A couple of months ago, I published my comparison between the two 360 cameras that were the focus in the market at the time. Since then, GoPro has re-entered the arena but I have not had a chance to finish comparison with that and the other two (though I can tell you, it doesn’t really do well against the other two). But, I realized I never posted it here on the blog and with the different camera deals coming for Black Friday, I thought it would be good to publish it here to link back to when I write about the various deals.
The 360 Camera Battle – Insta360 X5 vs DJI Osmo 360
I have been a long-time user of both Insta360 and DJI and have liked the various products that they each have put out. Before this, there were only two product areas that they actually really competed in – the action camera. But, then DJI entered the 360 battle and here we go!
I will say that this video was unsponsored and both cameras were purchased by me for the comparison. Links in this post are affiliate links that do support the blog, so thank you for that!
Links: Insta360 X5 | DJI Osmo 360
Why the Insta360 X5 is Still My #1 360 Camera Choice
I will say – DJI made a really good first entry into the space, particularly considering that Insta360 has been at it for a decade and the X5 is there 5th generation of this line of camera. In fact, I have to say – next year, should both come out with new 360 cameras, I think it could be really close unless Insta360 pulls something new out of their hat.
But, you can watch the video review to see the different comparisons and analysis in a variety of areas – Image Quality (absolutely an important thing for a camera!) and I give you enough examples so you can make the decision on your own with this, Usability and Ergonomics, Battery Life because a camera is only good while it is actually able to work and some people like to use them for longer events, Workflow and Editing since once you have the footage, you have to do something with it, Audio Performance which is important for any kind of immersive experience and for any kind of vlog people may use these for, Overheating which is a real issue if you are going to use a camera for a while, Fogging and more on that below, Repairability and accessories and finally the reasons I still choose the X5.
So, you can watch the over 30 minute comparison video if you really want to see real-world clips and hear the run down.
Why I Choose the Insta360 X5
But, this is why I still choose the X5. First, there was significant fogging that appeared on the Osmo 360. This is very unfortunate and shows a design flaw to be sure. I am not talking about the fogging that happens on a lens when you take it out and the air is humid, etc. I had that happen on Reunion Island recently with my X5 but that was externally and I just rubbed it off. The Osmo has it internally which is a big problem. DJI’s response is laughable – open the battery door. That is not a fix!
Another reason is repairability. The X5 introduced user-replaceable lenses which is huge for an action camera that shoots 360 since the lenses come out from the body a bit. They will get banged at some point and have the possibility of being scratched. Amazingly, the X5 didn’t get scratched at all and I even dropped it and nothing happened to the lens. With the Osmo 360, you have to send it in for repair and I have seen some of them scratch pretty easily. The X5 can be repaired with a $29 kit and you are back in action – the Osmo, you have to send it in and wait and pay for it.
Plus, Insta360 has been at this long enough that their software is excellent (while some of DJI’s looks like an Insta360-knock off) and their accessory list is very long. DJI was smart by making it so that connections that would work for the Action series (including batteries) work with the Osmo 360. But, Insta360 still takes it here.
So, there you go! Maybe you don’t even need to watch the video! 🙂
