Insta360 X5 Review: Unleashing 360° Creativity

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-04-27 10:57:26

Discover the ultimate Insta360 X5 review and guide! Uncover features, performance, and tips to elevate your photography game.
The Insta360 X5, priced at $549.99, emerges as the latest innovation in Insta360's dynamic lineup of 360-degree cameras and versatile action cameras. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the Insta360 X4 ($499.99), the X5 introduces a suite of significant enhancements designed to empower creators of all levels. Featuring larger image sensors, user-replaceable lenses, enhanced waterproofing, an integrated wind guard, and extended battery life, the X5 elevates the standard for immersive content capture. Furthermore, its revamped mobile and desktop applications boast intuitive interfaces and a collection of AI-powered templates, streamlining the editing and exporting process for both captivating stills and dynamic videos.The Insta360 X5 stands out as an exceptionally versatile creative tool, capable of producing remarkable outputs with minimal effort, while also offering the depth and control demanded by experienced users seeking breathtaking results. Its impressive capabilities and user-friendly design have rightfully earned it our Editors' Choice award for 360 cameras.

Insta360 X5 Review - Guide

What's Included and Available Bundles:

The standard Insta360 X5 package includes the camera itself, a convenient USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, a protective soft case for storage and transport, and a microfiber lens cloth to keep your optics pristine.For users seeking a more comprehensive setup, the Essentials Bundle, priced at $659.99, offers added value with:

An additional battery, ensuring you can capture more without interruption.
A fast charge case, minimizing downtime and keeping you ready to shoot.
A robust hard carry case, providing enhanced protection for your camera and accessories.
A practical lens cap, safeguarding the delicate lenses from scratches and dust.
Essential lens guards, offering an extra layer of protection in rugged environments.
Insta360's renowned 44.9-inch Invisible Selfie Stick, a key accessory for achieving those signature third-person perspectives and drone-like shots. The camera's intelligent software seamlessly removes the selfie stick from footage (though shadows may occasionally hint at its presence), enabling captivating top-down, over-the-shoulder, and unique aerial viewpoints that Insta360 products are celebrated for.

Insta360 further caters to diverse shooting needs with a range of accessory bundles available for the X5, mirroring their offerings for other cameras. These include specialized mounts for bicycles and motorcycles, comfortable body and head straps for immersive POV shots, and robust diving cases and flotation devices for underwater adventures.

Design and Build Quality:

The Insta360 X5 maintains a familiar visual profile, closely resembling its predecessor, the X4. It retains the dual-lens configuration on the front and rear, crucial for capturing the full 360-degree sphere for both images and videos. The button layout remains largely consistent, ensuring a smooth transition for existing Insta360 users. However, subtle yet functional design refinements have been implemented. The X4's ribbed front texture has been replaced with a modern geometric pattern, and the traditional pinhole microphone has been upgraded to a new, hexagonal wind guard strategically covering the front-facing microphone, promising improved audio clarity.On the rear of the camera, the touch screen has seen a welcome increase in size, expanding from 2.5 inches on the X4 to a more generous 2.7 inches on the X5. While Insta360 doesn't provide specific resolution or brightness figures for the display, its performance in real-world testing proves more than adequate for outdoor use, remaining clearly visible even under bright sunlight.In terms of physical dimensions, the Insta360 X5 measures 4.90 inches in height, 1.81 inches in width, and 1.50 inches in depth, with a lightweight design of just 7.05 ounces. This makes it slightly taller and lighter than the X4 (4.87 x 1.46 x 1.01 inches, 7.19 ounces), enhancing its portability without sacrificing robustness. The left edge of the camera houses a microphone, conveniently placed power and quick-select buttons, and a protected USB-C port for efficient charging and high-speed wired data transfer. The right edge features another microphone and the battery compartment, which also cleverly houses the microSD card slot, a design consistent with previous Insta360 models. A practical detail carried over is the red indicator on the battery/microSD card cover latches, providing a clear visual cue if they are not properly secured, a crucial element for maintaining the camera's waterproof integrity. The bottom edge of the X5 features a centered, standard quarter-inch tripod socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mounting solutions.Below the touchscreen on the rear panel are two tactile, rubberized buttons. The left button serves as the dedicated shutter button for capturing photos and starting/stopping video recording, while the right button allows for quick and intuitive switching between the various shooting modes. A significant upgrade in terms of durability and user-friendliness is the introduction of easily user-replaceable lenses. While previous Insta360 models supported lens guards, the X5 marks a first by making the replacement of damaged lenses a straightforward process. Insta360 offers separate lens replacement kits, complete with all the necessary installation hardware.
While Insta360 thoughtfully includes lens guards with the X5 review kit, they caution that their use can potentially impact overall image quality and are not recommended for underwater shooting. The camera's intelligent software recognizes when lens guards are installed and prompts users to ensure proper alignment to avoid obstructing the microphones situated beneath each lens. The value of lens guards is undeniable in rugged environments like dirt biking, but for general testing, leaving them off was preferred, especially as the camera does not fit comfortably into the soft carry case with the guards attached.Durability is further enhanced with an IP68 rating, certifying the Insta360 X5's waterproof capabilities down to 49 feet (15 meters), a notable improvement over the X4's 33 feet. For users venturing into even deeper aquatic environments, Insta360 offers a dedicated dive case that extends the camera's survivability to an impressive 197 feet (60 meters).

Innovative Accessories:

Insta360 has carved a niche with its ingenious and sometimes seemingly outlandish accessories, and the 15-foot selfie stick ($99.99) is a prime example. This remarkable accessory not only draws curious glances but also unlocksthe ability to capture breathtaking footage that mimics the perspectiveof a low-flying drone, adding a unique dimension to your storytelling.The company also offers a range of specialized accessories designed for its signature Bullet Time shooting mode, allowing users to swing the camera around their head to capturestunning 4K120fps slow-motion videos with a mesmerizing circular motion.

While dedicated Bullet Time accessories enhance this specific mode, users of the Essentials Bundle can achieve similar effects by simply waving the included regular selfie stick. The selfie stick is truly central to the X5's functionality, enabling those iconic third-person perspectives.Therefore, those opting for the standard edition should factor in an additional$24.99 for one of Insta360's basic selfie sticks to fully leverage thecamera's unique shooting capabilities.

Versatile Shooting Modes:

The Insta360 X5 retains a comprehensive suite of shooting modes, largely mirroring its predecessor while introducing exciting new additions. For immersive 360-degree video, the X5 boasts impressive resolutions of up to 8K at 30fps and a smooth 5.7K at 60fps.22 Capturing stunning slow-motion video is possible at up to 4K resolution at 120fps, allowing you to emphasize key moments with dramatic clarity.23 The innovative InstaFrame Mode offers the unique capability of recording both traditional flat footage and immersive 360-degree footage simultaneously, with a maximumresolution of 5.7K at 30fps, providing unparalleled flexibility in post-production.24 For conventional single-lens video, the X5 supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps, or 4K at 30fps in both the flexible FreeFrame Mode and the subject-centric Me Mode. A significant new addition is the PureVideo Mode, specifically engineered for enhanced low-light video performance with a maximum resolution of 8K at 30fps, addressing a common challenge for action cameras. For capturing immersive still images, 360-degree photos can be captured at a detailed 72MP or a more manageable 18MP.

Consistent with the X4, the Insta360 X5 utilizes the efficient H.265 codec for video encoding by default, but users have the option to switch to the more widely compatible H.264 codec if desired. A range of color profiles are available to suit different creative needs, including Flat formaximum grading flexibility, I-Log for a wider dynamic range, Standardfor ready-to-share footage, and Vivid for punchier colors. The camerarecords 360-degree video in the proprietary INSV file format and single-lens video in the universally compatible MP4 format. Still photos are saved as INSP (360-degree) or DNG (single-lens), offering both proprietary flexibility and professional-grade rawcapture. Both INSV and INSP files can be seamlessly edited withinInsta360's intuitive mobile and desktop applications, and an optional Adobe Premiere plug-in is available for professional editors working with 360-degree video.

Audio capture is equally versatile, offering modes such as Auto Wind Noise Reduction (with weak and strong settings), Stereo recording for natural soundscapes, Voice Enhancement for clearer dialogue, and immersive 360 Audio. The X5 also provides the flexibility to connect to external microphones via Bluetooth, catering to users with more demanding audio requirements. Audio is recorded at a professional 48kHz and 16-bit in the widely supported AAC file format.

Battery Performance:

Insta360 makes a compelling claim of up to 185 minutes of recording on a single charge when utilizing its power-efficient Endurance Mode (5.7K at 24fps) with Active HDR turned off, a significant improvement over the X4's 135 minutes. As with anycamera, real-world battery life will inevitably vary depending on usagepatterns. Capturing higher-resolution video or utilizing power-intensive features will naturally deplete the battery faster than capturing still images. Therefore, this quoted figure should be considered with adegree of caution. Nonetheless, the X5's battery capacity of 2,400mAh represents a tangible increase over the X4's 2,290mAh, and the ability to quickly and easily swap out a depleted battery for a charged spare remains a significant advantage for extended shooting sessions.

Intuitive User Interface:

Upon the initial power-up, the Insta360 X5 launches a helpful tutorial that guides new users through the fundamental aspects of navigating the camera's core features. The touchscreen interface is designed forintuitive operation. Swiping left from the right-hand edge of the screen opens the comprehensive shooting parameters menu, allowing for adjustments to color profiles, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and more. Swiping up from the bottom edge provides quick access to change the recording resolution. Reviewing captured media is a breeze by swiping right from the left-hand edge to open the gallery. Finally, accessing the extensive settings menu is done by swiping down from the top edge.

The settings menu is remarkably expansive, offering granular control over various aspects of the camera's operation. Users can toggle gesture and voice controls on or off to suit their preferred interaction methods. The intelligent AI Highlights Assistant can be enabled to automatically flag key moments in your videos as yourecord them, streamlining the editing process. The menu also allows youto choose whether to pre-record footage the moment the camera is powered on, seamlessly connect Bluetooth microphones for enhanced audio, set up timed captures for automated shooting, fine-tune audio settings, and customize the action that occurs when the record button is pressed while the camera is off (either defaulting to the last used shooting mode or selecting a specific preset).

A single press of the power button when the camera is on toggles the screen on and off, while a long press powers the camera down completely. Located beneath the power button is a Q button, which by default opens a customizable list of shooting presets, such as Motorcycle, Skiing, and Surfing, providing quick access tooptimized settings for specific activities. However, users have theflexibility to change these presets to their preferred shooting modesand reorder them for maximum efficiency.

Pressing the dedicated Mode button situated beneath the screen cycles through the X5's extensive array ofshooting options: Bullet Time, Burst, InstaFrame, Interval, LoopRecording, Photo, PureVideo, Road Mode, Starlapse, TimeLapse, TimeShift, and Video. As you navigate through each mode, a helpful description isdisplayed at the bottom of the screen, making it easy to differentiatebetween them and select the most appropriate mode for your intended usecase.

The camera also provides valuable real-time information about shooting parameters. For example, when selecting Video mode and choosing 8K resolution, an informative box appears at the bottom of the display, advising:"High res makes X5 heat up faster. Best to use when windy or whilemoving. In low light, shoot in 5.7K." Similarly, the X5 intelligentlyprompts users to switch to PureVideo mode if it detects a low-light environment, guiding them towards optimal settings for the prevailing conditions.

AI-Powered Mobile and Desktop Apps:

The Insta360 mobile app (free for Android and iOS) will be familiar to returning users, but with the launch of the X5,Insta360 has introduced significant updates, including innovative AI-powered editing templates and a convenient one-touch AI edit mode. This AI editor analyzes your clips and attempts to automatically create shareable content with minimal manual input. While the success of thefully automated AI editor may vary depending on the complexity of thefootage, the templates prove to be a powerful and efficient tool for quickly creating polished edits.

Many of the templates are designed to help users create cinematic recaps ofholidays by seamlessly weaving together numerous disparate clips, whileothers are tailored for specific activities like motorcycle riding orsnowboarding, offering pre-designed effects and transitions optimizedfor those scenarios. The app also cleverly leverages the X5'sall-encompassing 360-degree field of view for unique and oftensurprising effects. Nose Mode, for instance, prompts users to hold the camera between their teeth,resulting in hilarious caricature-like videos with an enormous head,shrunken body, and sped-up movements.

The Insta360 app boasts an extensive library of templates and tutorials, offering a wealth of creative inspiration and guidance. BeyondAI-powered edits, the app allows for creative manipulations likeswapping out the sky in a video with dynamic alternatives, such as UFOsor Van Gogh's Starry Night, adding a touch of surrealism to yourcreations.

While some of the templates and tutorials might produce somewhat whimsicalresults, they effectively showcase the immense creative possibilitiesunlocked by the Insta360 X5. While it's easy to quickly generate a shareable clip using the app'sautomated features, achieving true creative control over your footagestill requires familiarizing yourself with the app's substantialselection of effects, transitions, and the various menus that housethem.

To truly elevate your videos, mastering the art of creating keyframes within the editor is particularly important. Keyframes allow you to precisely adjustviewpoints and perspectives within your 360-degree videos, unlockingincredible creative potential. The app is capable of remarkable featsonce you learn to harness its capabilities.

Experienced film editors will likely gravitate towards the desktop version of Insta360's app (free for macOS and Windows). Editing complex timelines with multiple clips and intricate effects issignificantly more efficient and intuitive on a larger laptop or desktop display compared to a mobile phone. Furthermore, the desktop versionprovides access to a broader range of free-to-use music to accompanyyour creations, overcoming the somewhat limited catalog available in the mobile app.

The Magic of 360° Stills:

While the unique video capabilities are often the primary draw for 360-camera buyers, the still photography capabilities of the Insta360 X5 are equally compelling. The ability to capture a complete 360-degree sphere in a single photoopens up a world of creative possibilities. From capturing the entiretyof a crowded event or an interesting architectural space to creatingunique distortions of proximity and dimensions with often cartoonishresults, 360-degree photos offer a perspective unlike any other.Carrying a 360-degree camera also encourages a different way of seeingthe world, prompting you to look for photo opportunities you mighttypically overlook with a conventional camera – interesting ceilings orfloors, graffiti-covered walls, and even cramped spaces can transforminto captivating 360-degree shots.

Real-World Performance:

The reviewer's experience of using 360-degree cameras since the earlymodels from LG and Samsung highlights the significant evolution of thetechnology, with the Insta360 One X in 2019 marking a turning point inresolution and low-light performance. The Insta360 X5 was embraced as a daily shooter during testing, performing admirably in diverse environments, from capturing the atmosphere of a dimly litwedding venue for photos to documenting cold plunges in the HudsonRiver. The app's tutorials proved to be a valuable resource forexploring the camera's capabilities.

While the X5 demonstrated commendable low-light performance for photos,capturing 120fps slow-motion video in darker environments pushed thelimits of the 1/1.8-inch sensors, indicating that, like most actioncameras, the Insta360 X5 excels when there is ample available light. In bright daylight or under well-lit conditions, the software-powered FlowState image stabilization performs exceptionally well, resulting in smooth and richly detailed videos.

Inherent Limitations:

The reviewer astutely points out that any limitations of the X5 are largely inherent to its form factor rather than specific flaws. The fish-eye style lenses will inevitably introduce significant lens flare when hit by bright light at oblique angles, a characteristic that somemight even find aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, subjects canexhibit

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