Insta360 is coming for GoPro with the X5, a new 8K 360-degree action camera

On Tuesday, Insta360 launched the X5, a 360-degree action camera that pairs with an "invisible" selfie stick. The next iteration in the company's flagship series is tougher than ever before, and has the ability to produce footage at 5.7K and 60fps with HDR support (or 8K non-HDR footage). Not bad for a camera that can fit in your pocket.

The double-sided camera can capture truly panoramic footage, and the Chinese company showed off the new camera's capabilities in a teaser video ahead of its launch. The X5 is available for sale now from Insta360 and Amazon, with a base price of $549.99.

With the X5, Insta360 increases the pressure on GoPro, the brand that is — for now, at least — still synonymous with action cameras. While the GoPro Hero13 Black may still be the action camera standard bearer, Insta360 has caught up in key respects. The company's Ace Pro 2 features a Leica lens, and the X5 beats GoPro's new Max 360 camera in video resolution and battery power (GoPro's newly updated 360-degree action camera is more affordable, however).

The Insta360 X5 360-Degree Action Camera: Key Specs

The 360-degree camera's key features include replaceable lenses with tougher optical glass, better low-light performance, longer battery life, and a wind guard for enhanced audio. It's even waterproof up to 49 feet (or 15 meters).

Credit: Insta360

Credit: Insta360

Priced at $549.99, here are the most important specifications:

• Sensor size: 1/1.28 inches

• Lens aperture: F2.0

• Focal length: 6mm

• Video resolution: 8K, 5.7K, 4K, 1080p

• Frame rate: 30 fps (8K), 60 fps (5.7K), 120 fps (4K)

• Photo resolution: 18MP-72MP

• Video format: MP4

• Weight: 200 grams

• Battery: 2400mAh

• Runtime: Up to 185 minutes in 5.7K24fps Endurance Mode

• Waterproof: Up to 15 meters

The Chinese company already makes a variety of action cameras, and the X5 is the successor to the X4.

The X5's key features to know

Insta360 is introducing a "Shoot First, Point Later" feature in the X5, which allows you to capture 360-degree and traditional video simultaneously, giving creators a lot more options while editing videos. The X5 will also come bundled with an invisible selfie stick that can't be seen while filming, giving it a unique floating camera effect from a third-person perspective.

In a press release announcing the launch, Insta360 also says the X5’s sensors are 144 percent larger than the X4, enabling  a new AI-powered low-light mode. 

And in a key first, Insta360 says this camera is the first of its kind to feature replaceable lenses.

We haven't had the chance to test the X5 yet, but we're hoping to review the new 360-degree camera soon.

Where to buy the Insta360 X5 camera

The Insta360 X5 camera officially launched on April 22 and can be purchased from Insta360 and Amazon for $549.99. An Essentials Bundle with additional accessories is also available for $659.99.

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Credit: Insta360

Insta360 X5 action camera

$549.99

 

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