I took this 360-degree camera around the world – why it’s still the most versatile gear I own

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

The Insta360 X5 is my favorite travel camera. I love it for its versatility, ease of use, and user-friendly app. It is more expensive than its predecessor but offers better video quality, replaceable lenses, improved battery backup, and more. I started using this 360-degree action camera in May, and within three months, it had earned a permanent spot in my travel backpack. It is now on sale for Labor Day.

Review: Insta360 X5

The Insta360 Labor Day sale brings a $30 discount to its latest 360-degree camera. It might not seem like much, but this deal closes the price hike gap between the new X5 action camera and its predecessor. You can now get it for $520 instead, which is just $20 more than X4’s launch price.

I travelled with the Insta360 X5 to a handful of work trips and a solo trip. Here’s why I think I have found a near-perfect travel camera.

The ease of use surprised me

When I got the Insta360 X5, I went in with low expectations, because most action cameras lack an impressive battery backup, perform poorly in anything less than bright sunlight, or make it really hard to edit the footage. 

The last 360-degree action camera I used was the GoPro Max, and while I have spent a good amount of vacation time with the newer GoPro Hero 13 Black and other Insta360 cameras like the Go 3s and Ace Pro, they lack X5’s versatility and ease of use.

Also: The best vlogging cameras of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

I recorded most of my footage in InstaFrame mode (because I wanted to try the new mode), which shoots q 360-degree footage as well as a standard video in 5.7K+ or 5.7K while automatically tracking you. 

Thanks to the upgraded 1/1.28-inch sensors (over  1/2-inch sensors on the X4), the footage looks sharp, full of details, and great for a 360-degree camera. Recording in the 360-degree video mode is a better idea if you are with a group of people.

The Insta360 X5 can shoot 8K 30 fps and 5.7K 60 fps at the high end. That said, an 8K 360-degree footage means 4K resolution in-app video on your phone. I compared a few shots to the last-gen X4, and they were considerably better. It offers excellent dynamic range with more details in the clouds and more pleasing-looking blue skies. It can also record HDR footage without overprocessing your videos (in 8-bit and BT 709 color space instead of DCI-P3).

Also: My go-to camera setting for the smoothest phone videos. Just don’t abuse it

While I can get a better quality video on an Insta360 Ace Pro 2, the X5 gives me the flexibility to just turn the camera on and frame my shot later — without losing picture quality, which wasn’t possible in the past. Plus, it records clear audio, unless there’s strong wind. 

The whole editing process is very intuitive, too. I can simply connect the X5 to my phone, transfer footage within the app, and turn a standard-looking video into 360-degree footage with a pinch-out action. With just a few swipes and pinches, I can frame the shot to give me perspectives I could never imagine. The built-in transitions and effects make it easier than ever to edit my action camera footage. 

The Insta360 X5 is small and convenient to carry

The Insta360 X5 isn’t the smallest action camera around. It is much bigger than the likes of GoPro Hero 4K or the Insta360 Go 3s. However, for a 360 camera, it is still easy to carry. The slim form factor helps me store it conveniently in one of my bag’s small pockets. It also supports lens replacement now. So if you happen to break your Insta360 X5’s lens, you can replace it with a $30 replacement kit — instead of replacing the whole camera. 

Also: DJI’s ultralight wireless Mic 3 captures great audio – even in tricky situations

I recommend buying an extra battery since a single cell won’t last you for a whole day outdoors. Unfortunately, the Insta360 X4 battery isn’t compatible with the X5, so any old batteries lying around won’t work. Oh, and the new Insta360 action camera is now compatible with GoPro-style mounts, thanks to the new magnetic quick-release system. 

Overall, I love this camera for its ability to offer 360-degree footage without losing the sharpness and dynamic range of a regular action camera. From getting incredible event shots at the Galaxy Unpacked to making my Vietnam boat rides memorable, the Insta360 X5 has made everything better. If you are in the market for a 360 action camera, you should definitely consider the X5.