YouTube zooms in too much, so the picture doesn't look as good as if I opened the video file on my desktop. However, it's still pretty good all things considered. This recording was done at 5.7K 60fps, and Endurance Mode (battery saver) was *not* on. After a 73-minute ride I still had 29% battery remaining, so theoretically on this setting the 2400 mAh battery should last 103 minutes. That isn't bad at all for what this camera does, and it's easy to swap batteries.

If you haven't watched 360 video on YouTube before, just click/press the screen and drag to rotate the view.

Now I want one. I did not know one could post a 360 video. I thought it had to be framed first. I've got a $20 Wolfang camera I use to make videos to show my 89 year old dad. Can it be sharper? The 5.7k looks grainy. Their sample in the motorcycle bundle looks sharper.

I don't know what they used to publish their sample videos. YouTube compresses the hell out of the original footage, which is way sharper.

I was thinking of buying one. Does it really do 360 degree footage? This looks like 180 degrees.

Yes. Play the YouTube video, and then click and drag the screen to rotate the view.

Today's ride was a test of 5.7K+ 30 fps. The difference between this and regular 5.7K is that it records more data per frame to yield a better image quality. Battery drain on this mode was the same as 5.7K 60 fps.

It was a little easier to get plates on this setting. I used this screenshot because 1) the sun wasn't facing the plate and 2) the vehicle passed a relatively quick speed.



The same frame zoomed out:



The next ride will be a test at full 8K 30 fps.

Is that mounted on your helmet?
I used to have a Rylo 360 camera and had it mounted on the left end of my handlebar. It worked very well.
Sadly, Rylo sold the 360 software for it and stopped production and support. When the proprietary battery finally went it turned into a very expensive paperweight.

Yes. I used Insta 360's hard hat mount. The base sticks to the helmet with a traditional adhesive, but the arm which holds the camera attaches to the base via a super strong magnet.

How far away is the SUV in this capture? And how far away can the SUV be before the license plate becomes illegible?

It's hard to guess, but frankly I don't think it matters since I'm easily able to get the plates. The image quality is pretty great. Around here the use case for capturing rear plates applies only to Kansas drivers. Missouri drivers have rear and front. The fact that I no longer have camera blind spots gives me many more frames where I can see both the plates and the driver's face.

8K 30 fps test footage.

License plate at point of illegibility:


Zoomed out:









Battery drain at this setting was minimally more than 5.7K+ 30 fps. After 62 minutes I had 38% left. The only notable difference was file size, which was expected. I have a 512GB micro-SD card in this thing, so storage is a secondary concern. I'm pretty impressed with the battery life at max settings and plan to stick with it for my daily rides.

I always thought this would be a good feature for recording bad interactions with motorists in the 1/3 of states that don't have front license plates.

Nothing says "Mid Life Crisis" more than a bald spot, a Corvette, and (OMG) driving gloves!

I didn't realize YouTube supported 360 video. It must be new since I researched it. I have a Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition, but I haven't done much with it.

It's supported it for a while, but as you can see from the above example it's heavily compressed and zoomed in. I think any videos I upload will be the standard kind with pre-determined viewing angles.

After a month of having the camera what is your verdict, worth it or just something fun to play around with?

It's definitely worth it if you're willing to spend that kind of money, and that may be the only notable downside. Granted, it basically does the work of two cameras, so in that sense its price isn't too outrageous.

I picked up the X4 on sale. I like just set an go on the camera. One does have to take the time to create the video. I found the VLC Media player will show a flattened 360 video and let on move the view around.

I have the carbon pole and and the tripod pole. Connected together they make a nice drone simulated shot walking. I've set the camera on the tripod in the woods and taken a 360 video. Later used the software to pan and follow me riding. The exposure is way off. My first trail ride.

After a couple close passes last evening I'm looking heavily at cameras. Torn between an X4 and the Fly12 Sport. Simplicity goes to the Fly12, along with battery life. Obviously 360 deg goes to the X4. Price is also better for the Fly12, especially after you factor in a couple extra batteries for the X4, maybe a better mount, accessories, etc.

Cycliq cameras are nice when they work. Unfortunately, I've read many accounts about their lacking quality control and customer service. Being based in Australia, you can expect responses to be spotty. I would personally opt for the X4 to maximize your chances of capturing the motorist's face. Then the cops will be more likely to pursue, and if they do make contact with that person, it'll be impossible for them to deny they were driving.

I've read similar reports. GP Llama did a review a while back on the Fly12 sport and mentioned CS. He also said Cycliq was doing things to address that. Unsure if that happened or not.

Getting the drivers face would be ideal agreed.

It seems to me that camera footage isn't a good way to show that a pass was too close. Am I wrong?

Also, I don't think you can press charges on close passes unless you can show harm done worse than startling someone. Am I wrong?

well,not just on a close pass, but if they don't slow/yield to an oncoming vehicle, and try and squeeze through, perhaps a fine could be issued. Even getting reported and perhaps a visit from an officer might get them to make a better choice

Yes

Also yes.

Thank you two for the corrections!