Insta360’s X5 Redefines the Action Cam With Replaceable Lenses

The action camera market continues to evolve at breakneck speed, but few brands have managed to carve out a niche quite like Insta360. Since disrupting the space with their innovative 360-degree capture technology, they’ve been steadily refining their flagship X-series cameras with each iteration. 

Last year’s X4 pushed boundaries with its 8K capabilities and impressive stabilization, but the recently-announced X5 takes things to another level entirely. Rather than simply cranking up specs for marketing purposes, Insta360 has focused on addressing real-world pain points that adventure filmmakers face daily, including enhanced low-light performance, superior wind noise reduction, and perhaps most importantly, user-replaceable lenses that acknowledge the rough-and-tumble reality of action sports filming. Let’s dig in…

SEEING CLEARLY

The most significant upgrade comes in the form of larger 1/1.28-inch sensors (up from 0.5″ in the X4), providing substantially improved image quality across all lighting conditions. While the headline 8K/30fps and 5.7K/60fps specs remain unchanged from its predecessor, the difference will be immediately apparent in the quality of the footage. The new triple AI chip system — an industry first for 360 cameras — powers an impressive new PureVideo mode that promises to deliver superb results in challenging lighting situations, which is great news for anyone trying to film their dawn patrol surf sessions or twilight mountain bike rides.

Insta360 has also introduced a clever InstaFrame mode that simultaneously captures ready-to-share flat video alongside the full 360-degree footage. This addresses the common workflow frustration of waiting to process and reframe 360 content before sharing, all while preserving all the creative integrity of the spherical footage for later editing. It’s honestly a wonder why Insta360 didn’t think of this sooner.

BATTLE-READY DESIGN

Perhaps the most exciting development for adventure enthusiasts is the completely redesigned lens system. After years of dealing with expensive repairs or lens guards that compromised image quality, Insta360 has finally made the lenses user-replaceable. This is an innovation that shouldn’t be understated here. With a small lens replacement kit (sold separately for $30), you can now swap out damaged lenses in minutes so you can get back to shooting. It’s a brilliant move that further acknowledges the realities of using these cameras in extreme environments like they were intended to.

Improving 50% over the X4, the waterproofing has also been upgraded to an impressive 49ft without a case. However, for serious underwater shooting, the optional Invisible Dive Case extends that range to a whopping 197ft. This puts the X5 firmly in the territory of dedicated underwater housings and possibly even eliminating the need for separate systems for above and below water shooting, which is a serious game-changer.

SOUNDS OF ADVENTURE

Audio has long been the Achilles heel of action cameras, with wind noise often rendering footage unusable without extensive post-production. The X5 handles this with a completely redesigned multi-layer steel mesh Wind Guard that replaces the simple microphone holes of previous models. Early reviews suggest this makes a dramatic difference, particularly for high-speed activities like motorcycle riding or mountain biking, where capturing engine sounds or trail chatter was previously impossible without external mics.

POWER THAT LASTS

Battery life gets a modest bump with the new 2400mAh battery (versus 2290mAh in the X4), providing up to 185 minutes in the new power-saving Endurance Mode. And when you run out of juice, the unit’s fast-charging capability gets you to 80% in just 20 minutes. Unfortunately, many have already griped that existing X4 batteries won’t work with the new model, which might just be a collateral compromise of the new design.

SPEC SHEET

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

Available in black, the Insta360 X5 is available now for $550 — a $50 bump over last year’s X4. Various accessory bundles are available, with prices ranging up to $650 for the Invisible Dive Bundle that includes the underwater housing.

Recap

Insta360 X5 Action Camera

Significantly improving wind reduction and low light footage, the new X5 also has a super innovative lens replacement feature.

Learn More: Insta360