Insta360 bares its fangs. With the X5, the 360° camera specialist brand is hitting hard, very hard. After the already formidable X4, this new version takes it up a notch, or even two, and clearly aims for the top: an ultra-detailed 8K image, better light management, rock-solid durability, replaceable lenses, and plenty of thoughtful little surprises for demanding adventurers, riders, and videographers. Verdict: it's the most complete and powerful 360° camera ever tested.
THEInsta360 has established itself as the essential reference in the world of immersive cameras. With its versatile, compact, and powerful models, the brand has democratized 360° video, making it accessible to both content creators and image professionals. Whether filming a mountain bike descent, a surf session, or a road trip in a van, Insta360 cameras capture everything, without ever missing the moment. Thanks to their formidable stabilization, the invisible boom effect, and the creative tools integrated into the mobile app, they transform each shot into a dynamic and fluid scene. The result: you film without framing, you live the moment to the fullest, and you can rework everything afterwards, with complete freedom.
Insta360 X5
8K, XL sensors and night vision: the image at the center
Let's start with what's (literally) obvious: image quality.Insta360 X5 embeds two 1/1,28″ sensors, significantly larger than those of the X4 (+144%). Result: More light, less noise, and a rendering clean even at night.
The mode PureVideo, optimized for low light, is stunning. At night, in the city, in the forest, or indoors, the image remains sharp, detailed, and without bleeding. For those who often film outside of the golden hours, this is a real game-changer.
And in broad daylight? The 8K image at 30 fps is of a surgical precision. And if we want fluidity, Active HDR in 5,7K 60 fps ticks all the boxes. Changing light, backlighting, and moving scenes are handled perfectly. It's beautiful, it's stable, and it rocks.
Resistant, responsive, ready for anything
Insta360 didn't just improve the image. It also took care of the chassis et the mecanic. Anti-scratch glasses, replaceable lenses in case of shock, sealing reinforced: the X5 is designed to come out of the bag without worryLens replacement is quick and tool-free, perfect for creators on the go.
The battery is also evolving: 2400 mAhi.e up to 3 hours of recording in 5,7K, and fast recharge 80% in 20 minutes. Another detail that changes everything: the integrated windshield. Combined with a reworked audio algorithm, it offers usable sound even in gusts or on a skateboard launched at full speed.
New gestures, new ways of filming
The X5 also innovates in usage: the “Twist” gesture is downright clever. A simple back-and-forth of the selfie stick triggers recording. Add to that 2.0 voice control, gestures, or the remote control, and you have total control even without a touchscreen.
Of course, the FlowState stabilization is still there, with the 360° horizon lock. No weird leaning or unwanted shaking, even during tight turns or fast movements.
Full capture, free framing
As always at Insta360, we film first, we frame laterThe X5 captures the entire scene around you. In post-production, you choose the angle, the movement, the rhythm. The invisible boom effect remains impressive, especially in sports or vlogging.
Le InstaFrame mode saves even more time: it automatically generates a cropped video ready to share (selfie or fixed angle), without having to set everything up yourself. And if you prefer, the 360° version is still available, of course.
An app that does the job
THEInsta360 app has been revised for greater fluidity. The interface is more intuitive, and functions like Dewarp, export without cropping, Or Insta360+ cloud really simplify post-production. The software Insta360 Studio on PC and Mac remains a good complement for more advanced editing, and everything is free (a detail that deserves to be highlighted).
This new camera finds its place in applications as varied as they are spectacular. In the mountains, it accompanies skiers and snowboarders to capture immersive descents, with a 360° angle that gives the impression of being there. When traveling, it becomes the ideal companion for immortalizing urban panoramas, wild beaches, or family moments, without worrying about framing.
Extreme athletes use it for skydiving, downhill mountain biking, or kitesurfing, taking advantage of FlowState stabilization for perfectly smooth videos, even in full motion. Vloggers and content creators also adopt it for its dynamic effects and its famous "invisible pole" mode, which gives the illusion of a drone with ease. Versatile, discreet, and robust, it goes everywhere, even where a conventional camera wouldn't dare go.
The Insta360 X5 is a blend of power and intelligence. It succeeds in improving all the key points : image, autonomy, robustness, practicality. And above all, it doesn't just film in 360°: it makes you want to createThe kind of tool you take everywhere, to capture the right idea at the right time, without asking questions.
If you're looking for a 360° camera that does it all, and does it well, you've found it.
Patrick Koune
