How to use the Insta360 X5

The Insta360 X5 is currently our recommended camera for creating high-quality 360º panorama photos.

Compared to the earlier Insta360 X3, the X5 offers:

• Improved image processing
• Better low-light performance
• Faster performance
• Improved software workflow
• Better stitching quality
• Improved battery life
• Replaceable lens guards

The camera takes pictures with a maximum resolution of 11968 × 5984 pixels.
A MicroSD card is required when using the camera.

Workflow Summary

1. Capture a 360° photo.
2. Transfer the files to your computer.
3. Open the photos in Insta360 Studio.
4. Verify the stitching.
5. Make optional image adjustments.
6. Export a full 360 photo.
7. Verify the export.
8. Troubleshooting.
9. Upload the photos to EnergyPlanner.

For use within EnergyPlanner, it is important that all photos are captured using the recommended camera settings and best practices described in this guide. This ensures optimal image quality and the best possible user experience.

1. Capturing a 360° Photo

Before You Start

For the best results:

• Clean both camera lenses before each photo session.
• Remove fingerprints, dust and water droplets from the lens guards.
• Place the camera vertically.
• Use a sturdy tripod to ensure the camera remains completely stable during capture.
• Avoid using a selfie stick. Even small movements can reduce image quality and affect the stitching process. A tripod provides the stability required for high-quality 360° photography.
• Keep people and objects at least 1 meter away from the camera whenever possible.
• Position the camera at approximately eye level (1.60–1.70 metres).
• Avoid positioning the camera so that either lens points directly at the sun. This can cause overexposure, lens flare and a loss of image detail.
• It is strongly recommended to connect the camera to the Insta360 app on your smartphone before capturing any photos. This is necessary to automatically record the GPS coordinates of each photo location in the photo's metadata.

Camera Settings

Before capturing any images, make sure the Insta360 X5 is configured with the following settings:

These settings ensure maximum image quality and detail for use within EnergyPlanner.

Taking the Photo

1. Turn on the Insta360 X5.
2. make sure that the camera is connected with the app on your smartphone, this is necessary to automatically record the GPS coordinates of each photo location in the photo's metadata.
3. Verify that the camera settings match the requirements above.
4. Place the camera on a stable tripod and Make sure the camera is level.
5. Position the camera at the desired location.
6. Trigger the photo using the shutter button or a timer to avoid moving the camera during capture.
7. Wait until the photo has been fully captured before moving the camera or tripod.

The Insta360 X5 records images from both lenses simultaneously, creating a complete 360° capture that can later be stitched and exported in Insta360 Studio.

Recommended Camera Position for EnergyPlanner

To achieve consistent results:

• Position the camera at approximately eye level (1.60–1.70 metres).
• Place the tripod on stable and level ground.
• Avoid placing the camera directly against walls, buildings, trees or other large objects.
• Ensure there is sufficient visibility of the surrounding environment.
• Avoid capturing photos during heavy rain or other weather conditions that may affect image quality.

2. Transfer Photos to Your Computer

Method 1 – USB Connection

1. Connect the Insta360 X5 to your computer using a USB-C cable.
2. Turn on the camera.
3. Open the camera storage on your computer.
4. Copy the required files to a project folder.

Method 2 – Memory Card Reader

1. Remove the MicroSD card from the camera.
2. Insert it into a card reader.
3. Copy the photo files to your computer.

Recommended folder structure:

Project_Name/
├── Original_Files
├── Edited_Files
└── Exports

3. Open Photos in Insta360 Studio 

Install Insta360 Studio

Download and install the latest version of Insta360 Studio.

Import Files

1. Open Insta360 Studio.
2. Navigate to the folder containing your X5 files.
3. Select the photo you want to process.

The software will automatically recognise Insta360 photo files.

4. Check the Stitching

What is Stitching?

The Insta360 X5 uses two ultra-wide-angle lenses.

Stitching is the process of combining the images from both lenses into a single seamless 360° panorama.

Insta360 Studio performs this process automatically during preview and export.

Verify Stitch Quality

Before exporting:

1. Rotate the panorama view.
2. Check areas where objects cross the stitch line.
3. Verify that:
• People are not split or distorted.
• Buildings and objects appear natural.
• No visible seams are present.

Lens Guard Settings

If lens guards were used:

1. Open the stitching settings.
2. Confirm that Insta360 Studio correctly detected the lens guards.
3. If necessary, manually select the appropriate lens guard option.

5. Basic Image Adjustments

Optional adjustments can be made before export:

• Exposure
• Contrast
• Highlights
• Shadows
• Saturation
• White Balance

Apply only moderate corrections to maintain a natural appearance.

6. Export a Full 360° Photo

Export Settings

1. Click Export.
2. Select 360 Photo Export.
3. Choose the desired output location.
4. Select JPG as the export format.
5. Start the export process.

Insta360 Studio will automatically stitch the images from both lenses and create a complete equirectangular 360° panorama.

Recommended Export Settings