Insta360 is making a big splash with the arrival of the X5, its all-new 360° camera. Highly anticipated by content creators, it promises to make shots once considered impossible achievable. After several days of intensive use, here’s our detailed review of this innovative camera.
A design optimized for simplicity and efficiency
From the first moment you pick up the Insta360 X5, you’ll feel confident . Its compact body, measuring 46 x 124.5 x 38.2 mm and weighing just 200 grams, is dominated by two slightly protruding fisheye lenses. The 2.29-inch touchscreen is clear and responsive, providing intuitive access to all features.
Rated IP68, the X5 can withstand submersion up to 15 meters for 30 minutes without a housing. More extreme divers can dive to depths of up to 60 meters with an optional housing. This level of protection is a real asset for outdoor use.
Another welcome innovation is the magnetic mount, which is compatible with Ace Pro accessories, making it even easier to quickly install the camera on various supports. The essential 1/4″ thread remains present to ensure maximum compatibility.
Ergonomics designed for quick handling
Navigating the menus via the touchscreen is simple and fluid. A few strategically placed physical buttons allow you to operate the camera even while wearing gloves. A short adjustment period is required to fully master the device, especially for users who have never owned an Insta360 before.
There are several ways to control capture without touching the camera: gesture controls, voice commands (unfortunately not available in French), and the innovative “Twist” feature. This mode allows you to start or stop recording with a simple twist of the wrist holding the pole. An ingenious idea for creators on the go.
Major technical advances
Beneath its apparent simplicity, the Insta360 X5 hides true technological innovations. It is equipped with two fisheye modules incorporating 1/1.28-inch sensors, 144% larger than those of the previous X4. The result: better low-light performance and improved image quality.
The video processor and audio signal processing have been completely redesigned. These include the ability to activate PureVideo mode, specifically designed for low-light conditions. The camera can capture 360° video in 8K at 30 frames per second or 5.7K at 60 frames per second with HDR support. Photography enthusiasts will also appreciate the ability to capture photos up to 72 megapixels.
In terms of battery life, the new 2400 mAh battery boasts recording times of 88 minutes in 8K/30 fps, up to 185 minutes in “endurance” mode (5.7K/24 fps). However, in real-world conditions, we often see a reduction of 10 to 20% compared to the official figures. Fast charging allows 80% battery recovery in just twenty minutes.
FlowState stabilization and new InstaFrame mode
FlowState stabilization , already acclaimed in previous models, is further refined on the X5. Thanks to 360° horizon lock, your footage remains perfectly stable whatever the shooting conditions.
The new InstaFrame mode will be particularly appealing to content creators active on social networks. It allows two files to be automatically generated during capture: a classic 360° video and a flat video (1080p) ready to be shared immediately, without the need for additional editing. Two options are available: still view or selfie view, depending on the subject detected.
A completely redesigned mobile application
The companion app has also received a major overhaul. The interface is more modern, more fluid, and offers new tools, including the “dewarp” button for one-click correction of fisheye distortions. The quick export feature has also been simplified, making editing even more accessible.
Regular users will find the classic tools of the Insta360 app, enhanced by better integration of artificial intelligence. Purists can still opt for manual editing, although this remains more comfortable on a computer than on a smartphone.
For professional editing, the free Insta360 Studio (Windows/macOS) software remains available, as does the Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro, which allows you to work directly on native files without first converting them. Advanced users will also appreciate the included LUT file pack for precise color correction.
Convenient connected services with Insta360+
The X5 is compatible with the Insta360+ service, which offers automatic cloud backup, as well as remote sharing and editing. A free six-month subscription is included with the camera, allowing you to try out all the service’s features at no cost.
