Insta360 X5 vs. X6: Comparing Action Cameras
Buy a Camera or Upgrade to a Bundle
Insta360 Camera Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Insta360 X5 | Insta360 X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99 | $699.99 |
| Sensor | Dual 1/1.28" sensors | Dual 1/1.1" sensors |
| Battery Life | 88 minutes | Up to 140 minutes |
| 360° Photo | 72MP | 120MP |
| Max 360° Video | 8K30/fps | 8K50/fps |
| Display | 2.5" touchscreen | 2.32" OLED touchscreen |
| Storage | External SSD only | 47GB built-in storage plus SSD |
| Dolby Vision Support | No | Yes |
Consider Your Camera Budget
There's a considerable difference between the price of the X5 and the newer X6. Currently, the X5 retails for $549.99, while the X6 retails for $699.99. Neither of these cameras are entry-level models for casual users, but if you're considering spending $700 on a camera, it needs to be worth it. The X6 is currently Insta360's flagship model, and there are significant upgrades over the Insta360 X5. Of course, that doesn't automatically make it "better." If you just don't want to spend that much on a camera, the X5 still might have what you're looking for.
Comparing Camera Quality: Stills & Video
The X5 definitely takes great action shots, with dual 1/1.28" sensors to help capture more light than their predecessor. Notably, the X6 features bigger camera sensors (two 1/1.1" CMOS sensors), which further improves the X6's low-light performance. The X5 made waves with its replaceable lenses; those are present on the X6, with improved scratch resistance. Again, this is not to say that the X5 is bad; it just depends on your needs. If you use an action camera for your job, for example, of course you'll want to invest in the best image quality possible.
In terms of shooting video, the X5 shoots 360° video at up to 8K at 30fps, while the X6 can shoot up to 8K at 50fps for smoother, clearer video; this improvement from 30fps to 50 fps is especially important for fast-paced scenes, which makes it a notable upgrade on an action camera. We should note that many phones currently on the market can't edit 8K video, so keep that in mind as you shop. Another first on the X6 is native in-camera Dolby Vision, which makes it a significant upgrade for those using their action camera for professional use; it's Insta360's first camera to add this feature. Once again, X6 wins this round with improvements to existing features and the introduction of great new ones, too.
Editing Abilities
One of the cooler features about the Insta360 X-series cameras is the on-camera editing abilities. The X5 features AI Frame, which chooses the best shots you filmed and highlights them, so you don't have to manually frame them. If you're looking for more robust editing on the X5, though, you'll have to use the Insta360 app, which offers features like Auto Edit. Again, this is an instance where the X6 takes a good feature on the X5 and improves it. X6 offers AI-assisted Auto Edit 2.0, which handles framing, cuts, music and transitions once you pick your favorite clips from a particular adventure;. There's also AI Director, which builds a highlight reel while your camera charges, pushing those clips to the Insta360 app.
Audio Improvements
Shooting outdoors and recording fast-paced action gets noisy. That's why the X5 features a mesh Wind Guard and special audio algorithms designed to silence wind noise. But once again, the X6 takes this feature to the next level, with new 360 windproof microphones to capture clearer sound than ever; for added audio enhancement, the new Hidden Engine Mic further reduces wind noise specifically for motorcycle riders. You may be noticing a pattern: the X5 has a good feature, and the X6 upgrades that feature. Either way, both are designed to specifically respond to the challenges of action and sport photography.
Battery Life
When you're capturing footage out and about, long-lasting battery life is important; after all, you don't have easy access to an outlet. Insta360 X5 offers 88 minutes of battery at 8K/30fps, while the Insta360 X6 offers 140 minutes at 8K/30fps. The X5 supports fast charging, going from 0 to 80% in 20 minutes, while the X6's more powerful 2600 mAh battery charges from 0 to 80% in just 24 minutes; so even if you forgot to charge your camera the night before, both action cams make it easy to hit the slopes or get out on the water on time.
Storage Capacity
The storage potential of each camera is one of the most significant differences to consider. The Insta360 X6 features 47GB of built-in storage, the first of the X-series cameras to have this feature. You also have the option of additional microSD storage. The X5 doesn't have any internal storage and thus requires an additional purchase of a microSD card or portable SSD. We've already discussed the price difference between these cameras; if you have to invest in a microSD card with a good amount of storage, that $549.99 starts to get closer to the X6's $699.99 price tag. There's also the not-insignificant addition of convenience; the X6 is ready to shoot out of the box, while the X5 is not.
Design & Durability
The X5 measures 4.9" x 1.8" x 1.5" and features a 2.5" color touchscreen display. The X6 is smaller, which makes its touchscreen slightly smaller at 2.32"; it also gets a design upgrade via ultra-bright OLED resolution and an always-on display. This upgrade makes it easier to see in bright sunlight, which feels particularly important for an action camera. The Insta360 X5 and X6 both have an IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, making them equally durable. If you're looking for added durability, Insta360 sells accessories (sold separately) like the Dive Case and Dive Case Pro for underwater photography.
Insta360 X5 vs. Insta360 X6: Which Should You Get?
At this point, we've established that both of these cameras are capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in active settings. So, how do you choose? Outside of budget constraints, think of the X5 as good, and the X6 as great. The camera and battery improvements, as well as the addition of built-in storage, make it one of the best action cameras. We say the Insta360 X6 is worth the splurge. If you still have questions about either camera, Abt's tech experts can help at 800-860-3577.
Insta360 X5 vs. X6 FAQs
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Yes, especially if you're looking for a best-in-class action camera, or if you need an action camera for your job.
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Yes, the Insta360 X6 is IP68 waterproof up to 20m.
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Yes, the Insta360 X5 is IP68 waterproof up to 15m.
