X Series: Video Shaking / Stabilization Issues

X Series: Video Shaking / Stabilization Issues

Applicable Models: ONE X, X2, X3, X4, X4 Air, X5, and X6

Scenario 1: Poor stabilization effect on the entire video or part of it (for X6, X5, X4 Air, X4, X3, and X2)

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Update the camera firmware and Insta360 app / Insta360 Studio versions

Update the camera firmware to the latest version. If the video shakes when played in the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio, please update your Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio to the latest version from the Insta360 Website to ensure the stabilization algorithm works properly.

Please refer to: X Series: Check and Update Firmware Version

2. Enable stabilization in the Insta360 app / Insta360 Studio

Import the video with stabilization issues into the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio, enable FlowState Stabilization, and preview the video to check if the stabilization improves.

• Enable stabilization in the Insta360 app: Please refer to Insta360 App: FlowState Stabilization
• Enable stabilization in Insta360 Studio: Navigate to the right-side menu bar > click "Stabilization Type" > enable "FlowState Stabilization".

3. Check the camera mounting

Make sure the camera is securely mounted. If you are using accessories such as selfie sticks or helmet mounts, follow the instructions in the respective user manual for proper assembly to avoid loosening that may cause shake.

4. Check for platform (Insta360 app / Insta360 Studio) issues

Play the same video in both the Insta360 app and Insta360 Studio to check if the issue occurs only on one platform, which would help determine whether the problem is caused by the app / software.

If none of the above solutions resolves your issue, please contact Insta360 Customer Support for assistance.

Scenario 2: Image is not level or is tilted

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Update the camera firmware

Update the camera firmware to the latest version, restart the camera after the update, and shoot a new video to test if stabilization returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Check and Update Firmware Version

2. Calibrate the camera's gyroscope

It is recommended to complete the gyroscope calibration in the camera settings. After calibration is complete, shoot a new video to test if the stabilization effect returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Gyroscope Calibration

3. Enable FlowState Stabilization

Import the video with stabilization issues into the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio, enable FlowState Stabilization, and preview the video to check if the stabilization improves.

• Enable stabilization in the Insta360 app: Please refer to Insta360 App: FlowState Stabilization
• Enable stabilization in Insta360 Studio: Navigate to the right-side menu bar > click "Stabilization Type" > enable "FlowState Stabilization".

4. Enable Horizon Lock

If you are shooting in the Single‑Lens (Flat) mode, we recommend using the FreeFrame Video Mode and enabling Horizon Lock in the shooting settings.

Please refer to: X Series: FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock

If none of the above solutions resolves your issue, please contact Insta360 Customer Support for assistance.

Scenario 3: Image rotates or shifts

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Update the camera firmware

Update the camera firmware to the latest version, restart the camera after the update, and shoot a new video to test if stabilization returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Check and Update Firmware Version

2. Calibrate the camera's gyroscope

It is recommended to complete the gyroscope calibration in the camera settings. After calibration is complete, shoot a new video to test if the stabilization effect returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Gyroscope Calibration

3. Confirm the shooting mode

• If you are using the Timelapse Mode: Please refer to "Scenario 6" below for troubleshooting.
• If using a non-Timelapse mode: We recommend that you apply for Insta360 Repair Service for professional diagnostics.

Scenario 4: In‑camera image rotates 90° upside down / final video flipped 90°

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Turn off Rotation Lock (for X5, X4 Air, and X4 only)

Disable this feature in the camera settings and check whether the image returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Rotation Lock

2. Update the camera firmware

Update the camera firmware to the latest version, restart the camera after the update, and shoot a new video to test if stabilization returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Check and Update Firmware Version

3. Calibrate the camera's gyroscope

It is recommended to complete the gyroscope calibration in the camera settings. After calibration is complete, shoot a new video to test if the stabilization effect returns to normal.

Please refer to: X Series: Gyroscope Calibration

If none of the above solutions resolves your issue, we recommend you apply for Insta360 Repair Service for professional diagnostics.

Scenario 5: A single frame suddenly becomes blurry and then returns to normal / some parts of the video are blurry

Description

When the camera rotates or shakes, a single frame suddenly becomes blurry and then returns to normal. This phenomenon often occurs in low‑light conditions.

Reason

This is essentially an image quality issue (motion blur) rather than a stabilization failure. In low‑light conditions, the camera needs a longer exposure time. If the camera moves during that time, blur is likely to occur.

Solution

To avoid blur in your video, please keep the following points in mind:

• Keep the camera steady: Try to keep the camera as stable as possible and avoid large movements.
• Use Auto Exposure: Set the exposure parameters to "Auto" preferably; the camera will automatically match the appropriate exposure effect based on the ambient light.
• Enable Low‑Light Stabilization: At night or in low‑light conditions, we recommend enabling "Low‑Light Stabilization" / "Jitter Blur Reduction". This feature effectively improves image stability.

  Please note: In extremely low‑light environments, enabling this feature may slightly reduce image brightness. This is normal.

• Adjust shutter speed: You can manually set the shutter speed to 1/100 to 1/200 seconds to reduce blur by shortening the exposure time.

Scenario 6: Image shifts or shakes in Timelapse videos

Description

During shooting in the Timelapse Mode, the image shifts horizontally or shakes. This phenomenon is commonly seen in dynamic scenes (such as in‑car shooting), even when the camera position remains unchanged.

Reason

The Timelapse Mode composes a video from a series of photos taken at intervals to show the passage of time. There is a time gap between photos. When stabilization is enabled, if the camera moves during shooting, the captured frames will differ, resulting in image shift or shake. The motion effect becomes more noticeable during playback.

Solution

1. Choose an appropriate shooting mode

The Timelapse Mode is more suitable for static scenes (such as sunrise/sunset, cloud movement, etc.). If you want to record in dynamic scenes (e.g., in‑car shooting), we recommend using the "TimeShift" or "Video" Mode.

1. Turn off FlowState stabilization in post‑production

If you have already completed the shooting and the image shifts, you can turn off "FlowState Stabilization" in the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio to check if the image returns to normal.

• Disable stabilization in the Insta360 app: Please refer to Insta360 App: FlowState Stabilization
• Disable stabilization in Insta360 Studio: Navigate to the right-side menu bar > click "Stabilization Type" > disable "FlowState Stabilization".

Please note: After disabling stabilization, the image will automatically rotate 90° counter‑clockwise. If you need a 16:9 aspect ratio, we recommend exporting your video in 9:16 and then rotating the image 90° clockwise using other editing software.

Scenario 7: Vertical shaking (Z‑axis shake)

Reason

This is Z-axis shake caused by the vertical movement of the camera. Conventional electronic stabilization and 3-axis gimbals mainly improve horizontal shake and rotational shake but cannot completely eliminate vertical shake.

Solution

1. Keep the camera steady

We recommend keeping the camera as steady as possible during shooting, avoiding large vertical movements to reduce up‑and‑down wobble.

1. Slow down movement speed

You can also reduce movement speed appropriately, which effectively reduces the abruptness of vertical wobble and makes the image smoother and more natural.