The highly anticipated Insta360 X5 has finally arrived, once again pushing the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from pocket-sized 360 cameras. With significant hardware improvements, smart new features, and fixes to long-standing issues, it will not only be attractive to those upgrading from the previous X3 and X4, but should also attract a lot of action cam users.
Insta360 has clearly listened to user feedback and delivered what looks like is going to be a very compelling new release. Let’s step through some of the pre-release highlights.
Game-Changing Design Improvements
I’ve had the X2 and X4, and the most compelling attraction with this new release is the user-replaceable lenses. If you’ve owned one of these cameras, you’ll know the feeling of constantly being in fear of scratching a lens, or have more likely had it happen, and now have a $400 camera lying in your drawer doing nothing (as I do).
This practical addition is paired with tougher, more scratch-resistant lens glass, making the X5 considerably more durable for adventurous creators.
The waterproofing capabilities have also seen a substantial upgrade, now handling depths up to 15 meters without requiring a separate case. For underwater explorers and watersports enthusiasts, this improvement alone could justify the upgrade.
I just hope the replacement lenses are at a sensible price. Given that they are user-replaceable, will we also see ND filter lenses?
Substantial Camera Upgrades
At the heart of the X5 sits a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor, a noticeable improvement over the X4’s 1/2-inch setup. The result is clearer imagery with significantly better low-light performance. While daylight shots between the two models remain comparable, the X5 pulls decisively ahead when shooting at night or in challenging lighting conditions.
This improved performance is further enhanced by the new “Pure Video Mode,” an X5 exclusive feature powered by the camera’s advanced AI chip. This mode is specifically designed to optimize low-light shooting, delivering impressive results in environments where previous models struggled.
Processing Power and Performance
The X5 comes equipped with a triple AI chip that’s reportedly 140% faster than its predecessor. This extra processing muscle enables several performance advantages:
- Active HDR shooting at 5.7K 60fps (compared to the X4’s 30fps limitation)
- Improved slow-motion capabilities with 120fps at 4K 360° (up from 100fps)
- Faster overall operation and more responsive interface
These performance improvements make a real difference when shooting in challenging conditions or when capturing fast-moving action sequences.
Extended Battery Life and Faster Charging
Battery performance has been modestly improved, with the X5 offering 88 minutes of 8K shooting compared to the X4’s 75 minutes. More impressively, the new “Endurance Mode” allows for up to 185 minutes of recording at 5.7K 24fps, perfect for extended shooting sessions. The latter is probably the most useful, as file sizes for 8K are too massive for most at 1.8GB per minute vs 5-700MB for 5.7K.
The charging speed has been dramatically improved as well, with the X5 reaching 80% battery in just 20 minutes—less than half the time required by the X4 (38 minutes).
Enhanced Audio and Usability Features
Audio recording quality has been significantly upgraded with the addition of a hardware windguard, voice enhancement technologies, and improved 360° sound capture. These improvements should result in much cleaner audio, especially in outdoor environments.
Usability enhancements include a convenient magnetic quick-release mount system for faster accessory swaps and an innovative “twist to shoot” gesture control that simplifies operation when the camera is mounted out of reach.
The Trade-offs
It’s worth noting that the video bit rate has slightly decreased to 180 Mbps (from the X4’s 200 Mbps). However, the combination of the larger sensor and more powerful processing should more than compensate for this minor reduction.
The X5 also comes with a $50 price increase over its predecessor. Given the substantial improvements across nearly every aspect of the camera, this premium seems entirely justified for serious creators and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Insta360 X5 represents a significant leap forward in 360-camera technology. While the X4 remains a capable camera, the X5’s improved durability, enhanced image quality, better low-light performance, and thoughtful usability upgrades make it a compelling option for both new users and those considering an upgrade.
For content creators who frequently shoot in challenging conditions, underwater environments, or low-light settings, the X5’s improvements will be particularly valuable. The user-replaceable lenses alone might save frequent users hundreds in potential repair costs, making the price difference between models even more reasonable in the long run.
How about you? For me, I think it’s probably time to upgrade, buy some extra lenses, and start filming without fear. Personally, I also feel these upgrades might reveal this camera as a true competitor to the standard action cam, as far as even making Insta 360’s Ace Pro 2 a questionable choice, considering the editing power of 360. How will GoPro respond? The GoPro 14 is expected soon, and it’s going to have to be something truly special. If they haven’t built it around a one-inch sensor, then it might be goodnight for GoPro in terms of offering a compelling option.
The camera is set for release in the coming days and will be available in Australia directly via Insta360’s online store or retailers such as JB Hi-Fi.
Context & Background
The Insta360 One X series has revolutionised how creators capture immersive content since its debut in 2018. The original One X introduced everyday consumers to accessible 360-degree filming, breaking away from the bulky, complex setups that dominated the market. With each iteration, Insta360 has consistently refined their flagship pocket camera, making 360-degree content creation increasingly accessible while pushing technical boundaries.
The One X2 (2020) brought significant improvements in durability and usability with its waterproof design and touchscreen interface. The One X3 (2022) further enhanced image quality with its larger sensor and refined stabilisation. Most recently, the One X4 (2023) set new standards with its groundbreaking 8K resolution and improved low-light performance, becoming the go-to tool for adventure filmmakers, real estate professionals, and social media creators alike.
The One X series fundamentally changed how people think about video capture. Rather than pointing a camera at a subject, the One X philosophy encourages users to simply record everything in their environment and make creative decisions in post-production. This “shoot first, point later” approach has enabled entirely new visual storytelling techniques, from impossible third-person perspectives to seamless transitions that would require multiple traditional cameras and extensive editing.
The arrival of the X5 marks the fifth generation of this influential camera line, coming at a time when immersive content is increasingly valued across social media platforms, virtual tours, and mixed reality applications.
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