Insta360
X5
Flagship 360° action camera with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, 8K 30fps 360° video, 4K 60fps single-lens mode, 15m waterproofing, and AI-powered PureVideo.
$550
Launch priceReleased Apr 2025
Nikon
D500
APS-C sports DSLR flagship with 10fps, 153-point AF, and pro build.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
X5 is 9.3 years newer.
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Wins
X5
Wins
D500
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD500 has higher AF points / zones (153 vs 0)
- BD500 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- AX5 has lower Weight (200 g vs 760 g)
- AX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 20.9 MP)
- AX5 has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
X5
46 × 125 × 38 mm
200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D500
147 × 115 × 81 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
X5 is 101mm narrower and 43mm thinner than D500 but it is also 10mm taller.
X5 is 560 g lighter than D500.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X5 · 81mm D500
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X5
46 × 125 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D500
147 × 115 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X5
46 × 38 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D500
147 × 81 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D500
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X5: mount data unavailable
D500
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
X5
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, Horizon Lock 360°, Active HDR…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 124.5, 38.2
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
200 g vs 760 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 20.9 MP — higher is better
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
D500
AF points / zones
153 vs 0 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 147, 115, 81
Card types
Adds XQD, SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only D500 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only D500 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X5
Pros
- ✓Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors (2× larger than X4)
- ✓8K 30fps 360° and 5.7K 60fps
- ✓4K 60fps single-lens action mode
- ✓15m waterproof without case
- ✓72MP 360° photos
Cons
- –Premium price vs X4
- –8K workflow is storage-heavy
- –Fixed lenses (not user-swappable in field)
- –Editing 360° footage takes time
D500
Pros
- ✓10fps APS-C
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Great buffer
Cons
- –DSLR
- –APS-C
- –No IBIS
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X5 and D500 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X5
Nikon D500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, X5 or D500?
X5 scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for D500 — Weather sealed for outdoor sports.
What's the resolution difference between the X5 and D500?
X5 is 72 MP and D500 is 20.9 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the X5 and D500?
X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic), while D500 does not have IBIS.
What's the weight difference between the X5 and D500?
X5 weighs 200 g and D500 weighs 760 g, so the X5 is 560 g lighter.
Do the X5 and D500 record 4K video?
X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. D500: 4K up to 30p.
Are the X5 and D500 weather sealed?
X5: Yes. D500: Yes.
How much does each cost?
X5 launched at $550 and D500 at $1,999. The X5 is $1,449 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X5 vs D500 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Nikon press materials.