Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
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The Insta360 X5 has rapidly become the most indispensable camera in my travel arsenal, and I say that after months of putting it through a wide range of real-world scenarios. What elevates this device beyond its predecessors and competitors is not simply one standout feature but rather the remarkable combination of versatility, intuitive operation, and a cleverly designed companion application that allows seamless editing. While it does come with a higher price tag compared to its earlier models, it justifies the investment by delivering superior video performance, support for interchangeable lenses, improved battery endurance, and a host of thoughtful refinements. Since adopting it in May, the X5 has steadily earned a permanent place in my backpack, traveling with me across work trips and personal journeys. Now, with the arrival of Labor Day, the camera is available at a modest yet valuable discount.

Review: Insta360 X5
The current Labor Day promotion offers a $30 reduction on Insta360’s flagship 360-degree action camera. At first glance, the discount might appear minor, but in practice it reduces the price gap between the newly released X5 and its predecessor, the X4, bringing the final cost to $520, which is only marginally higher than the X4’s original launch price. For anyone considering an upgrade, this sale softens the financial leap while giving access to the enhanced capabilities of the latest generation.

My experience using this device across both professional assignments and a solo adventure abroad leads me to believe that the X5 is as close as I have come to identifying a nearly perfect travel companion for capturing memories. What initially impressed me was its sheer usability. My expectations for action cameras were admittedly modest: most struggle to maintain battery life, often falter in low-light conditions, and tend to complicate the editing process. However, the X5 exceeded all those expectations.

My last extended interaction with a 360-degree action device had been with the GoPro Max. I have also tested newer models like the GoPro Hero 13 Black and other cameras from Insta360, including the Go 3s and the Ace Pro. While these alternatives offered certain strengths, none managed to combine adaptability and simplicity in quite the same manner as the X5. For example, I spent a considerable amount of time filming in InstaFrame mode, a new feature that captures simultaneous 360-degree and traditional video content in resolutions up to 5.7K+, with automatic tracking built in to keep the subject in frame. This dual capture provides flexibility that no traditional action camera affords.

Thanks to its upgraded 1/1.28-inch sensors—a notable step up from the X4’s 1/2-inch sensors—the visual clarity achieved is sharper, more nuanced, and more detailed than ever before within this category of device. When used in group settings, switching into full 360-degree mode provides an immersive viewing experience that conventional recording simply cannot replicate. Beyond that, the X5 can record 8K footage at 30 frames per second as well as 5.7K at 60 frames per second. While 8K spherical video ultimately translates into 4K footage within the mobile application, the resulting imagery still manages to outshine prior generations by offering sharper cloud textures, richer shades of blue in skies, and superior dynamic range—all without an artificially processed look. Support for HDR video further enhances results, recording in 8-bit with the BT 709 color gamut in such a way that footage retains detail without veering into excessive saturation or over-polishing.

Although the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 technically delivers superior raw video quality in specific scenarios, the X5 compensates through its extraordinary flexibility. With this camera, I can simply press record, then later reframe my shots without noticeable compromises in resolution, which was not possible with earlier models. Accompanying this is audio recording that remains clear and usable under most conditions, with the exception of environments with strong gusts of wind.

Editing is refreshingly straightforward. The workflow involves connecting the camera directly to my phone, transferring clips, and then manipulating them within the app. With something as simple as a pinch or swipe gesture, I can take a seemingly ordinary clip and reinvent it into a dynamic 360-degree composition, experimenting with perspectives I could not have physically captured at the time of filming. Built-in transitions and motion effects streamline the creative process, allowing polished edits without requiring advanced technical expertise.

Portability is another factor worth acknowledging. While the Insta360 X5 is not the smallest action camera in existence, especially when compared against models like the GoPro Hero 4K or the compact Insta360 Go 3s, it remains exceptionally convenient for what it offers. Its slimmer form factor means it still slips easily into a backpack’s side pocket. The addition of replaceable lenses is a particularly practical design evolution. In the event of damage, rather than replacing the entire device, a user can substitute the lens for an affordable $30 replacement, thereby protecting their investment.

In terms of day-to-day usage, I recommend traveling with an extra battery. A single cell will not reliably last through an entire day of outdoor shooting, and while this limitation is consistent with most action cameras, it is noteworthy that the X5 employs a new battery design incompatible with the previous X4 system. Fortunately, Insta360 has also introduced compatibility with GoPro-style mounting solutions via a newly designed magnetic quick-release mechanism, ensuring broader adaptability with widely available accessories.

Taken as a whole, the Insta360 X5 represents a balanced marriage of technological advancement and practical design. Whether I was documenting industry events such as Galaxy Unpacked or capturing serene moments on a boat ride in Vietnam, this camera consistently delivered professional, immersive footage that elevated the memories being recorded. For anyone currently deliberating the purchase of a 360-degree action camera, the X5 deserves prominent consideration.

From a deals perspective, ZDNET’s rating system classifies the current 5–6% discount as a modest 1/5 in terms of sheer savings. Nonetheless, this marks the most significant promotional offer on the X5 since its initial launch, which makes the opportunity noteworthy. While it may not represent a dramatic markdown, any price reduction on such a capable flagship model is valuable, and for that reason I have chosen to interpret this sale more positively than the numerical rating might initially suggest.

Insta360’s Labor Day promotion will run until September 1, 2025, though stock limitations and early expirations are always a possibility. ZDNET remains dedicated to continuously monitoring active sales, ensuring that readers have access to updated and accurate details. Should this particular offer expire by the time you check, rest assured that our editorial team is consistently searching for new opportunities to help you secure meaningful savings at ZDNET.com.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-took-this-360-degree-camera-around-the-world-why-its-still-the-most-versatile-gear-i-own/