The most common way to destroy a 360 camera is a cracked lens. Both lenses protrude, nothing protects them, and until now the only fix was a warranty claim or a new camera. The X5 solves this with the first user-replaceable lens system in the category: the lenses unscrew, replacements cost $49.99 each, and the swap takes under a minute.
That would be enough on its own. The sensor story makes it more interesting. The dual 1/1.28-inch sensors are 144% larger than the X4’s, which translates to 13.5 stops of dynamic range, 8K footage at 30fps, and 72-megapixel stills that hold up in genuinely difficult light. A Triple AI Chip system handles the stitching and stabilisation. Battery life is 208 minutes, up 54% on the previous generation. The camera is waterproof to 49 feet without a case.
Insta360 sells the X5 through Apple, which tells you something about where 360 cameras have arrived as a category. This is the first one that feels designed to last.
$549.99 — store.insta360.com