I never took 360 cameras seriously. That is, unless I started spending more in my free time skiing and snobwarding. My social media feeds are submerged with videos of people using these cameras for the same purpose. And marketing worked. I hit a corn in this adjoining link, found myself a new 360 camera last year, and never looked back. I was bent.
And once Insta 360 arrived to tell me about the new X5, I was ready for another adventure. I traveled back to Taho to test the new action camera, test its new major sensors at my most familiar residence, and see how the new microphone housing deals with the air.
The new X5 X4 can get from 100fps to 4K footage from 120fps. And like the model before, it can also film up to 30 frames per second in 8K, or 60 frames per second in 5.7K.
As always, the biggest jump in image quality comes from new big sensors and new image processing. Both of these factors contribute to the better quality of the image. This is impressive. The footage looks significantly sharp, and the colors are visible. I was surprised to see such a big difference between the two cameras.
All these additional details are very easy in post production. I can increase, increase and manipulate the footage before the quality is reduced. When using X4, I often found that it would be dark in the sky. This problem has gone closely with the X5.
X5 has a new form in microphone housing. Instead of a microphone hole, now is a built -in windscreen. The purpose is to eliminate the sounds of the air and get more explanation from your videos. He did a good job in my tests while skiing the mountain. People who use these cameras on motorcycles will be happy to hear more engine sounds instead of air noise.
As I said earlier, I mostly use these camera for action sports or only to get specific shots through 360 cameras. But now and then, I try to use it using something else, and go frustrated. For example, I brought X4 to the CES this year, and used it to film the show floor. There was a lot of noise in the footage, and stability could not be maintained, causing my clips to lose.
Insta 360 is trying to fix it with a new mood called Purevio. This is the same mode introduced in their ACE Pro cameras.
It prevents post processing. Low light footage is clearly visible with low noise and panchair color and vice versa. I have tested it in many different scenarios, and each time it performed better than ordinary video mode. This is an improvement compared to the X4 and it opens more likely to the camera.
Finally, the X5 can film. People who want more control over the footage that are dyed in post editing will be very excited. However, it only works in active HDR for some reason. And for those who make a film in HDR mode, the good news is that it can now make a movie at 5.7K up to 30 FPS, not 30 FPS, which is a limit on X3 and X4.
There is also another new filmmaking mood. It is called Insta Frame and it allows you to record yourself and 360 videos simultaneously auto -framed “flat” video. You can share a flat video quickly and have a 360 degree video for later editing.
And it’s near. At least when it comes to image quality performance, but here are some other new things that are worth the passage.
To be repaired earlier. Insta -360 made it easier to change its damaged lenses by allowing himself to change. . 29.99 You can get a lens replacing kit, which includes the same lens, removal device, brush and some accessories such as lens clothes, wipes and gloves. The exchange itself is very straightforward. I read the instructions once and five minutes, I turned my damaged lens for a new shiny.
I am very happy about this change. If you have ever tried to use the Lens Guards to protect the camera, you will know how they reduce your footage. This type of feature also allows you to take more risks.
In some ways, battery life has been improved .. When you film in 8K30FPS and filmmakers at 5.7k30Fps in the same 135 minute run time, you get about 8 minutes (83 minutes) on the same charge. However, batteries are significantly charged this year. It takes 20 minutes to reach 80 % over the X4, but it comes to the price. The battery is re -designed a bit, so you will not be able to use your old in this model. Although I am happy that year -to -year improvement, Insta 360 batteries were already very good and not necessarily an update. Every year new batteries only increase environmental costs and just mean I have to spend more on new.
And if you do, Insta 360 also says that glasses on these lenses are stronger than ever. For example, you will not need an alternative kit. I got a small scratch on my review unit, but it is so minor that it did not appear in any of my clips.
Finally, the Insta 360 mobile app has been improved to simplify the editing process. I am still trying to make it a habit and there are many insects that still need squashing. Some icons are not labeled and features are sometimes not available when they should be. I am also able to export videos to 30 FPS for some reason. I have to spend some more time with it.
Insta 360 x5 is an excellent camera of 360 in the market without any competition. A new 360 camera has recently been rumored by the DJI. Meanwhile, it is expected that Gopro will issue a version this year. There are two sectors where those companies can distinguish.
The first is its weight and overall image. Both X4 and X5 are slightly and heavy than their predecessors, and sometimes I feel that after increased use, especially on my helmet. A small 360 camera will be forced.
The second area is price. The X5 price is 50 to 550, $ 50 more, which brings it $ 100 more than X3. If you are considering an upgrade, I suggest that you need the most from 360 camera. If the image quality is top in your list, then upgrade to the X5, you won’t regret it. And if the price tag is leaving you behind, wait a little, I’m sure you will soon have an affiliate link.