When the Insta360 X5 dropped, the headlines were bold: “8K video in your pocket,” “DSLR-level image quality in 360,” and “the most powerful camera Insta360 has ever made.” Naturally, expectations were high. But now, two months later, we can step back and ask a more grounded question:
Is the X5 actually delivering — or was it just launch hype?
Spoiler: it’s not just delivering. It’s dominating.
From Launch Buzz to Creator Reality
At launch, the X5 was marketed as more than just an upgrade — it was pitched as the future of 360 capture, especially for professionals who felt the X3 or X4 didn’t give them enough dynamic range, cinematic depth, or editing control.
That claim turned heads. And for once, the creators didn’t just buy into the marketing — they bought the camera. And kept using it.
Sales Speak Louder Than Specs: The X5 Is Flying
Here at 180by2, we’ve seen the full product cycle for both the X4 and the X5. And to be blunt, the X5 is moving significantly faster than the X4 ever did.
- Within 4 weeks, the X5 outsold the X4’s first two months.
- Buyers are not just previous Insta360 users — we’re seeing switchers from GoPro MAX and new 360 creators entering the space.
- And interestingly, many professionals are buying the X5 as a second or third camera for multi-cam productions — something that didn’t happen as much with the X4.
Bottom line? People aren't waiting. They’re upgrading.
The Real Upgrades That Matter
On paper, the X5's upgrades may sound incremental, but in the field, they’re transformative:
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8K 360° Video
This is the headline feature — and unlike many 8K-capable devices, the X5 can actually sustain this resolution without melting down. Whether you’re flying down a dirt trail or shooting inside a poorly lit alleyway, 8K footage holds up beautifully with cleaner motion, sharper details, and zero need to upscale in post.
For creators, that means more freedom to crop, reframe, and zoom in — all while maintaining professional image quality.
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Sensor Size Upgrade
Compared to the X4’s 1/2" sensor, the X5’s 1/1.28" sensor unlocks dramatically better low-light performance, richer color depth, and cleaner shadows.
This is a massive win for:
- Golden hour riding or travel shots
- Urban motovlogging where shadows and uneven lighting dominate
- Shooting indoors or around campfires, sunsets, and dimly lit cities
Multiple users specifically cited this low-light improvement as the main reason to switch, even calling it the “#1 reason” to spend the extra bucks.
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Realistic Depth and Colour
This is where creators are truly impressed — blues look more cinematic, reds more natural, and there’s far less post-work needed to correct exposure or crush highlights. Compared to the X4, the X5 offers a smoother roll-off in bright areas and less chromatic aberration around harsh edges like fences, mirrors, and bikes.
Travel vloggers will notice the difference in sky gradients, beach shots, and street scenes. Motovloggers will find that reflective gear, bikes, and road signs look less blown out and more defined.
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Built for Risk: Replaceable Lenses
This is a game-changer. Previous X-series models (ONE X2/X3/X4) suffered from a fatal flaw for action users — their lens domes were non-replaceable without expensive, delicate repairs. A dropped camera meant paying for international shipping and servicing, usually back to Hong Kong.
Not anymore. The X5 includes a user-replaceable lens system, which means:
- You can carry a spare and swap it out on-site in under 5 minutes
- You no longer have to baby the camera during intense rides or hikes
- You’re more likely to take the shot that could make your video go viral
This one feature alone caused several seasoned Redditors to call the X5 a “no-brainer” for action vloggers. It’s not just about cost — it’s about creative freedom.
“The person that takes bigger risks usually gets the better video. The X5 lets you take those risks.” — Redditor
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Faster Workflow + Longer Life
Thanks to the updated processor and firmware, you get:
- Faster previews and shorter export times
- Improved stabilization right out of the box
- Longer battery life (up to 88 mins vs 75 mins in high-res modes
- Cooler thermal performance during longer shoots
It’s also the only model compatible with Insta360’s new Mic Air wireless system — a compact vlogging mic that integrates directly with the X5’s firmware. That’s a huge plus for anyone doing motovlogs or narrating on the go, and the Mic Air costs half as much as Rode or DJI alternatives.
“For motovlogging, the wind muff and Mic Air combo is unbeatable. Plus, only the X5 supports it.” — Redditor
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Future-Proof and Resale-Friendly
Last but not least, the X5 will receive longer software support, better resale value, and more ecosystem updates down the line. If you're not already heavily invested in X4 accessories or batteries (which cost $45 each), spending $100 more now saves you hundreds down the road.
But What About the X4? Is It Still Worth It?
Absolutely — but with conditions.
If you’re:
- On a tighter budget,
- Mostly posting to TikTok/Instagram Reels in 1080p or 4K,
- And don’t shoot much in low light or need extreme colour depth…
Then the X4 is still an incredibly capable camera, and now often on discount. For beginners or hobbyists, it remains a top-tier choice — and you’ll still get FlowState stabilization, reframing tools, and 5.7K capture that outclasses many traditional cameras.
But for pros? The X5 is the new king.
Verdict: It Wasn’t Just Hype. The X5 Is Insta360’s First True Powerhouse.
Two months in, the verdict is clear. The X5 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a turning point. For Insta360. For 360 content in general. And for any serious creator who wants cinematic-level visuals with the creative freedom of reframing after the fact.
And judging by how fast it’s flying off our shelves, South Africa’s creators agree.
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