When it comes to action cameras, this time of year seems to be when all the main players release their latest and greatest iterations to the market, each promising to be better than before and better than the rest. Enter the ring, Insta360 and the Ace Pro 2, which promises to shake things up quite considerably.
So far, we have seen GoPro release their flagship GoPro Hero 13 Black, and more recently, DJI has followed with their much-anticipated Action 5. Both have displayed improvements over previous iterations, while some users mention that the incremental improvements have fallen short of expectations. So, how will this latest flagship offering from Insta360 fare? Will it be a big step up from the already successful Ace Pro 1?
Before we get into the new feature-packed camera, let’s take a look at what the baseline was and how it revolutionized this sector of the market:
Insta 360 Ace Pro 1
- 1/1.3" sensor
- 2.4" flip touchscreen
- 8K video at 24 fps
- FlowState stabilization
- Unbeatable image quality in low light
- Leica f/2.6 lens
- 40 MP images
- Waterproof to 39 ft (12 m)
The Ace Pro 2 has doubled down on some of its features to put it firmly in the mix and possibly at the top of the pile for features and quality.
Now, before we get into the details, I want to point out that no, I do not have a GoPro Hero 13, nor do I have a DJI Action 5, so I cannot do exact comparisons between each of them. What I will do, however, is go through the main features that this new camera offers, highlight how they may benefit users, and finally share my overall thoughts on this camera and what it offers.
Design
The design is almost exactly the same as before. The flip touchscreen is back but has now been increased to 2.5", not much, but still an improvement that will appeal to many, no doubt. As far as lens quality goes, the partnership with Leica is still there with their SUMMARIT lens, and it is still a 1/1.3" sensor with 8K capabilities.
FlowState is back, plus 360° Horizon Lock, allowing users to ensure that the horizon will stay locked no matter what orientation they put their camera in. This will save time during editing and ensure that your footage looks as good as it can be without worry.
Low Light
Low light use was one of the standout features of the Ace Pro, and now this has been improved even more in the Ace Pro 2. It seems that not only do we have more light capture, but we also have sharper image quality with less fuzzy footage. This is achieved by using Pure Video and also a 5nm AI chip, which uses computational power to adjust the footage on the fly. I have noticed that while looking at the footage on the screen while recording, I can see noise, but the final outputted file is more or less noise-free from my tests.
Leica Lens
The Leica lens offers an aperture of f/2.6, meaning you can control varying light conditions with ease. To have such quality in a small, compact unit is impressive, to say the least, and the footage is by far the best I have seen from a camera of this type.
If you want to capture images with your camera, you can upgrade from 40 MP images to 50 MP images. Again, this is impressive, considering many high-end camera bodies don’t reach this level alone. However, I do think they are using some sort of pixel shift technology to achieve this, so, in essence, it is taking 4 x 12.5 MP images and combining them.
Waterproofing
For the rugged outdoor types, the Ace Pro 2 is still waterproof out of the box down to an impressive 39 ft (12 m). Plus, you have the option of purchasing a separate dedicated dive case, which will allow you to go to depths of 196 ft (60 m). Additionally, unlike the first iteration, the lens cover is now removable. This will help if you get it scratched during use, rather than having to send the camera back to Insta360 for replacement. However, now that it is removable, it’s important to ensure that you have it tight before hitting any water, of course.
AI-Powered
The entire world has embraced AI now, and Insta360 has not only done that but is offering some interesting options with this camera. It boasts dual AI chips for superior image quality and a Pro Imaging chip that will automatically enhance your footage depending on the scene you are shooting, meaning you will get the best possible output without the need for frustrations later in post-production. Speaking of post-production, a 5nm AI chip will shine when it comes to editing your footage. Built-in features allow auto-editing of clips for you, plus you can still use the stylized overlays on your footage to turn your hot footage into fire footage (literally) using the Insta360 app.
Audio
One of the downsides users of the original Ace Pro mentioned was the poor audio quality. Now, to be fair, in an action camera, you are always going to have this challenge. However, for the Ace Pro 2, it seems Insta360 has listened and added a new wind guard for clearer audio. During my tests, it does seem to handle wind noise well.
It also allows you to connect a wireless mic to this. I have been using it with my DJI Mic 2, and it has performed exceptionally. I did find that I needed to be facing the camera for it to keep the audio clear as I walked away. A separate Mic Adapter can also be purchased, which will allow you to connect a lav mic 3mm. Plus, it also gives you the option of keeping a USB-C port, which is good too.
i-Log
The previous version of this camera didn’t allow users to shoot in log, but now that has changed, and you have the option to shoot in i-Log. I can only assume that this is Insta360’s version of D-Log, replacing the D with an I for their brand. The footage is very good and gives you lots more flexibility when editing. You have a lot more detail in the shadows and more control of mid-tones and highlights, just like you would expect from shooting in log in general.
Features
All of the much-loved features of the first iteration are still there, with many shooting modes available: 8K at 30 fps videos, 4K at 120 fps slow-mo, plus specialized 4K at 60 fps Active HDR video for daylight and PureVideo for low light. There are also presets that will dial in quick settings, and you can store up to 20 custom presets of your own.
Battery
A fast-charging 1,800 mAh battery will allow you to shoot for longer and get charged up quicker, so you don’t miss the shot(s). A Dual Battery Bundle is available. However, it doesn’t come with a charging hub, so keep in mind you need to charge your batteries while in the camera body, one at a time. You can charge the battery using PD power from 0-80% in 25 minutes, which is great to see and have. I ran a test and recorded 4K video at 24 fps on a full battery, and I was able to record 1 hr 37 min before the battery was exhausted.
Mounting Options
As a small action camera, one of the main considerations is how you can put it almost anywhere and mount it to almost anything. The Ace Pro still has great options available, and with its dual magnetic/clip mounting system, it will be a rock-solid connection to either a chest mount, bike mount, head mount, or selfie stick. The only challenge you will have is how well the receiving plates are connected to whatever you choose to connect it to; the connection between the mount and the camera itself isn’t going to disconnect anytime soon, that’s for sure.
Weight
When it comes to weight, which isn’t much, to be fair, the Ace Pro 2 comes in at 177 g, including the battery, and 142 g without, which, in the bigger scheme of things, isn’t a whole lot to worry about. It is, however, heavier than its counterparts, so keep this in mind if weight at this level is something of concern.
So, Who Is This Camera For?
If you are a general user who wants to capture high-quality footage on the go, then this camera should be part of your considerations. It is feature-packed, and a very intuitive user interface means that there isn’t a steep learning curve when it comes to capturing out-of-the-box high-quality footage. If you have an older version of other action cameras, then this would be a sizable upgrade from those. And if you have recently just upgraded to another brand’s flagship, then I guess you won’t want to move, although you may have some envy when it comes to the shooting possibilities that this camera from Insta360 offers.
Final Thoughts on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a highly impressive action camera that brings notable upgrades over its predecessor while maintaining the same core features that made the original popular. Insta360 has listened to user feedback, improving both hardware and software to offer a versatile, feature-packed camera that is easy to use and capable of producing top-tier footage. The emphasis on low-light performance, image stabilization, and AI-powered editing tools sets this camera apart in an increasingly competitive market.
However, it's not without its drawbacks. While the camera excels in most areas, some users may find the upgrades incremental, especially if they already own the first iteration or a competitor’s recent release.
Pros
- Excellent Low-Light Performance: Improved sensor and lens allow for exceptional footage in dim conditions.
- AI-Powered Features: Dual AI chips and a Pro Imaging chip help optimize footage, saving time in post-production.
- High-Quality Video and Photos: 8K video and 50 MP images deliver industry-leading resolution for an action cam.
- 360° Horizon Lock: Ensures stable, level footage no matter the camera's orientation.
- Rugged Design: Waterproof up to 39 ft (12 m) with a removable lens cover, making it durable for outdoor adventures.
- Removable Lens Cover: Easy to replace if damaged during use, adding longevity to the camera’s lifespan.
- Wide Aperture Range: f/2.6 gives good control over light conditions.
- Improved Audio: New wind guard and wireless mic compatibility provide clearer audio.
Cons
- Incremental Upgrades: Some may find the improvements, such as the slightly larger screen and minimal lens changes, not significant enough to warrant an upgrade from previous models.
- Audio Still Needs Improvement: While better, audio quality in extreme conditions can still be a challenge for action cams, perhaps not just on the Ace Pro 2, to be fair. I also didn’t like that I had to repair my wireless mic every time I turned on the camera; this should be saved and connect automatically each time.
- Weight: At 177 g with the battery, it’s a bit heavier than some competitors, which could be a downside for users looking for the lightest option.
- Price: The feature set justifies the price, but budget-conscious users may find it steep compared to other action cameras on the market.
- AI Can Tend to Overcompensate Facial Tones: In my tests, I noticed that at 4K and even more so at 8K, it didn’t just show my wrinkles; it tried to enhance them.
- Sharpness: Default settings for sharpness need to be turned down as it makes the image too crunchy. If you need it added back in, you can do that in post, but you can’t remove it from the footage, so be aware of this before recording.
- 8K: While this is great to have, I feel that the file sizes will be extremely large to handle regularly. From my tests, 4K is good enough for general use cases, and I wonder how many people will actually shoot in 8K as their standard resolution.
Overall, if you're in the market for an action camera that excels in image quality, stabilization, and ease of use, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 should be high on your list. While its improvements may not be revolutionary for those with newer gear, its ability to handle a variety of shooting environments and produce consistently impressive results make it a strong contender in its class. I have used GoPros before and also DJI Actions. This camera is up there with them and, in fact, for some, might actually be the new leader of the pack.
I have made a number of videos about this camera to help with any purchasing decisions you might have; I will put the feature tests video in this article above, and you can find the other ones from there if you would like more in-depth details, etc.
