- Updates the X4 with bigger sensor, better build quality & longer battery life
- We’re still waiting for DJI’s rumored 360 camera, plus the GoPro Max 2
- The Insta360 X5 standard version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99
Our favorite 360 degree camera by a long shot just got even better with a decent, if iterative update.
The new Insta360 X5 comes a year after the X4, armed with improved low light image quality, refined video modes, plus very welcome design tweaks which includes fully replaceable lenses – our X5 first impressions are on the way shortly.
And the X5 steals a march on DJI’s rumored 360 degree camera plus the yet-to-be announced GoPro Max 2, the release of which has been stalled by GoPro for years.
It might not be a huge upgrade, but the X5 is better than the X4 where it matters most and further extends Insta360’s dominance in the 360 camera space. Also, it only costs a fraction more than the X4 did at launch.
The Insta360 X5 Standard Version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99, while the Essentials Bundle costs $659.99 / £609.99 / AU$1,109.99 and comes with an extra battery, fast charge case, 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, lens cap and carry case.
Let’s take a look at what’s new in 2025’s model.
The X5’s updates will go a long way improving real world use
Top of the X5 upgrades list is the all-new and larger twin 1/1.28-inch sensors and triple ‘AI’ chips (versus the twin chips in the X4), which should deliver much better low light video quality, and we’re all for those improvements.
The X4’s smaller sensor and 8K resolution is pushed in every scenario but for optimum brightness, but the X5, complete with its PureVideo mode, appears to be an altogether more versatile 360 camera.
Active HDR video in 5.7K resolution is now available at up to 60fps, whereas previously the resolution and frame rates were more limited – and that’s something we noticed in our X4 review.
Build quality has also been improved, with tougher, fully replaceable lenses sure to be a hit with demanding users. 360 cameras have bulbous twin lenses that are at risk of damage – but now they can be swapped out in case of any mishaps.
We also get a magnetic mount on the camera’s underside a la GoPro, which makes moving the camera between mounts all the easier and quicker.
Waterproofing has been upped to 49ft / 15m, plus there’s a higher capacity battery for longer record times – now up to three hours for 5.7K, that’s approximately a 40% increase from the X4. The X5’s battery can also be charged to 80% via USB-C in just 20 minutes.
A built-in wind guard with wind reduction mode improves in-camera audio quality, while a new wireless mic accessory is designed to easily pair with the X5 and makes it a viable option as a vlogging camera – in fact, the X5 could be your one-stop action and vlogging camera.
Crucially, it looks like the editing process of 360 degree videos has been refined, with new features and tools in Insta360’s app, including the new InstaFrame mode that simultaneously records a flat video with auto frame (including AI subject detection skills) keep your subject at the center of the action for video output, with no editing needed, plus a 360 degree version of the video which can be kept as back up for further edits, should you wish. Stats from the likes of Apple Watch and Garmin devices can be overlaid, too.
And those sizeable video files can be automatically backed up to the cloud using the Insta360+ Cloud Service, with Basic 200GB, Pro 1TB and Premium 2TYB subscription options – prices are on the Insta360 website.
We think Insta360 has made sensible updates from the X4, that should make the X5 the more versatile camera to shoot, edit and upload with. We are uploading our hands-on impression shortly, but spoiler alert in case it wasn’t already obvious – the X5 is the new 360 degree camera to beat.
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