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
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
X5 is 3.5 years newer.
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Wins
X5
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 6,400)
- AX5 has lower Weight (200 g vs 658 g)
- AX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 33 MP)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
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
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
X5 is 85mm narrower and 42mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV but it is also 28mm taller.
X5 is 458 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X5 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X5
46 × 125 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 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
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 80 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X5: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
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
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 658 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Eye AF
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓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
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X5 and Alpha 7 IV at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X5
Sony Alpha 7 IV
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, X5 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for X5 — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the X5 and Alpha 7 IV?
X5 is 72 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X5 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic), while Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
What's the weight difference between the X5 and Alpha 7 IV?
X5 weighs 200 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the X5 is 458 g lighter.
Do the X5 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the X5 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
X5: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
How much does each cost?
X5 launched at $550 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The X5 is $1,949 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X5 vs Alpha 7 IV vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.