Insta360 X5 camera unveiled with large 1/1.28" sensors, bigger battery and replaceable lenses

Last year, Insta360 unveiled its first 8K 360° camera, the X4. Its successor, the Insta360 X5, brings larger image sensors, an AI-powered low-light mode, better water resistance and a larger battery. An important change this generation makes the lenses replaceable, so a scratched lens is now a $30 fix you can do at home.

The X5 features 1/1.28” sensors, which are 144% larger than the 1/2” sensors of the X3 and X4. This allows them to capture more light.

PureVideo is AI-based noise reduction and dynamic range optimization for low-light shooting. Also, Active HDR now works up to 5.7K 60fps. The new camera uses a Triple AI Chip system consisting of one 5nm AI Chip and two Pro Imaging chips. In total, it has 140% more computing power than the previous model.

The video recording modes are mostly the same as on the X4. The top mode is 8K at 30fps with 60fps available at 5.7K resolution. One improvement is that you can get 120fps at 4K resolution (up from 100fps on the X4). PureVideo works up to 8K at 30fps and 5.7K also at 30fps (not 60fps).

For those that just want a quick clip to post on social media, the new InstaFrame records two videos. The first is one you can post immediately – it’s a flat video facing a fixed direction or with automatic tracking that keeps you in the center of the frame. The second is a full 360° video (up to 5.7K 30fps) that you can manually re-frame later when you have more time.

You can take the Insta360 X5 on more adventures. It is now rated IP68 with water resistance up to 15m/49ft without a dive housing (this is up from 10m/33ft on the X4). Also, a new steel mesh Wind Guard and improved algorithms reduce wind noise.

Insta360 also sells a tiny wireless mic that you can clip to your clothes. This mic doubles as a simple remote control so you can start recording, even if the camera is attached in a hard to reach place – like the new 3m invisible selfie stick.

The new lenses are made from high-strength, scratch-resistant glass. And if you do manage to scratch a lens, you can buy a replacement for $30 and swap it out at home. There are lens guards available too, which are easier to replace in the field.

Insta360 X5 lens guards • Insta360 X5 replaceable lenses

The new model also improves battery life with a 2,400mAh battery that lasts up to 187 minutes (37% longer than the X4). This is in 5.7K 24fps mode, though, the recording time in the top 8K 30fps mode is 88 minutes. The X4 (2,290mAh battery) would last 75 minutes in 8K 30fps mode. The battery has fast charge support, going to 80% in 20 minutes (100% in 35 minutes) using a 30W USB-C charger.

The Insta360 X5 is available today on the company’s online store. The standard bundle costs $550/€590 and there are several other bundles to choose from depending on how you plan to use the camera (for recording your motorcycle, snowboard or dive adventures, for example). You can also find the X5 on Amazon and other retailers.

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