Resolution and stabilization are often discussed when talking about 360° cameras, but there’s an even more fundamental element: sensor size . And that’s where the new Insta360 X5 makes all the difference. It features two 1/1.28″ sensors—a significant leap compared to the X4 and its 1/2″ sensors. But how does that really change things? And how does it compare to a 1″ sensor like the one in the ONE RS 1-Inch 360? That’s what we’ll explore here, in a straightforward way.
1/1.28″ sensors: what does that actually mean?
The larger the sensor, the more light it captures. And in 360° video, this is crucial: the camera has to manage two ultra-wide images simultaneously, often in less than ideal lighting conditions (backlighting, dark interiors, late afternoon/early evening…).
A 1/1.28″ sensor is approximately 77% larger than a 1/2″ sensor, which translates to:
- 🌙 Less noise in low light
- 🎯 More detail in the shadows and highlights
- 🖼️ A more natural color rendering
- 🎥 A smoother bokeh , even in 360° video
Visual comparison: 1/2″ vs 1/1.28″ vs 1″
📸 1/2″ (e.g., Insta360 X4)
- Good performance in bright light
- But the noise is noticeable as soon as the light dims.
- Fine details are slightly smoothed out in dark areas.
📸 1/1.28″ (Insta360 X5)
- Improved dynamics: more detail is captured in skies and shaded areas.
- The night scenes are cleaner, sharper.
- The overall image looks more “cinematic,” especially when combined with PureVideo.
📸 1″ (Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360)
- Even more light captured, that’s great!
- But it’s bulkier, and the camera is less versatile.
- Less suitable for vlogging or pole shots
👉 In summary: the X5’s 1/1.28″ sensor is the sweet spot . You gain in quality without sacrificing compactness or lightness.
And in practice, what does that change?
✨ Effortless superior quality
You don’t need to be an exposure expert or adjust every setting. The X5 handles that for you. And the result is already clean, even without retouching.
🌒 Less noise at night
The urban night scenes are sharp, without any distracting grain. The sky remains black, not grey, and faces are visible without needing an LED light.
🎯 More freedom in post-production
You can crop without loss of quality, play with contrasts, boost colors… You simply have more latitude in editing.
💡 More visual depth
The depth and sharpness of the textures stand out more. This is noticeable in landscapes, but also in close-ups — even in 360°!
Why this is a real turning point for 360° video
Until now, many 360° content creators had to choose between a compact camera with limited image quality and a bulkier but more professional setup. With the Insta360 X5 , you get the best of both worlds : stunning image quality in a portable package.
And that’s a real game changer. Especially if you’re filming while travelling, indoors, at dusk, or if you want to create content that really has style — without spending 3 hours in post-production.
In short
The switch to 1/1.28″ sensors on the X5 is much more than just a technical specification . It’s what makes your videos sharper, more beautiful, more professional, in a wider range of situations. And once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
So, ready to take 360° video to a new level? 😎
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