8K 360 camera with an invisible selfie stick, replaceable lenses and a 2,400 mAh battery. The favourite for third-person motorcycle footage.
Why it stands out
A 360 camera films everything around it at once. On a bike that has a huge advantage: you do not need to aim it. You record the ride and then, in the app, choose what you want to see: the road, your face, the bike from behind…
The X5 adds Insta360’s signature trick: the selfie stick disappears from the final image, so it looks as if a drone is following you.
Key figures
- 8K at 30 fps in 360°, with 1/1.28-inch sensors.
- 2,400 mAh battery: up to about 88 minutes in 8K and up to 185 in 5.7K endurance mode, according to Insta360.
- Waterproof to 15 m without a case.
- Replaceable lenses: if one gets scratched (it happens), you do not have to replace the camera.
What to know
The workflow is different from a GoPro: you will almost always need to reframe the footage in the app before posting it. 8K files are large, so you will need a good microSD card.
Our verdict
If you make videos for social media or want spectacular memories of your rides, it is the best option. If you just want to film what you see from the helmet, an action camera is more practical.
