Insta360 X5: Unleashing Creativity with the Ultimate 360° Camera

The world of action cameras just got a major upgrade with the launch of the Insta360 X5, the fifth generation of Insta360’s acclaimed 360° camera series. Designed for adventurers and creators alike, this camera promises to push boundaries with its innovative features and robust performance.

As someone who’s still mastering skateboarding and only learned to ride a bike a couple of years ago, I’ve had a blast testing the X5 over the past few weeks—thanks to some helpful friends and strangers who’ve helped me capture insane footage.

Whether you’re strapping it to a motorbike, mounting it on a car, or using a 10-ft pole for a leisurely walk, the Insta360 X5 offers unmatched creative flexibility. Let’s dive into what makes this camera a game-changer.

Why the Insta360 X5 Stands Out

The Insta360 X5 builds on the legacy of its predecessors, notably the X4, which introduced 8K video last year. The big draw? A larger sensor that captures more light, making it ideal for tricky lighting conditions or nighttime shoots—something I never thought I’d tackle comfortably.

Paired with a new triple AI chip and PureVideo mode, this camera delivers stunning results even in low light. With 140% more computing power, it enhances dynamic range and image quality, turning challenging shots into opportunities.

Whether you’re a solo creator or someone who loves unique perspectives, the X5’s ability to record everything in 360° lets you reframe and crop later, offering flexibility that’s hard to beat.

Key Features and Performance

Bigger Sensor for Better Light Capture

The X5 boasts a 1/1.28-inch sensor, 144% larger than the X4 and X3, capturing significantly more light. This upgrade shines in low-light scenarios, like my nighttime drives, where the difference compared to the X4 is night and day. The enhanced sensor, combined with PureVideo mode, makes shots that were once drone-exclusive (and illegal in central London) possible, delivering clearer, less noisy footage.

Triple AI Chip and PureVideo Mode

The new triple AI chip, featuring a 5nm AI chip and two Pro Imaging Chips, boosts performance by 140%. This powers the PureVideo mode, which optimizes low-light shooting at 8K resolution. I’ve tested it in dim conditions, and the results are impressive—cleaner images with better dynamic range, a leap forward for 360° cameras.

Active HDR at 5.7K 60fps

The X5 introduces Active HDR, now supporting 5.7K at 60fps (up from 30fps on the X4). This mode handles bright, contrasty scenes—like sunny days with heavy shadows—better, offering even exposure and vibrant colors. It also supports iLog for post-production color grading, though it’s limited to 5.7K, not 8K. My cat Sylvia looked adorable in these shots!

InstaFrame Mode

InstaFrame lets you record a flat video (vertical or horizontal) alongside full 360° footage. This means you get a share-ready clip instantly while retaining the 360° file for later reframing. It’s a handy feature for quick social media posts without losing creative options.

Replaceable Lenses and Durability

The X5’s lenses are twice as impact-resistant, but if damage occurs, a replaceable lens kit (available for purchase) lets you swap them out in just two minutes with a quick stitching calibration. This is a lifesaver for clumsy users like me. Plus, it’s 50% more water-resistant than the X4, reaching 49 ft (15m) without a dive case, perfect for underwater adventures.

Versatile Shooting Modes

From 360° video with FlowState stabilization to Bullet Time with a twistable selfie stick, the X5 offers modes like TimeShift, Starlapse, and Road mode (for dash cam use). Single-lens mode tops out at 4K 60fps, with options like Me Mode and Loop Recording, catering to diverse shooting needs.

Editing and App Enhancements

The Insta360 Studio and mobile app have been upgraded. The app now features one-tap perspective setting (Forward, Selfie, or AI view) and AI edits, making reframing easy. For advanced users, keyframe editing is now mobile-friendly, though I still prefer the desktop app for 4K ProRes exports.

Design and Practical Tips

The X5 retains its pocketable, rectangular “chocolate bar” design with a big screen, screw mount, swappable battery, microSD slot, and USB-C port. The new wind guard reduces noise in windy conditions, a noticeable improvement I tested at Glastonbury. For best results, use a UHS-I V30 (or V60) microSD card, set bitrate to high, and clean lenses frequently with a microfiber cloth. The AI Highlights Assistant can pinpoint key moments in long clips, saving editing time.

Battery and Accessories

The X5 lasts about an hour in 8K, extendable with a power bank via USB-C. The 3m selfie stick is my favorite accessory, offering drone-like shots legally and affordably. Start with the camera and an invisible selfie stick, then expand with bundles like the Creator Kit.

Specification Table

Final Thoughts

The Insta360 X5 is the most versatile camera I’ve used, perfect for solo shoots or unique B-roll. Its 8K resolution, bigger sensor, and array of modes make it a creative powerhouse, though 8K’s heat and battery drain require planning. I’m not cliff-diving anytime soon, but the X5’s flexibility has me excited to experiment—maybe a bike ride or a night stroll. Grab yours with the link below for a free lens kit (first 20 orders), and let me know your first shoot idea in the comments. Thanks for reading, and see you next time on Tech Chat!