All-round fun camera gets even better

West Australian

18-05-2025

It is no mean feat to make a camera that can capture a 360-degree views, so it's not unsurprising it has taken a while to get things right.
Regular readers will remember I was impressed with the Insta360 X4 when I road-tested it earlier this year but issues like poor low-light performance, fragile lenses, and time-consuming editing still left some users frustrated.
One of the main problems is 360-degree cameras use two ultra wide-angle lenses to capture every angle at the same time, and processing all that data needs a serious amount of computing power.
Insta360 has addressed those issues with the new X5, which has just been released.
A company spokesperson says the X5's new triple AI chip system works like a relay race and boosts the overall performance by 14 per cent. 'Two pro imaging chips handle the first stage of image processing, reducing noise and boosting brightness right from the source. Then, a dedicated 5nm AI chip takes over, refining that data with deep-learning algorithms to enhance texture, detail, and colour. Each chip has a specialised job, and together, they create visuals that are brighter, clearer, and more lifelike — especially in the dark,' the spokesperson says.
Two new 1/1.28-inch sensors and a triple AI chip deliver a significant improvement in image quality with better clarity and detail — particularly when shooting in low light.
A new InstaFrame mode, which simultaneously captures 360-degree and flat video, offers users a ready-to-share flat video with a choice of fixed perspectives or an auto-follow option that keeps you in the frame while also recording a 360-degree video.
The innovative Active HDR Video feature has been upgraded so it can capture better details and colours in both highlights and shadows at 5.7K at 60fps.
Insta360 has designed a new lens replacement kit that allows users to easily replace a damaged lens. It's still highly recommended to attach a lens guard (like a UV filter which many of us fit to our regular camera lenses) — but now, if the worst happens, they are easily replaced with the new lens kit.
A new built-in wind guard with a multi-layered wind mesh and an upgraded algorithm combine to offer clearer audio in high-wind situations — and the X5 has improved IP68 waterproofing that allows users to take it down to 15m without a dive housing.
The narrow rectangular camera is unlike any other camera in the action camera category in both looks and ability. It's about the size of a Mars bar with two dome-like lenses on either side that enable it to capture amazing 360-degree vision via the twin lenses and sensors. It has a bright touchscreen on one side with intuitive access to tap and change settings and shooting modes.
The X5 has a six-axis gyroscope with horizon lock for smooth and steady shots and a new twist-to-shoot feature that enables shooting by twisting the selfie stick back and forth. You can also activate the shooting mode by voice, gesture, or a wireless remote.
The camera can, like other action cameras, be attached to just about anything and capture high-quality stills and video of your daring deeds.
The X5 is ideal for solo travellers and creators because you can shoot and choose your angles later. The invisible selfie stick effect enables you to capture otherwise impossible third-person or drone-like shots.
The new InstaFrame mode makes it all much easier to capture and share your vision than ever before. Simply hit record and the X5 produces two files. The first is an instantly shareable flat video with no editing or reframing needed. You have the choice of a fixed view that follows a constant direction, or a selfie view that keeps you in frame throughout.
And because the X5 captures 360-degree vision at the same time, there is no wondering 'did I frame that right?' or fears of missing an epic moment.
The Insta360 app is a sophisticated yet user-friendly app for editing your 360-degree content, and to coincide with the X5's launch, it has undergone a revamp with a sleeker user interface and new tools that make editing easier than ever.
A one-tap dewarp button removes fish-eye distortion for natural-looking footage, and there's a new option for one-tap export with no editing or reframing. This is in addition to existing features such as Quick Edit and AI Edit for semi-automatic and automatic editing, and Shot Lab with 40-plus AI templates, as well as a full manual editing suite.
More advanced editing can be done with Insta360 Studio which, like the mobile app, is free.
The X5 is compatible with Insta360+, a cloud service offering auto file backup, instant sharing of 360-degree footage, cloud editing, and export.
When I tested the Insta360 X4 I said I loved it, and the X5 is even better! It's a fun camera to use and it allows you to capture some amazing vision. The unusual points of view and special effects you can capture with it are only limited by your imagination.
It is easy to use, and the 360-degree capture 'shoot first and frame later' means you don't miss a thing.
It feels well made and able to stand up to the rigours expected of an action camera — especially now you can change the lenses if they get damaged.
It is definitely a cool and fun addition to any camera tool kit.
In 360-degree mode, the X5 can capture up to 8K video at 30/25 and 24fps, and in single-lens mode, up to 4K at 60/50/30 and 24fps.
The 2400mAh battery supports up to 185 minutes of recording in 5.7K when using the power-saving endurance mode. It can fast-charge from 0-80 per cent in just 20 minutes.
You can find out more about the full list of specs at
Insta360.com
.
The X5 camera with USB-C charging cable, a protective pouch and lens cloth costs $930. The Essentials Bundle, which includes an extra battery, a utility fast-charge case, 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, lens cap, and carry case, costs $1110. There are several other bundles with mounts and accessories that are specifically designed for various activities.
You can win the Insta360 X5 kit tested by Mogens Johansen by subscribing to our eTravel newsletter, which has fresh new stories and comes to your inbox each Wednesday. To receive eTravel, go to
cloud.mail.wanews.com.au/thewest_newsletter
and click Yes under West Travel Club to opt in.
The kit, valued at more than $1100, includes the Insta360 X5, carry case and a range of accessories including two invisible selfie sticks (one extends to 114cm, the other to 2.4m), a suction cup mount, premium protective lens guards and lens cap, and an extra battery.