Insta360 X5 Action Camera Review

The Insta360 X5 aims to build upon the already excellent X4 with a set of targeted upgrades that add further polish to the hardware. The most impactful improvements focus on low-light performance, durability, and ease of use. With larger sensors, smarter “AI” processing, and the first-ever replaceable lens system in this series, the X5 pushes the company’s flagship 360 product further forward. After testing it for casual runs along the canal and more extreme hikes in the hills, it’s time to review the new action cam from Insta360.

A worthy upgrade

Let’s dive right into the key features. The X5 introduces dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, which are significantly larger than those in the X4. This increase in sensor size, combined with a new Triple AI Chip system, delivers 8K video at 30 frames per second and 5.7K HDR at 60 frames per second. A new low-light mode called PureVideo cleans up night shots with advanced processing, producing results that are far more usable than on previous models. If you’ve used the Ace Pro or Ace Pro 2, you’ll know how fantastic PureVideo mode is. It saves the day while shooting at night or during the winter when daylight hours are severely cut short.

With premium action cameras like this, durability and longevity are key concerns. Thankfully, the X5 uses tougher, scratch-resistant glass, and you can now swap out damaged lenses yourself. The camera is also waterproof to 49 feet, features a redesigned wind guard for clearer audio, and runs on a new 2,400 mAh battery. Fast charging gets you back to 80% in about 20 minutes, which has come in clutch for occasions where I’ve forgotten to recharge the camera before heading out on an adventure.

The software also sees improvements. InstaFrame mode lets you record a standard flat video alongside a full 360 capture, which means you can share something instantly without having to reframe later. I’ve been especially impressed with the tracking, as it has been almost flawless and greatly reduces editing time.

Huge wins

From the get-go, the jump in image quality is clear. The X4 looked good, but the X5 looks even better. For me, when it comes to the biggest visual quality win, PureVideo steals the show. Where the X4 struggled with grain and blotchy skies, the X5 delivers footage that looks cinematic and surprisingly smooth.

Durability is another highlight. The replaceable lenses solve one of the biggest frustrations of using a 360 camera. With the X4, a scratch meant a costly repair. With the X5, it’s a quick swap. No longer do I feel quite so anxious about babying the camera while adventuring. Sure, I don’t want the X5 to pick up a scratch, but now it’s much less devastating if it does get knocked.

The bump up in battery size is also nice to see, though it’s the speedy recharge time that steals the show for all-day events. I always take an emergency battery bank with me for my phone, and now that battery bank comes in handy for quickly recharging the X5.

Noteworthy niggles

Though my time with the Insta360 X5 has been impressive, there are some negatives that are worthy of note. First, the 8K resolution is limited to 30 FPS. While my video workflow is still locked in at 4K, I know others are looking to make the jump to 8K. Doing that with the X5 will lock you into 30 FPS and non-HDR, which may be a deal-breaker. While “8K” looks great on the box, it does come with some limitations.

I was also disappointed to learn that the X5 doesn’t support my spare X4 batteries, meaning those looking to upgrade will also need to upgrade their battery collection.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Insta360.