X Series: In-camera/External Stitching

X Series: In-camera/External Stitching

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

The camera supports both in-camera and external stitching. The In-camera Stitching feature intelligently composites 360 photos directly inside the camera and produces ready-to-use images. You can also use the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio for external stitching and optimization to suit different creative needs. This article describes the methods and precautions for using both stitching features and provides some FAQ answers.

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How to use In-camera Stitching (for X6, X5, X4 Air, and X4)

In-camera Stitching is specifically designed for the 360 Mode and dual-lens related modes. The camera automatically performs stitching and algorithm processing, generating viewable and shareable photos immediately after shooting without the need for additional post-production processing, providing a more efficient and convenient shooting experience.

1. How to enable In-camera Stitching

Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to access the "Shortcut" menu > tap "Settings" (Gear icon ⚙) > "Image Settings" > "In-camera stitching", then turn the feature on or off.

2. Shooting modes that support In-camera Stitching

Camera Model	Shooting modes Supporting In-camera Stitching
X6	Photo, HDR Photo, Starlapse, and Interval *In-camera Stitching is enabled by default in the Starlapse Mode
X5	Photo, HDR Photo, Photo Grab, Starlapse, Burst Photo, and Interval *In-camera Stitching is enabled by default in the Starlapse Mode
X4 Air and X4	Photo, HDR Photo, Photo Grab, Starlapse, Burst Photo, and Interval

Please note:

• To enable In-camera Stitching in the HDR Photo Mode on X5 / X4 Air: Tap the "Shooting Mode" icon at the bottom-left corner of the camera screen > select the "360°" photo mode > tap the "Shooting Specification" icon at the bottom, and then find and turn on the In-camera Stitching option.
• The Single-Lens Mode / Flat Mode usually does not require stitching (except for the Me Mode), as it uses only one lens.
• If you have enabled In-camera Stitching, you can directly export JPG photos from the camera in supported photo modes. When you preview this type of photo in the Insta360 app, the "Accessories" option will not appear in "Settings".

3. Recommended Stitching Distances

Camera Model	Camera Status	Distance to Subject
X6, X5, and X4 Air	Camera without accessories	Non-bottom, surrounding area: at least 2.0ft (0.6m) Bottom area: at least 2.6ft (0.8m)
X4	Camera without accessories	Non-bottom, surrounding area: at least 2.0ft (0.6m) Bottom area: at least 2.6ft (0.8m)
	Camera without accessories (for precise hand stitching)	At least 3.3ft (1m)
	Camera with a Lens Guard	At least 3.3ft (1m)
X3	Camera without accessories (for precise hand stitching)	At least 3.3ft (1m)
X2	Camera without accessories	Dynamic stitching: About 1.6ft (0.5m) Template stitching: About 13.1ft (4m)
ONE X	Camera without accessories	At least 2.6ft (0.8m)

1. Precautions during shooting

• Shoot steadily: Avoid rotating the selfie stick or the camera, and minimize lens movement.
• Control shooting distance: Before shooting, refer to the "Recommended Stitching Distances" table above to determine the appropriate distance range. During shooting, keep the distance between the camera and the subject within the recommended range to prevent stitching failure caused by being too close.
• Aim at the subject: When shooting a single subject, make sure one lens faces the subject directly to avoid distortion at the edge stitch.
• Special scenes (underwater stitching)
  • For shooting 360 media underwater, it is recommended to use the Insta360 Invisible Dive Case.
  • Ensure that the camera and the dive case are fully engaged at the connection and locking points, with no looseness or gaps, to avoid affecting stitching quality due to improper installation.
  • After using the dive case, position the camera lens perpendicular to the subject to minimize the stitching seam.

Please note: The Invisible Dive Case features a unique optical lens design that greatly compensates for imaging differences caused by the change in the refractive index of water, ensuring seamless 360 images.

How to use external stitching

You can perform post-production stitching on your media using the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio.

Insta360 app

For videos or media requiring correction for influence from accessories, the Insta360 app automatically applies the stitching optimization algorithm during preview and export to improve the final result.

Insta360 Studio

Go to the "Media" page, click the "Stitching" icon on the right > find "Stitching Optimization" > select "AI Stitching" / "Optical Flow Stitching" / "Dynamic Stitching" or "Off" as needed.

You can watch the tutorial Avoiding Stitching Problems for more information on stitching optimization.

FAQ

1. The camera or selfie stick rotates, causing noticeable stitch seams. How can I avoid this?

We recommend avoiding rotating the selfie stick or camera as much as possible during shooting to reduce visible stitch seams. Because the camera's stitching algorithm operates in real time, there is a certain delay in calculating and matching feature points. Rotating while shooting reduces the time available for matching, which can cause tearing or misalignment at the stitch seam.

2. Why does stitching fail when the camera is used underwater without a dive case?

Underwater stitching problems occur because the refractive index of air is approximately 1 under standard conditions, while the refractive index of water is about 1.3. When the camera is used underwater, light refraction reduces the camera's field of view, ultimately causing misalignment and other stitching issues in underwater images.

3. Why are my original media or unexported photos already in JPG format?

This may be related to the "In-camera Stitching" feature, which automatically processes and outputs stitched photos in JPG format. We recommend you try the following steps to solve the problem:

• Turn off In-camera Stitching: Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to access the "Shortcut" menu > tap "Settings" (Gear icon ⚙) > "Image Settings" > "In-camera stitching", then turn the feature off.
• Change the shooting mode: Some shooting modes (such as the Me Mode and Starlapse Mode) may default to performing in-camera stitching. If you do not want your media to be in JPG format, try changing the shooting mode or parameter settings.

4. Will enabling the “In-camera Stitching” feature increase battery consumption?

Please rest assured that the impact of the in-camera stitching feature on the camera's power consumption is minimal and can be negligible.