Insta360 unveils its new 360° camera, the Insta360 X5. It succeeds the popular X4 and features larger sensors, a much more powerful AI, new capture modes, and improved battery life.
Sommaire
- A more powerful and versatile 360° camera than ever
- AI-boosted video performance, especially in low light
- InstaFrame for instant sharing and a new mobile app
- A camera built for extreme conditions
- Replaceable lenses for a more durable camera
- HDR and audio: an enhanced immersive experience
- Insta360 X5: price and availability
- Our first impressions of the Insta360 X5
A more powerful and versatile 360° camera than ever
360° video is part of Insta360’s DNA — it’s no coincidence the brand is named that way. With the X5, the manufacturer focuses on meaningful upgrades: a series of small improvements that collectively deliver a significantly more capable camera than it may seem at first glance.
The Insta360 X5 keeps the X4’s format while improving its ergonomics. Its body is slightly wider (124.5 x 46 x 38.2 mm) yet lighter (200 g vs. 203 g), and more robust. A magnetic mount at the base, like on the Go 3 and the Ace Pro 2, allows for easy switching between mounting options.
Inside, the camera houses two new 1/1.28-inch sensors, 44% larger than the X4’s (1/2-inch), paired with dual 6 mm equivalent lenses (35mm format) with an f/2 aperture.
While the X4 introduced a 5 nm AI chip, this new model integrates two additional pro-grade image processors, totaling three AI chips according to Insta360. This configuration should drastically enhance image quality and camera capabilities, not to mention the renowned FlowState stabilization.
AI-boosted video performance, especially in low light
The X5 retains the 8K 360° video at 30 fps from the X4 but goes further with 11K oversampling. According to Insta360, this means sharper footage and finer detail. Remember, 8K is not overkill here — after capturing the 360° footage, it allows for greater reframing flexibility when selecting the final view.
If you prefer not to shoot in 360°, the camera supports 4K 60 fps first-person view recording and features the MaxView mode with a 170° field of view at 4K 30 fps.
Slow motion is available at up to 120 fps in 4K. For stills, you can shoot 72 MP photos (11904 x 5952 px) in JPEG or DNG.
Beyond the bigger sensors, the camera’s trio of processors provides a 40% boost in processing power compared to the X4, according to Insta360.
This processing power enables intelligent noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and sharper results in all shooting conditions.
Insta360 also introduces the new PureVideo mode for shooting in low light. Powered by AI, it’s said to be a major upgrade over the X4, especially for indoor scenes, urban night footage, or dusk landscapes.
InstaFrame for instant sharing and a new mobile app
If you’ve ever handled a 360° camera, you’re probably familiar with those unusual file formats that need editing before sharing. To simplify things, the Insta360 X5 introduces the InstaFrame mode, designed for instant sharing.
This mode records two files simultaneously: a full 360° video and a “flat” version ready for social media. For the share-ready version, you can choose between a fixed angle or a dynamic selfie mode that automatically keeps the subject centered in frame.
Launched alongside the X5, the Insta360 app now moves to version 2.0 with a full redesign. Highlights include a revamped album view with thumbnails auto-generated from the best angles to quickly locate your videos.
On the tools side, the app leverages AI with smart reframing to always capture the right angle, whether with family or on the go. Fisheye distortion can now be corrected in one tap with the Dewrap function, and the video editor is more powerful than ever.
The X5 also takes advantage of the Insta360+ cloud: with automatic backups, instant sharing, and remote editing all in one place.
A camera built for extreme conditions
With the X5, Insta360 further reinforces the camera’s durability. Waterproof down to 15 meters without housing (up from 10 m on the X4), IP68 certified, and featuring a more rugged internal design, it’s made to withstand the harshest environments. A true adventure companion.
Battery life is also significantly improved with the X5: up to 185 minutes in 5.7K/24 fps (vs. 135 min on the X4) and 88 minutes in 8K/30 fps (+13 min). The new 2400 mAh removable battery, combined with fast charging (100% in 35 min, 80% in 20 min), ensures all-day operation without stress.
Still compatible with the invisible selfie stick, the X5 continues to create that signature “floating camera” effect. New feature: the “Twist” gesture now allows you to start recording by quickly moving the camera twice on the stick — a handy addition to the existing voice, gesture, and wireless controls.
Replaceable lenses for a more durable camera
The protruding lenses of 360° cameras are particularly vulnerable to scratches. To address this, the X5 introduces a major upgrade: user-replaceable lenses via an included kit, without needing to contact customer support.
As a bonus, the front lens is also interchangeable and made from glass twice as resistant as that of the X4 — perfect for withstanding keys, coins, and daily knocks. A solid plus for adventurers and demanding professionals.
HDR and audio: an enhanced immersive experience
The Active HDR previously available on the X4 can now be used at 5.7K 60 fps, up from 30 fps. High-contrast scenes are thus rendered with greater smoothness and detail. A new I-Log color profile expands post-production options alongside the existing Vivid, Flat, and Standard modes.
As for audio, Insta360 steps up its game: four microphones with multilayer wind shielding, active noise reduction, voice enhancement, and even a 360° audio mode for total immersion. The X5 delivers much clearer sound, especially outdoors, where the X4 sometimes struggled with wind interference.
Like its rivals, Insta360 also introduces a new ultra-light Mic Air wireless microphone, which can be clipped magnetically or worn as a pendant.
Insta360 X5: price and availability
The Insta360 X5 is available now on the Insta360 online store at a price of €589.99 for the standard pack, including 6 months of free Insta360+ cloud storage.
Several other bundles are available, including:
- Luxury Pack at €628 with selfie stick and lens cap
- Invisible Diving Pack at €769, adding an invisible diving case, floating handle, and lanyard to the Luxury Pack
- Road Cycling Pack at €734, which adds a bike mount and cycling kit to the Luxury Pack
- And even a No Drone No Problem Pack at €724 with a 3-meter invisible selfie stick
Our first impressions of the Insta360 X5
Insta360 has pulled off a feat with the X5. While the X4 was already a benchmark, the X5 now establishes itself as the new gold standard for portable 360° cameras. More powerful, more user-friendly, it checks all the boxes: 8K video, long battery life, excellent low-light performance, a brand new InstaFrame sharing system, and even replaceable lenses.
In short, on paper, the Insta360 X5 already looks like the best 360° camera out there.
