Insta360 X5 vs X4 Air – which one is right for you?

Insta360 X5 or X4 Air – if you're facing this decision, you're already in the right league. Both are 8K 360° cameras – but they're built for different types of users.

Below you will find a blog article that you can (almost) directly integrate into your shop – including clear recommendations at the end.

X5 vs X4 Air in 30 seconds

Insta360 X5 – the right one for you if you…

• You want maximum image quality and low-light performance

• You shoot a lot in 8K and produce professionally/on a larger scale

• You need longer battery life and more reserves

• are willing to invest a little more money and weight

Insta360 X4 Air – the right one for you if you…

• you want to travel as light and compactly as possible

• You have price-performance ratio in mind

• travels a lot, does sports, or wants to "always have the camera with you".

• You want 8K and strong stabilization, but don't need absolute professional-level performance.

Technical specifications in comparison

Image quality & low-light: Who wins?

Sensor & Details

The X5, as a flagship model, is clearly designed for maximum image quality:

• Larger 1/1.28" sensor → more light, less noise, better dynamic range

• 72-megapixel photos → more leeway when cropping and for high-quality stills

The X4 Air uses 1/1.8" sensors – still powerful, but slightly smaller. However, it is significantly more compact and positioned at a lower price point.

Practical conclusion:

• Daytime / good light: Both deliver impressive 8K 360° videos.

• Low-light / City at night, Indoor, Stage:

  • The X5 has noticeably better reserves (larger sensor, professional modes like PureVideo & Log).

  • The X4 Air remains perfectly usable, but is more "consumer/prosumer" than "cinema".

If you regularly film in difficult lighting conditions or plan to do a lot of grading, the X5 is the safer choice.

Handling, size & battery life

Weight & Form Factor

• X5: approx. 200 g – still compact, but noticeably more “grown-up” body.

• X4 Air: only approx. 165 g – currently the lightest 8K 360° camera from Insta360, significantly smaller and lighter for everyday use.

For travel, vlogs, bicycle, helmet or gimbal mounting, the weight of the X4 Air immediately makes a positive difference.

Battery & runtime

• X5: 2400 mAh battery, up to over 3 hours of runtime in special endurance modes – perfect for long shooting days.

• X4 Air: 2010 mAh, up to about 88 minutes at 8K30 – solid, but clearly shorter

Especially during longer sessions (e.g., ski day, MTB tour, events), the X5 has an advantage – or you can simply plan for 1-2 spare batteries with the X4 Air.

Features & Workflows: What's under the hood?

Professional features (X5)

The X5 is clearly geared more towards creators and professionals:

• PureVideo mode for the best possible low-light performance

• I-Log for flexible color grading in editing

• Longer battery life for long takes or timelapses

For agencies, YouTubers, documentary and event filmmakers, this is invaluable – especially when material is incorporated into larger projects.

Smart Features (X4 Air)

The X4 Air adopts many features that Insta360 established with the X4 & X5, and focuses on comfort and everyday usability :

• AdaptiveTone: intelligent exposure handling across both lenses → better transitions and dynamics in the 360° image.

• Active HDR & Portrait mode – especially exciting for people shots and social content.

• User-replaceable lenses: Lenses can be easily replaced if damaged – great for outdoor and action sports.

• Twist to Shoot, Gesture & Voice Control: ideal when the camera is attached to a helmet, handlebars or selfie stick.

Both cameras naturally offer classic Insta360 features such as FlowState stabilization, 360° horizon lock, invisible selfie stick and a powerful app with AI-powered auto-editing.

Robustness & Outdoor Use

Good news: Both are waterproof to 15m right out of the box. So you don't need a separate dive case for rain, snowboarding, SUP or the pool.

The X4 Air also scores points with:

• particularly robust, replaceable lenses

• Focus on beginners and frequent users in everyday life who might bump the camera into something anywhere.

For more extreme scenarios (long shooting days, very cold environments, professional applications), the X5 with its battery ecosystem (spare batteries, weatherproof covers, etc.) is very attractive – and you already cover this world of accessories with your shop.

Price & value for money

Insta360 X5:

• Positioned as a flagship 360-cam

• The price is usually in the range of €550–600 (depending on the bundle and promotion).

Insta360 X4 Air:

• A significantly cheaper entry into the 8K 360 world

• Standard bundles usually cost around €350–400; currently partially discounted in your shop.

If budget is a major factor, the X4 Air is clearly the more attractive option – especially because you still get 8K-360, FlowState and a full Insta360 ecosystem.

Which camera is right for you? Specific scenarios

1. Vlogger & social media creator

• You film a lot in everyday life, on the go, while traveling, at events.

• You want spectacular 360° angles, an invisible selfie stick, and reframing for reels/shorts.

Recommendation:

• X4 Air , if you are very mobile, want to save weight and especially produce for social media.

• X5 if you also work seriously with color grading or are often out and about in difficult lighting situations.

2. Travelers, backpackers, outdoor adventurers

• Space and weight in the backpack are crucial.

• The camera should be barely noticeable on the helmet, pole, or backpack.

Recommendation:

• Definitely the X4 Air. Super lightweight, robust, interchangeable lenses, perfect for "always having with you".

3. Sports & Action (MTB, Skiing, Motorcycle, Cycling)

• You often mount the camera securely, for example on the handlebars or helmet.

• Long journeys, changing light, lots of movement.

Recommendation:

• The X4 Air is ideal if you primarily create content for social media and personal projects – its low weight is a huge advantage here.

• X5 if you are working professionally with the material (e.g., image films, sponsorships, TV contributions).

4. Professional Creators, Agencies, Film & Documentary

• You work with color grading, log profiles, and you have to deliver even in low light.

• Projects require consistent, high-quality footage.

Recommendation:

• X5 without a doubt. Larger sensor, better low-light performance, longer battery life, professional features – that's exactly what it's built for.

5. Beginners in 360° video

• You didn't have a 360-degree camera yet.

• You want good value for money without too much technological overkill.

Recommendation:

• X4 Air. It is precisely tailored to this target group: affordable, lightweight, extremely easy to use, yet 8K-capable.

Conclusion: Which one is right for you?

To sum it up in one sentence:

X5 = maximum quality & reserves.
X4 Air = maximum mobility & value for money.

• Are you a professional, semi-professional, or absolute quality freak who uses the material in larger productions, often shoots in low light, or needs maximum flexibility in grading → Insta360 X5 .

• Are you a beginner, frequent traveler, athlete, or primarily a social media creator looking for a lightweight, robust camera with a strong price-performance ratio? → The Insta360 X4 Air is your match.