing but eats battery. Dropping down to 3K or 4K can significantly extend recording time.
Use a lower framerate
Most 360 footage doesn’t need 60fps. Try 30fps or 24fps.
Use a lower bitrate
100Mbps video looks incredible but drains the battery faster than a lower rate like 60Mbps.
Minimize screen usage
Only turn on the screen when you need to change settings or frame shots. Otherwise, keep it off.
Disable unneeded connectivity
Turn off the app’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS if you don’t need them active.
Use a moderate temperature
Keep batteries warm but not excessively hot or cold.
Shoot in point-and-shoot modes.
Capturing in the entire Auto uses less power than heavily tweaking Manual settings.
Turn off FlowState stabilization when possible.
It’s a battery hog! Only enable it when you specifically need stabilization.
Update firmware and app.
The latest versions may contain battery optimizations not in earlier releases.
Carry backup batteries
Having an extra battery or two means you’ll never miss a shot opportunity.
These tips will prevent unnecessary battery drain and keep your X3 shooting longer.
Average Expected Battery Life
Given all the variables involved, what can you expect from the X3 battery in day-to-day use? Here are some rough estimates:
- 5.7K 30fps video: 45-55 minutes
- 4K 30fps video: 55-65 minutes
- 14MP photo every 2 seconds: 70-90 minutes
- Casual mixed use: 50-70 minutes
Of course, individual usage will vary. But generally, expect 45-90 minutes of operating time depending on settings and usage. Carrying an extra battery or two is always a good idea for longer shoots. The X3 charges quickly so that you can swap and go.
Using an External Battery Pack
If built-in battery life just isn’t enough for your needs, adding an external USB power bank can keep you rolling indefinitely. However, this does come with some caveats.
When using a USB power bank, keep these factors in mind:
- It will occupy the USB-C port, blocking data transfer and charging
- The camera body may get warm being constantly powered on
- Bulky power banks aren’t as convenient as built-in power
- You need to monitor the power bank battery level, too
An external battery pack does allow continuous recording beyond the built-in battery’s capacity. Just be aware of the tradeoffs. A mild-weather setup for a stationary camera may benefit most from extended external power.
Some high-capacity power banks can charge the camera multiple times over. But you also need to balance capacity and portability. Lugging about a massive battery may outweigh the convenience of mobile use.
Charging Tips and Precautions
To keep your X3 battery in top shape and avoid issues, keep these charging tips in mind:
- Use only the included USB-C cable and certified chargers
- Avoid leaving the battery fully depleted for extended periods
- Don’t expose the battery to excessive heat or cold
- Charge the battery thoroughly before storage
- Recharge at least once every three months during storage
- Expect 500+ charge cycles over the life of the battery
- Replacement batteries directly from Insta360 are recommended
- Firmware updates may improve battery charging performance
As long as you follow common-sense charging practices and avoid battery abuse, the X3’s battery should deliver reliable performance and respectable runtime for the camera’s impressive capabilities. Just be sure to top off the charge before any important shoots!
Conclusion
The Insta360 X3’s built-in battery lets you capture some outstanding 5.7K 360 footage, 72MP photos, and everything in between. While the battery life is limited to around 45-90 minutes, depending on use, you can optimize its runtime by using lower resolution and framerate settings, minimizing screen use, turning off unneeded features, shooting in Auto mode, and keeping the camera at moderate temperature.
Carrying extra charged batteries and utilizing external USB power banks where practical can also keep you shooting for extended periods. With smart power management, the X3’s battery can capture all the stunning 360-degree content you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the X3 battery last to record a 5.7K video?
You can expect roughly 45-55 minutes of continuous 5.7K 30fps video on a full charge. Higher frame rates and bitrates will reduce recording time.
What is the X3’s battery capacity?
The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery has a rated capacity of 1630mAh.
Should I buy extra X3 batteries?
Having 1-2 spares is good if you need to record events longer than the built-in battery lasts per charge.
Can I charge the battery while using the X3?
Yes, connecting a power bank or USB charger to the USB-C port will allow you to charge the camera while you use it.
How long does it take to charge the X3 battery fully fully?
Using the included USB-C cable and 5V/2A charger, it takes approximately 2 hours to charge the device from empty to 100% fully.