The world of 360-degree cameras has seen steady evolution, but Insta360’s latest release, the X5, sets a new benchmark for what these devices can achieve. After spending time with the X5, as detailed in a recent CNET hands-on review, it’s clear that this camera is not just an incremental upgrade but a significant leap forward in performance, durability, and ease of use. Priced at $550, the X5 builds on the success of its predecessor, the X4, with larger sensors, replaceable lenses, and a host of AI-driven features that make it a standout choice for creators, adventurers, and vloggers alike. Let’s dive into what makes the Insta360 X5 a must-have for anyone serious about capturing immersive content.
Bigger Sensors, Better Images
The headline feature of the Insta360 X5 is its upgraded 1/1.28-inch image sensors, a substantial improvement over the X4’s 1/2-inch sensors. According to Insta360, these sensors are 144% larger, which translates to better light capture, especially in low-light conditions. Larger sensors mean more detail, richer colors, and improved dynamic range, making the X5 a versatile tool for shooting in diverse environments, from dimly lit indoor scenes to vibrant outdoor landscapes.
In practice, this upgrade delivers noticeable results. The X5’s low-light performance is a game-changer, with the new PureVideo mode leveraging AI to reduce noise and optimize dynamic range. Whether you’re filming a late-night city adventure or a sunset hike, the X5 produces crisp, vibrant footage that rivals some traditional action cameras. Compared to competitors like the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra, which uses 1/1.7-inch sensors, the X5’s larger sensors give it an edge in picture quality, particularly in challenging lighting.
A Triple AI Chip System for Faster Processing
Another key upgrade is the X5’s Triple AI Chip system, which includes one 5nm AI chip and two Pro Imaging chips. This setup boosts computing power by 140% compared to the X4, resulting in faster processing, reduced noise, and enhanced image quality. While the X5’s video resolution remains the same as the X4’s—8K at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps, or 5.7K at 30fps with HDR—the improved processing makes a tangible difference.
For instance, file transfers to smartphones are significantly quicker, with short clips saving in about 30 seconds compared to minutes on older models. On-device processing is also snappier, though HDR image processing still takes a moment, as noted in the CNET review. Insta360’s commitment to regular firmware updates suggests that processing speeds may improve further, ensuring the X5 remains cutting-edge.
Durability Redefined: Replaceable Lenses and Rugged Design
One of the X5’s most innovative features is its user-replaceable lenses, a first for consumer 360-degree cameras. Previous models, including the X4, were vulnerable to lens damage, often requiring professional repair or replacement. The X5’s lenses, made from ultra-durable, scratch-resistant glass, are designed to withstand the rigors of adventure. If damage does occur, users can swap out the lenses on the go, a feature that’s a godsend for creators who push their gear to the limit.
The X5’s ruggedness extends beyond its lenses. With an IP68 rating, it’s waterproof up to 49 feet (15 meters), a 16-foot improvement over the X4. For underwater enthusiasts, an optional dive case allows the camera to go as deep as 197 feet. The addition of a built-in wind guard and an improved audio algorithm further enhances its suitability for outdoor use, ensuring clear sound even in windy conditions. Whether you’re skydiving, scuba diving, or biking through rugged terrain, the X5 is built to keep up.
InstaFrame Mode: Simplifying 360-Degree Content Creation
360-degree cameras are known for their creative potential, but editing footage can be daunting for beginners. The X5 addresses this with InstaFrame mode, a new feature that simultaneously records a flat, instantly shareable video and a full 360-degree video. The flat video uses AI subject detection to keep the subject centered, making it ideal for quick social media posts without additional editing. The 360-degree video, meanwhile, offers endless possibilities for reframing and editing, giving creators the best of both worlds.
The Insta360 app, available for mobile and desktop, has also been refined to make editing more intuitive. A one-tap Dewarp button removes fisheye distortion, while over 40 AI templates streamline the creation of polished videos. For more advanced users, Insta360 Studio, the free desktop app, provides robust editing tools. The X5’s compatibility with Insta360+, a cloud service for auto backups and instant sharing, further simplifies the workflow, making it easier to share content on the go.
Battery Life and Design Improvements
The X5’s battery life is another area of improvement, with a 2,400mAh battery (up from 2,290mAh) that supports up to 185 minutes of recording in 5.7K using Endurance Mode. Fast charging is a welcome addition, with the battery reaching 80% in just 20 minutes. These upgrades ensure the X5 can keep up with long shooting sessions, whether you’re filming a multi-hour hike or a series of short clips.
Design-wise, the X5 retains the compact, candy-bar-style form factor of the X4 but introduces subtle enhancements. The front now features a tessellated pattern, replacing the X4’s ribbed design, and the touchscreen has grown from 2.5 to 2.7 inches. The larger display is bright enough for outdoor use, even in direct sunlight, and provides easy access to settings and modes. At 7.05 ounces and 4.90 by 1.81 by 1.50 inches, the X5 is slightly lighter and taller than the X4, maintaining its pocketable appeal.
How Does the X5 Stack Up Against the Competition?
The 360-degree camera market is relatively niche, but competition is heating up. The Insta360 X5 faces challenges from the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra, which offers excellent picture quality, and rumored models like the DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2. However, the X5’s combination of larger sensors, replaceable lenses, and advanced AI features gives it a clear edge.
Compared to the X4, the X5 isn’t a must-have upgrade for existing owners, as the core shooting specs remain similar. However, for users of the X3 or earlier models, the X5’s improved low-light performance, tougher build, and enhanced editing tools make it a worthwhile investment. At $550, or $660 for the Essentials Bundle (which includes an extra battery, fast-charge case, invisible selfie stick, lens guards, and carry case), the X5 offers excellent value for its capabilities.
Who Is the Insta360 X5 For?
The Insta360 X5 is designed for creators who want to capture everything around them, from adrenaline-pumping action shots to immersive travel vlogs. Its rugged design and replaceable lenses make it ideal for adventurers, while its AI-driven features and simplified editing tools cater to social media enthusiasts and vloggers. Professional creators will appreciate the X5’s compatibility with Adobe Premiere Pro plugins and its ability to produce high-resolution stills (up to 72 megapixels) and videos.
However, the X5 isn’t without limitations. Low-light performance, while improved, doesn’t yet match the capabilities of modern smartphones, and stabilization can struggle in very dim conditions. Additionally, the learning curve for mastering 360-degree editing may deter casual users, though InstaFrame mode and the updated app help bridge this gap.
Final Thoughts
The Insta360 X5 is a triumph of innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with practical design to deliver a 360-degree camera that’s smarter, tougher, and more versatile than ever. Its larger sensors, replaceable lenses, and AI-powered features make it a standout in a competitive market, while its rugged build and intuitive software ensure it’s accessible to both novices and pros. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a newcomer to 360-degree photography, the X5 is a tool that empowers you to push your creative limits.
As the CNET review notes, the X5 feels like a refined evolution of the X4, which was already the best 360-degree camera on the market. With its latest upgrades, the X5 not only retains that crown but raises the bar for what these cameras can achieve. If you’re ready to capture the world in all its angles, the Insta360 X5 is the camera to beat.
Sources: CNET hands-on review of the Insta360 X5, published April 22, 2025.
