Insta360 X5 review: Versatile and powerful 360-degree action cam

Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating

Pros

Excellent video quality

Good sound quality

Large range of accessories

Good operation with large touchscreen

Gesture control

Cons

Instaframe video limited to 1080p

iOS app’s UI a bit overwhelming

Our Verdict
With the new X5, Insta360 has successfully created a versatile and powerful action camera.

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360-degree cameras record the entire surroundings. This means you never miss a moment and can select any angle afterwards. These cameras implement a process called reframing, which allows you to create videos that look as if you had a second cameraman with you. The positioning of the camera is less critical, operation is easier, and the risk of missing important moments is reduced.

360-degree action cams are very popular with mountain bikers and motorcyclists. Another application is virtual tours and interactive 360-degree images, where you can move and look around in all directions with the mouse. This is perfect for the travel, property, and architecture sectors.

But 360-degree action cameras are usually big and heavy, and editing the video is labor-intensive. Insta360 makes 360-degree videos a little easier to produce with its X5 model.

Insta360 X5: Camera tech

One of the most important features of the X5 is the larger sensor. It has two 1/1.28-inch sensors–that’s 144 per cent larger than the sensors in the previous model, the X4. These larger sensors ensure a better light yield, reduce image noise, and improve image quality, especially in difficult lighting conditions.

Insta360 has also improved the resolution to 8K at 30 frames per second. The new triple AI chip system with a 5nm AI chip and two pro imaging chips offers more options for image optimization. This is also a prerequisite for good flow-state stabilization. Insta360 claims to have improved the processing power by 140 percent compared to the X4.

Video noise reduction is an important point for all digital cameras, and the X5 offers its AI-supported Purevideo mode. The AI algorithms reduce the noise typical in dark situations, resulting in clearer images. Brightness and contrast are also optimized, which increases the dynamic range. The optimization takes place directly in the camera, so that no denoising on the computer is necessary. The full 8K resolution is also available in pure video mode.

Overall, the image quality with both day and evening shots were excellent. The colours always remained natural and the sharpness was good.

One criticism of 360-degree action cams to date was that the 360-degree videos first had to be converted in the app for the rectangular “normal” video (flat video). The new Instaframe mode, on the other hand, simultaneously records an instantly shareable “normal” video (flat video), either with a fixed direction or selfie view, and a complete 360-degree video. This gives you the flexibility to edit and share your recordings later as you wish. However, the resolution of the Instaframe video is limited to 1080p.

Insta360 X5: Designed for action

An action cam needs to be robust. In this respect, the Insta360 X5 is in no way inferior to conventional cameras. It is waterproof up to a depth of 15 metres, enabling underwater recordings. If you want to dive deeper, you can find a suitable diving housing at a camera retailer. Its lenses are made of particularly resistant glass, and an integrated windscreen promises clear sound even when biking.

A frequently mentioned problem with 360-degree cameras is the protruding lens. Insta360 has developed an interchangeable lens system that allows damaged lenses to be replaced quickly and easily. There are also protective lenses that can be slipped over them.

Insta360 X5: Intelligent operation and processing

Operating problems are inevitable if you’re taking action shots–handling a camera with all your gear makes it challenging. To address this, Insta360 offers a range of remote controls, such as the mini remote control or the GPS remote control, which can be mounted on the handlebars. But it also works by using hand gestures and voice control. Gesture control works well, but motorcyclists are better off using a remote control, as gestures with gloves are not always recognized reliably.

With the new “Twist to Shoot” function, you can also start shooting by simply turning the selfie stick. The 5.3 x 3.4 centimeter display also offers good access to the settings and an equally good preview of the videos.

Insta360 provides two apps for editing: the comprehensive editing software, Insta360 Studio for the Mac, and the iOS app for quick editing and remote triggering. The apps have a customized range of functions and deliver fast results. The iOS app, in particular, is characterized by wizards and automatic editing. This allows results to be posted quickly on social media. However, the wide range of functions of the iOS app also requires intensive familiarization with the sometimes overloaded user interface.

With Insta360, there is now also a paid cloud service that allows clips to be saved, edited and shared directly in the cloud. It starts at $2.99/£2.99 per month or $29.99/£28.99 per year for 200GB of storage space. The top price is $11.99/£9.99 per month or $119.99/£99.99 per year for 2TB of storage. The larger annual subscription plans also include a replacement camera in the event of a defect. An extended warranty is always included with Insta360.

Insta360 X5: Accessories

Even though the X5 has a battery life of up to three hours, a spare battery is not a bad investment. The multifunctional quick-charging case, in which two batteries can be charged simultaneously, is also worth considering. The case also provides a protected place for three microSD cards.

If you are interested in both, the Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle is a good choice. In addition to the second battery and the multifunctional quick-charging case, it also includes a pair of protective lenses, a 114-centimetre-long selfie stick, a lens protector, and a carrying case.

Anyone looking for robust protection for use on a motorbike will find what they are looking for in the multifunctional frame. This is comparable to a camera cage and offers space for additional accessories such as a light and microphone. And while we’re on the subject of motorbikes: There is now an improved motorbike mount with a U-bracket. The robust clamp is also sufficient for mountain bikes.

In addition to mounting accessories, microphones, and a communication system for motorcyclists can also be combined with the Insta360 X5. For example, the DJI Mic Mini and the popular Packtalk Edge from Cardo, which I love to use on my motorbike. The Insta360 Mic Air, a compact Bluetooth microphone with an integrated button for recording control, is also very exciting.

Anyone who has ever experienced the action cam flying off during a motorbike tour will be reassured that the lenses can now be replaced. A lens cover is not always a solution, as it often reduces the image quality.

Should you buy the Insta360 X5?

With the new Insta360 X5, the 360-degree specialist has taken a big step forward. Even if you would like a smaller housing, the advantages of the large sensors outweigh the disadvantages. Improved resolution, much better noise handling, and a greater dynamic range are welcome improvements in practice. The higher computing power and the resulting improved AI-supported image processing play a not inconsiderable part in this.

All in all, the Insta360 X5 is a great toy that shines with the best image quality currently available in 360-degree action cams and offers opportunities for vloggers and action sports enthusiasts, making every video a highlight. With all the great video functions, you shouldn’t forget the very good image quality for 360-degree photos, which is ideal for virtual tours.




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