Insta360 introduces X5 360 camera with larger sensor and replaceable lenses

Insta360 has just introduced its latest consumer X5 360 camera, which aims to solve some of the main drawbacks of 360 devices in general.

360 cameras are some of the most fun devices to use. With no fixed direction, they film everything around them, with the final reframing left until post production. The freedom they offer means that you can perform the types of shot that just aren't possible with any other device. Everything from the FOV to the lens distortion, to the tracking of objects and people can be performed in the edit.

The trouble is, though, that 360 cameras have some drawbacks. Principally, when considering the potential action based scenarios the likes of Insta360's X series of cameras can be used in, 360 camera lenses are extremely vulnerable to damage. One significant scratch will be a blight on all future footage if the sun or any other light source is involved; the only solution being to send the camera off for a lens replacement.

All that changes with the X5. Not only has Insta360 claimed to have made the new lenses 100% tougher in the first instance than the previous X4, but they are also field replaceable. It might seem like a minor new feature in the grand scheme of things, but it means that users will no longer have to worry about placing their camera into situations where lens damage is possible.

Replaceable lenses take the fear out of using a 360 camera in riskier places

Additional Insta360 X5 features

Another change to the camera is a brand new 1/1.28" sensor, which is roughly 40% larger than the ones in the X4. Now, the benefits of this are obvious with better low light performance being prime amongst them. However, the company has decided to pair the new sensors with a grand total of three of its famed AI chips. New sensors are one thing, but the real magic happens with the image processing pipeline.

The X5 can record 360 video at up to 8K resolution, which Insta360 says is supersampled from 11K. This offers the intriguing possibility of a future 11K 360 camera from the company, which would of course result in an even higher resolution flat reframed image.

To really pump up the low light performance, PureVideo mode now features on the X5. This was first seen on the Ace Pro 2 and it allows the camera to be used in seemingly impossible low light situations.

The X5 features an Ace Pro compatible magnetic clip along with a 1/4" screw thread

InstaFrame mode

Those three AI chips also enable a new InstaFrame mode, which records a 5.7K 360 version of the video alongside a 'flat' 1080p version. What this means is that if you want a quick version of the video with no reframing to push out on social media, it's there for you to use instantly. InstaFrame can be set up to film a fixed point of view or be placed into a selfie mode, which will automatically track you or the person you're following within the 360 frame.

Soundwise, the X5 features a new built in wind guard, which follows on from a similar feature on the Ace Pro 2. A new 2400mAh battery can be charged up to 80% capacity in 20-minutes and offers a claimed 185 minutes of duration when the camera is placed into Endurance Mode, 135 minutes in 5.7K, and 88 minutes in 8K.

IP68 waterproofing up to 49ft (15m) also features along with a magnetic mount base, which is compatible with the Ace Pro style mounts. The 1/4" screw thread remains intact, for those who prefer that mounting method. The X5 is also compatible with Insta360's cloud service for footage upload, editing, and export.

The Insta360 X5 is available now for $549, and Insta360 is running a pop-up event at Grand Central Terminal in NYC today (22nd) for those who want to try the camera out in person.

Stay tuned for our review and video of the X5 later this week.

tl;dr

• Insta360 X5 features 100% tougher and field-replaceable lenses, addressing the vulnerability of previous models to damage while filming in action scenarios.
• The camera boasts a new 1/1.28" sensor, providing 40% better low-light performance, paired with three AI chips that enhance image processing capabilities.
• With the ability to record 360 video at up to 8K resolution, the X5 includes PureVideo mode for superior low-light shooting and InstaFrame mode for easy sharing of 5.7K and flat 1080p videos.
• Additional features include a built-in wind guard, a 2400mAh quick-charging battery, IP68 waterproofing, and compatibility with Insta360's cloud services for seamless footage management.