Head-to-head · Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X5 vs Ricoh Theta X

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Insta360 X5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Creators and adventurers who want the best all-round 360 camera for action, travel and low-light reframing. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X5

4.8

3 sources1 derived$549.99as of Aug 1

The Insta360 X5 is the best overall 360 camera you can buy. Larger 1/1.28-inch sensors transform its low-light performance over the X4, it shoots 8K/30p that reframes to 2.7K flat, and it adds tougher waterproofing plus a replaceable-lens system. The trade-offs are the usual 360 ones: visible stitch lines on close subjects, and heavy editing demands.

Strengths

— Larger 1/1.28-inch dual sensors deliver a dramatic leap in low-light image quality over the X4
— 8K/30p 360 capture reframes to a class-leading 2.7K flat output
— Best-in-class waterproofing to 15m and a reliable tool-based replaceable-lens system

Watch-outs

— Stitch line is still visible if a subject is too close to the camera
— Reframing and editing 8K footage demands a powerful phone or computer
— Battery drains quickly in the highest-resolution modes

$549.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best 360 Cameras

Ricoh Theta X

4.5

2 sources1 derived$596.95as of Aug 1

The Ricoh Theta X is the 360 camera for photographers and virtual-tour creators rather than action shooters. It captures enormous 60.5MP spherical stills, stitches photos and 5.7K video in real time so they are ready to use instantly, and adds practical touches like a big touchscreen, swappable battery, and expandable storage. Less 8K action video, more fuss-free immersive imaging.

Strengths

— Massive 60.5MP (up to 11K) spherical stills with excellent color and detail
— Real-time in-camera stitching means photos and 5.7K video are ready to use with no processing
— Large 2.25-inch touchscreen, interchangeable battery and expandable microSD storage

Watch-outs

— 5.7K video tops out below the 8K action cameras here
— No RAW capture for stills
— Less rugged and not as waterproof-focused as the action-camera rivals

$596.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Insta360 X5

Beats the GoPro Max 2 in low light and waterproofing, and edges the DJI Osmo 360 on overall image quality and audio, though the Osmo 360 undercuts it on price. It is a clear generational step up from the Insta360 X4 thanks to larger sensors, and far more capable for action and video than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

Ricoh Theta X

The photo-and-virtual-tour specialist of this group, prioritizing 60.5MP spherical stills and real-time stitching over the 8K action video of the Insta360 X5, GoPro Max 2, Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo 360. Its video resolution is lower than those four, but its still-photo resolution and instant-use workflow stand above them.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Insta360 X5	Ricoh Theta X
Capture	8K/30p 360 video	—
Photo	72MP 360 stills	60.5MP (up to 11K) 360 stills
Stabilization	FlowState + 360 horizon lock	In-camera image stabilization
Waterproof	15m without housing	—
Lenses	Replaceable (tool-based)	Replaceable lens guards
Reframed output	Up to 2.7K flat	Up to 2.7K flat
Audio	Wind-guard 4-mic array	Monoaural Recording
Color	Graphite Black and Arctic White	—
Mounting	1/4" Mounting Point	Tripod mount hole
Sensor	1/1.28 inches	1/2.0-inch-class
Storage	microSD expandable	microSD expandable
Video	—	5.7K/30p or 4K/60p 360
Stitching	—	Real-time in-camera, no processing
Display	—	2.25-inch touchscreen
Battery	—	Interchangeable
Body	—	Magnesium alloy with built-in GPS
Customization	—	Android-based system
Ecosystem	—	THETA+ editing app
Single-lens mode	—	4K/60p

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