Insta360 X5

The Insta360 X5 is the fifth generation of the company's flagship 360-degree action camera. Its most meaningful change is one that rarely makes headlines: replaceable lenses. For a camera whose bulging glass is its most vulnerable point, being able to swap out a scratched or cracked lens rather than ending a shoot is a genuinely practical upgrade. That will matter most to motorcyclists, cyclists, hikers and anyone else who films in places where knocks are inevitable.

Maximum 360-degree resolution stays at 8K, the same as the X4, so this is not a resolution upgrade. Instead, Insta360 has focused on everyday usability. Reviewers point to larger sensors for better low-light footage, longer battery life, a new 5.7K 60fps mode, tougher glass and improved audio. Voice and gesture controls round out the package. It's best suited to creators and adventure filmers who already value 360 capture and want a more forgiving, more capable tool. Ultralight travellers counting every gram may find it a harder sell.

Taken together, the X5 looks like a solid evolution aimed at the real-world frustrations of earlier models rather than chasing spec-sheet headlines. The replaceable lens design stands out as the most important change. Combined with more rugged glass, it directly addresses the biggest anxiety of owning a 360 camera. The improved low-light performance from larger sensors is the other key gain, since dim conditions have long been a weak spot for this category.

• Where it shines: durability and serviceability, low-light capture, and quality-of-life upgrades like battery life, a 5.7K 60fps mode, better sound, and voice and gesture control.
• Where it falls short: it's expensive, with reported prices of £519.99 and an MSRP of $549.99 depending on region. Lens guards that came in the X4's standard bundle now cost extra. 8K files are large, reviewers describe the app as cluttered, and it's on the heavy side for ultralight trips.

Owners of an X4 should note that the headline resolution hasn't changed, so the case for upgrading rests on low-light quality, lens replaceability and battery life. For newcomers, or anyone moving up from an older model, the X5 is an easy recommendation if the budget allows. Just factor in the accessories and storage you'll likely need on top of the camera itself.