Best settings for shooting in low light with the Insta360 X5

Filming in low light is one of the biggest challenges of immersive video, especially in 360°, where every ray of light is dispersed through two lenses. Luckily, the Insta360 X5 is built to handle these conditions. It features 1/1.28" sensors, a PureVideo mode powered by a triple AI chip, and processing power that delivers smooth, crisp video even in dim lighting.

In this article, you will discover the ideal settings , on-board technologies, tips and even comparative examples to obtain quality images, even after sunset.

Insta360 X5

Understanding the challenges of low light in 360° video

360° video in low-light environments poses several challenges:

• 🎯 High digital noise : stray pixels appear in dark areas

• 🔍 Lack of sharpness : loss of detail in textures and faces

• 🌗 Contrasts too marked : overexposure of bright areas, blocked black in the shadows

• ⚖️ Exposure instability : the camera struggles to balance rapid light variations (headlights, streetlights, etc.)

These problems can ruin a video if you don't have good equipment... or the right settings.

The role of PureVideo and the triple AI chip

The Insta360 X5 's PureVideo mode is a true ally in the dark. It relies on three AI processors capable of analyzing each frame in real time.

Here's what they improve:

• 🔇 Intelligent noise reduction , without blurring details

• 💡 Automatic frame-by-frame exposure optimization

• 🎨 Restoration of natural colors even in the dark

This means you can film a scene with little or no light without the rendering becoming unusable.

The best settings for filming in low light

To maximize your X5's nighttime performance, here are the settings we recommend:

🎥 Resolution and frame rate

• 5.7K at 60 fps : ideal for capturing more light per frame

• 8K : possible in semi-lit environments, but more sensitive to noise (incompatible with PureVideo mode)

⚙️ Capture mode

• Enable PureVideo : essential for very dark scenes

Mode PureVideo Insta360 X5

🌙 ISO (light sensitivity)

• In auto mode capped at 1600 ISO : good balance between brightness and noise control

• Manual : ISO 400 to 800 recommended if using a tripod or point lighting

🎨 White balance

• In manual mode , set a temperature around 3200K for urban lights, up to 4500K for a more neutral atmosphere

• In auto , the X5 does a good job, but can vary between shots

🌀 FlowState Stabilization

• Active : even in low light, stabilization remains smooth and natural

📦 Recording format

• Insp + LRV : to maintain optimal quality and compatibility with Insta360 Studio

Before/After Comparison with and without PureVideo

To better visualize the impact of PureVideo, we filmed scenes in a lit city center:

• Without PureVideo : very present digital noise, grainy faces, lit areas too white

• With PureVideo : controlled contrast, details visible even in the shadows, fewer artifacts

Indoors, in a candlelit living room, the difference is even more striking. PureVideo makes the image usable where standard mode completely fails.

Accessories and tips to improve your night videos

Beyond the settings, some accessories can save you in tricky situations:

• 🔦 Compact LED lamp : adds a soft source outside the field

• 📸 Tripod : avoids unwanted movements and reduces blur

• 🧼 Microfiber cloth : cleans lenses to prevent light halos

• 💻 Post-production editing : with Insta360 Studio or DaVinci Resolve, correct colors and refine sharpness

• ⚡ Full battery : AI processing consumes more power, always leave charged

Tame the night: the power of the X5 in low light

With its advanced sensors, PureVideo mode, and real-time AI processing, the Insta360 X5 sets the standard for low-light video. Whether in the city, outdoors, or indoors, it captures what other cameras don't even dare.

With the right settings, you can capture sublime, cinematic, and immersive nighttime ambiances. So, ready to tame the darkness with your X5? 🌌