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
FX9
Full-frame 6K XDCAM camcorder with Dual Base ISO, S-Cinetone, Fast Hybrid AF, variable ND, and oversampled DCI 4K up to 60p.
$10,998
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
X5 is 5.7 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
X5
Wins
FX9
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFX9 has higher AF points / zones (627 vs 0)
- AX5 has lower Weight (200 g vs 2000 g)
- AX5 has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 800)
- AX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 19 MP)
- BFX9 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
FX9
146 × 143 × 229 mm
2000 g (4.41 lb / 70.55 oz)
X5 is 100mm narrower, 18mm shorter, and 191mm thinner than FX9.
X5 is 1800 g lighter than FX9.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X5 · 229mm FX9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X5
46 × 125 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
FX9
146 × 143 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
FX9
146 × 229 mm
Sensor size, to scale
FX9
35.7 × 18.8 mm · APS-C
671 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X5: mount data unavailable
FX9
✓ 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
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 2000 g — lower is better
ISO min (native)
100 vs 800 — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 19 MP — higher is better
Bluetooth
Only X5 supports it
Reasons to choose
FX9
AF points / zones
627 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds XAVC-I, XAVC-L, MPEG HD422
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146, 142.5, 229
Card types
Adds XQD, SD, SDHC…
AA filter
Only FX9 supports it
Eye AF
Only FX9 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only FX9 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
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
FX9
Pros
- ✓Full-frame 6K Exmor R oversampling
- ✓Dual Base ISO 800 / 4000
- ✓S-Cinetone + S-Log3
- ✓Built-in variable ND (1/4–1/128)
- ✓12G-SDI + dual XQD slots
Cons
- –Large shoulder-cam form factor
- –Body-only is 2 kg
- –XQD media (not CFexpress)
- –6K not recorded natively (oversampled 4K)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X5 and FX9 at major authorized retailers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, X5 or FX9?
X5 scores 8.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for FX9 — Weather sealed for outdoor sports.
What's the resolution difference between the X5 and FX9?
X5 is 72 MP and FX9 is 19 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the X5 and FX9?
X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic), while FX9 does not have IBIS.
What's the weight difference between the X5 and FX9?
X5 weighs 200 g and FX9 weighs 2000 g, so the X5 is 1800 g lighter.
Do the X5 and FX9 record 4K video?
X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. FX9: 6K oversampled → DCI 4K / UHD 4K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the X5 and FX9 weather sealed?
X5: Yes. FX9: Yes.
How much does each cost?
X5 launched at $550 and FX9 at $10,998. The X5 is $10,448 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X5 vs FX9 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.