Insta360 - Insta360 X5

**TLDR: 360 camera for the least amount on work in the moment. PM me I can private share you some of the videos I've taken of my kids so you can kind of see what it will be like** I have multiple young kids and am often watching them all by myself. I'm also a gear addict so I've tried all of the types of cameras you are looking at and use them all, but if I were to pick one camera to bring with me it would be the 360 camera. So overall, I recommend the X5 or X4 Air (which is lighter and cheaper, but a little less image quality and less battery life as a tradeoff). While 360 camera, you can kind of set it and forget it and then pull out some moments later on your computer/phone whenever you have time (i.e. when the kids are in bed). Insta360 desktop app offers "deep tracking" which lets you pick a person and it will do all the processing for you, although you need to let it run in real time. The mobile app has something similar and against you just kind of pick a face and let it work on the video. There is a new app that is polarizing, but supposedly you kind of let the app do most of the work for you (again with face tracking). You can either hold the camera on a selfie stick, or set it up on a tripod on a table (that's what I do for birthday song videos), clamp it to your stroller, or even stick it on your backpack and just have it start recording - **because it is recording a spherical 360 video of the entire scene, it will always get something** \- although ideally it is 3-10 feet away from you or your kids otherwise they will be kind of small in the frame. After that at night you can scrub/fast forward through the long video and cut out a few clips that you like. Sometimes if there is a stationary object that changes over time (a birthday cake disappearing as it is eaten or a sand castle being built) and I will turn the video into a timelapse by speeding up the video. If that feels like too much work, the X5 has "Me Mode" and "InstaFrame Mode" which does all of this in camera and gives you are video that is ready to share (although you still might want to trim it a bit). "Me Mode" automatically crops from the spherical to a 16:9 4K video that tracks down the selfie stick which pretty much guarantees you will be in the video (since you are holding the selfie stick). You can also flip the direction so Me Mode so that instead of recording whatever the handle of the stick is pointing at, if records whatever the stick is pointing at (think of it like a magic wand) that makes it very easy to make sure your subject is in the video frame when recording. "Instaframe" basically focuses on the first face it see and keeps tracking that throughout the video. The drawback is that I think the resolution is lower (1080p) - overall, that is one of the major tradeoffs you are doing, the **video quality from a 360 camera is always going to be less than the other types of camera for the flexibility in subject framing.** In terms of gear, just starting need the camera and make the 2-in-1 tripod-selfie stick. Maybe get a clamp mount so you can clip the 360 camera to your stroller (or backpack shoulder strap). So that's the 360 camera. There is also the small POV camera. Those are great for hands free videos, but I ironically find they take more mental work because you need to consciously setup the framing a lot more (i.e. have the camera mounted on your head/chest, turn them on and try not to shake your head or shirt too much and you might point the camera too high/low). They are great for 5-15 second clips though (I record it playing with the kids whether it is tag, frisbee/ball with the kids, or just hugs). There is less battery life though so I am personally more judicious with using them. Between Insta360 Go Ultra and the DJI Nano - I recommend the Ultra because it has a SD card in the camera itself. The DJI Nano stores the video to internal memory, which then you need to manually transfer to the SD card in the docking module because it won't store to the SD card directly (source: http://dji.com/nano/faq). Finally there is the Osmo Pocket 3, that has the best video quality, the best stabilization and pretty good subject tracking... but with it's not so wide angle view I found it require the most fiddling with. It is good if you can set it on a table/tripod at home and then select your crawling baby as a subject and just let it play, but I like the faster option of setting up the 360 camera and just pressing the record button (quickcapture will turn on the camera and start recording in like 2 seconds and then turn off the camera when you press record again).

There isn't really a great option for longer rides so I feel your pain. The cycliq ones seem good but the failure rates and bad customer support have turned people off. GoPro and Insta360 X5 are ok options but you'll need spare batteries for more than about 1.5 hours of recording. Insta360 is easier to deal with because you can almost get away with only one camera. The new DJI Osmo 360 looks promising for a bit less than the Insta360. Garmin has the Vue for out front that does last for 6 hours of recording but is pretty expensive and has poor low light recording. I managed to get one for 25% off and have been pleased with the footage during daylight hours. No issues reading license plates. They also make a radar camera for the rear of the bike but the video is even worse than the front facing Vue. I'm personally waiting on a new rear camera/radar with improved video.

I own a insta 360 x5 and the quality honestly isn't the same as my GoPro 13. The insta 360 uses 8 bit color, 30fps max. GoPro uses 10bit color at 60. The GoPro has much better color science right out of the box.

Summary: the DJI Osmo 360 is an excellent first attempt at the consumer 360 camera market by DJI with some advantages vs the competition, but on the whole still remains a step behind the Insta360 X5.

Je suis presque d'accord avec tout sauf avec la conclusion : Si on a aucun accessoire, la X5 est la meilleure caméra 360 actuelle... Pourquoi acheter moins bien ? Surtout si on vends des services photo ou vidéo ça peut arriver de filmer en intérieur donc pourquoi s'en priver ? Pour les accessoires, j'ai pu récupérer les 3 perches de mon X2 : la perche à selfie, le bullet time et la perche de 3m, ce qui n'est pas rien... Après la réalisation de mon premier clip Insta la X5 j'en suis très satisfait... Hate de faire ma prochaine visite virtuelle avec le X5... @+ Basthi

I'm a BIG big fan of the Insta360 cams. The new X5 is going to be far better than a classic GoPro, especially if you're mounting on a boat because it will allow you to edit your shots from any angle after your sessions. Give it a serious look!

I don't agree the difference is marginal. There are two MASSIVE differences: 1. Low light performance is in another universe on the X5... it's a universe where you can actually use the camera in low light lol. 2. 360 cameras are EASILY damaged, the ability at low cost and at home to change a lens is truly game changing and you will regret over and over not buying the X5 when you have to ship your X4 back to insta360 for repairs, both in cost and time lost with the camera (including the memories you failed to catch while it was gone.)

I think the X5 is still the best 360 camera overall. The replaceable lens system looks better on the max 2, but only 5m waterproof.. no diving case and poor low light performance are a bit disappointing. It's a bit of an ecosystem war now, I think it will seduce existing gopro users just like the dji osmo 360 will seduce it's userbase because of shared accessories and services.

I was holding out on purchasing the insta360 x5 in hopes that this new GoPro max would have good low light capability. But since it doesn't and GoPro doesn't seem to care about that, I'll be getting the insta360 x5 bundle from Costco.

Huh? You would say that X5 has better lowlight performance? I recently sold my ace pro 2 in order to buy X5...

Editing or using video on the back end would definitely be easier with a fixed focal length action camera. So, point, shoot, and watch. An X5 would require some editing and manipulation in their editing app prior to using the footage. That being said, I prefer the X5 because I don't have to worry where the camera is pointing. It films in all directions all the time so I never miss anything. It just works better for my use case.

Weinig mensen filmen 's avonds en 's nachts. Ik heb mijn X5 met GPS Remote zojuist verkocht. Ik vind de Osmo360 veel beter, ook in low light. En ik ga ook de Max 2 kopen. Dus nee, ben het niet met je eens. De X6 zal geen spannende verbetering zijn. Tussen X4 en X5 marginale verschillen net als daarvoor.

The x5 doesn't shoot in real 8k,though, and isn't much better than the Max in video quality in the end result. So I've stayed with my max. But hope a max2 might move the needle.

I bought the X4 a couple weeks ago to record my dj sets in the club. The low light quality was terrible i ended up just using my phone and returning it. The X5 changes that so I will be purchasing it and hopefully be able to get some good low light video from my sets.

get the insta360 x series. You can just hold them or mount them and forget about the camera and just ski. Then you can choose what frames to focus on, that way you can just focus about skiing.

My son and I have a dive channel on YT and we carry an X5 (sometimes 2) on every dive. The dive case is the only way your footage will turn out well. On quality - 360 cameras arent on par with the newest gen action cams yet but we still carry them on every dive. Here is a link to the X5 being used underwater [https://youtu.be/Yuitdc8X01M](https://youtu.be/Yuitdc8X01M) I also have multiple shorts comparing the X5 to GoPro 13 and the Ace Pro 2. The biggest advantage diving 360 is capturing things you would have missed and being able to worry about framing in post and not while youre diving. Hope this helped. Check out some of our videos. We also just gave away an X5 in our global treasure hunt. Fun if you are a diver

Dat ben ik niet met je eens. De lenzen van de Max 2 zijn in seconden te vervangen en dat is bij de X5 niet het geval. Dat is nog een gedoe omdat je daarvoor een kit van Insta360 nodig hebt. Ik heb mijn X5 net weggedaan. Osmo360 is veel beter.

I'm in the exact same dilemma. I currently have the Insta360 X5, but I'm seriously considering picking up the OP3 for day-to-day vlogging and talking head shots. The big advantage with the OP3 is how quickly you can switch perspectives - you can film what's in front of you, then do a smooth 180° flip to record yourself while walking and talking. It feels a lot more natural and discreet, especially for those of us who get a bit shy vlogging in public. The X5 is amazing for creative 360 shots and capturing unique perspectives, but I've realized it's just not the right fit for the kind of content I want to make consistently. I've more or less decided to bite the bullet and invest in the OP3 to cover that gap. Curious though - what's your vision for your vlog? Is it mainly talking head, walk-and-talk, or more indoor/outdoor lifestyle shots? I've found that answering that question makes the decision a lot clearer.

I just bought the Insta360 X5. In some ways, a different set of abilities, hopefully more durable, I can't wait to continue using it.

If you won't be mounting on your head ever, your choice seems fine. But, for that price, you could go with the X5 and have an option to head mount in the future or try out other POVs like the selfie stick or backpack mount. Also the X5 will allow you to adjust much more of the field of view. They make a horizontal mount that will fit a chest mount too. Just my two cents.

I have the X5, but very tempted by the Ace Pro 2 to augment it. Enjoy.

Fair enough -he's a pro film-msker and into videography gear so likes to make longform videos. Here's a Gemini summary Insta360 X5 Pros: * User-Replaceable Lenses: The lenses can be replaced by the user, providing a convenient solution for damage [10:57]. * Overheating Performance: It lasts longer before overheating, especially in direct sunlight [15:07]. * ND Filters: Insta360 offers a range of ND filters (16, 32, and 64) to achieve better motion blur in bright conditions [13:00]. * Long Battery Life: The standard battery lasts about 84 minutes, and an extended battery is available for more recording time [17:59]. * Flexible Single-Lens Mode: The "freeframe" mode records the entire sphere, giving you control over the aspect ratio and stabilization in post-production [29:24]. * Advanced Time-Lapse: It has flexible time-lapse features, including 11K, 8K, and 5.7K video, as well as JPEG and RAW photos [34:05]. * Best Studio App: The Insta360 Studio app is described as mature and user-friendly with robust editing tools [21:48]. * Impressive Photos: It supports RAW photos, a pure shot mode, HDR photos, and auto exposure bracketing [33:22]. Cons: * No Internal Storage: Unlike the other cameras, it lacks internal storage [25:01]. * Limited Log Profile: The I-Log profile is only available in 5.7K and all profiles are 8-bit [05:27]. * USB-C Port Orientation: The position of the USB-C port can cause external microphone receivers to appear in the shot [27:07]. * Complex App: The mobile app can be overwhelming due to its many features [22:54]. DJI Osmo 360 Pros: * Superior Image Quality: It has the best-looking video of the three with excellent dynamic range [03:45]. * High Frame Rate 8K: It can shoot 8K video at up to 50p [04:25]. * 10-bit Color Depth: It uses 10-bit D-Log M and normal color profiles, which is beneficial for color grading [06:00]. * Advanced Image Control: You can control both sharpness and noise reduction to avoid over-processing [06:40]. * Audio Excellence: The audio quality is superior, and it has four microphones for spatial audio [25:38]. It also works well with DJI's external microphones. * Low Lens Replacement Cost: Although lenses are not user-replaceable, the service center replacement cost is surprisingly low [11:38]. * Shared Batteries: The batteries are the same as those in the Osmo Action 5, which is convenient for users who own both [18:17]. * Compact and Lightweight: It is the lightest camera of the three at 183g [19:03]. Cons: * No User-Replaceable Lenses: Damaged lenses must be sent for repair, which is less convenient [11:20]. * Overheating Issues: It overheats the quickest, even with firmware updates [15:13]. * Lack of Photo Features: It currently lacks key photo features like RAW shooting, HDR, and auto exposure bracketing [33:42]. * Limited Single-Lens Modes: It lacks a 9x6 vertical video mode and a mode to record everything for post-production changes [28:45]. * Time-Lapse Limitations: The only time-lapse option is 8K video [34:13]. * Fogging: Lenses have been reported to fog after use in cold water [17:11]. Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra Pros: * 10-bit HDR: It can shoot in 10-bit HDR K-Log, though there are some issues with reds that are expected to be fixed [05:47]. * Single-Lens Flexibility: Its single-lens mode allows for post-production decisions on lens warp and aspect ratio, similar to the Insta360 [29:53]. * Impressive Auto-Exposure Bracketing: The auto-exposure bracketing is very flexible, supporting up to 15 photos [33:35]. * Clear App Design: The mobile app is described as clear and intuitive [22:42]. Cons: * Over-processed Image: The image can look over-processed because there are no settings to change sharpness or noise reduction [07:23]. * No User-Replaceable Lenses: Lenses must be sent to a service center in Hong Kong for repair [12:21]. * Subpar Battery Life: The battery life is mediocre at around 45 minutes [17:59]. * Overheating with Fan Off: It overheats much faster if the fan is turned off to record audio [15:54]. * Heavy Build: At 336g, it is the heaviest camera of the three [19:03]. * Basic Studio App: The K-Cam Studio app is described as basic and lacking features [22:16]. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/1RnNpBMEUdo?si=gnbUhn1S2sQGLxCF

De Max 2 is veel beter vind ik. Kleuren zijn mooier, heeft een echte 8k sensor en geen upscale zoals de X5 en Osmo360 en de beelden zijn gedetailleerder zonder overscherpte. Als je 's avonds en 's nachts filmt dan presteren de X5 en Osmo360 (met name deze) beter. Voor mij is dat niet boeiend. Ik heb mijn X5 na aankoop vd Osmo360 weg gedaan.

Everything I've seen with the x5 is that it won't capture much in sharper detail underwater even with a dive case. I have an x5 and a dive trip in August that I want to try it on but may rent an ace pro 2 or gopro incase the quality doesn't pan oht

I just got my hands on the X5 and took it out for a first test. It's super fun to use outdoors, especially when you're exploring, because you really don't miss anything. (climbing some rocks, hiking, etc) The movement/direction of the lenses will take a bit of time and practice, but that's normal with any new camera. I got the Essential Bundle, which includes the 1m stick. So far I think it's a good, general, versatile option. About the lens guards: if you put the camera in water, water gets between the lens and the guards XD (is it a me problem?). Also, I'm still not sure how much the guards affect image quality. The Replacement Lens cost is very similar to the protector, so honestly I'm still unsure whether it's better to use the guards or just replace the lens if it gets scratched. I really liked Insta Mode, the camera keeps the focus on you no matter where you are. And finally, the low-light video quality surprised me. It looks pretty good for an action camera. Also, you can check out some YT videos from Potato Jet and Brandon Li. They cover some specs, life situations and camera movements.

I'm a Photographer who recently got into videos. I have to point out that the Insta 360 video quality is nowhere like the mirrorless cameras I've had, BUT, it's really about the spontaneous moment captured with it and not the quality that I'm impressed of. I've found footages of myself in the moments of serendipity that I know I will never achieve with any of my mirrorless camera unless somebody is following me around with it. I also tried the Osmo Pocket but I certainly love the convenience of the Insta 360 more because you can choose which frame, back, front, up or down you want to finally edit for posting. Really helpful the 360 view.

I don't know about gimbal mode for X4 Air. I think it depends on what you want to do with the camera. I have an Ace Pro and an X4 and I use my X4 a lot more in general because of the convenience of having a 360 pespective that allow reframing after the fact. I also have the X2 awhich was 150g and I notice the weight of the X4 (200g) at the end of a 100cm pole (a long lever) while snowboarding as I like to keep the stick horizontal and at waist height. The X5 is 200g as well so it will be a bit heavier than the 165g X4 Air. Last I checked the X4 Air is like $150 cheaper for a slight reducing in low-light image quality (the sensors are smaller) and like 15 minutes less battery life. So I would pick the X4 Air for action sports usage (handheld out in sunny weather) as well as to save some money. But if money is not an issue and you want the absolute best image quality available on a Insta360 right now and you are mostly not long-lever handholding (e.g. head, chest or object mounted) than I would got with X5.

I've seen countless videos now of low light Osmo 360 vs. X5 footage... I've seen none, none that "blew away the X5" in performance. The X5 choses to use heavier noise reduction and the Osmo 360 uses less which makes their night footage far, far, far more noisy and jittery looking. It's a toss up to me which is better, I could see the argument for the Osmo 360, but it hardly is transformative... \*\*they all suck in low light\*\*.

Okay so for vacation and sightseeing is X5 good choice you would say?

Got tired of GoPro and bought x5 with discount with Dell via Amex. Yes, the camera looks good, menu and screen (with the 360 preview) are definitely better than GoPro. In addition, while owning Max 1, I really envy the software and editing tools of Insta360. However, my concern is that the color of x5 looks unrealistic even with the normal color profile. When GoPro released Max 2, I was a bit skeptical but for the most part, I really like the video quality output. I don't see myself shooting 8k but with the log video that I can color grade, I was sold. Sold the x5 for $20 less vs brand new (because Amex had offers with Dell before). Yes, Max 2 performs poorly at night time. But honestly, do most people shoot 360 videos at night time? I suppose most people would take a 360 camera to shoot at night in bright places (eg Times Square, Shibuya crossing).

The Insta360 X5, GoPro Max 2, and DJI Osmo 360 will require a special case in order for it to take sharp footage underwater. The GoPro Hero 13, DJI Action 5, and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 shouldn't require a case as long as you don't go too deep.

The image quality is marginally better and IMHO worse in the natural color modes that don't need color grading. Don't get me wrong, good on them for putting ever bigger sensors in a 360 camera and going to 10-bit color... but the end result in many cases in normal side by side comparisons are equal or WORSE than what is coming out the X5.