Insta360 continues its frantic pace and has just announced its brand new 360 camera. Here is the new Insta360 X5, which succeeds the X3 and X4. The X3 brought the new design and top-notch performance, and the X4 arrives with the image resolution we expected from a next-generation action camera. The Insta360 X5 brings its share of new features including the famous “AI” that we find in all technological devices.
The contribution of AI is not new in the world of Insta360 since it has been integrated since the release of the Ace Pro and its famous Pure Video mode boosted with AI which allows to drastically reduce digital noise and therefore to allow action cameras to capture quite impressive photos and videos in low light conditions. Also, it is without surprise that we learn that this Pure Video mode is now one of the new features of the Insta360 X5. We might have liked 1-inch sensors like on the One RS, but Insta360 had to find a happy medium so that its 360 cameras offer the best possible quality, without sacrificing a portable size.
We've spent the last few weeks with the new Insta360 X5, and here's our opinion on the latest from the Chinese manufacturer.
The main technical characteristics of the Insta360 X5
We're not necessarily going to go into all the technical details of the new 360 camera from Insta360. So, we're going to focus on the essentials and especially the new features that this new Insta360 X5 brings. Also, the latter continues to evolve compared to the X3 which was the revolution when it was released. The X4 had made it possible to correct many defects and above all, had brought support for 8K at 30fps with the continued possibility of taking photos in 72 Megapixels. We find the same definitions on the Insta360 X5.
Of course, you can still film in Single-lens mode with videos going up to 4K at 60fps. We also find the famous Follow me mode which allows you to film a selfie remotely, without the pole appearing, but also Timelapse up to 8K, FlowState stabilization with horizon maintenance, and waterproofing which now extends to 15m depth, without the need for a housing.
In terms of new features, we have two new 1/1.128” sensors which are 144% larger than those which equipped the X4. These new larger sensors therefore allow us to capture more light and more details. The new Insta360 X5 is, by default, more efficient in low light conditions. But the revolution is the arrival of not one but three AI chips which allows a 140% increase in overall computing power. We have two imaging chips which improve quality in low light and a 5nm AI chip to improve image processing for better quality.
Available today, expect to pay from €589.99 to treat yourself to this beast. Note that the Insta360 X5 still comes with a neoprene case that can protect the device in a bag, a small cleaning cloth, and a USB-C cable for charging. The lens replacement kit costs 35.99 euros.
A new, more flexible design
Like its predecessors, the new Insta360 X5 has a rectangular design with a finish that makes it completely waterproof up to 15m and shockproof (compared to 10m on the X4, as a reminder). Of course, you'll always have to be careful with your lenses, but this year, Insta360 is offering a big new feature, and not just any new one. As a reminder, on the X3, you could use sticky lens covers for better protection, and on the X4, they attach via a screw thread, allowing you to change them if they get damaged.
With the new Insta360 X5, you can now replace the lenses yourself with an optional pack. So yes, you'll still have to be careful, but you're now less dependent on Insta360's after-sales service, which is a real plus. At the bottom of the device, you'll especially notice that the Insta360 X5's design is compatible with the magnetic system of the Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2. Practical. Otherwise, there's still a battery hatch, which ensures the device's waterproofing, as well as a large 2.29-inch touchscreen. At the bottom of the screen is an LED to indicate the various possible actions. Speaking of battery, Insta360 claims that the X5 can last up to 3 hours of battery life. In our daily tests, we were closer to 2.5 hours for mixed use. Still, it's ultimately enough for a full day of captured memories.
Photographing and filming in 360°
Since the X4, it wasn't possible to go beyond 72 Megapixel photos and videos up to 8K at 30 fps. Also, we find these same maximum definitions on the new Insta360 X5. But that would be too easily forgetting the new features that are more discreet, but essential now. We start with the fact of being able to record in HDR mode directly, and this, with a resolution of 5.7K at 60fps.
As we saw above, the Insta360 X5 offers new sensors that capture more light but also no less than 3 AI chips that allow for more computing power and above all that finally allows for the famous Pure Video mode of the Ace Pro 2. This Pure Video mode therefore allows you to capture videos in low light, and this, with a resolution of up to 8K at 30 fps. During our tests, it is rather impressive, even if we still note a certain drop in quality compared to the normal mode. Everything is slightly smoother, at the expense of detail, but being able to film 360° sequences in low light conditions is simply impressive.
And as we know, it's not all about hardware and Insta360's 360° cameras wouldn't be as successful if they weren't accompanied by comprehensive applications. (iOS, Android, PC and Mac) which ensure the proper use of 360 files. And for those who don't know yet, one of the big advantages of 360 cameras is that you don't need to frame during capture. Also, it's via the applications that it's possible to frame in post-production. The advantage is that for the same given moment, you can offer a different framing several times, very practical for a vlog for example. Thanks to 360° capture, a 4:5 Instagram post can become a 9:16 TikTok video or a 16:9 YouTube video, all with a single click. We'll skip the color effects or other fun filters that everyone can discover to focus on the essential functions. With its calera, Insta360 has all the latitude necessary to best stabilize its image. Also, the in-house stabilization, FlowState, remains of rare efficiency. And we also haven't forgotten subject tracking, particularly the FollowMe feature, which allows you to follow the main subject in real time.
And this is where Insta360 brings real new features with a new InstaFrame mode. With all the computing power available, the Insta360 X5 is capable of simultaneously filming a 360 video as well as a 2D video framed on its subject, without editing or cropping. This allows for faster sharing on social networks. The InstaFrame feature offers two options: fixed view and selfie view. The fixed view follows the same perspective throughout the video, and you can choose between front, rear, top and bottom views, or the custom view. The selfie view automatically identifies and follows the closest subject throughout the video. After recording, you get both a flat video and a 360º video. The only limitations are resolution-related, as 360 video will be limited to 5.7K at +30 fps and 2D videos to 1080p at 30 fps.
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