Q1 What is the difference between using the SDK and OSC for integration?

The SDK offers better overall stability and faster transmission speed. On the other hand, OSC provides greater compatibility, but it does not include the functionalities of the Media SDK.

Q2 What are the connection methods between the camera and the device?

On desktops, the SDK only supports USB connections; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are not available. Android devices support USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections, while iOS supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. OSC supports Wi-Fi connection.

Q3 Which mode should be selected when taking a photo?

The X5 and X4 support in-camera PureShot processing, while the X3 does not. The SDK does not support PureShot output. When using the X3 for taking photo, the INSP mode should be selected. When using the X4, the PureShot mode can be enabled. The X5 no longer supports INSP mode, so please select PureShot mode for capturing photos.

Q4 Can I freely set parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and interval time?

The SDK only supports preset resolutions, frame rates, and interval times available on the camera screen. Custom configurations are not supported.

Q5 Why does recording video with other camera models result in two fisheye lens video streams, while the X4 has only one?

The X5 and X4 store two video tracks within a single main stream (insv) file, ensuring high-resolution video is consolidated into a single insv file.

Q6 What is the shortest interval time for different resolutions in Timelapse mode?

In the X5 and X4's Timelapse mode, the minimum interval duration is 0.5 seconds for 5.7K resolution and 2 seconds for 8K and 11K resolutions. For the X3, the minimum interval is 0.2 seconds for both 8K and 5.7K resolutions.

Q7 Can images or videos be retrieved in real-time?

The SDK allows you to access real-time footage, whereas OSC cannot provide real-time camera feed.

Q8 What is the maximum video recording duration?

For X5, X4 and X3, recordings exceeding 30 minutes (specifically 29 minutes and 59 seconds) will be segmented into multiple files. Recording continues automatically after each segment, with a new segment saved every 29 minutes and 59 seconds. No manual intervention is required. In Timelapse mode, a new video is generated every 90 minutes.

Q9 Can the preview stream resolution be set?

The X5 and X4 preview stream resolution is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Other models require preview resolution settings before streaming.

Q10 How to view the video preview stream after obtaining it?

After obtaining the H.264 preview stream, you can decode it using FFmpeg. The decoded data will be in YUV420 format, which can then be used for preview.

Q11 Can operations be performed in single-lens mode using the SDK?

The SDK is primarily intended for panoramic shooting and is not recommended for single-lens mode use.

Q12 Can I implement panoramic live streaming on my platform using the SDK?

The Android and iOS SDKs support panoramic live streaming.

Q13 Can the SDK call the Webcam mode?

The SDK does not support controlling the Webcam mode.

Q14 Does the SDK support transmitting live view to a computer via USB?

Preview streaming is supported, but video recording must be saved to the camera's memory card.

Q15 How to set the video encoding format?

The video encoding format must be set on the camera screen. Go to "Settings" > "Image Settings" > "Video Encoding," and select either H.265 or H.264. The SDK does not support setting the video encoding format.

Q16 How to set the bitrate on the X4?

The X4 bitrate can only be set via the camera screen; the SDK does not support bitrate adjustments.

Q17 Which models support in-camera stitching?

The SDK supports in-camera photo stitching for X5 and X4 but not for videos. The OSC protocol supports in-camera stitching for X3 and X2 photos but requires longer processing times. Videos are not supported for in-camera stitching via OSC.

Q18 Can insp or dng files be exported as jpg files?

The SDK allows exporting INSP files to JPG but does not support DNG to JPG conversion. DNG files are intended for professional post-processing, which the SDK does not facilitate.

Q19 Can insv files be exported as MP4 files?

Yes, to convert an insv file to MP4, you can simply change the file extension. This will give you the unstitched dual-fisheye video stream.

Q20 Can the preview stream be played in single-lens mode?

The SDK retrieves single-lens preview streams correctly, but the Android SDK demo player currently supports panoramic playback only.

Q21 Does the SDK provide a panoramic player?

The Android and iOS SDKs provide a built-in panoramic player. The desktop SDK only supports retrieving panoramic video streams and does not include player functionality. Users need to install a panoramic player through public channels and adopt the desired rendering methods for flat outputs, such as panoramic equirectangular projections (refer to Insta360 Studio).

Q22 How to set the X5 and X4 to Android mode?

The Android mode refers to the USB connection mode. For both the X5 and X4, the Android mode will not appear in the camera's settings menu. When connected to a computer via USB, the mode menu appears automatically. Ensure the X5 or X4 firmware is updated to the latest version.

Q23 Why can't I switch to Android mode?

Stable USB port voltage is crucial for ensuring proper Android mode switching. Voltage instability can cause connection errors. Using a powered USB hub can help identify such issues.

Q24 Does the camera have a default mode when it powers on?

No default mode is set initially. The first selected mode becomes the default, and subsequent power-ups will automatically activate this mode. For example, setting Android mode initially will make it the default.

Q25 Can location information be obtained?

Mobile SDKs support adding GPS information to files, desktop SDK provides three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope data, offering relative positional information.

Q26 How to synchronize the camera time via the SDK?

Android and iOS SDKs automatically synchronize time upon successful Wi-Fi or USB connections. Bluetooth connections do not synchronize time.

Q27 Which camera models support in-camera HDR fusion?

The X5 and X4 support in-camera HDR fusion.

Q28 Does the SDK support PureVideo mode?

Yes, it does. PureVideo is a new night mode introduced in the X5 and can be used via the SDK's specific frames export feature with 8K 30fps, ideal for low-light environments.

Q29 How to reduce noise and motion blur?

Higher ISO values increase noise, while lower ISO values reduce it. Faster shutter speeds reduce motion blur, whereas slower shutter speeds increase it. For stationary cameras and scenes, ISO can be lowered, and shutter speed slowed without concern for motion blur. For moving cameras, a balance between noise and motion blur is required.

Q30 Does the Insta360 panoramic camera support OSC protocol?

Insta360 panoramic cameras support OSC protocol for camera control. For photos, in-camera stitching must be enabled. Videos require Media SDK for external stitching, as in-camera stitching is unsupported.

Q31 Why does the camera still shoot in Timelapse mode when the OSC is set to regular video mode?

OSC settings must match the camera's screen configuration.

Q32 Can OSC set exposure parameters?

The OSC protocol does not support exposure parameter adjustments.