DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: which 360° camera to choose?

With the release of the DJI Osmo 360, DJI is stepping on the toes of Insta360, market leader with its X range, including the very recent X5. The tone is set: the battle of the 360° cameras is on. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: what do they have in common? What sets them apart? Which is the best? And above all, which one is right for you? All the answers in this comparison.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: What you need to know

📌 Don’t feel like reading the whole thing? Here’s the quick summary.

📷 DJI Osmo 360 – Square format, landscape screen, more affordable, slightly more defined image with more resolutions/frequencies, better low-light handling. The 10-bit D-Log M will appeal to pros and semi-pros alike for post-production, and dual-mic compatibility makes it an ally for interviews or two-voice shoots.

🎯 Insta360 X5 – Rectangular format, portrait screen, robust with interchangeable lenses, more creative photo modes. Its InstaFrame mode andin-app AI make it easy to publish quickly to networks.

💡 In short: two stable, versatile 8K cameras. The Osmo 360 is aimed more at creators demanding colorimetry and low light, the X5 at risk-taking sports/activities enthusiasts and social network-oriented creators.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Design

	DJI Osmo 360	Insta360 X5
Dimensions (W x H x D)	61 × 81 × 36.3 mm	46 × 124.5 × 38.2 mm
Weight	183 g	200 g
Touch screen	2 inches	2.5 inch
Storage	128 GB internal storage microSD card (up to 1 TB)	MicroSD card (up to 1TB)
Operating temperature	-20 to 45° C	-20 ℃ à 40 ℃
Waterproofing	10 meters	15 meters

The DJI Osmo 360 opts for a compact square format (61 × 81 × 36.3 mm), with a weight of 183 g, making it lighter and more stable when placed on a flat surface. TheInsta360 X5 adopts a rectangular vertical format (46 × 124.5 × 38.2 mm) weighing in at 200 g, a little more imposing but still offering a good grip.

In terms of controls, both cameras feature record, power and mode change buttons. The X5 adds a Q button dedicated to custom modes, integrated directly with the on/off button on the Osmo 360.

Both models feature 1/4″ screw thread and magnetic base mounting . For the display, the Osmo 360 relies on a 2″ touchscreen in landscape mode, practical for horizontal framing, while the X5 offers 2.5″ in portrait mode, better suited to vertical framing. In both cases, the interface is fluid and responsive.

Both are IP68-certified, making them dust- and water-resistant. The Osmo 360 can withstand up to 10 m, compared with 15 m for the X5, which has a clear advantage here. Temperature ranges are similar (-20°C to 45°C for the Osmo, -20°C to 40°C for the X5). DJI points out, however, that underwater 360° video capture is not recommended without the use of a waterproof housing for the Osmo 360.

Another key difference is that the X5’s lenses are replaceable, a great advantage in the event of scratches or impact, whereas those of the Osmo 360 are fixed, requiring them to be sent to an after-sales service. In this case, investing in lens protectors becomes almost indispensable.

Finally, the Osmo 360 has 128GB of internal storage plus a microSD slot (up to 1TB), a real safety net if you forget your card. The X5, on the other hand, relies solely on a microSD port (up to 1TB).

🏆 DJI Osmo 360: more compact, lighter, more stable laid flat and with built-in internal storage.
🏆 Insta360 X5: better waterproofing, larger screen and interchangeable lenses for greater flexibility.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Autonomy and overheating

	DJI Osmo 360	Insta360 X5
Battery	1950 mAh	2400 mAh
Autonomy	8K/30 fps: up to 100 minutes 6K/24 fps: up to 190 minutes	8K/30 fps: 88 min 5.7K/30 fps: 135 min 5.7K/24 fps: 185 min

On paper, the DJI Osmo 360 has a 1950 mAh battery, compared with 2400 mAh for theInsta360 X5. In practice, however, the difference in autonomy between the two models remains very small.

At 8K/30 fps, the manufacturer’s data suggest around 100 minutes for the Osmo 360 and 88 minutes for the X5. Published real-world tests show that both cameras deliver very similar runtimes, with a slight advantage for the Osmo 360. By lowering the resolution, we can hope to gain several tens of minutes of recording time, while maintaining good image quality.

In terms of heat management, available comparisons indicate that the Osmo 360 generally lasts a few minutes longer before reaching its thermal limits than the X5. This is a modest advantage, but it could make all the difference when taking long continuous shots in hot conditions.

🏆 DJI Osmo 360: slightly better autonomy and overheating resistance.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5 : Image

	DJI Osmo 360	Insta360 X5
Sensor	1/1.1 inch	1/1.28 inch
Objective	Aperture f/1.9	F2.0 aperture 6 mm equivalent
Max. photo resolution	120 MP (360°), 30 MP (single lens)	72 MP (360°), 18 MP (single-lens)
Max. video resolution (360°)	8K up to 50 fps 6K up to 60 fps 4K up to 100 fps	8K up to 30 fps 5.7K+ up to 30 fps 5.7K up to 60 fps 4K up to 120 fps
Max. video resolution (single lens)	5K up to 60 fps 4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps	4K up to 60 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 120 fps
Photo format	JPEG	INSP, DNG
Video format	OSV, MP4 (HEVC)	INSV (360°), MP4 (single-lens)
Color profiles	Normal, D-Log M	Standard, Flat, Bright
Maximum video bit rate	170 Mb/s	180 Mb/s
ISO range	100 à 51200	100 à 6400

Sensors and resolutions

The DJI Osmo 360 introduces a square-format sensor, specially developed by DJI – a first for this type of product. This technical choice enables the capture of pixels approximately twice as large as those of the Insta360 X5 (1/1.28-inch sensor). In theory, this should offer an advantage in terms of overall rendering… but we’ll see later that it’s not always so clear-cut.

Aperture-wise, they are very similar(f/1.9 for the Osmo 360, f/2.0 for the X5), a minimal difference.

In photography, the Osmo 360 clearly takes the lead, with 120 MP in 360° (vs. 72 MP on the X5) and 30 MP single-lens (vs. 18 MP on the X5). In 360° video, the Osmo 360 reaches 8K/50 fps, while the X5 tops out at 8K/30 fps. In 4K 360°, however, it’s the Insta360 X5 that takes the lead, achieving 120 fps versus 100 fps for the Osmo. In single-lens mode, the Osmo retains its edge with a 5K/60 fps option not available on the X5.

Image quality

Overall, quality is excellent on both models, and despite the Osmo 360’s larger pixels, the difference isn’t huge in good light. Both deliver sharp, detailed images, but with different processing:

• Insta360 X5: more saturated and punchy rendering, with bluer skies and colors that stand out more in automatic mode.
• DJI Osmo 360: smoother, more lifelike rendering, with greater shadow detail thanks to its larger sensor.

In low light, the Osmo 360 comes out on top. Both have a dedicated mode(Super Night for the Osmo, PureVideo for the X5), but the Osmo delivers better-exposed scenes, with less noise and more detail in dark areas.

Lastly, in terms of formats: in photography, the X5 has the advantage, as it supports DNG (RAW), which is absent from the Osmo 360. In video, the opposite is true: the Osmo 360 records in D-Log M and in 10-bit for all its color profiles, compared to 8-bit for the X5 – an advantage that will particularly appeal to demanding professionals and videographers wishing to apply LUTs and fine-tune colorimetry in post-production.

🏆 DJI Osmo 360: new sensor, better low-light rendering and 10-bit video popular with videographers.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Features

	DJI Osmo 360	Insta360 X5
Photo modes	Standard, Selfie mode	Standard, Interval, AEB, Starlapse, Burst
Video modes	Video Single Lens, Panoramic Video, Boost, SuperNight, Selfie Mode, Timelapse/Hyperlapse, Vortex, Pre-recording, Loop Recording	Standard Video, PureVideo, InstaFrame, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time, Loop Recording, Road Mode, FreeFrame Video, Me Mode
Stabilization	RockSteady 3.0, HorizonSteady	FlowState, 360° horizon lock

Video modes

Both cameras share several flagship functions: Selfie/Me mode that automatically frames the user, night mode optimized for low light (SuperNight at DJI, PureVideo at Insta360), Timelapse, Hyperlapse/Timeshift and Bullet Time/Vortex for spectacular circular effects.

The differences are based on exclusive functions:

• DJI Osmo 360: Boost (wider field of view), pre-recording (capture a few seconds before pressing REC), loop recording.
• Insta360 X5: InstaFrame, Route Mode (designed for filming journeys), FreeFrame (flexible control of framing after shooting).

👉 InstaFrame is unique: it’s the only mode that lets you immediately obtain a ready-to-post MP4 video, without going through any software or application. Its drawback: resolution is limited to Full HD.

Photo modes

When it comes to photography, theInsta360 X5 has the edge thanks to a greater variety of modes: AEB (automatic exposure bracketing), Burst to capture a series of images quickly, and Starlapse for star trails.

The DJI Osmo 360 does not yet offer these specific functions, but we can hope that they will be added in future software updates, AEB in mind.

Applications

Both brands offer a mobile app for quick editing and sharing on social networks, as well asa computer app (Mac and Windows) for more advanced work.

For DJI, it’s DJI Mimo on mobile and DJI Studio on computer, a new application launched to coincide with the release of the Osmo 360. Insta360 offers the Insta360 mobile application and Insta360 Studio software for PC.

In both cases, the applications are clear, intuitive and easy to learn. They offer everything you need to set key points, quickly edit and export your creations.

Insta360’s advantage lies in its long-standing experience in the world of 360° cameras, which translates into more comprehensive and advanced applications, including AI-assisted editing assisted editing and integrated tutorials that make it easy to get started. Even so, DJI’s apps are well thought-out, with everything you need to quickly edit, adjust and export.

Audio and connectivity

The built-in microphones on both cameras pick up voice quite well. According to published tests and available comparisons, no major difference stands out, except that the Insta360 X5 slightly reduces wind noise more effectively. On the other hand, this reduction tends to slightly erase certain ambient sounds, whereas the Osmo 360 retains more of the full sound spectrum.

For more demanding use – regular vloggers, content creators or pros – it’s still preferable to connect an external microphone. Both models can accommodate a DJI Mic 2 or DJI Mic Mini, for example, but the Osmo 360 accepts up to two microphones simultaneously, as opposed to just one for the X5, which comes in handy for interviews or two-voice shoots.

As for file transfer, both benefit from USB-C 3.0 and fast wireless transfer. The Osmo 360 has the advantage on paper thanks to Wi-Fi 6, while the X5 remains on Wi-Fi 5. In practice, the difference isn’t glaring… but for those of us in a hurry, every second saved is worth taking.

💡 Remote control
Both cameras can be controlled remotely using gesture and voice commands. A simple hand gesture, such as raising the arm or forming a “V” sign with the fingers, can trigger a recording or take a photo, for example. Voice commands can also be used to start or stop a capture without touching the camera, ideal when mounted on a tripod or at height.

🏆 DJI Osmo 360: compatibility with two simultaneous microphones, practical pre-recording so you don’t miss a thing.
🏆 Insta360 X5: more varied photo modes, more comprehensive apps, InstaFrame to create and publish instantly.

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Packs and prices

	DJI Osmo 360	Insta360 X5
Standard package	479,99 € See on Amazon	589,99 € See on Amazon
Adventure Pack	629,99 € See on Amazon	/
Theme packs	From € 509.98 to € 676.99	From €628 to €769

The DJI Osmo 360 is considerably less expensive than the Insta360 X5. From the standard package onwards, there’s a difference of around €110 (€479.99 vs. €589.99), which is a significant difference for those hesitating between the two models.

The standard package for the DJI Osmo 360 includes camera, battery, USB-C cable, protective case and DJI Invisible Pole. The Insta360 X5 pack includes camera, battery, USB-C cable, protective cover and Insta360 invisible boom.

The DJI Osmo 360 also benefits from an Adventure pack (€629.99), unique to this model, which adds two extra batteries, a multiple charger and several attachments for outdoor shooting.

Both brands also offer theme packs at different prices, with various accessories to suit different uses (sports, travel, content creation…).

When it comes to accessories, the Insta360 X5 already benefits from an extensive official catalog, rich in fasteners, modules and options developed by the brand itself. It also shares many accessories with the X4, an advantage for those who already own this model.

At DJI, the Osmo 360 doesn’t yet have as many official accessories, but it already benefits from a good choice of third-party models. This is one of DJI’s strong points: many manufacturers are rapidly designing compatible accessories, and this offer should continue to expand rapidly. It also shares its mounting system with the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, making it directly compatible with many of the brackets already available.

🏆 DJI Osmo 360: more affordable than the X5.

Conclusion DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: which one to choose?

Although it’s DJI’s first 360° camera, theOsmo 360 clearly rivals theInsta360 X5. Both models are excellent, but each has its own strengths depending on use.

The DJI Osmo 360 ‘s appeal lies in its more affordable price, high resolutions (8K 50 fps, 5K 60 fps single-lens) and good low-light handling thanks to SuperNight mode. It records in 10-bit with D-Log M profile and allows two wireless microphones to be connected at the same time, a real plus for two-voice shoots.

TheInsta360 X5 shines above all in its more comprehensive applications, with AI-assisted editing and integrated tutorials. It also offers advanced photo options (RAW DNG, AEB, Starlapse), unique video modes such as InstaFrame and FreeFrame, as well as interchangeable lenses for extreme use and improved waterproofing (15 m).

Choose the DJI Osmo 360 if…

• You want a more affordable 360°.
• You often shoot in low light and/or are looking for 10-bit + D-Log M.
• You need two wireless microphones simultaneously.
• If you’re already part of the DJI ecosystem (drone, Osmo Action, DJI Mic…) and you’re looking for consistent image rendering and direct compatibility with identically mounted accessories.

Choose the Insta360 X5 if…

• You prefer highly sophisticated applications (AI editing, tutorials).
• You want advanced photo and video modes.
• You operate in high-risk conditions and appreciate replaceable lenses.
• You already own an X4 or X3 and want to reuse your existing accessories.

✨ See also our full tests of the two cameras in this DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5 duel:
➡️ Read our full test of the DJI Osmo 360 and discover all its performance
➡️ Dive into our detailed review of the Insta360 X5 and its advanced features

💡 Also read
➡️ Looking to compare other 360 cameras? Discover our comparison between the Insta360 X4 and the X4 Air: X4 or X4 Air: which one to choose