Insta360 X4 vs X5: Which 8K 360° Camera Should You Choose?

The X5 is the better camera overall — bigger sensors, better low light, longer battery life, and deeper waterproofing — but if you already own an X4 and don't shoot much in low light, the upgrade isn't essential. See the Insta360 X5 for current stock and pricing at VMI Direct.

What Actually Changed Between the Sensors?

The Insta360 X4 uses dual 1/2" sensors and records 8K video at 30fps with solid image quality in good lighting, though detail drops off in darker conditions. The X5 upgrades to dual 1/1.28" sensors — roughly 144% more surface area for capturing light and color. Independent reviews confirm the difference is real: TechRadar's published review found the larger sensors improve image quality across the board, particularly in low light, and rated the X5 the strongest 360 camera on the market at the time of review (see TechRadar's full review). CGMagazine's testing similarly found the sensor upgrade delivers a meaningful jump in build quality and versatility (see CGMagazine's review).

How Much Better Is Low-Light and AI Performance?

The X4 holds up reasonably well in low light but shows noise and reduced clarity as light drops. The X5 adds PureVideo mode, powered by a triple-AI chip, which reduces noise and produces cleaner night footage. CGMagazine's review describes the low-light gap between the two cameras as dramatic, noting footage that was unusable on the X4 becomes clean and shareable on the X5 in PureVideo mode.

Is the Battery Life Actually Better on the X5?

Yes. The X5 packs a 2,400mAh battery versus the X4's 2,290mAh, translating to roughly 87 minutes of 8K recording compared to about 75 minutes on the X4. With 5.7K Endurance Mode, the X5 can record up to 185 minutes. Charging is also faster — around 35 minutes for a full charge on the X5, versus roughly 55 minutes on the X4.

What About Durability and Design?

The X5 carries an IP68 waterproof rating, usable to 15 meters, versus the X4's IPX8 rating at 10 meters — a real advantage for underwater or harsh-weather use. The X5 also introduces user-replaceable lenses, so a scratched or cracked lens doesn't mean sending the whole camera in for repair, plus quick-release mounts and a windscreen mic cover for cleaner outdoor audio.

What New Shooting Modes Does the X5 Add?

Both cameras support 8K at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps, and steady in-camera stabilization. The X5 adds InstaFrame, which captures a flat, socially-shareable clip alongside the full 360° file at the same time, I-Log color mode for more flexible color grading, and slow motion up to 4K at 120fps.

So Which One Should You Buy?

• New to 360 cameras → the X5 is the stronger buy for the price, especially if you'll shoot indoors, at night, or underwater.
• Already own an X4 and rarely shoot low light or underwater → the upgrade isn't essential; the X4 remains a capable camera.
• Want the best all-round image quality and durability available right now → X5.

See current stock and pricing for both models on the VMI Direct site.