Updated and detailed review links for the Insta360 X5 camera can be found here :
Insta360 posted a teaser trailer for a new camera that will be released on April 22, 2025! (Yes it’s a camera – not just a software update or an accessory.) I’ve actually been testing it for the past month and I’m really excited for you guys to see it. I’m still under NDA (nondisclosure agreement) but here are 6 hints I can share about it.
You should definitely not miss this camera. Watch my unsponsored and unbiased review on April 22, 2025! If you have any questions, pls post in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them here or in the review.
Semantics… When a hotel donates rooms for an event, they are called a lodging sponsor. If you received hardware for free, that is a hardware sponsor. Still not sure why the video folks say they are not sponsored when someone provides them hardware.
I understand your perspective. Practically, if my video is sponsored, then the company has the chance to review the video before publishing and can request changes to the content. If I get a sample from them but they don’t pay me a sponsorship, I can say anything I want about the camera. I chose the latter because I want complete freedom to say what I really think. Do you really find no distinction between the two? If everyone thought like you, maybe I should just accept payment from camera companies and use the money for my kids’ education…
C’mon man. I love your reviews and enthusiasm but if you think getting free hardware worth hundreds of dollars is not sponsorship, it’s hard to trust your objectivity. They are giving you free hardware and other perks so that they can push your objectivity line – because deep down, you know that if you trash them too hard, these freebies and perks will stop.
I understand your perspective. One thing that’s different about me vs other reviewers is that this isn’t my day job. It’s just a “hobby” for me. I do this not for money but because I think 360 is really better for people. That’s why I haven’t posted about many recent Insta360 or Kandao sales as often because I really don’t need the money.
As for getting gear, they’re sending me hundreds of dollars of gear versus me spending thousands of dollars of my time shooting and editing (and buying shooting gear). Last year I had a net loss of -5k on my tax return, and I didn’t even pay myself a salary. If I paid myself minimum wage then I would be even deeper in the red. So no I wouldn’t do this for money.
As for whether the equipment is the same as sponsorship, practically speaking, if my video is sponsored, then the company has the chance to review the video before publishing and can request changes to the content. If I get a sample from them but they don’t pay me a sponsorship, I can say anything I want about the camera. I chose the latter because I want complete freedom to say what I really think. Do you really find no distinction between the two? If everyone thought like you, maybe I should just accept payment from camera companies and use the money for my kids’ education…? What do you think?
I agree with you Allen, if you don’t have to return the hardware they give you, it’s obviously something valuable they are giving you. In this case, it’s several hundred dollars.
That’s an ethics problem and also saying “unbiased unsponsored review” is misleading, sorry Mic!
Should i sell my X3 ASAP?
In your opinion Is the still image quality and resolution improved? I am hoping for a larger sensor and something beyond a consumer camera.
Looks to me that low-light performance is going to be a key feature of the new camera. The X4 was great in good light but suffered from poor low-light performance. If it’s as good as the preview suggests, I will be picking up an X5.
First of all: thank you for sharing! Most important for me would be an upgrade for my 1-Inch 360 Edition in terms of resolution. Perfect for me would be merging the X4 with the 1-inch 😎 maybe with a completely new sensor.
I understand, but when I tested the X4 and RS 1 inch, I found the X4 to have better video quality. So I think RS 1 inch has already been superseded.
hi. and i wanted to buy x4. now i think i’ll wait
Yes for sure – it’s better to wait!
Hi! As of today, if you were me… would you buy the onex4 or wait to see what happens on the 22nd of April? My onex2 has given it all, I need a replacement
I would DEFINITELY wait then you can decide which one is for you.
If anyone wants the full specs, it’s on Amazon.ca
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0caGrF4ED7shMw2VqBtf-7ayg
So the X5 has 1/1.29” sensors (same size as IPhone 16 Pro main sensor, for reference- or 29% smaller than a 1inch sensor like the Osmo Pocket 3), vs 1/2” on X4.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0F5MYCH12
Quite clear 🙂
I would like to know if it has built-in GPS
The leaked specs look very good. I’m wondering how much longer i should wait for the DJI Osmo 360.
My last Insta360 died after the official dive case leaked and salt water destroyed the camera. Insta360 has not been very forthcoming about the issue.
With DJI on the other hand i’ve had a stellar customer service experience. Unless there is a killer deal upon the Insta360 X5 release, i think i’ll wait another month or so for the Osmo 360.
The X5 is here. Mike, can you do a comparison of the video and photo between the X5 and One RS 1-inch? I like to know how it is in night environment. Thank you!