Insta360 X5 User Manual

Product Introduction

This section introduces the Insta360 X5 camera, detailing its components and initial setup.

X5 Introduction

Diagrams illustrate the Insta360 X5 camera, highlighting its key parts:

• Front View: 1. Front Lens, 2. Microphone, 3. Touchscreen, 4. Shutter Button, 5. Menu Button, 6. Indicator Light, 7. Rear Lens.
• Side/Rear Views: 8. Microphone, 9. Indicator Light, 10. Microphone, 11. Battery, 12. Microphone, 13. Speaker, 14. Power Button, 15. Quick Button, 16. USB Type-C Port.
• Bottom View: 17. 1/4" Mounting Point, 18. Quick Release Mounting Point.

First Use

Insert the MicroSD Card

Follow these steps to insert a microSD card:

1. Remove the battery by pinching the latches on the cover towards each other.
2. Insert the memory card into the slot in the indicated direction.
3. Reinsert the battery and ensure the battery cover is locked. The orange indication marks should be covered by the latch to maintain waterproofing.

Diagrams show the process of removing the battery and inserting the microSD card.

Charging

1. Open the USB Port Cover.
2. Use the included USB-C Cable to charge the X5.

The Insta360 X5 supports PD fast charging with the X5 Utility Fast Charge Hub and 9V/3A adapters. Charging times with a 9V/3A adapter are approximately 20 minutes for 0-80% and 35 minutes for 0-100%.

Activation

Activation in the Insta360 app is required before first use. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Insta360 app from any major app store or by scanning the QR code on the box.
2. Press the Power Button to turn on the X5.
3. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your smartphone.
4. Open the Insta360 app, tap the camera icon, select your device, and follow on-screen instructions. The camera name is typically "X5**", where ** represents the last six digits of the serial number. Confirm the connection on the touchscreen.
5. Follow the app's on-screen prompts to activate the camera and update firmware if a new version is available.

Basic Use

Button Instructions

Power Button

Quick Button

Shutter Button

Menu Button

The Menu Button and Quick Button can be customized to start recording, switch shooting modes, and more via Settings > Customize Button.

Using the Touchscreen

The touchscreen displays the camera's home page with shooting mode, battery level, and storage capacity. Gestures allow for various actions:

• Tap the screen: Hides or shows information on the touchscreen.
• Swipe down from the top: Views the Shortcut Menu.
• Swipe left to right or up/down from the center: Adjusts the shooting angle in 360° Mode.
• Swipe from the left: Enters the Album page.
• Swipe from the right: Enters shooting parameter settings.
• Swipe up from the bottom: Accesses more shooting parameter settings.

Diagrams illustrate these touchscreen gestures.

Shooting Interface

The shooting interface displays key information:

• 1. Storage: Shows remaining photos or video length on the microSD card.
• 2. Battery Status: Displays the current battery level.
• 3. Shooting Mode: Tap the icon to select a different shooting mode.
• 4. Shooting Specifications: Shows current shooting mode settings.
• 5. Switch Lens: Taps to switch between forward and selfie views. In 360° Mode, it can return to the original recording position.
• 6. Field of View: Changes the field of view (Single-Lens Mode only).

Diagram shows the camera's shooting interface with numbered elements.

Shooting Mode

Cycle through shooting modes by tapping the mode icon and swiping left or right.

360° Mode

360° Shooting Tips: The Insta360 X5 captures 360° video by stitching footage from two fisheye lenses. For best results, position one lens towards yourself and avoid standing too close to the camera.

Single-Lens Mode

Camera Warmth: It is normal for the camera body to warm up when shooting in 8K resolution due to high processing power. To reduce power consumption and improve shooting experience, consider disabling high-performance features like AI Highlights Assistant or adjusting screen timeout settings (Settings > Screen Auto Sleep).

Shortcut Menu

Swipe down on the touchscreen to access the Shortcut Menu. Options include:

• 1. Rotation Lock: Turn on/off.
• 2. Lock Screen: Tap to lock the screen; swipe up to unlock.
• 3. Settings: Accesses camera settings.
• 4. Adjust Brightness: Slide the bar to adjust screen brightness.
• 5. Prompt Sound: Sets camera speaker volume (Adaptive, High, Medium, Low, Mute).
• 6. Indicator Light: Turn on/off.
• 7. Sync files to the cloud: Subscribe to Insta360+ for automatic backup, online playback, sharing, and cloud export.
• 8. AI Highlights Assistant: Turn on/off to find and review best moments from a video, merging them or saving as new files.
• 9. Pre-Recording: Turn on/off to save footage from a duration before the shutter button press.
• 10. Gesture Control: Turn on/off.
• 11. Voice Control: Turn on/off.
• 12. Twist to Shoot: Twist the selfie stick back and forth twice to shoot or take a photo when the camera is powered on.
• 13. Accessories: Adjust settings for accessories like the Invisible Dive Case, POV Chest Mount, and Thermo Grip Cover.
• 14. Preset: Switch, add, and modify preset shooting modes and parameters.
• 15. Endurance Mode: Limits features to extend run time.
• 16. Bluetooth: Search for and connect Bluetooth remotes or headsets/microphones.
• 17. Audio Settings: Switch audio mode.
• 18. Quick Capture: Turn on/off to start recording by pressing the Shutter Button when the camera is powered off.
• 19. Timed Capture: Shoots according to a specified time when turned on.

Diagrams show the Shortcut Menu interface.

Shooting Specification Settings

Swipe up from the bottom of the touchscreen to view shooting specification settings.

360° Mode

Single-Lens Mode

Shooting Parameter Settings

Swipe from the right edge of the touchscreen to access shooting parameter settings. Both 360° Mode and Single-Lens Mode support different parameters.

General Parameters

360° Mode Parameters

Single-Lens Mode Parameters

Diagrams show the shooting parameter settings interface.

Album Page

Swipe right from the left of the touchscreen to enter the Album page, where you can view your recorded clips.

Diagram shows the Album page interface.

Indicator Lights

The indicator lights provide status information:

File Storage

Use exFAT format microSD cards of speed classes UHS-I and V30 or above for normal recording. The maximum supported storage space is 1TB.

The following memory cards have been tested for compatibility:

Format MicroSD Card

It is recommended to regularly transfer camera files to a phone or computer for backup and format the microSD card via the camera or Insta360 app to avoid storage issues.

Format via X5:

1. Insert the microSD card into X5.
2. Power on X5.
3. Swipe down on the touchscreen to enter the Shortcut Menu > Settings > SD Card > Format.

Format via Insta360 app:

1. Connect X5 to your phone via the Insta360 app.
2. Enter app Settings > Device Settings > Camera Storage > Format.

Note: When formatting by computer, the card must be in exFAT format, and the allocation unit size should be left as default.

Attach External Devices

The USB Port Cover can be removed to attach external devices.

1. Open the USB Port Cover and pull it off.
2. Install external mics, the X5 Quick Reader, or other accessories.
3. Reattach the USB Port Cover by hooking it onto the metal bar and closing it securely to ensure waterproofing.

Diagrams illustrate the process of removing and reattaching the USB Port Cover.

Transfer and Edit with the Insta360 App

Connect to the Insta360 App

1. Download the Insta360 app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Press the Power Button to turn on X5.
3. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your smartphone.
4. Open the Insta360 app, tap the camera icon, and follow on-screen instructions to activate your camera.
5. Authorize the connection on the touchscreen for the first-time connection.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues:

• If unable to connect, go to your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings, find your X5, enter the password, and return to the app. You can change the camera's Wi-Fi password in the app settings.
• Check if the Insta360 app has necessary permissions (network, Bluetooth, local network).
• Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on the camera.
• Make sure the X5 is close enough to the phone.

File Transfer

Download camera files to your phone or PC using the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio for editing and export.

File transfer from camera to phone (Wireless Connection - iOS/Android)

1. Connect the camera to the Insta360 app.
2. Open the app's album page.
3. Tap the top right icon to select files for transfer.
4. Tap the export icon to save to your phone's album (do not exit or lock phone during export).
5. Tap the download icon to save footage to the app's gallery.

Troubleshooting Camera Connection to App:

• Update the camera and app to the latest versions.
• Check phone's Wi-Fi settings; if not connected, enter the Wi-Fi password and restart both devices. If still not connecting, forget the camera's Wi-Fi network in phone settings and reconnect.
• Ensure Insta360 app has GPS and Bluetooth permissions. On Android, disable WLAN+ or auto-switch Wi-Fi. On iOS, enable "Local Network" in system settings for Insta360.

File transfer from camera to computer (Mac/Windows)

1. Connect the camera to your computer using the official USB-C cable.
2. Power on the camera and select File Transfer mode. Wait for the computer to recognize the camera drive.
3. Open the DCIM > Camera01 folder and copy photos/videos to your computer.

Troubleshooting Camera Connection:

• Ensure the camera's firmware is up to date.
• Use the official USB-C cable for transfer.
• Make sure the camera is powered on.

File transfer from Insta360 app to Mac

• iPhone: Connect iPhone to Mac. In Finder, select iPhone. Click Files, then choose to transfer from Mac to iPhone (create an "IMPORT" folder) or from iPhone to Mac (navigate the DCIM folder). Note: Folders must be named IMPORT (capital letters). After transfer, restart the Insta360 app to see files.
• Android: Install Android File Transfer on Mac. Connect phone to Mac and open Android File Transfer. Navigate to "data > com.arashivision.insta360akiko > files > Insta360OneR > galleryOriginal". Copy files to your Mac.

File transfer from Insta360 app to Windows PC

• iPhone: Install iTunes on PC. Connect iPhone, open iTunes, and authorize. Click the iPhone icon, then "File Sharing", select "Insta360". Transfer from iPhone to PC (save DCIM folder) or from PC to iPhone (create "IMPORT" folder). Note: Folders must be named IMPORT (capital letters). After transfer, restart the Insta360 app.
• Android: Connect Android phone to PC. Choose "Manage Files" under "USB Connected". Click "My Computer/This Computer", find phone model, and click "Internal Storage". Navigate to "data > com.arashivision.insta360akiko > files > Insta360OneR > galleryOriginal". Copy files to your PC or to this folder from your PC.

Editing

View and edit your 360° and flat footage using the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio.

Insta360 App

• Album Page: Connect X5 to the Insta360 app, enter the Album page to view clips, and open footage in the player for editing.
• Edit Page: Connect X5, go to the Edit page. Use "Create a Video" or "Auto Edit" with AI templates, themes, and effects like FlashCut and Shot Lab for viral videos.

Insta360 Studio

1. Download and open Insta360 Studio from the Insta360 website.
2. Connect your camera or SD card to your PC and import media.
3. Edit using Studio's tools or its Adobe Premiere plugin.

Maintenance

Find Your Serial Number

The serial number can be found in several ways:

1. Product Box: Located on the back of the original product box.
2. Camera Settings: Power on the camera, swipe down to access the Shortcut Menu, go to Settings > Camera Info to view the serial number. Diagrams show the navigation path on the camera's touchscreen.
3. Insta360 App: Connect the camera, enter app Settings > Device Information to view the serial number. Diagrams show the app interface.
4. Insta360 Studio: Launch Studio, import footage, select footage, and click the info icon to access File Properties and view the serial number. Diagram shows the Studio interface.
5. Battery Compartment Label: After removing the battery, the serial number is below the barcode on the label. Diagram shows the label location.

Firmware Update

Firmware updates ensure efficient operation. Update to the latest version for optimal results. Ensure the X5 has at least 20% battery before updating.

• Update via Insta360 app: Connect X5 to the app; it will notify you of available updates. Follow on-screen instructions.

If firmware update fails:

• Ensure the camera is close to your phone.
• Keep the Insta360 app running.
• Ensure a strong, stable phone network connection.

Restart the camera and try again. If issues persist, update via a computer.

• Update via Computer:
• Ensure X5 is powered on.
• Connect the camera via USB-C cable and select File Transfer in USB Mode.
• Download the latest firmware from the official Insta360 website.
• Copy the "Insta360X5FW.bin" file to X5's root directory (do not change the filename).
• Disconnect X5; it will power off, and indicator lights will flash blue.
• X5 will restart automatically upon update completion.

Lens Guards

1. Before use, clean the lens area and surface thoroughly. Foreign objects can affect shooting results.
2. After installing, check if the camera displays the "Lens Guard Mode" icon. The icon should disappear after removal.
3. Keep lens guards clean; dirt or scratches can affect image quality.
4. Lens guards are not sealed; avoid water-related activities like surfing or use on rainy days.
5. For underwater shooting, use a dedicated dive case and remove lens guards beforehand.
6. Keep lens guards and surrounding areas dry. Wipe dry with a soft cloth if exposed to snow, water, or fog to prevent internal fogging.
7. Be careful not to scratch the camera lens when removing lens guards.

Waterproofing

• The X5 has a waterproof depth rating of up to 15 meters (49 feet). Remove lens guards before use in or around water.
• Underwater 360° shooting may have stitching issues due to refractive index differences. Use the Invisible Dive Case for optimal stitching.
• Before use, ensure the battery compartment waterproof seal and USB Port Cover seal are:
• Intact and free from dirt or debris.
• Tightly closed with the orange indicator fully hidden.
• Failure to do so may affect waterproofing. Clean with a lint-free cloth if necessary.
• After using X5 in seawater, rinse with fresh water, soak for 5-10 minutes, then wipe dry with a soft cloth and air dry in a well-ventilated area. Only proceed with other operations when the camera surface is dry.

To maintain X5's waterproofing:

• Do not use a hair dryer; it may affect the microphone, speaker, or internal waterproofing.
• Avoid operating the camera for extended periods (>1 hour) outside the recommended temperature range (-4°F to 104°F / -20°C to 40°C) or in humid environments.
• Avoid sudden temperature or humidity changes, which can cause condensation and affect shooting quality.
• Avoid entering water at high speeds, as impact and pressure can damage the device.
• Ensure the camera's Battery Cover and USB Port Cover are installed and securely closed.

Cleaning

1. For dirt or hair on lenses or lens guards, use a lens pen, air blower, or cloth.
2. Ensure the Battery and Battery Cover are free of dirt, sand, or hair. Clean with a soft, dry cloth or paper if needed.
3. Ensure the MicroSD Card slot is free of dust, dirt, and sand for proper operation.

Battery Precautions

1. Only use Insta360-provided batteries for X5. Insta360 is not responsible for issues arising from unofficial batteries. Purchase replacements from the official Insta360 store.
2. Avoid using the battery outside the recommended temperature range (-4°F to 104°F / -20°C to 40°C). Temperatures outside this range can cause the battery to expand, catch fire, or explode. In low-temperature environments, fully charge the battery in a regular-temperature environment first to extend battery life.
3. Battery performance may be affected if not used for a long time.
4. Recharge and discharge the battery every three months to maintain optimal working conditions.