Insta360 has launched the X5, a new flagship action camera that offers 8k 360-degree video, has an AI-powered low-light mode and features a replaceable lens for on-the-fly repairs.
Insta360, along with DJI, has established itself as a key challenger to GoPro’s once-dominant position in the action camera market, carving out its niche in 360-degree video, and the X5 arrives as the successor to the X4.
Key features include:
- 8k, 360-degree video at 30 frames per second
- Enlarged 1/1.28in sensor
- An AI-powered low-light mode called ‘PureVideo’
- ‘InstaFrame’ – a new mode that records two files simultaneously: flat video and 360-degree video
- A replaceable lens system, built-in wind guard and claimed battery life of 185 minutes (recording in 5.7k)
- The X5 is available now via the Insta360 official store and Amazon, priced at $549.99 / £519.99 / €589.99.
Bigger sensors, better image quality
Insta360 says the X5’s enhanced image quality comes as a result of the new 1/1.28in sensor, said to be 144 per cent larger than the X4’s, and a ‘Triple AI Chip’ system, comprised of one 5nm 'AI Chip' and two 'Pro Imaging Chips'.
There’s a dedicated mode for low-light shooting, called 'PureVideo', which uses “advanced AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimisation”, according to Insta360.
As the name suggests, Insta360’s specialism is 360-degree video – you may have noticed a video shot with an Insta360 camera, thanks to the ‘invisible selfie stick effect’ – and that continues here.
However, Insta360 has introduced a new mode – InstaFrame – for the X5. Here, the X5 records two files: the first a typical ‘flat’ video that follows a constant direction or a selfie view, and the second a full 360-degree video.
Enhanced editing
The accompanying app has been updated to coincide with this launch, “with a sleeker user interface and new tools that make editing easier than ever”, Insta360 says.
New features include a ‘Dewarp’ button to remove fisheye, and a ‘one-tap’ export option, without any editing or reframing.
Existing app features that carry over include ‘Quick Edit’ (semi-automatic) and ‘AI Edit’ (automatic) options. Insta360 also offers desktop editing.
Lights, camera, action
Back to the camera itself, and Insta360 says the X5 is designed for the rough-and-tumble of action sports – take note, mountain bikers – and the lens itself is replaceable.
A lens replacement kit is available to buy separately, and Insta360 says the lens itself is simple to swap out on the move.
Other features include a multi-layer steel mesh wind guard, algorithmically boosted sound and a 2400mAh battery.
This supports up to 185 minutes of recording in 5.7K in ‘Endurance Mode’, according to Insta360. The camera can charge from empty to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, the brand claims.
