If you’re into filming all angles of your adventure, or want a camera that can capture immersive 360° footage while being rugged and waterproof, the Insta360 X5 is built to impress. With features like dual sensors, an ultra-wide field of view, replaceable lenses, and strong stabilization, it aims to be a premium 360° camera for creators and action lovers.
In this Insta360 X5 review, we explore the features, performance, and real-world use of this 8K 360° action camera, including its built-in stabilization and waterproofing.
Insta360 X5 Review: Key Features
Here are the standout features of the Insta360 X5:
8K 360° Video (30 fps) with dual 1/1.28″ sensors for high detail.
FlowState Stabilization + 360° Horizon Lock to keep footage smooth and level even during motion and twists.
Waterproof to 49 ft (≈ 15 m) without extra housing; deeper underwater work requires the Invisible Dive Case (up to ~60 m) for full 360° use.
Replaceable lenses so you can replace scratched lenses or upgrade them without buying a whole new camera.
Triple-AI Chip Design & Low-Light Performance for better image processing, lower noise, and decent performance in challenging lighting.
Built-in Wind Guard & 4-Mic Array to reduce wind noise and improve audio in outdoor filming.
Battery Life: Expect up to ~3 hours under some usage conditions combined, but in 8K, heavy stabilization etc., lower. The exact battery life depends a lot on settings.
What Users Love
From reviews and customer feedback, here are the things people repeatedly praise:
The immersive 360° shots: being able to film everything and pick angles later is a big plus.
Very good stabilization: even during action or movement, footage stays smooth and usable.
The durability & waterproofing: many users like that they can take this into rain, water, or rugged environments without fear.
Flexibility with lenses & the ability to replace parts → longer usable life.
Audio improvements like the Wind Guard are appreciated for vlogging or outdoor recordings.
Trade-Offs & What Could Be Better
No product is perfect. Here are what users mention as potential downsides:
File sizes & processing are large. 8K video takes a lot of storage and editing power.
Battery drain: heavy use (8K, stabilization, wifi etc.) causes battery to drain fast. You may need spare batteries or power options.
Weight / size: With rugged design and dual sensors etc., it’s bulkier and heavier than some simpler action cams. Less ideal for ultra-light usage.
Cost: The sticker price plus extra for accessories (invisible dive case, spare lenses, etc.) can add up.
Learning curve: Some users say mastering 360° reframing/editing takes time; the app and workflow have features but require practice.
Should You Buy the Insta360 X5?
This is a good match if you:
Want immersive video (360°) and want to reframe afterwards instead of being limited to what your lens is pointing at.
Do a lot of outdoor / rugged filming and need something waterproof, durable, and stable.
Are okay investing in good editing hardware/software or willing to use the Insta360 workflow.
Value longevity: replaceable parts, rugged build help.
Might be less ideal if you:
Primarily shoot simple action sequences and don’t need 360°, or you need ultra-compact gear.
Prioritize long battery life over high resolution and stabilization.
On a tighter budget and don’t need all premium features.
Verdict
The Insta360 X5 is one of the best 360° action cameras on the market in 2025 if you want premium features: high resolution, excellent stabilization, waterproofing, and flexibility. It’s not cheap, but many users feel the performance and versatility justifies the investment for serious content creators, adventurers, and filmmakers.
If I were you, I’d buy it if the 360° effect and ability to shoot in rugged conditions are more important than battery time or absolute minimalism. Otherwise, a slightly simpler/action-only cam might serve you well at lower cost.
FAQ
Q1: What is “Invisible Selfie Stick” and how does it work?
A1: It’s a feature/effect where after recording 360° video, the stick or pole you used vanishes in editing — so it looks like the camera is floating. You can use a selfie stick but the final video removes its appearance.
Q2: How deep can the Insta360 X5 go underwater?
A2: Out of the box it’s waterproof to about 49 ft (15 m). If you use the Invisible Dive Case, you can go much deeper (≈ 60 m) for true 360° underwater filming.
Q3: How much storage / what kind of microSD card is best?
A3: Because 8K video files are large, choose a fast, reliable microSD card (UHS-II or high throughput) with high write speeds. The higher the bitrate and frame rate, the more storage you need. Also, consider offloading files frequently.
Q4: How long does the battery last under real conditions?
A4: Battery life depends heavily on usage. With heavy 8K + stabilization + frequent WiFi/app usage, expect lower durations. In more moderate settings (lower resolution, less stabilization), you’ll get better performance. Many reviews say heavy usage drains battery relatively quickly.
Q5: Is editing 360° video hard?
A5: It has a learning curve. You’ll need to use the Insta360 app or desktop Studio software to reframe, stabilize, edit, etc. But Insta360 has made tools and templates to make it more user-friendly. If you’re new to 360°, expect to spend some time learning, but the results can be compelling.