Weighing 200 grams, the X5 is by no means a lightweight amongst action cameras, but it remains compact enough for use on the stern basket, on the cabin roof or on a selfie stick. The 2.5-inch display is bright and clear, and the swipe-based controls are easy to get to grips with. Naturally, the touchscreen is less reliable when your fingers are wet. In such cases, voice and gesture control, QuickCapture or the ‘Twist to Shoot’ function – where twisting the selfie stick starts the recording – come in handy.
High resolution, plenty of freedom
The two 1/1.28-inch sensors record 360-degree videos at up to 8K and 30 frames per second. 5.7K is possible at 60 frames per second, and 4K at as many as 120 frames per second. In single-lens mode, the X5 functions like a traditional wide-angle camera and delivers a maximum of 4K/60. Photos are captured at up to 72 megapixels.
However, the high 360-degree resolution should not be confused with a finished 8K film. It is spread across the entire sphere. If a standard 16:9 crop is selected from this, correspondingly less footage remains. Nevertheless, the footage offers sufficient headroom for crisp 4K sequences and moderate zooms. Shrouds, sheets and sail battens are clearly visible in good light. Splash, however, on one of the strongly curved lenses is immediately noticeable and can impair entire sequences. A soft, handy cloth is therefore an essential part of the on-board kit.
The freedom offered during post-production is particularly impressive. A single shot can show the bowman first, then the helmsman, and finally the wake. FlowState stabilisation and 360-degree horizon levelling keep the image remarkably steady, even when the boat is listing and in choppy seas. The result looks less like footage from a camera mounted on the boat and more like the flight of a small, hovering camera drone.
Active HDR helps with the contrasts typical of yachts, such as white sails, a dark cockpit and a glistening water surface. In low light, PureVideo mode kicks in. It delivers noticeably smoother footage during the blue hour, under the awning or in the dimly lit saloon, but cannot fully compensate for the lack of light. InstaFrame is a handy feature: the camera simultaneously saves an automatically framed horizontal video and the full 360-degree footage. This means a ready-to-use result is immediately available for quick social media clips, whilst the more elaborate version can be edited later.
Insta360 X5 with long battery life
The X5 is waterproof to 15 metres in accordance with IPX8 and can withstand rain, splashing water and submersion – provided the battery and USB covers are clean and fully locked. However, following contact with salt water, the manufacturer recommends rinsing the device thoroughly with fresh water. The covers should only be opened once the device has dried completely. Clip-on lens protectors are not suitable for use in wet conditions, as moisture can get underneath them and cause the lens to mist up.
Interchangeable lenses represent a significant step forward. The exposed hemispheres remain the most vulnerable part of any 360-degree camera; on board, even contact with a shackle or a winch is enough to cause damage. With the X5, a scratched lens does not necessarily mean a trip to the workshop. However, the lens should be changed in a dry, dust-free environment – the cockpit is not really suitable for this.
According to the manufacturer, the 2400 mAh battery lasts for up to 185 minutes in endurance mode at 5.7K/24. In practice, the battery life depends heavily on resolution, screen usage, temperature and wireless connection. Using USB-C and a suitable mains adaptor, the battery can be charged to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes. For a full day of racing, however, it is still advisable to have a spare battery and, more importantly, a second memory card.
Insta360 accessories on deck
The 114-centimetre-long Invisible Selfie Stick It costs 29.99 euros and is your most important companion. It is automatically removed from the 360-degree image. When held from the cockpit, this creates unusual external perspectives; when held from the stern, the shots are almost drone-like. However, when fully extended, the lightweight pole creates significant leverage in windy conditions and when the boat is moving. Insta360 itself does not recommend it for fast-paced or particularly demanding action shots. On board, it should therefore always be secured with a safety lanyard and, in strong winds, should only be partially extended.
The X5 Lens Cap may be unspectacular, but it is indispensable. The soft cap protects both curved lenses when stowed and also fits over fitted standard or premium lens protectors. Anyone who sets their camera down on the cockpit bench or chart table between manoeuvres should make a habit of using the cap.
The Electric suction cup mount opens up exciting fixed camera angles. An electric pump generates the vacuum, whilst a sensor automatically monitors the grip; the manufacturer states a running time of up to 120 hours. On clean, smooth gelcoat or a flat cabin window, the camera can be precisely aligned using the double ball head. On anti-slip surfaces, curved surfaces and wet, salt-encrusted surfaces, however, a suction cup is of no use. As the mount is primarily designed for vehicles, an additional safety line is essential on board.
For taking photos from a dinghy, whilst swimming or during an anchoring manoeuvre, the Floating Hand Grip The perfect solution for just 9 euros. The non-slip grip provides a more secure hold when your hands are wet and keeps the mounted X5 afloat should it go overboard. However, it is no substitute for a wrist strap.
Video: The Insta360 X5 in action
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Conclusion
The Insta360 X5 is not a camera for purists who want to use their footage straight away without any post-production. 360-degree videos require storage space, processing power and a bit of time to edit. However, if you’re prepared to put in the effort, you’ll get one of the most versatile on-board cameras around. It rarely misses a manoeuvre, stabilises the footage impressively and offers perspectives that would otherwise require multiple cameras. On top of that, the image quality is outstanding. The price is 589.99 euros, which places the X5 at the top end of the high-end action camera market. A selfie stick, lens cap and floating grip are all part of a sensible basic kit. The electric suction cup is an exciting piece of specialist kit – though at sea, it should only be used on a suitable surface and with a double safety measure in place.
Which action camera do you use on board – and how do you protect it from being lost?
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT