Insta360 X5 Review: The 360° Camera with a Tough Build and Decent Low-Light Performance

So, I got my hands on the Insta360 X5, a camera that’s supposed to be waterproof, durable, and capable of shooting in 8K. Honestly, I was curious about how it would hold up in real-world situations. With claims of a 3-hour battery and decent low-light performance, it seemed like a solid choice for anyone into action sports or vlogging.

At first glance, it definitely looks the part. The camera sports a sleek design in Midnight Black and feels sturdy enough, which is crucial if you’re planning to take it on rough adventures. But, as we all know, looks aren’t everything, so I put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.

I took it out for about two weeks, capturing everything from cityscapes at dusk to underwater clips while diving. The aim was to test all those highlighted features like the invisible selfie stick effect and the supposed leading low-light capability.

Here’s my take on how the X5 performs in everyday scenarios, based on my experience and comparison with other action cameras I’ve used before.

Looking at the price point, the Insta360 X5 offers a lot of features that you’d expect from a camera in this range. The 8K video, decent battery life, and robust design all contribute to making it a worthwhile consideration. However, it’s not the cheapest on the market, and for those on a budget, it might feel a bit steep.

Compared to other action cameras I’ve tried, the Insta360 X5 falls into the middle ground of value. It’s not the best in every category, but it also doesn’t fall short in any major way. The low-light performance is decent, and the stabilization is better than some competitors. If you’re someone who can make the most of its features, like the AI editing and invisible selfie stick effect, you’ll likely find value in what it offers.

For casual users, it might be more than what’s necessary, but for enthusiasts who need a reliable and versatile action camera, it’s a pretty solid choice. Weighing the pros and cons, the Insta360 X5 is a decent value for those who need its specific features and are willing to invest in a quality action camera.

The first thing I noticed about the Insta360 X5 is its compact size and sturdy build. At 1.5 x 1.81 x 4.9 inches, it’s pretty easy to carry around, which is a big plus for an action camera. Weighing in at about 1.19 pounds, it doesn’t feel too heavy, even after holding it for long periods, which is something I appreciate during extended shooting sessions.

The Midnight Black finish gives it a sleek look, and while that’s nice, what really matters is its durability. The camera is advertised as being rugged, and during my use, it withstood a few accidental drops without any noticeable damage. The lenses are replaceable, which is a neat feature because accidents do happen, and it’s always a relief to know you can swap out a damaged lens without replacing the whole camera.

However, the design isn’t perfect. For one, the touchscreen, while responsive enough, is a bit small for those with larger fingers. Plus, it collects fingerprints quite easily, so you might find yourself wiping it down more often than you’d like. But overall, the design holds up well for what it’s intended to be — a field-ready action camera.

The battery life of the Insta360 X5 is one of its stronger suits. With a runtime of up to 185 minutes, I found it quite reliable for a day’s worth of shooting. Whether I was out hiking or spending an afternoon at the beach, the battery held up better than I expected. It’s worth noting that reaching the maximum advertised battery life does depend a bit on usage habits, so if you’re constantly shooting in 8K with all features enabled, your mileage might vary.

Charging is swift, which is great if you’re in a hurry. The camera charges to 80% in about 20 minutes, which was a lifesaver a couple of times when I forgot to charge it overnight. The USB-C connectivity means you can use a variety of chargers, making it convenient if you lose or forget the original cable.

In comparison to other action cameras I’ve used, the battery life here is definitely above average. However, it’s still wise to carry a power bank if you’re planning an extended shoot day. Though the battery life is good, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you’re in remote locations.

When it comes to durability, the Insta360 X5 does a pretty good job. It’s built to withstand tough conditions, and during my time with it, it didn’t flinch at minor bumps or drops. The waterproof capability up to 49 feet without an additional case is solid, making it a good companion for water activities. I took it snorkeling, and it didn’t show any signs of water damage.

The lenses being fully replaceable is a smart move, especially considering the kind of environments this camera is likely to be used in. I didn’t have to replace mine, but it’s comforting to know that option is there. The build feels tough enough to handle rough and tumble adventures, which is what you’d expect from a camera in this category.

That said, while the camera is robust, it’s not indestructible. If you’re going to be in particularly harsh conditions, additional protective gear might be worth considering. Overall, the X5 meets the mark for durability as an action camera, and I didn’t have any major concerns about its ability to handle the elements.

Performance-wise, the Insta360 X5 is pretty solid. The 8K video resolution is impressive on paper, and in practice, the footage I captured was sharp and vibrant, capturing the finer details of the environments I was in. The dual 1/1.28" sensors do a good job, particularly when there’s ample light. However, in low-light conditions, while better than some competitors, it’s decent but not groundbreaking. The footage gets a bit grainy, which is fairly common among cameras in this range.

A feature that really stood out to me was the FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock. It works well to keep the footage stable, even when you’re on the move, like biking or running. I didn’t feel the need for any additional stabilization equipment, which is a win in my book. The built-in Wind Guard is a nice touch, as the audio quality was noticeably clearer, especially in windy conditions.

The ability to reframe shots after the fact is handy, thanks to the invisible selfie stick effect. It allows for more versatile editing, and the AI-assisted reframing is user-friendly, although sometimes it misses the mark on tracking fast-moving subjects.