Insta360 X5 First Look – Whats New And Our Initial Impressions
The action camera market just got more exciting with the official launch of the Insta360 X5. If you’ve been following the 360 camera space, you know that Insta360 has dominated this niche for years, consistently pushing boundaries which, for those of us that rely on good camera hardware on our travels, is great to see.
With a price tag of $549.99, the X5 is $50 more than the X4 – this new flagship 360 camera brings several significant upgrades that travel film makers and content creators will appreciate but how does it stack up and are the new features a worthy upgrade?
Pros and Cons of Insta360 X5
Pros
- ✅ Dual 1/1.28'' CMOS sensors for enhanced image quality
- ✅ PureVideo Mode for better low-light capture
- ✅ Waterproof up to 15 meters
- ✅ Replaceable lenses for durability
- ✅ Built-in Wind Guard for clearer audio
- ✅ Fast charging (80% in 20 minutes)
Cons
- ❌ Higher price point at $549.99
- ❌ Expensive accessories
Written by:
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
In a Hurry? Here's our Key Info for This Article
- 8K 360-degree video and photo capture
- Dual 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensors for superior image quality
- PureVideo Mode for enhanced low-light performance
- Replaceable lenses for improved durability
- Built-in Wind Guard for clearer audio
- FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock ensures smooth footage
- Waterproof up to 15 meters without a case
- Approximately 185 minutes of battery life in Endurance Mode
- Fast charging capability (80% in 20 minutes)
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
| Insta360 X5 Specifications | |
| Sensors | Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS |
| Processing | 2x Pro Imaging Chips + 1x 5nm AI Chip |
| 360° Video Resolution | 8K (30fps), 5.7K+ (30fps), 5.7K (60fps) |
| Photo Resolution | 72MP (11904×5952) |
| Max Video Bitrate | 180Mbps |
| Special Features | PureVideo Mode, Replaceable Lenses, Wind Guard |
| Waterproof | 49ft (15m) |
| Battery | 2400mAh |
| Run Time | Up to 185 mins (5.7K24fps Endurance Mode) |
| Fast Charging | 80% in 20 mins, 100% in 35 mins |
| Weight | 200g |
| Dimensions | 46×124.5×38.2mm |
Pick up your Insta360 X5 from the official Insta360 site today!
Loading... (Instance: 1)
What’s New in the Insta360 X5?
The most significant upgrade is the larger sensor. The X5 features dual 1/1.28″ sensors compared to the X4’s 1/2″ sensors. This substantial increase in sensor size delivers what every 360 camera user has been asking for – better low-light performance. To maximize these new sensors, Insta360 has equipped the X5 with 2x Pro Imaging Chips along with a 5nm AI chip, creating a processing powerhouse. The new PureVideo mode specifically enhances low-light capture, addressing one of the X4’s primary weaknesses. If you’ve used the X4, you’ve likely noticed how footage can become noisy and lose detail in challenging lighting conditions – the X5 aims to solve this problem definitively.
One of the most practical innovations is the replaceable lens system. Now, if you scratch or damage a lens during your adventures, you can simply replace that component rather than the entire camera. This feature alone could save you hundreds of dollars over the camera’s lifetime. Audio quality gets a significant boost with a built-in Wind Guard for clearer sound recording. This addresses a common pain point for action camera users who often struggle with wind noise overwhelming their footage, especially during high-speed activities.
Battery life sees a substantial improvement, with the X5 running up to 185 minutes in 5.7K24fps Endurance Mode compared to the X4’s 135 minutes at 5.7K30fps. The 2400mAh battery also supports fast charging, reaching 80% in just 20 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes with a PD3.0 PPS certified 30W USB-C charger. Waterproofing has been enhanced to 49ft (15m) without any additional case, a significant improvement over the X4’s 33ft (10m) rating. This extra depth capability gives you more flexibility for underwater shooting without needing specialized housing.
How It Compares to the X4
The X4 made our list as one of the best Insta360 cameras. With the X5, resolution specs remain identical, with both cameras offering 8K30fps, 5.7K+30fps, and 5.7K60fps in 360° video mode. However, the X5’s larger sensors and enhanced processing mean you’ll get substantially better image quality at those same resolutions, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
The new InstaFrame Mode (available in 5.7K+, 5.7K, and 1080p resolutions) provides additional creative options not available on the X4. Meanwhile, all the features that made the X4 popular remain, including FlowState Stabilization, 360° Horizon Lock, and the invisible selfie stick effect.
While the physical dimensions remain nearly identical, the X5’s advances in image quality, audio clarity, and durability represent a significant step forward. The ability to capture cleaner footage in low light situations is game-changing for a 360 camera, expanding when and where you can shoot.
Top 3 Insta360 Cameras
Loading... (Instance: 2)
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
At $549.99, just $50 more than the X4, the X5 presents a compelling value proposition. The larger sensors alone justify the price bump, while the PureVideo mode, replaceable lenses, and improved waterproofing add significant practical value. As we discovered when we reviewed the Insta360 X4, there were shortcomings so the improvements are welcome ones to make a fully rounded product (pun intended).
For creators who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions or underwater environments, the upgrade is a no-brainer. The improved low-light performance and deeper waterproofing will noticeably enhance your footage.
If you primarily work in daylight conditions and already own an X4, the decision is less clear-cut. You’ll need to weigh whether features like replaceable lenses, better audio, and longer battery life address pain points in your current workflow.
When Can You Get Your Hands on One?
The Insta360 X5 is available now for $549.99. Based on Insta360’s history, expect accessories like additional lens modules, specialized mounts, and the Invisible Dive Case (for extending underwater capabilities even further) to become available in the coming weeks. You can pick yours up from the official Insta360 store.
Best Insta360 Cameras - Full Reviews
First Look at the Insta360 X5 – Final Thoughts
The 360-camera market is evolving rapidly, with both DJI and GoPro rumored to be launching competitive products in 2025. Insta360 appears to be staying ahead of this competition with the X5, addressing the core weaknesses of the X4 while maintaining its strengths.
For adventure seekers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts, the X5 represents a worthy evolution of what was already the leading consumer 360 camera. The emphasis on low-light performance, durability, and user-replaceable components suggests Insta360 is listening to its user base and focusing improvements where they matter most.
The X5 sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in pocket-sized 360 cameras, and we’re eager to put it through its paces in real-world conditions.
Pick up your Insta360 X5 from the official Insta360 site today!
Loading... (Instance: 3)
Insta360 X5 First Look FAQs
The Insta360 X5 first look reveals significantly larger dual 1/1.28″ sensors (compared to the X4’s 1/2″ sensors), delivering substantially better low-light performance and overall image quality.
Yes, the Insta360 X5 first look demonstrates vastly improved low-light capabilities thanks to its larger sensors and new PureVideo mode specifically designed for challenging lighting conditions.
The Insta360 X5 is waterproof up to 49ft (15m) without requiring any additional case, a significant improvement over the X4’s 33ft (10m) rating.
The replaceable lenses on the Insta360 X5 first look model mean that if you damage a lens during adventures, you can simply replace that component rather than the entire camera, saving significant money and extending the device’s lifespan
The Insta360 X5 can run up to 185 minutes in 5.7K24fps Endurance Mode and features fast charging that reaches 80% in just 20 minutes with a compatible charger.
