With the release of the Insta360 Panoramic Sports Cameras X4 and X5, more people are discovering the world of 360° cameras. In this review, I’ll help you tackle one of the most common issues users face: camera overheating.
Action cameras often face the challenge of overheating, especially during long recording sessions, which can lead to performance issues or crashes. In this review, I’ll share 7 effective ways to solve the Insta360 X4/X5 overheating problem, providing practical tips and useful references for users.
Does Insta360's camera overheat easily?
In conclusion(math.) genusInsta360's panoramic cameras are not prone to overheating.The
Unlike GoPro sports cameras, which are designed for extreme activities, Insta360 focuses on the overall “ease of use” for the whole family. Overheating was considered from the very beginning of the product design, so Insta360 cameras rarely receive negative feedback about batteries overheating or causing crashes.
Below is a comparison of the battery capacity and battery life of the X4 and X5. The X5 has a larger battery than the X4 and supports fast charging, making it less prone to overheating.
| X5 | X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 2400mAh | 2290mAh |
| 8K30fps Recording Time | 88 minutes. | 75 minutes. |
| 5.7K30fps Recording Time | 135 minutes. | 135 minutes. |
| 5.7K24fps Recording Time | 185 minutes. | Recording is not supported |
| Quick Charge | ||
| Time to Battery Full 80% | 20 minutes. | 38 minutes. |
| Battery Charge Time for 100% | 35 minutes. | 55 minutes. |
3 Scenarios Where 360° Cameras Are Prone to Overheating
| Scene | Image Quality | Applicable Temperature | Recording Time (X4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8K Recordings | 8K30fps | 25°C | 42 minutes, 32 seconds. |
| Fixed to the locomotive. | 8K30fps | 25~30℃ | One hour and 15 minutes. |
| Recording while charging | 8K30fps | 20°C | 18 minutes, 34 seconds. |
I tested the X4 in 8K across all three scenarios, and the results showed that only when recording while stationary on the locomotive did the continuous recording meet my expectations—allowing me to record until the battery was fully drained.
8K recording causes overheating
8K recording: The X4 starts to overheat after 42 minutes and 32 seconds, while the X5 can continue recording for 85 minutes until the battery is fully drained.
In an indoor environment in May (25°C), the X4 automatically stopped recording with 32 minutes of battery remaining, while the X5 was able to record for the full 85 minutes without noticeable heating.
Since the recording was done in a windless environment without direct sunlight, the overheating can be attributed entirely to the camera’s internal operation. If external factors such as rising temperatures or direct sunlight were present, the camera could have overheated sooner, resulting in shorter recording times.
Recording While Mounted on a Motorcycle Causes Overheating
Mounted on the moto: the X4 battery drained after 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the X5 lasted 1 hour and 28 minutes.
According to official Insta360 information, the X4 can record continuously for 75 minutes at 8K30fps, while the X5 can record for 88 minutes—consistent with my test results.
Although some time was spent waiting for signals, most of the session involved recording motorcycle traffic. The weather was sunny with thin clouds, so the camera was exposed to constant direct sunlight. As the battery neared depletion, the camera warmed slightly but did not overheat.
Overheating due to USB charging and recording
USB powered shooting: X4 camera starts to heat up after 18 minutes 34 seconds, X5 has no heating problem.
With USB power, the X4 can continue recording even if the battery is removed. However, when I tried shooting using only USB power, the camera unexpectedly stopped recording after 18 minutes due to overheating.
Previously, when I used the X3 for 5.7K shooting, I found that the key to long recording sessions was to remove the battery and rely solely on USB power to avoid overheating—even in hot sunlight. So I was a bit surprised that the X4 heated up so quickly.
When using the X4 for 8K 30fps recording, you should avoid using a USB power supply or recording while charging. If you intend to use the X4 as a car recorder, it is recommended to adjust the camera resolution to 5.7K to minimize the risk of overheating.
7 Ways to Solve Panorama Heat Problems
Since the external design of X4/X5 is not significantly different from that of general sports cameras, its camera structure is not outstanding in terms of heat dissipation.
The X4 and X5 feature a relatively large battery within a compact body, alongside several performance upgrades. Furthermore, their waterproof design creates a sealed internal space. Unlike a cell phone, a panoramic camera lacks sufficient surface area for effective heat dissipation, making it essential to take preventative measures to avoid overheating during use.
Next, I will introduce you several effective ways to avoid X4/X5 overheating.
- Lower fps
- Shooting at 5.7K
- Avoid HDR shots
- Using Me Mode
- Avoid shooting while charging
- Avoid hot sunlight
- Shooting in short clips
Lower fps
Do I need to shoot in slow motion?
FPS (frames per second) refers to the smoothness of video playback. The higher the value, the smoother the video. For example, 60fps means that 60 images make up each second of video, while 120fps is recorded at double the speed. The higher the FPS, the greater the load on the processor, which can cause the device to heat up more easily.
If you don't plan to use slow motion in post-production, it's recommended to set the frame rate to 30 FPS, or at most 60 FPS. This can significantly reduce the device's heat generation.
The human eye does not perceive frame rate in a fixed "FPS limit." While some claim the eye can only see 30fps, research shows humans can detect differences well beyond 240fps in controlled conditions. However, in everyday viewing, the difference between 30fps and 60fps may be subtle for most people, becoming more noticeable in fast-motion content (e.g., games, sports). Practical sensitivity varies based on context, motion speed, and individual visual acuity.
I typically shoot at 60fps, but if the camera overheats, I reduce the frame rate to 30fps to manage heat. For 120fps, I use it exclusively for quad-speed slow motion—perfect for short bursts of dynamic action like sports or fast-moving scenes. This enhances visual impact, but requires careful attention to device cooling.
5.7K shooting
If you experience overheating when shooting at 8K, it is recommended to try recording at 5.7K.
Although the X4 and X5 now support 8K/30fps recording, this also places a significantly higher thermal load on the device, increasing the risk of overheating. If you encounter overheating issues, a effective strategy is to reserve 8K for special, short clips and switch to 5.7K for general filming. This allows you to balance stunning detail with reliable performance.
Furthermore, the difference between 4K and 8K isn't merely double; it's a fourfold increase in data processing (as the resolution doubles in both width and height). From this perspective, downgrading from 8K to 5.7K will significantly reduce the thermal load on the device.
Avoid HDR shooting
HDR - The Most Forgotten Mode
With HDR enabled, details in both highlights (like sunlight) and shadows are preserved, resulting in richer colors and a more vibrant overall image. This makes it an ideal mode for shooting on clear, sunny days
However, HDR (High Dynamic Range) works by capturing multiple frames at different exposure levels and then merging them into a single video. This "merging" process significantly increases the camera's computational workload and processing load, which consequently leads to higher heat generation.
Dynamic HDR delivers beautiful colors on sunny days, so I use this mode myself despite the occasional overheating. If you avoid HDR to prevent overheating, you can enhance the colors later by adjusting the 'Saturation' and 'Contrast' during video editing.
Using ME Mode
X-Series exclusive shooting modes
The X3's 'Me Mode' shoots at up to 1080p, while both the X4 and X5 can shoot in 4K, making the mode significantly more useful. Furthermore, the thermal load at 4K is considerably lower than at 8K resolution.
Since footage shot in "Me Mode" cannot be edited in post-production, this mode not only helps prevent the camera from overheating but also saves storage space on the SD card.Alternative phrasing (more concise): The uneditable nature of "Me Mode" videos means this feature not only reduces overheating but also conserves SD card memory.
Avoid shooting while charging
X4's unique heating scenario
With the Ace Pro 2, heat generation can be somewhat reduced by removing the battery and using an external power source. However, the X4 tends to overheat quickly even without the battery installed, so it is advisable to avoid recording while it is connected to power.
Avoid hot sunlight
After all, if we feel uncomfortable in high temperatures, so do our cameras!
While it might not be the most exciting topic, overheating is an inevitable issue when recording under the hot sun, so it's best to avoid direct exposure whenever possible. On a positive note, the X4 offers an impressive operating temperature range from -20°C to 40°C, which is quite robust for most environments.
Shooting in short clips
It's better to just record a short video for later editing.
Except for motorcycle trips requiring extended recording, I primarily use my 360 camera to capture short, few-minute clips. For those wanting to use a 360 camera as a long-duration vlogging tool, it’s best to shoot in 4K Single-Lens Mode. Additionally, Insta360 has released a temperature-control grip designed specifically for their panoramic cameras to help manage heat during use.
Temperature-Control Grip
This temperature-control grip is constructed from polycarbonate and utilizes graphene—a material renowned for having three times the thermal conductivity of copper. While I initially assumed this accessory was designed to dissipate heat to extend continuous recording time, its practical function appears to be more focused on regulating temperature to prevent overheating shutdowns, rather than significantly increasing the total duration of a single recording session.
- What are temperature control grips used for?
The temperature-control grip effectively lowers the camera's surface temperature, making it much more comfortable to hold during extended 8K recording sessions.
- Does the temperature control clip reduce the temperature of the camera? Does it have the function of suppressing the heat of the camera?
No, the temperature control grips do not suppress the heat generated by the camera itself.It is used to reduce the temperature sensed when held in the hand. Graphene helps to dissipate heat.
- Can I use the temperature-controlled clip in a sports scene?
Thermal grip covers are not recommended for use in sports situations. Natural cooling is recommended.
Cameras are more prone to overheating when shooting in 8K, so this accessory is a great way to get the most out of your camera.Designed for long term 8K recording users.The camera is designed to allow you to hold the camera more easily for better heat dissipation.
This accessory is very lightweight at only 11.3 grams and is highly recommended to prevent scratches on your camera.
I tested 8K recording under the same temperature conditions and found that the X4 alone could only record for 42 minutes, but with the Temperature Control Grip it extended to 47 minutes, so it does provide some cooling effect. However, when shooting outdoors, letting the camera be exposed to natural airflow may actually be more effective at preventing overheating and shutdown.
One thing to keep in mind.The X4 and X5 temperature control grips are not interchangeable.Please note that if you use X5, please choose the exclusive temperature control grip.
6 Ways to Extend Insta360 X5 Battery Life
The key to effectively solving the overheating problem is to protect the camera battery through proper care to increase its lifespan. Below are six tips that can effectively extend the life of a 360 camera battery. Feel free to refer to them!
- Use of spare batteries
- Use the mobile charger if necessary
- Adjusting Screen Settings
- Close Bluetooth
- Select the most power-efficient recording mode
- Turn off voice control and gesture control
Use of spare batteries
The recording time of a single Insta360 X5 battery is about 85 minutes. If you need to record for more than 100 minutes, it is recommended to use a spare battery. However, please note that actual recording time depends not only on the battery but also on the capacity of the SD card. If you need long continuous recording, it is recommended to choose a 512GB memory card to ensure sufficient storage space and uninterrupted recording.
| SD Card Capacity | Recordable Duration |
|---|---|
| 64GB | 1 hour and 1 minute |
| 128GB | 2 hours and 3 minutes |
| 256GB | 4 hours, 7 minutes. |
| 512GB | 8 hours and 27 minutes. |
For those who are confused about the memory card capacity of X5, please refer to the related review on this website~.
For example, during a two-day, one-night mountain hiking trip, if you plan to record about 8 hours (480 minutes) of footage in total, a 512GB memory card is usually more than enough. However, since the camera needs to be recharged along the way and stable power sources are hard to find while camping in the mountains, it is recommended to prepare at least 3 batteries to ensure uninterrupted shooting and peace of mind throughout the journey. Below is the correlation between the number of batteries and the available recording time
| Batterygranulecriticize (i.e. enumerate shortcomings) | Recordable Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| 2 | 2 hours and 50 minutes |
| 3 | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| 4 | 5 hours and 45 minutes |
Use the mobile charger if necessary
If you find it inconvenient to carry around a spare battery, you can also consider charging X5 with a mobile power supply.
Since the X5’s battery capacity is 2,400mAh, it is recommended to use a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank for long recording sessions. However, keep in mind that the larger the capacity, the heavier the power bank usually is. In terms of portability, I personally prefer carrying a few spare batteries, which are lighter and more practical. In addition, Insta360 has also released a reinforced 2,800mAh battery specifically for the X5, offering a 17% increase in capacity compared to the standard X5 battery.
| Battery Capacity | Recordable Duration |
|---|---|
| 2,400mAh | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| [Enhanced] 2,800mAh | 3 hours 55 minutes |
| 10,000mAh | 5 hours and 40 minutes |
| 20,000mAh | 4 hours 15 minutes |
Adjusting Camera Settings
- Reduce camera brightness
- By enabling the auto shut-off sleep function, you can set the timer to “10 seconds” or “30 seconds.” This helps effectively reduce battery consumption without affecting normal use.
- Recording can be started or stopped without waking up the screen by pressing a physical button.
Close Bluetooth
Turning off Bluetooth communication reduces battery consumption.
Bluetooth is mainly used to connect with low-power devices, so its own power consumption is not high. However, if you don’t need Bluetooth temporarily, it is recommended to turn it off to further reduce battery consumption.
Select the most power-efficient recording mode
Adjusting the shooting mode and recording settings according to the scene helps reduce battery consumption. Increasing the frame rate or image quality unnecessarily will not only accelerate battery drain but may also take up a large amount of storage space.
If battery life is your top priority, it is recommended to shoot with the new “Extended Battery Mode” on the Insta360 X5. With this mode, even the standard 2,400mAh battery can record for up to 208 minutes at 5.7K 24fps.
Turn off voice control and gesture control
Some auxiliary shooting functions keep the camera in standby mode for extended periods. To save power, it’s best to activate them only when necessary and limit their use.
Assisted Shooting Supported by X5
- Voice Control
- Gesture Control
- Turn and shoot.
- Pre-recorded
- One-click quick start
Conclusion
I hope the methods introduced in this article help you effectively solve the X4/X5 overheating problem. I’ll continue to update my blog with Insta360 product reviews and brand insights, so stay tuned—and don’t forget to check out my other posts 😊
