Insta360 X5 In-Depth Review (36 mins): The Truth Behind the Hype

We tested everything—tracking fast baseball action at Dodger Stadium, filming in extreme low-light rave conditions with lasers and fog machines, drone flights for 360 aerial video, battery and overheating tests, and more. You’ll see side-by-side footage, honest findings, and hidden issues most influencers won’t mention.

0:00 – Introduction
2:04 – Image Quality Comparison (X5 vs X4 vs Qoocam 3 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro)
6:29 – HDR Test – Is Insta360’s HDR actually HDR?
9:10 – Overheating & Battery Life Test – X5 vs Qoocam 3 Ultra in heat
11:14 – Low-Light Comparison – Studio, street, and concert testing
13:31 – PureVideo in a Rave – Lasers, fog machines, and chaotic lighting
16:54 – Stabilization Showdown – Drone, fast motion, and horizon lock
19:14 – Stitching Quality – Fusion angle, close-up objects, and horizon fixes
20:26 – 360 Photo Test – 72MP vs 96MP
21:28 – InstaFrame
22:21 – Bullet Time Test – Has anything actually improved?
23:00 – Design Changes
24:13 – Audio Test – New steel mesh wind guard vs ambient noise
26:08 – Lens Replacement Kit – Anti-scratch glass and field repairs
29:43 – Software Update Review – New features in Insta360 Studio
31:44 – 360 Video Editing for Vision Pro – Immersive video export made easy
32:33 – Final Verdict – The truth behind the hype

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[Update]
Real-world X5 8K 360 Sample for Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro:

FOLLOW ME & Kimchi:

[hughhou]

[Update] Real-world X5 8K 360 Sample for Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro:

[insta]

Probably the most in-depth X5 review we’ve seen! 🥳 Absolutely love the no-BS approach and how you lay out the facts. You’re not being harsh—you’re being honest. That’s integrity. Also, that RS One is GORGEOUS! 👀

[xumdeo]

Thank you Hugh for the honest un-sponsored review. I cannot imagine the amount of time you have put into this. It is very informative and would definitely help with my purchase decision.

[kancsirke]

The most thorough and unbiased review on this camera! Your review is always the most accurate from all other youtubers. As always the best and most reliable source. It is very informative and would definitely help with my purchase decision. Thank You!

[stevencarey]

When it comes to assessing new 360 cameras I basically ignore all of the other reviewers and wait for Hugh to post his in depth review. He’s the only one that does rigorous side by side comparisons of image quality with other cameras in a completely professional style. His reviews are clear, unbiased, and come from someone with enormous 360 video/photography experience. He’s the only one you should trust for your buying decisions.

[Xanthos]

Please never stop with your videos, you are one of the last real objective reviewers out there who ask the "annoying" questions for the companies. So awesome to watch!

[JerrySpark]

At last a reference image from an iPhone to be aware of expectations, very strong and brave move

[ODuduRocha]

Excellent video.
But I have my doubts between the final image quality between the x5 and the insta RS ONE1". Make a comparison there for us between the Insta360 X5 vs insta360 One RS 1". Isn't the one rs superior to the night? 🤔

[Bluth]

Congratulations on your Emmy Win! Wasn't aware yet😅🙏✨️

[emotionblur]

Likely the best review out there, thanks for sharing. Since I don't have any 360 camera yet, this is a no brainer for me. One question: my main use for the X5 would be 360 video (in view mode, for VR or 360 manual panning). How do you record surround audio (and equally important, play it) such that it's consistent with the video and where you're currently looking? Would the included 360 audio mode help in that sense?

[acena]

Hoping Insta360 adds support for Ambisonic Spatial Audio to its own editor. Hugh, keep producing content about Spatial Audio, especially alternatives to Adobe Premiere and Avid for audio finishing. Don't abandon the audio community! We're your fans. Congratulations!❤🎉

[andileqmusic]

You never disappoint, still the best reviewer of 360 cameras by far!
I cracked my X3 a while ago, & it still pains to see that little scratch ruin all my footage, maybe I should skip the X4 & raise funds for the X5.

[Chuubie]

15:04 the view of you with the x5 getting swarmed by dancing strangers 🤣🤣

[charlesineden]

Fantastic Review Hugh - thanks very much. Can you share the link for the drone mount please?

[RVillani]

5:31 The censorship on the dog cracked me up hard lmao

[ElScientifico]

As always, great in-depth review and breakdowns... Also, how did u get a selfie stick in Dodger stadium!?

[lewinSiko]

You are the most fun reviewer out here on YouTube !! I find your reviews very informative and fun to watch !

[espm]

Great review! Quick question, what setup do you use to mount the camera below the drone, and where to buy? Thanks! 😊

[ManolisNirgianakis]

Your review is always the most accurate from all other youtubers! Thanks a lot!!!

[znipernl]

Thanks for the great review! Detailed as always. 1 question: Is the One RS 1inch still better for (indoor) real estate photography?