Insta360 revealed the X5, their newest 360-degree camera, following last week’s teaser. The Insta360 X5 is billed by the business as “the smartest, toughest 360-degree camera ever made,” and it promises larger Type 1/1.28 image sensors and faster AI processors to produce better images.
Only one year has passed since the Insta360 X4 introduced 8K 360-degree video to the Insta360 family, and now comes the Insta360 X5. With its larger Type 1/1.28 (as opposed to Type 1/2) sensors and “lightning-fast” Triple AI Chip technology, Insta360 claims that the X5 offers a notable improvement in image quality at all resolutions, even if it still bottoms out at 8Kp30 360-degree recording. The X5’s lens is 6mm (equivalent) f/2.
Even while Type 1/1.28 and Type 1/2 might not seem like much, the X5’s image sensors are 144% bigger and can collect more light per pixel when everything else is equal. Better image processing and noise reduction are promised by the enhanced AI performance. PureVideo is a new mode specifically designed for low light capture. Dynamic range improvement and sophisticated AI noise reduction in this mode offer crisper, more colorful video even in difficult lighting situations. Additionally, Active HDR has been improved to capture at 5.7Kp60.
In addition to the previously mentioned 8Kp30 360-degree video, the camera also records 5.7Kp30 (plus), 5.7Kp60, and 4Kp120 video in regular modes. PureVideo supports all resolutions, however its frame rate is limited to 30p. The maximum resolution for single-lens video is 4Kp60. In addition to shooting RAW DNG files, the Insta360 X5 can take still images up to 72 megapixels.
The X5 is expected to be more durable than its predecessor, as hinted at in the teaser video from last week, which featured a person striking the X5’s lens with a hammer. The lenses of the X5 are constructed with a new ultra-durable glass, according to Insta360, which bills the camera as the “toughest 360-degree camera ever.” The X5 also has a first-of-its-kind replaceable lens mechanism that allows users to quickly replace defective lenses in the event that they are damaged.
A built-in wind guard, a longer battery life of three hours (up from slightly more than two hours), and waterproofing to 49 feet (approximately 15 meters), which is 16 feet (4.9 meters) greater than previously, are additional hardware characteristics. An optional dive case is available for those who require even greater underwater performance. Similar to the X4 before it, the X5 has a magnetic attachment system that allows for fast accessory changes.
According to JK Liu, the founder of Insta360, “X5 redefines 360° cameras by solving creators’ real challenges.” “We’ve built our dream camera—rugged enough for adventure, capable enough to produce high quality footage, and intelligent enough to capture epic moments effortlessly—from replaceable lenses to AI-powered low-light shooting.”
Regarding shooting modes, the Insta360 X5 has a brand-new setting called InstaFrame that should make it much simpler to take videos that can be shared. The camera captures two files in this mode. One is a flat video that can be shared right away and doesn’t need to be edited or reframed. A full 360-degree video that is prepared for intensive editing is the second.
In relation to editing, the X5 is compatible with the Insta360 app. Users can utilize AI or manual editing to edit all of their 360-degree video with this smartphone software. Additionally, the user experience is improved with a companion app update. A one-tap export feature is new to the app, and a one-tap Dewarp button eliminates the camera’s built-in fisheye distortion for more realistic-looking video. As before, users may quickly edit their film into a high-quality video by using the more than 40 AI templates available. Additionally, there is a free desktop application called Insta360 Studio.
The cost and availability of the Insta360 X5
You can now order the Insta360 X5 from Insta360, Amazon, and other retailers. The Essentials Bundle, which comes with additional accessories, costs $659.99, while the normal edition costs $549.99. Compared to the Insta360 X4’s debut pricing from the previous year, this is a $50 price increase.
