As someone who regularly films underwater and has used several generations of Insta360 cameras, I was genuinely curious to see how the new Insta360 X5 would perform—especially when paired with the Pro Dive Housing. After extensive use in real diving conditions, including depth, current, and less-than-ideal visibility, I can confidently say that this setup delivers outstanding image quality, while also introducing a few practical considerations divers should be aware of.
This review is based on real-world use, not lab testing, and focuses specifically on underwater performance, handling, and workflow. All pictures you see are Screenshots out of videos. You can follow up the video quality in my reels on my instagram account @katy.scuba
First Impressions: Build, Size, and the Pro Dive Housing
One of the first things you notice when switching to the Pro Dive Housing for the Insta360 X5 is its size. Compared to the standard X5 housing—and even compared to the dive housing of the previous Insta360 X4—the Pro housing is noticeably larger and bulkier.
While the additional size does add weight, this is mostly balanced out when using the Invisible Selfie Stick, where the weight becomes almost irrelevant during filming. Interestingly, despite the increased mass, the Pro Dive Housing still has slight positive buoyancy. This is something to be aware of, especially if you are used to more neutrally balanced underwater camera rigs.
In strong currents, I found the standard housing more practical. It is more compact, easier to handle, and less affected by water movement. However, the trade-off becomes clear the moment you review the footage.
Image Quality Underwater: Where the X5 Truly Shines
The image quality and clarity produced by the Insta360 X5 with the Pro Dive Housing are, quite honestly, outstanding. The improvement over the X4 is immediately visible, particularly in challenging conditions.
Even at greater depths or in poorer visibility, the footage remains:
- Exceptionally clean
- Well balanced in color
- Free of the muddy, washed-out look that often affects underwater footage
The light handling is one of the strongest points of this camera. Colors remain natural, details are preserved, and the overall image feels surprisingly “pure” for a compact 360-degree camera. This is especially noticeable when filming in blue water or on days with limited ambient light.
Compared to the Insta360 X4, the X5 clearly benefits from:
- Improved sensor performance
- Better low-light handling
- Cleaner image processing
- Higher overall dynamic range
While both cameras are capable, the X5 delivers a visible step forward in professional-looking underwater footage.
Ideal for Big Subjects: Mantas, Whale Sharks, and Wide Scenes
One of the areas where the Insta360 X5 truly excels is filming large marine life. The 360-degree perspective combined with excellent image quality makes it ideal for capturing:
- Manta rays
- Whale sharks
- Large sharks
- Wrecks and wide reef structures
It is also perfectly suited for filming yourself swimming alongside these animals, without needing to constantly reframe or worry about missing the moment. This makes the X5 especially attractive for:
- Freedivers
- Scuba divers
- Content creators
- Travel and wildlife bloggers
The immersive perspective adds storytelling value that is difficult to achieve with traditional action cameras.
Handling Underwater: Practical Considerations
The housing is very sensitive to scratches. This is something you must take seriously if you plan to travel with it or use it frequently.
My personal precautions:
- Always pack it very well padded
- Transport it only in hand luggage when flying
- Use a neoprene protective cover underwater to prevent scratches
This extra care is absolutely necessary if you want to maintain image quality over time. Even small scratches can affect lens clarity, especially when shooting against light.
Workflow & Editing: Powerful, but with a Learning Curve
Another important aspect is the editing workflow. Compared to more traditional editing software, the Insta360 editing program is more complex and takes time to fully understand.
For me, it took a while to feel comfortable with:
- Reframing
- Keyframing
- Export settings
- Managing high-resolution 360 footage
That said, once you understand the workflow, the creative possibilities are huge. The software allows you to extract dynamic shots from a single clip that would otherwise require multiple cameras or very precise framing underwater.
This is not a negative point, but something users should be prepared for—especially if they are coming from simple action camera editing
Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 – Real-World Comparison
Having used both the X4 and X5 extensively, the differences become clear underwater.
Key Improvements with the X5:
- Cleaner image quality
- Better performance in low light and depth
- Improved color accuracy
- More refined processing
- Stronger overall “cinematic” look
The X4 remains a capable camera, especially for casual use, but the X5 feels more refined and professional, particularly when paired with the Pro Dive Housing.
For divers who care deeply about image quality and plan to use their footage for blogs, licensing, or professional projects, the upgrade is noticeable and worthwhile.
When the Standard Housing Makes More Sense
Despite the superior image quality of the Pro Dive Housing, there are situations where the standard housing is simply more practical:
- Strong currents
- Long drift dives
- Situations requiring minimal drag
- Travel with limited space
In these cases, the standard housing offers easier handling, faster deployment, and less concern about buoyancy and bulk
Who Is the Insta360 X5 with Pro Dive Housing For?
This setup is ideal for:
- Divers filming large marine life
- Underwater content creators
- Travel bloggers
- Wildlife videographers
- Anyone who values immersive storytelling and likes differnet perspectives
It is especially well suited for wide, epic scenes, rather than close-up macro work
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Insta360 X5 with Pro Dive Housing delivers exceptional underwater image quality that is hard to beat in the compact camera category. While the housing is larger, more delicate, and requires careful handling, the results speak for themselves. If your priority is image clarity, light quality, and immersive footage, this camera is an outstanding choice. For me, the X5 represents a clear step forward from the X4 and has become a powerful tool for documenting unforgettable underwater encounters.
Final Rating (Underwater Use)
Image Quality: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Build & Durability: ★★★☆☆
Editing Workflow: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★½
