X Series: Pre-recording Mode

X Series: Pre-recording Mode

Applicable Models: X3, X4, X4 Air, and X5

The Pre-recording Mode allows you to save media for a set duration before you press the shutter, as well as the continuous recording after you press it. This ensures you never miss a crucial moment while saving storage space. This article provides detailed instructions on how to use this mode and some FAQ answers.

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Introduction to Pre-recording Mode

• What is the Pre-recording Mode?

When the Pre-recording feature is enabled, the camera records continuously. Each time you press the shutter, your camera saves both the media for the set duration before you press the button and the ongoing recording after you press it, and then merges them into a single video file. This allows you to accurately capture unexpected highlights while avoiding wasting memory space on inefficient recordings.

• What scenarios are recommended for using the Pre-recording Mode?

The Pre-recording Mode is ideal for capturing unpredictable or fleeting moments—whether it's a child's laughter at a family gathering or outdoor highlights like a fish biting or a big wave approaching. It helps you record the scene before you press the shutter. It supports recording of both 360 and wide-angle (flat) videos.

How to use the Pre-recording Mode

For Insta360 X5

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the camera screen to enter the shooting specification settings page > switch the camera to a video mode that the pre-recording feature supports.

Please note: For X5 cameras, the Pre-recording feature is only available in the Video, Active HDR, and PureVideo Modes.

1. Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to enter the "Shortcut" menu > find and tap the "Pre-recording" option (the Recording icon with "PRE") > set the pre-recording duration to start shooting.

Available pre-recording durations: 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 75 seconds, and 90 seconds. Please select your desired pre-recording duration based on different shooting modes and parameter settings.

For Insta360 X4 Air

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the camera screen to enter the shooting specification settings page > switch the camera to a video mode that the pre-recording feature supports.

Please note: For X4 Air cameras, the Pre-recording feature is only available in the Video and FreeFrame Video Modes.

1. Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to enter the "Shortcut" menu > find and tap the "Pre-recording" option (the Recording icon with "PRE") > set the pre-recording duration to start shooting.

Available pre-recording durations: 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 75 seconds, and 90 seconds. Please select your desired pre-recording duration based on different shooting modes and parameter settings.

For Insta360 X4

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the camera screen to enter the shooting specification settings page > switch the camera to a video mode that supports pre-recording.

Please note: For X4 cameras, the pre-recording feature is available in Video and Active HDR Modes with settings of 5.7K@30fps and below, and is also available in the FreeFrame Video Mode.

1. Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to enter the "Shortcut" menu > find and tap the "Pre-recording" option (the Recording icon with "PRE") to start shooting.

Pre-recording duration: The camera automatically saves 10-40 seconds before you press the shutter. Please select your desired pre-recording duration based on different shooting modes and parameter settings.

Please note:

• X4 does not currently support manual adjustment of pre-recording duration.
• As pre-recording increases memory usage, X4 supports the pre-recording feature only for Video and Active HDR Modes in the 360 lens mode, with a maximum pre-recording duration of 40 seconds.
• If your X4 camera's firmware version is below v1.0.20, it supports a maximum pre-recording duration of 15 seconds only; if the firmware version is v1.0.20 or above, it supports a maximum pre-recording duration of 40 seconds. It is recommended that you update your camera firmware version before use.

For Insta360 X3

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the camera screen to enter the shooting specification settings page > switch the camera to a video mode that supports pre-recording.

Please note: For X3 cameras, the Pre-recording feature is only available in the Video and Active HDR Modes.

1. Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to enter the "Shortcut" menu > find and tap the "Pre-recording" option (the Recording icon with "PRE") to start shooting.

Pre-recording duration: 15 seconds and 30 seconds

FAQ

1. After finishing one recording session, do I need to re-enable Pre-recording for the next use?

No. Once you enable the Pre-recording feature and complete a recording session, the camera will keep this feature enabled, so you don't need to enable it again before your next recording session.

2. Do both the Single-Lens and 360 (Panoramic) Modes support Pre-recording?

Yes. The Pre-recording feature can be used with both the Single-Lens and 360 Modes for the needs of different shooting scenarios.

3. What is the difference between the Pre-recording Mode and the Loop Recording Mode?

The main differences lie in the "recording/saving logic" and "applicable scenarios":

• Pre-recording Mode: When you use the Pre-recording Mode and press the shutter to start recording, your camera saves the media for the set duration before the press as well as the ongoing recording after the press. It is suitable for capturing sudden, instantaneous highlights (e.g., a fish biting, a big wave), precisely preserving the key moments.
• Loop Recording Mode: The loop recording can be set to a cycle of 3 minutes or 5 minutes, which is the maximum loop duration. Once the recording length reaches this set duration, the camera will continuously overwrite the oldest recorded content. The Loop Recording Mode keeps a complete record of events over a period to ensure no highlights are missed. It is suitable for long-duration recording where the timing of highlights is uncertain (e.g., cycling, basketball games), ensuring full coverage without omissions.

4. Which shooting modes can preserve highlights while saving SD card space?

We recommend the following two modes. You can choose based on scenarios:

• Pre-recording Mode: This feature helps you capture action moments you might otherwise miss, while also saving valuable SD card space.
• Loop Recording Mode: This feature records in set cycles, overwriting the oldest content once a cycle is full. It doesn't generate a large number of redundant files and is suitable for long-duration recording scenarios (e.g., dashcam, cycling).