Insta360 X5

Name: Insta360 X5
Brand: Insta360
SKU: 6733

Manufacturer: Insta360

The Insta360 X5 is a 360-degree action camera designed for immersive capture across a wide range of shooting conditions. Built around a dual-lens 72 MP imaging system, it records full spherical footage and supports features like invisible selfie stick mode, horizon leveling, and AF tracking. At 200 g and 124.5 mm tall, the body is compact enough for handheld or mounted use, while the 2.7″ touch screen provides direct on-device control.

On the technical side, the X5 carries an IP68 rating with a waterproof depth of 15 m and an operating range down to -20 °C. Video output reaches 3840 x 30 fps at up to 180 Mbps, with slow-motion, timelapse, 24p cinema mode, and RAW shooting all supported. The camera connects via Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi, is compatible with both Android and iOS, and includes voice command support. Audio is handled by four microphones with stereo capture, and the 2400 mAh rechargeable battery delivers approximately 3.08 hours of runtime.

Pros

IP68-rated waterproofing with a depth rating of 15 m makes it suitable for underwater use without additional housing
Full 360° field of view with horizon leveling and invisible selfie stick support broadens shooting flexibility
Comprehensive manual controls covering ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure give users direct control over image settings
Four built-in stereo microphones enable spatial audio capture without requiring external audio accessories
Phase-detection autofocus, continuous AF, and AF tracking ensure reliable focus during video recording
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, voice commands, and remote smartphone support offer multiple hands-free and wireless control options

Cons

No GPS means location data cannot be recorded directly to footage
Battery life of approximately 3.08 hours may limit extended shooting sessions
No 3.5 mm audio jack or external microphone input restricts options for users who need dedicated external audio
No secondary or flip-out screen limits framing flexibility when shooting from unconventional angles
No flash or video light means the camera relies entirely on ambient light in low-light situations

Who is this for?

This camera is well-suited to outdoor adventurers, water sports enthusiasts, and action-focused creators who need a rugged, self-contained device. Its IP68 waterproofing rated to 15 m makes it a practical choice for diving, surfing, or shooting in wet and harsh conditions, while the -20 °C operating range extends usability into cold-weather environments. The 360° field of view combined with horizon leveling and invisible selfie stick support appeals to solo shooters and travel content creators who want immersive footage without complex rigging. Users who prefer on-camera control will appreciate the manual exposure, ISO, white balance, and shutter speed options, along with voice commands and remote smartphone operation for hands-free scenarios.

Who is this NOT for?

This camera is a poor fit for users who require built-in GPS for geotagging footage, as no such functionality is available. Creators who depend on external microphones or dedicated audio interfaces will find the lack of a 3.5 mm jack and microphone input restrictive, making it unsuitable for professional audio workflows. Those who need extended all-day recording sessions may struggle with the approximately 3-hour battery life, particularly in remote locations where recharging is not readily available. Additionally, users who frequently shoot in low-light environments or need supplemental illumination will find the absence of a flash or video light a meaningful limitation.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating	IP68
has a touch screen	✓
has an external memory slot	✓
Has a display	✓
water resistance	Waterproof
has an accelerometer	✓
lowest potential operating temperature	-20 °C
resolution	440 x 696 px
screen size	2.7"
Has a secondary screen	✕
waterproof depth rating	15 m
Has a flip-out screen	✕
has a gyroscope	✓
volume	218.7714 cm³
weight	200 g
thickness	38.2 mm
width	46 mm
height	124.5 mm

The Insta360 X5 measures 124.5 mm tall, 46 mm wide, and 38.2 mm thick, with a total volume of 218.77 cm³ and a weight of 200 g. It features a 2.7″ touch screen with a resolution of 440 x 696 px, and includes an external memory slot for expandable storage. The camera does not have a secondary screen or a flip-out display. IP68-rated and waterproof to a depth of 15 m, it can also operate in temperatures as low as -20 °C, making it suitable for demanding environmental conditions. Motion sensing is handled by a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.

Connectivity & Features:

Is compatible with Android	✓
Is compatible with iOS	✓
Bluetooth version	5.2
has first-party support for live streaming	✓
Has USB Type-C	✓
has GPS	✕
supports Wi-Fi	✓
supports a remote smartphone	✓
has NFC	✕
has voice commands	✓

The Insta360 X5 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and supports remote smartphone control, allowing users to manage the camera wirelessly. It connects via Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi, and charges and transfers data through a USB Type-C port. Live streaming is supported natively, and voice commands offer a hands-free way to trigger the camera. NFC and GPS are not included.

Battery:

Battery life	3.08 hours
battery power	2400 mAh
has a rechargeable battery	✓
has a battery level indicator	✓

The Insta360 X5 is equipped with a 2400 mAh rechargeable battery that provides approximately 3.08 hours of runtime. A battery level indicator is built in, allowing users to monitor remaining charge directly on the device.

Audio:

number of microphones	4
has a stereo microphone	✓
has a microphone input	✕
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✕

The Insta360 X5 features four built-in microphones with stereo capture, providing spatial audio recording without the need for external equipment. There is no 3.5 mm headset jack and no external microphone input on the device.

Optics:

megapixels (main camera)	72 MP
has an adjustable field of view	✓
wide aperture (main camera)	2f
Has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) main camera	✓
has a BSI sensor	✓
has a CMOS sensor	✓
fastest shutter speed	0.000125 s
has a built-in HDR mode	✓
has manual exposure	✓
has a flash	✕
has manual ISO	✓
has manual shutter speed	✓
has manual white balance	✓

The Insta360 X5 uses a dual-lens CMOS camera system with a back-illuminated sensor, capturing stills at 72 MP with an aperture of f/2 and a fastest shutter speed of 0.000125 s. The field of view is adjustable, and the camera supports HDR mode alongside a full set of manual controls, including ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure. There is no flash included on the device.

Videography:

video recording (main camera)	3840 x 30 fps
field of view	360°
Has timelapse function	✓
supports slow-motion video recording	✓
Has phase-detection autofocus for videos	✓
has continuous autofocus when recording movies	✓
supports horizon leveling	✓
has a 24p cinema mode	✓
movie bitrate	180 Mbps
shoots raw	✓
has AF tracking	✓
has a video light	✕
has invisible selfie stick support	✓

The Insta360 X5 records video at 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps across a full 360° field of view, with a maximum bitrate of 180 Mbps and support for RAW capture. It includes a 24p cinema mode, slow-motion recording, and timelapse functionality. Autofocus is handled through phase-detection AF, continuous autofocus during recording, and AF tracking. Horizon leveling and invisible selfie stick support are also available, while a video light is not included on the device.

Final Verdict

The Insta360 X5 is a capable and well-equipped 360-degree action camera built for users who prioritize durability, immersive capture, and hands-on creative control. Its IP68 waterproofing to 15 m combined with a full 360° recording field and comprehensive manual shooting options make it a strong choice for outdoor, adventure, and travel content creators who need a reliable all-in-one device. While the absence of GPS, a fixed battery runtime of around three hours, and no external audio input do place some boundaries on its versatility, these trade-offs are consistent with its compact, action-oriented design. For creators operating in demanding physical environments who want spherical footage, solid autofocus performance, and wireless control flexibility without carrying additional accessories, the Insta360 X5 delivers a focused and dependable feature set.