Beyond the Horizon: Insta360 X5 vs. DJI Osmo 360 – The Ultimate 8K Showdown for Your Wallet

I have been using a GoPro Black 10 for the last 4 years, and I think it’s time for an upgrade. I’m in the market for a 360 action camera. Currently, I’m Pro Insta360 X5 and with the DJI 360 OSMO making noise, I thought I would do a deep dive to see which one is best. I did not include GoPro in this comparison, as they have yet to come up with something new. Let’s go.

The world of 360-degree cameras has never been more exciting, with cutting-edge technology allowing creators to capture immersive experiences like never before.

But as two titans, Insta360 and DJI, clash in the high-stakes 8K arena, choosing the right camera for adventures and budgets can feel like navigating a labyrinth.

This analysis puts the acclaimed Insta360 X5 head-to-head against DJI’s ambitious new Osmo 360 to uncover which one truly offers the best value for money.

Summary

This report provides an in-depth comparison between the Insta360 X5 and the DJI Osmo 360, two leading 8K 360-degree cameras. It analyzes their core specifications, including image and video quality, stabilization, battery life, storage, audio, software, and user experience.

A detailed value-for-money assessment, including pricing and accessory bundles, helps determine which camera offers superior performance and features for its cost. The report concludes with a recommendation tailored to different user priorities.

Introduction: The Ultimate 360 Camera Showdown

The 360 camera market is undergoing rapid evolution, transitioning from a niche tool to a powerful instrument for action sports enthusiasts, vloggers, and professional content creators. The capacity to capture every angle simultaneously and reframe footage in post-production offers unparalleled creative freedom. This capability is increasingly vital for dynamic storytelling and immersive content creation.

Insta360 has long maintained a dominant position in this sector, particularly with its highly popular X-series, now spearheaded by the Insta360 X5. DJI, a recognized powerhouse in the drone and action camera industries, has recently made its official entry into the dedicated 360 camera space with its highly anticipated Osmo 360. This head-to-head competition is therefore of significant interest to anyone considering an investment in a top-tier 360 camera.

The objective of this analysis is to dissect the technical specifications, evaluate real-world performance, and assess the overall user experience of both the Insta360 X5 and the DJI Osmo 360. This comprehensive examination aims to provide an informed basis for decision-making, guiding potential buyers toward the camera that delivers the optimal value for their specific requirements.

Feature Face-Off: Insta360 X5 vs. DJI Osmo 360

The Contenders: A Quick Look

The Insta360 X5 is positioned as Insta360’s “Flagship 8K 360º Action Camera”. It is marketed as an “all-day, all angles” device, emphasizing superior image quality and robust durability, notably featuring replaceable lenses. The camera incorporates dual 1/1.28″ sensors and a triple AI chip system to enhance its performance. It supports 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) for 360 video capture and captures 72MP 360 photos.

The DJI Osmo 360 represents DJI’s formal entry into the dedicated 360 camera market, directly challenging Insta360’s established presence. It is engineered with “pro-level creators and adventurous storytellers” in mind. Key attributes include innovative 1-inch square HDR sensors, native 8K/30fps and a higher 8K/50fps for 360-degree video, and impressive 120MP stills. A notable distinction of the Osmo 360 is its inclusion of substantial built-in storage.

The following table provides a direct, side-by-side comparison of the most critical technical specifications for both cameras. For individuals making a purchasing decision, quickly scanning these metrics allows for immediate identification of key differences in performance capabilities, sensor technology, and practical features such as storage and lens design. This format distills complex data into an easily digestible overview, highlighting the areas where each camera demonstrates its strengths or limitations numerically.

Image & Video Quality: The Pixel Powerhouses

Both cameras offer impressive 8K 360-degree video, establishing a new benchmark for immersive content. The Insta360 X5 records 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) and 5.7K at 60fps, providing high-resolution and smooth capture options.

The DJI Osmo 360 matches the 8K/30fps capability but significantly elevates performance by offering 8K at 50fps. This higher frame rate is a critical distinguishing factor, enabling smoother footage, particularly when re-framing or creating slow-motion effects for 25fps or 30fps timelines, which is essential for professional video production standards.

For single-lens mode, the X5 provides 4K60fps, while the Osmo 360 delivers 5K60fps and a “Boost Video” mode at 4K120fps with a wide 170° field of view.

Regarding sensor technology, the Insta360 X5 is equipped with dual 1/1.28″ sensors. In contrast, the DJI Osmo 360 boasts “1-inch square HDR sensors”, which are functionally equivalent to 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors.

This distinctive square sensor design allows for a greater proportion of the sensor to be utilized—specifically, “25 percent more of the sensor to be used” compared to rival models employing rectangular chips. This design inherently boosts light intake and significantly enhances low-light performance.

The Osmo 360’s native 8K pixel size of 2.4μm is also reported to be “twice that of the X5,” which directly translates to superior light gathering capabilities. This larger pixel size and innovative square sensor geometry are fundamental engineering advantages that allow more photons to be captured.

The result is cleaner, more detailed footage, especially in challenging lighting conditions, providing a substantial enhancement to image quality for users filming in diverse environments.

In terms of color depth and log profiles, the DJI Osmo 360 supports 10-bit D-LogM recording. This feature provides access to over a billion color variations and a flatter profile, which is crucial for maximizing flexibility during post-production color grading. The Insta360 X5, conversely, utilizes an 8-bit I-Log profile.

The distinction between 8-bit and 10-bit color, along with the choice of log profile, profoundly impacts post-production capabilities. 10-bit recording captures significantly more color information, which reduces the likelihood of color banding and allows for more aggressive color grading without introducing artifacts.

A flat log profile, such as D-LogM, preserves a wider dynamic range, which is particularly vital for high-contrast scenes. This indicates that DJI is targeting professional videographers and serious content creators who demand greater control over their footage in post-production, positioning the DJI Osmo 360 as a potentially more “future-proof” or “pro-ready” option for those integrating 360 footage into a larger, color-managed workflow.

Stabilization & Durability: Built for Adventure

Both cameras incorporate advanced electronic image stabilization systems. Insta360 utilizes its proprietary FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock technologies, designed to maintain smooth and level footage even in dynamic environments.

DJI, in turn, employs RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady. In its 360° mode, HorizonSteady specifically corrects for shake and horizontal tilt across all directions, ensuring stable capture. However, one review noted that while the DJI Osmo 360’s low-light performance was generally strong, its digital stabilization could become “problematic when shooting at night, showing signs of pixelation and video tearing due to motion blur”.

This observation highlights a standard limitation of digital stabilization systems, which can struggle to compensate effectively in very low light conditions due to increased noise and longer exposure times. A significant practical difference between the two cameras lies in their lens design and replaceability.

The Insta360 X5 features a “new replaceable lens design”. This is a substantial advantage for an action camera, as scratched or damaged lenses can be easily swapped out, preventing the entire camera from being rendered unusable or requiring costly professional repairs. The X5 also incorporates an “ultra-hard optical film” to enhance its drop resistance, further contributing to its ruggedness.

In stark contrast, the lenses on the DJI Osmo 360 are not replaceable. While DJI’s sensor technology offers superior low-light image quality, the non-replaceable lenses on the Osmo 360 present a critical long-term durability and repair cost risk for an action camera.

This design choice by DJI appears to contradict the “adventure-ready” ethos often associated with action cameras, making Insta360’s X5 a more practical and potentially more cost-effective option for users who frequently expose their camera to high-risk environments where lens damage is a common occurrence.

For users who prioritize the longevity and repairability of their gear, the ability to simply replace a damaged lens on the Insta360 X5 offers significant peace of mind. It reduces the potential for a complete camera write-off.

Both cameras are built to withstand challenging environmental conditions. The Insta360 X5 is natively waterproof to a depth of 49 feet (15 meters) without an additional case. The DJI Osmo 360 is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) and carries an IP68 rating.

Although DJI notes that image distortion may occur underwater due to its convex lenses, the Osmo 360 is designed to perform in extreme temperatures, capable of operating in conditions as low as -4°F (-20°C). The Insta360 X5 also shares this cold-weather capability, operating down to -4°F (-20°C).

Battery Life & Storage: Powering Your Creativity

Battery performance is a crucial factor for action cameras designed for extended use. The Insta360 X5 is equipped with a 2400mAh battery and boasts a claimed runtime of 185 minutes when recording at 5.7K24fps in Endurance Mode.

For 8K25fps recording, it offers approximately 102 minutes of operation, or 88 minutes according to another source. The DJI Osmo 360, with its 1950mAh battery, claims an impressive 100 minutes of 8K/30fps recording on a single charge.

This can be further extended to a substantial 180 minutes with the optional Battery Extension Rod. Additionally, the Osmo 360 supports fast charging, capable of reaching 50% battery capacity in just 12 minutes. However, while the DJI Osmo 360 advertises strong battery life, especially with its extension rod, a critical review noted that overheating issues were encountered during 8K recording, even with external cooling applied.

This observation suggests that the impressive theoretical battery life for high-resolution capture might be practically limited by thermal management in real-world, sustained use, potentially negating its advantage for long, continuous 8K shoots in specific environments. This means that while the battery capacity is high, the camera’s ability to utilize that capacity for extended high-resolution recording without interruption could be compromised by heat.

In terms of storage, the Insta360 X5 relies exclusively on a microSD card for data storage, supporting capacities up to 1 TB. In contrast, the DJI Osmo 360 distinguishes itself by offering 105GB of usable built-in internal storage (from a total of 128GB), in addition to a microSD card slot. The inclusion of substantial built-in storage in the DJI Osmo 360 provides a significant advantage in user convenience and reliability.

It ensures that users are “always ready to create” without the need to purchase or remember to bring a microSD card. This feature significantly reduces a common point of friction for action camera users and provides a valuable backup in situations where external storage might be full or unavailable.

This capability enhances the “grab-and-go” nature of an action camera, making it more immediately usable out of the box and providing a safety net for unexpected shooting opportunities.

Audio & Connectivity: Sound and Seamlessness

Both cameras offer robust audio capture capabilities. The Insta360 X5 incorporates an “all-new Wind Guard with steel mesh” and an upgraded audio algorithm designed to deliver clearer audio, even in challenging conditions such as cycling or motorcycling.

It is equipped with four microphones for comprehensive sound capture. The DJI Osmo 360 also features four built-in microphones, providing immersive stereo sound and advanced wind noise reduction.

One review highlighted that while the X5’s wind reduction is outstanding, the Osmo 360’s audio “more often picks up the growl of the exhaust note,” which some users may prefer for capturing specific ambient sounds. For external microphone support, the Insta360 X5 facilitates connection via a dedicated Mic Adapter.

The DJI Osmo 360 offers a unique and streamlined advantage with its DJI OsmoAudio system, which allows for direct connection of two DJI Mic transmitters without the need for an additional receiver. This direct integration simplifies the setup for professional audio capture, reducing clutter and potential points of failure.

In terms of wireless connectivity, both cameras support Wi-Fi for fast file transfer and app control. The Insta360 X5 utilizes 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, while the DJI Osmo 360 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6.0 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) standard. DJI claims wireless transfer speeds of up to 90 MB/s.

Both devices also support Bluetooth for remote control and data transfer, with Insta360 X5 using BLE 5.2 and DJI Osmo 360 using BLE 5.1. Notably, the DJI Osmo 360 also supports Bluetooth headset audio capture and control, adding another layer of convenience for hands-free operation.

Software & User Experience: Beyond the Hardware

Both manufacturers provide comprehensive software ecosystems to complement their hardware. Insta360 offers its intuitive mobile application alongside the Insta360 Studio desktop software for editing. The mobile app has received commendation for its “buttery smooth” performance and ease of use, with reports indicating “no bugs or crashes” during operation.

DJI provides the DJI Mimo mobile application and the more advanced DJI Studio desktop software, which also includes Premiere plugins for professional users. The Mimo app is described as having a slightly more “professional” feel. 

In terms of AI features and editing workflow, Insta360’s app incorporates AI-powered reframing tools, Snap Wizard, and Shot Lab effects such as starlapse and cinelapse, as well as InstaFrame for automatic subject tracking. DJI offers GyroFrame and Intelligent Tracking capabilities to follow subjects.

Its Editing Assistant can automatically detect camera orientation for selfie views, streamlining the editing process. However, one review noted that the DJI app, while powerful, might not have “as much AI in the apps as some brands” and that subject tracking can be “a little irritating to apply”.

A significant practical hurdle and potential security concern for a segment of users is the requirement to “side-load” the DJI Mimo app on Android devices. This means bypassing official app stores, which can be perceived as a security risk or simply be an unfamiliar process for many users.

This creates a notable barrier to entry and ongoing usability for a large portion of the smartphone market, potentially limiting the camera’s appeal and ease of use for Android users and giving Insta360 a broader, more frictionless user base due to its seamless app store availability.

Both cameras offer versatile control options. They support voice control and gesture control, enabling hands-free operation. Both also feature responsive touchscreens for direct interaction (Insta360 X4: 2.51”; DJI Osmo 360: 2.0-inch OLED ).

Value for Money Breakdown: Which Camera Wins Your Wallet?

Pricing Overview

Both the Insta360 X5 Standard Bundle and the DJI Osmo 360 Standard Combo are priced competitively at $549.99. This identical pricing strategy indicates a direct challenge from DJI to Insta360’s established market position, aiming to compete head-on for consumer attention.

The DJI Osmo 360 also offers an Adventure Combo for $699.99, which includes additional accessories such as an invisible selfie stick and a multifunctional battery case.

Insta360, similarly, provides various bundles at different price points, such as the Essentials Bundle ($659.99) or the Starter Bundle ($599.99), which include extra batteries and selfie sticks.

These bundling strategies allow consumers to choose a package that best suits their initial needs and budget for accessories.

Availability

A critical factor in determining a product’s value is its availability. While the DJI Osmo 360 is available in European markets (e.g., €480 for the Standard Combo, €630 for the Adventure Combo), it is notably not immediately available for sale in the US market through official DJI channels, with no estimated timeline for its release.

This significant limitation in US availability creates a major barrier to purchase for a key consumer base. Despite matching the Insta360 X5’s price point to challenge its market dominance directly, DJI’s inability to officially sell the Osmo 360 in the US means that, for many potential buyers, the DJI Osmo 360 offers zero value if it cannot be acquired.

This practical constraint effectively gives Insta360 a de facto advantage through sheer market presence and immediate accessibility for US consumers. A camera, no matter how technologically advanced or competitively priced, provides no utility if it is not obtainable.

The following table provides a direct financial comparison, which is a core component of evaluating “best value for money.” It allows for a quick understanding of base prices and how accessory bundles influence the total investment, helping readers budget and understand what is included in each package.

This table also highlights the differing bundling strategies employed by each brand.

The Verdict: Our Top Recommendation

Summarizing Strengths of Each Camera

The DJI Osmo 360 demonstrates several compelling strengths. It offers superior image quality, particularly in low light and high-contrast situations, attributed to its larger, square sensors and 2.4μm pixels. It’s a higher 8K frame rate (50fps) that provides greater flexibility for smoother footage and slow-motion effects.

The inclusion of 10-bit D-LogM recording is a significant advantage for professional color grading. Furthermore, its substantial built-in storage and direct integration with DJI Mic transmitters streamline the workflow for creators.

The Insta360 X5 also presents a strong case with its own set of advantages. Its replaceable lenses are a critical feature for enhanced durability and repairability in action scenarios, significantly reducing the risk of costly damage.

The mobile application associated with the X5 is noted for its robust and bug-free user experience. The camera also excels in strong wind noise reduction capabilities.

Crucially, its immediate availability in key markets, such as the US, provides a practical advantage.

Addressing the “Best Value for Money” Question

The determination of “best value” is inherently subjective, heavily dependent on individual user priorities and geographic location.

For the Professional Creator or Image Quality Purist (where available): The DJI Osmo 360 arguably offers superior raw image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and more professional-grade video features such as 8K/50fps and 10-bit D-LogM. Its built-in storage and direct microphone integration are also significant workflow advantages.

If maximum image fidelity and a robust post-production workflow are paramount, and the camera can be acquired, the DJI Osmo 360 is a highly compelling choice.

For the Adventurous User or Everyday Creator: The Insta360 X5 presents a more practical and accessible value proposition. Its replaceable lenses are a transformative feature for an action camera, substantially mitigating the risk of expensive damage and extending the camera’s usable life. Its strong application experience and immediate availability contribute to a hassle-free ownership experience.

While its low-light performance might be marginally behind DJI’s offering, it still delivers excellent 8K footage and a highly versatile 360 experience that is readily accessible.

Recommendation based on different user priorities:

If immediate acquisition in the US market is a priority, the Insta360 X5 is the unequivocal choice. DJI’s lack of official US availability for the Osmo 360 means that, regardless of its features, the product offers no value if it cannot be purchased. 

If ultimate image quality and professional post-production flexibility are paramount, and geographic location permits acquisition or import, the DJI Osmo 360 marginally surpasses the X5. Its superior sensor technology, higher frame rates, and 10-bit color depth provide a more robust foundation for high-end content creation.

If durability, ease of repair, and a seamless user experience are the primary concerns for an action-packed lifestyle, the Insta360 X5, with its replaceable lenses and refined ecosystem, provides better long-term value and greater peace of mind. The ability to easily replace damaged components significantly reduces the total cost of ownership and ensures continuous usability in demanding environments.

Conclusion: Your Next 360 Adventure Awaits

The competition between the Insta360 X5 and the DJI Osmo 360 underscores the rapid advancements occurring in 360 camera technology. Both devices are formidable, capable of capturing breathtaking immersive content that pushes creative boundaries.

While the DJI Osmo 360 advances the state-of-the-art in raw image quality and professional features, its current limitations in availability and its non-replaceable lenses introduce practical considerations that potential users must weigh.

The Insta360 X5, conversely, offers a robust, user-friendly, and more durable package that is readily available to a broader market.

Ultimately, the determination of “best value for money” extends beyond mere specifications; it is about identifying which camera most effectively aligns with individual creative ambitions, budgetary constraints, and real-world operational needs.

Prospective buyers are advised to carefully consider their specific priorities, evaluate the outlined advantages and disadvantages of each model, and then proceed with confidence into their next 360 adventure.

That’s it from me on the Insta360 X5 vs. DJI Osmo 360. This should assist in making a decision on which camera to buy. I think I am still pro Insta360 X5.