Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

The Insta360 X5 is my favourite journey camera. I adore it for its versatility, ease of use, and person-pleasant app. It’s costlier than its predecessor however presents higher video high quality, replaceable lenses, improved battery backup, and extra. I began utilizing this 360-degree motion camera in Could, and inside three months, it had earned a everlasting spot in my journey backpack. It’s now on sale for Labor Day.

Evaluate: Insta360 X5

The Insta360 Labor Day sale brings a $30 low cost to its newest 360-degree camera. It may not look like a lot, however this deal closes the value hike hole between the new X5 motion camera and its predecessor. Now you can get it for $520 as a substitute, which is simply $20 greater than X4’s launch value.

I travelled with the Insta360 X5 to a handful of labor journeys and a solo journey. This is why I suppose I have discovered a close to-excellent journey camera.

The convenience of use stunned me

When I bought the Insta360 X5, I went in with low expectations, as a result of most motion cameras lack a powerful battery backup, carry out poorly in something lower than brilliant daylight, or make it actually arduous to edit the footage. 

The final 360-degree motion camera I used was the GoPro Max, and whereas I have spent a great quantity of trip time with the newer GoPro Hero 13 Black and different Insta360 cameras like the Go 3s and Ace Professional, they lack X5’s versatility and ease of use.

Additionally: The perfect vlogging cameras of 2025: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed

I recorded most of my footage in InstaFrame mode (as a result of I needed to attempt the new mode), which shoots q 360-degree footage in addition to a regular video in 5.7K+ or 5.7K whereas routinely monitoring you. 

Because of the upgraded 1/1.28-inch sensors (over  1/2-inch sensors on the X4), the footage seems sharp, stuffed with particulars, and nice for a 360-degree camera. Recording in the 360-degree video mode is a greater thought in case you are with a gaggle of individuals.

The Insta360 X5 can shoot 8K 30 fps and 5.7K 60 fps at the excessive finish. That mentioned, an 8K 360-degree footage means 4K decision in-app video in your cellphone. I in contrast just a few photographs to the final-gen X4, they usually had been significantly higher. It presents wonderful dynamic vary with extra particulars in the clouds and extra pleasing-trying blue skies. It might additionally report HDR footage with out overprocessing your movies (in 8-bit and BT 709 coloration area as a substitute of DCI-P3).

Additionally: My go-to camera setting for the smoothest cellphone movies. Simply do not abuse it

Whereas I can get a greater high quality video on an Insta360 Ace Professional 2, the X5 offers me the flexibility to only flip the camera on and body my shot later — with out dropping image high quality, which wasn’t doable in the previous. Plus, it information clear audio, except there’s robust wind. 

The entire enhancing course of could be very intuitive, too. I can merely join the X5 to my cellphone, switch footage inside the app, and switch a regular-trying video into 360-degree footage with a pinch-out motion. With only a few swipes and pinches, I can body the shot to offer me views I may by no means think about. The constructed-in transitions and results make it simpler than ever to edit my motion camera footage. 

The Insta360 X5 is small and handy to hold

The Insta360 X5 is not the smallest motion camera around. It’s a lot greater than the likes of GoPro Hero 4K or the Insta360 Go 3s. Nonetheless, for a 360 camera, it’s still straightforward to hold. The slim type issue helps me retailer it conveniently in one in all my bag’s small pockets. It additionally helps lens alternative now. So in case you occur to interrupt your Insta360 X5’s lens, you possibly can substitute it with a $30 alternative package — as a substitute of changing the complete camera. 

Additionally: DJI’s ultralight wi-fi Mic 3 captures nice audio – even in tough conditions

I advocate shopping for an additional battery since a single cell will not final you for a complete day outdoor. Sadly, the Insta360 X4 battery is not appropriate with the X5, so any previous batteries mendacity around will not work. Oh, and the new Insta360 motion camera is now appropriate with GoPro-type mounts, because of the new magnetic fast-launch system. 

Total, I love this camera for its potential to supply 360-degree footage with out dropping the sharpness and dynamic vary of an everyday motion camera. From getting unimaginable occasion photographs at the Galaxy Unpacked to creating my Vietnam boat rides memorable, the Insta360 X5 has made every little thing higher. If you’re in the marketplace for a 360 motion camera, you need to undoubtedly think about the X5.