DJI OSMO 360 vs INSTA360 X5: The Ultimate 360° Camera Showdown
A comprehensive comparison between DJI's first 360° camera and INSTA360's flagship X5 model. We dive deep into specs, features, and real-world performance.
The 360° camera market just got more exciting with DJI's entry into the space. Here's how their OSMO 360 stacks up against the established INSTA360 X5.
Key Specifications Comparison
DJI OSMO 360
- Sensors: Dual 1/1.1" square CMOS, 2.4μm pixels
- Panoramic Video: 8K up to 50fps; 6K up to 60fps; 4K 100fps
- Single‑Lens: Up to 5K/60; Ultra‑wide up to 4K/120
- Photo: 120MP 360° (16K)
- Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady
- Storage: 128GB built‑in (105GB usable) + microSD
- Battery endurance: 8K/30 up to 100 min; 6K/24 up to 190 min
INSTA360 X5
- Sensor: Dual 1/1.28" sensors
- Video: 8K 30fps, 4K 120fps
- Photo: 72MP combined resolution
- Stabilization: FlowState + Horizon Lock
- Weight: 149g
- Battery: 95 minutes 4K recording
Image Quality: The Sensor Battle
The DJI OSMO 360's standout feature is its dual 1/1.1" sensors - larger than the X5's 1/1.28" sensors. This translates to:
- Better low-light performance: Larger sensors capture more light, resulting in cleaner footage in challenging conditions
- Superior dynamic range: More detail in both highlights and shadows
- Professional-grade color science: DJI's experience in cinema cameras shows
However, INSTA360's computational photography prowess shouldn't be underestimated. Their years of 360° expertise result in excellent stitching algorithms and AI-powered enhancements.
Software and Ecosystem
This is where the battle gets interesting:
DJI OSMO 360 Advantages:
- Integration with DJI's professional ecosystem
- Advanced color grading tools
- Professional workflow compatibility
INSTA360 X5 Advantages:
- Mature mobile app with extensive editing features
- AI-powered shot suggestions and auto-editing
- Larger community and template library
- Superior social media integration
Build Quality and Design
Both cameras feature premium build quality, but with different approaches:
The DJI OSMO 360 feels more substantial with its professional camera aesthetics. The larger sensor housings give it a more serious, cinema-camera appearance.
The INSTA360 X5 maintains the sleek, consumer-friendly design that made the series popular. It's lighter and more compact, making it ideal for travel and casual shooting.
Quick Comparison Table
| Spec | OSMO 360 | INSTA360 X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Dual 1/1.1" | Dual 1/1.28" |
| Max panoramic video | 8K up to 50fps | 8K/30fps |
| Single‑lens | Up to 5K/60; Ultra‑wide up to 4K/120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 120MP 360° | 72MP combined |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady | FlowState + Horizon Lock |
| Storage | 128GB built‑in + microSD | microSD |
| Price (USD) | $549.99 / $699.99 | $679 |
Final Verdict
Choose the DJI OSMO 360 if you:
- Prioritize image quality and low-light performance
- Work with professional video workflows
- Value DJI's color science and build quality
- Don't mind paying a premium for larger sensors
Choose the INSTA360 X5 if you:
- Want the most mature 360° ecosystem
- Prioritize ease of use and mobile editing
- Value lighter weight for travel
- Prefer established software with regular updates
Bottom line: The DJI OSMO 360 appears to target serious content creators with its larger sensors and professional features, while the X5 remains the king of user-friendly 360° content creation.