Insta360 arguably makes the best consumer-grade 360-degree cameras, with last year’s X4 even offering 8K 360-degree captures on top of a whole load of features. So how are you going to top that with a new model? Turns out, they’re going to make it as tough as an action cam, which is exactly what they’re doing with the Insta360 X5.
Billed as “the smartest, toughest 360-degree camera ever made,” the new flagship gets hardware upgrades that allow it deliver more rugged performance than its predecessors. From a new replaceable lens system and tougher materials to reinforced waterproofing, this rig is designed to handle adventure better than any previous model that came before it.
The Insta360 X5 takes on a similar profile as previous iterations, coming in a compact bar-shaped form factor with lenses on either side for full 360-degree capture. It houses a new 1/1.28-inch sensor, which is significantly larger than the 1/1.2-inch sensor on the X4, allowing it to capture more light for greater overall detail and improved low-light performance. The camera also incorporates a new PureVideo mode that uses advanced AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimization to further improve low-light performance. Basically, the outfit is looking to address a long-running issue with 360-degree cams, using both hardware and software means to beef up how well it shoots in low-light settings.
It captures 8K/30 fps spherical footage, much like the previous iteration, although the new larger sensor and the Triple AI Chip system should deliver a noticeable improvement in image quality. You can also opt to shoot in 5.7K at 60 fps (with ActiveHDR) and 4K at 120 fps, while stills are recorded at 72MP. It retains all the AI features that characterized previous versions of the camera, from the Flowstate electronic stabilization and 360-degree horizon lock to the AI framing and more. For improved audio, there’s a new wind guard on top of the four-mic array that ensures sound is recorded crisp and clear even in windy settings, along with an AI that boosts voices for clarity.
The Insta360 X5 uses a newer, more durable scratch-resistant glass for their lenses, which is quite the significant update, since the lenses on these cameras stick out and, consequently, tend to take impact pretty frequently. Even more importantly, the camera now hosts a replicable lens system, which makes it easy to swap out damaged lenses and put in a replacement. It’s waterproof, too, with a sealed body that’s rated to withstand underwater depths of up to 49 feet (compared to 33 feet from the last generation), effectively putting it on par with many action cams in the market.
The onboard battery is now rated for 185 minutes of video capture, with a fast charging function that gets you to 80 percent in 20 minutes. Other notable features include gesture control, voice control, an InstaFrame mode that captures two videos simultaneously (one flat, one 360 degree), and cinematic video via the Shot Lab feature from the app.
The Insta360 X5 is available now.
