DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5

Between these two, buy the DJI Osmo 360 if you want larger sensors, built-in storage and 8K panoramic video at up to 50fps. Buy the Insta360 X5 if you ride, ski or throw the camera around, because its lenses can be replaced when they get scratched and it has the deeper water rating. The Osmo 360 II and Insta360 X6 are newer and are not compared here, and both list replaceable lenses, so the lens argument only separates these two older models. We have not shot these two side by side, so the sensor size and frame rates below are the makers' own specs and image quality is for you to judge from sample footage.

Every listing is on the price pages: Osmo 360 Standard Combo, Osmo 360 Adventure Combo, Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Multiview Bundle.

What actually differs

The rough similarities: both record 8K 360 video, both offer the invisible selfie stick effect, and both have a microSD slot. The Osmo 360 takes cards up to 1 TB.

What each difference means when you shoot

Sensor. DJI's sensors are 1/1.1-inch square units with 2.4 μm pixels, and Insta360's are 1/1.28-inch. On paper the Osmo 360 collects more light, which should help at night. Insta360 counters with its PureVideo low-light mode. We cannot rank the actual results for you without a shared test, so look at sample night footage from each maker if low light is your main use.

How the 8K is made. DJI says two square sensors, with 4,000 vertical pixels each, give it native 8K (4K+4K) panoramic video. Insta360 says the X5 supersamples from 11K to 8K. Each maker gives its own reason for detail, and the method alone tells you nothing about how the footage looks, so judge the samples.

Frame rates. 8K at 50fps gives you 360 slow motion without dropping to a lower resolution, and the X5 tops out at 8K 30fps. If you mostly shoot 8K at 24 to 30fps, the two are equal on this row. In single-lens mode, the Osmo 360 reaches 4K 120fps with Boost Video, against 4K 60fps on the X5. In 360 at 4K, the X5 lists up to 120fps and the Osmo 360 lists 100fps.

Replaceable lenses. Curved 360 lenses stick out and get scratched. The X5 lets you swap a damaged lens yourself. DJI says the Osmo 360's lenses cannot be changed, and it recommends its Transparent Lens Protectors where the lenses may take knocks. If you ride off-road or drop your gear often, this row can decide it between these two, though the newer Osmo 360 II also lists replaceable lenses. Insta360 also claims better drop resistance for X5 over its previous model.

Water. The X5 is rated to 15 m without a case and the Osmo 360 to 10 m. DJI also warns against shooting underwater with the body alone, because refraction causes image distortion and stitching errors. Insta360 recommends its Invisible Dive Case for 360 video underwater for the same reason, so plan on a case either way.

Built-in storage. The Osmo 360's 105 GB of usable space means you can shoot without a card on day one. Insta360's spec list only asks for a UHS-I V30 or faster microSD card, so budget for one with the X5.

Battery. At 8K 30fps the Osmo 360 is listed at 100 minutes, or 120 in Endurance mode. The X5 is listed at 93 minutes, or 115 at 8K 24fps in Endurance mode. At lower resolutions, the Osmo 360 lists 190 minutes of 6K 24fps with Endurance on, and the X5 lists 208 minutes of 5.7K 24fps. These are lab figures from different test setups. Treat them as close.

Size. The X5 is tall and narrow at 124.5 mm high, and the Osmo 360 is a shorter block at 81 mm. Think about how each one fits your pocket and mount.

Stitching distance. DJI recommends keeping the Osmo 360 at least 0.75 m from your subject for clean stitching. Keep your subject away from the seam on any 360 camera.

Upgrade if, stay if, or buy the older one if

These are rival cameras from two brands, so the choice is about fit.

Pick the Osmo 360 if:

• You want 8K at up to 50fps, or you want to start without a card, using the 128 GB inside.
• You already own Osmo Action batteries, since DJI says the Extreme Battery Plus and Extreme Battery work on it.

Pick the Insta360 X5 if:

• Your camera lives on a bike or a helmet, where lens damage is likely, and you want the 15 m rating on the body.
• You already edit in the Insta360 app or use Insta360 mounts.

Think again about 360 at all if:

• You only ever shoot one direction. A regular action camera is simpler, and our best action camera guide covers the options.

The Osmo 360 II and Insta360 X6 are newer than these two and are not compared here. DJI lists replaceable lenses and 8K at up to 60fps on the Osmo 360 II, and Insta360 lists replaceable lenses and 8K at up to 50fps on the X6, so check both before you choose.

The real cost beyond the camera

Add a spare battery, and on the X5 add a card and lens protection.

Cards. DJI's Osmo 360 list names U3 A2 V30 microSD cards from Kingston and Lexar, with Lexar Silver Plus only at 64 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. Insta360 asks for UHS-I V30 or higher. The 128 GB and 256 GB Lexar cards above are V30, but DJI does not name those sizes.

Batteries. DJI's store lists the Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh) as compatible with the Osmo 360, and the Osmo 360 FAQ adds the 1770 mAh Extreme Battery. The X5 uses its own 2400 mAh battery.

Audio. The Osmo 360 connects directly to two DJI microphone transmitters, though DJI says the first-generation Mic is excluded. Insta360 says its Mic Air connects directly to the X5, and its X5 spec list also names DJI Mic Mini and Mic 2 under supported Bluetooth devices. See the wireless microphone guide for other choices.

Lens protection. Insta360 sells X5 lens guards. DJI sells transparent protectors for the Osmo 360 and says they are splash-proof only. Remove them before going underwater.

Before you buy

Check whether the listing includes a selfie stick or mount. Bundles differ, so compare like with like, and ask the store what is in the box.