Insta360’s X5 White Limited Edition Camera Takes on the Stratosphere and Heads to the Edge of Space

Insta360’s latest move with the X5 Satin White Limited Edition involved heading to the edge of space. They sent their new 360-degree action camera 23.6 miles above Earth, into the upper stratosphere, to capture footage where the planet curves and space looms. Partnering with Sent Into Space, a company that specializes in near-space videography, Insta360 truly put on a show to see what this thing can do.

The X5, already praised for its tough build and sharp imaging, faced temperatures as low as -68°F, sunlight 30% brighter than on Earth and an airless void that offers no cooling for internal components. To make this happen, Insta360 fitted the camera with new neutral density (ND) filters—ND16, ND32 and ND64—to manage the light. These filters are a first for Insta360 and let the X5 capture crisp footage without overexposure, automatically adjusting to the selected filter for accurate colours in post-processing. The camera didn’t just survive; it delivered footage that makes you feel like you’re floating at the edge of space.

Durability is the X5’s middle name. Its IP68 rating means it can be submerged up to 49 feet without a case and with the optional Invisible Dive Case it goes to 197 feet. The lenses are covered with ultra-hard optical film and can shrug off scratches and if damage does occur they’re replaceable—a practical touch for creators who push their gear to the limit. In the stratosphere the X5 faced not just cold but the absence of air to dissipate heat—a challenge that can fry delicate electronics. Yet it recorded flawlessly—a testament to its engineering. Compared to the X4, the X5 is twice as drop-resistant so it’s a camera built for real-world abuse whether on a mountain or in near-space.

The ND filters are worth a closer look. Designed for the X5’s replaceable lens system they reduce light without colour distortion. On Earth they’re a must-have for videographers chasing cinematic motion blur or photographers shooting long exposures in daylight. In the stratosphere they were essential to cut glare so the footage was usable. The X5 can detect which filter—ND16, ND32 or ND64—is attached so creators can focus on the shot not the settings. This kind of practicality makes the X5 a tool for pros and adventurers who want results without hassle.

Sent Into Space knows how to do these missions. They use biodegradable balloons and renewable hydrogen to have minimal environmental impact and get high res views of Earth against the black of space. Insta360 was confident enough in Sent Into Space to send the X5 into this extreme environment. The camera’s journey wasn’t just a test – it was a collaboration to capture something amazing, combining the latest tech with a view of Earth that few people ever get to see. The recovered spacecraft will be repurposed for future missions, which adds to the sustainability angle of the stunt.

Priced at $549.99 the X5 Satin White is the same as the standard black model, with the same Type 1/1.28 sensors, 8K 30fps video and Triple AI chip system that powers the smart editing features. The ND filters are $59.99 each and are worth it if you’re serious about video or photography.
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