Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review: a coming of age

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Can nan Ace Pro 2 grounds 8K video? Yes – but that’s not what makes it a awesome camera. It’s small, lightweight and rugged too, of course, but nan existent entreaty of Insta360’s flagship action cam lies successful its all-round video capabilities. Thanks to fantabulous stabilization and nan I-log image profile, aficionados not acrophobic to dive into a video editor tin execute awesome things successful regards to move scope and colour – pinch 4K video alternatively than 8K. It’s besides beardown successful debased ray situations – astatine slightest by action cam standards. The Ace Pro 2 is different fantabulous flagship camera to see alongside competitors for illustration nan GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent all-round video

  • +

    Good low-light image quality

  • +

    Impressive audio from built-in mics

  • +

    Works slickly pinch Insta360 mobile app

Cons

  • -

    No built-in storage

  • -

    Flip surface mightiness not entreaty to some

  • -

    8K signaling comes pinch tons of caveats

Why you tin spot TechRadar We walk hours testing each merchandise aliases work we review, truthful you tin beryllium judge you’re buying nan best. Find retired much astir really we test.

Come for nan committedness of game-changing 8K action cam footage, enactment for nan genuinely great-looking, great-sounding 4K footage. That’s nan top-line communicative pinch Insta360’s caller flagship action camera, nan Ace Pro 2, which makes a large woody of its class-leading 8K video solution – moreover if it’s a characteristic very fewer owners will extremity up utilizing owed to its record sizes and various limitations.

What they’ll quickly observe alternatively is that nan Ace Pro 2 excels astatine delivering smooth, stabilized and crisp-looking 4K footage, which it tin seizure astatine up to 60fps successful regular video modes and 120fps for slow mobility playback purposes. It’s peculiarly awesome successful debased ray conditions (at slightest by action camera standards) and offers log signaling to support post-production tweaking to colour and vulnerability settings.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera connected a rainy day

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

It does each of nan supra while offering nan accustomed action cam advantages: it’s small, lightweight, waterproof, rugged, elemental to operate, blessed pinch agelong artillery life and capable to beryllium fixed onto each mode of first- and third-party accessories for illustration selfie sticks, mini tripods, motorcycle mounts and helmet mounts.

With each that being said, there’s not a batch betwixt immoderate of nan main 3 action camera flagships astatine this constituent (the different 2 being nan DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and GoPro Hero 13 Black). The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 does separate itself from its rivals not only pinch nan 8K signaling action but its azygous flip screen, which offers a larger show than nan camera’s dual-screened competitors.

Put simply, nan Ace Pro 2 warrants observant information for anyone shopping for a afloat featured flagship action camera, and afloat deserves its spot arsenic an replacement to its DJI and GoPro competitors.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: value and merchandise date

  • Priced from $399.99 / £389.99 / AU$689.99
  • Available from October 22 2024
  • Sold successful Standard and Dual Battery Bundles

The Ace Pro 2 is disposable to bid from October 22 2024, and sold via nan Insta360 web shop and a big of different online retailers.

There are 2 packages disposable astatine launch. The Standard Bundle ($399.99 / £389.99 / AU$689.99) contains nan camera, a upwind guard, a microphone cap, 1 battery, 1 modular equine and 1 USB-C cable. The Dual Battery Bundle ($419.99 / £409.99 / AU$719.99), arsenic its sanction suggests, features 2 batteries alternatively than one, but is different nan same.

Note that neither of Insta360’s bundles travel pinch a representation paper which, fixed nan Ace Pro 2’s deficiency of built-in storage, is thing you’ll need. So, if you don’t already person a microSD card, make judge to get 1 astatine nan aforesaid clip arsenic nan camera. It accepts cards up to 1TB successful capacity.

The Ace Pro 2’s pricing is successful nan aforesaid ballpark arsenic its closest action camera competitors specified arsenic nan GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (although, astatine astir $50 cheaper, nan second would time off you a small other money near complete for accessories).

  • Price score: 4/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: cardinal specs

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 specs
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch
Video: 8K/30p, 4K/120p, FHD/240p
Photo: 50MP / 12.5MP
Screen: 2.5-inch flip touchscreen
Video modes: Video, FreeFrame Video, PureVideo, Slow Motion, Starlapse, Timelapse, TimeShift, Loop, Dashcam, Pre-Recording
Connectivity: USB-C 3.0, Bluetooth 5.2, Dual-band Wi-Fi
Weight: 6.3oz / 177g
Dimensions: 71.9 x 52.2 x 38mm

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: creation and handling

  • Integrated microphone upwind guard
  • Waterproof to 12m/39ft
  • Flip-up touchscreen
  • Quick-release magnetic equine system

The Ace Pro 2 looks a batch for illustration nan original Ace Pro. A speedy side-by-side comparison reveals a fewer insignificant differences successful styling and size, but it shares nan aforesaid modular action camera look – blocky, squat and pinch arsenic fewer buttons arsenic imaginable – and reddish and achromatic colour scheme. The detachable, replaceable lens defender has been upgraded according to Insta360, giving a mini boost to its protection and dive capabilities.

Probably nan biggest quality of statement is nan caller microphone upwind guard, a removeable metallic grille, lined pinch acoustic foam, that protects nan beforehand mic larboard from upwind noise. It’s inconspicuous and adds virtually thing size-wise, truthful tin beryllium near successful spot astir of nan clip while nan camera is successful use.

The only clip it needs to beryllium removed and replaced by nan modular mic headdress is during underwater use. On that note, nan Ace Pro 2 tin dive to a extent of 39ft / 12m without further protection (a flimsy betterment connected nan 33ft / 10m of nan Ace Pro). Bolder swimmers tin fresh nan optional dive lawsuit accessory and return it each nan measurement down to 197ft / 60m.

The power strategy is elemental and straightforward, pinch only 2 beingness buttons connected nan Ace Pro 2 itself: 1 connected nan broadside to powerfulness it connected and off, which doubles arsenic a shooting mode switcher; and a shutter fastener connected top. Everything other is taken attraction of via touchscreen controls or, if you prefer, nan Insta360 mobile app (more connected that successful nan adjacent conception of this review). I recovered nan touchscreen controls mostly simple: you swipe down to unfastened nan main settings menu; correct to unfastened nan gallery; near to unfastened settings for nan existent shooting mode; aliases up to unfastened yet much settings for nan existent shooting mode.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera indoors
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The surface itself is simply a awesome differentiator betwixt Insta360’s action cameras and those of its main rivals GoPro and DJI. The Ace Pro 2, for illustration nan Ace Pro, uses only 1 surface wherever its competitors put 1 astatine nan backmost and 1 astatine nan beforehand (that beforehand surface you spot is conscionable for menus). The surface here, a nicely crisp and colorful 2.5-incher, tin flip up 180º to look forwards, which has its positive and minus points for me. The positive is that it’s a batch bigger than nan front-facing screens you get connected those rival cameras, giving you a clearer position and much abstraction for touchscreen tapping (it besides doubles arsenic a t-shirt clip aliases wound adapter for POV shots). The minus is that you person to physically flip it backmost and distant each clip you move from beforehand to backmost shooting, which is much effort than simply spinning nan camera information and continuing to shoot.

One point I do for illustration a batch is nan magnet- and clip-based mounting system, which allows for accelerated fixing and unfixing of nan Ace Pro 2 to mounts and accessories. This is akin to nan systems utilized by nan DJI Osmo Action bid and latterly nan GoPro Hero 13 Black, however, truthful I can’t opportunity nan Ace Pro 2 does immoderate amended than its rivals here.

The Ace Pro 2 has 2 unafraid flaps connected its body, which fastener successful spot erstwhile closed and require a fastener property to open. One flap protects nan microSD paper slot and USB-C port, while nan different protects nan removable battery.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: features and performance

  • 1800mAh artillery and Endurance Mode
  • Compatible pinch Insta360 Android/iOS app
  • Two levels of physics image stabilization

The Ace Pro 2’s removable batteries boast a larger capacity than nan Ace Pro’s (1800mAh opposed to 1650mAh). Insta360 claims it tin grounds for longer arsenic a result, providing a fig of 180 minutes of 4K/30p signaling connected a afloat complaint – a batch amended than nan 100 minutes offered by nan original camera. Keen to find retired if these claims clasp water, I performed my ain tests. I recovered that I could get 69 minutes of stabilized HDR footage astatine 4K/60p. Switching nan camera into Endurance Mode, which limits video solution and framework complaint and turns disconnected definite functions, I was capable to grounds astir 140 minutes astatine 4K/30p earlier nan artillery died. So, not rather arsenic precocious arsenic Insta360 claim, but awesome nonetheless.

The artillery besides supports reverse charging via USB-C, truthful successful a pinch you tin usage nan Ace Pro 2 arsenic a portable powerfulness slope for your telephone aliases different portable gear. The USB besides supports a webcam usability erstwhile plugged into a computer.

Overheating tin beryllium an issue, if not a awesome one. When signaling astatine 8K resolution, nan Ace Pro 2 will yet get excessively lukewarm to usability and unopen itself down arsenic a result. I tested it astatine room somesthesia conditions, uncovering it was capable to grounds 8K/30p footage for 43 minutes earlier overheating, and deliberation that’s fine. 8K signaling is astir apt thing you’ll usage situationally alternatively than each nan time, aft all.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

As mentioned above, 1 measurement to power nan Ace Pro 2 is utilizing nan Insta360 smartphone app. Connecting via Wi-Fi, it allows users to alteration nan camera settings (and update its firmware), return photos and videos, browse done photos and videos they’ve taken, edit together contented and stock it connected societal media. I’ve ever recovered nan app an intuitive and unchangeable method of remotely controlling Insta360’s various cameras, and arsenic is customary successful 2024 it besides features an AI-powered car editor to swiftly combine and people short videos from your captured content.

Image stabilization is simply a captious characteristic for immoderate self-respecting action camera, and nan Ace Pro 2 is well-served successful this area. There are 2 levels of ‘normal’ image stabilization (Standard and High) positive 2 sky levelling options (45º and 360º). I recovered each to beryllium very effective. Being electronic-based, each use a harvest (of varying degrees) to nan image.

Other video-centric features see motion and sound controls, timecode for multi-cam synching, a caller dashcam mode and a pre-recording video mode, which records up to 120 seconds earlier nan shutter fastener is pressed. All useful successful definite situations.

The Ace Pro 2 is besides compatible pinch respective types of Bluetooth-based wireless microphones (including nan DJI Mic and Mic 2, Rode Wireless bid and Hollyland Lark series) and respective Bluetooth motorcycle headsets (for hands-free camera power while riding).

  • Features and capacity score: 4.5/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: image and video quality

  • Upgraded 1/1.3-inch 50MP sensor
  • F2.6 lens pinch 157º section of view
  • Video up to 8K/30p, 4K/120p aliases FHD/240p

The original Ace Pro’s header characteristic was 8K/24p video recording, and nan Ace Pro 2 takes things further, if only ever truthful slightly; you tin now grounds 8K footage successful 25 and 30fps arsenic well. The image sensor, while remaining nan aforesaid 1/1.3-inch size, has been upgraded to besides let for 13.5 stops of move scope and 4K/60p Active HDR recording, and is bolstered by nan summation of a caller 5nm AI Chip that sits alongside nan image processing Pro Imaging Chip. Insta360 opportunity this doubles nan computing powerfulness of nan Ace Pro 2 compared to nan original Ace Pro. The lens, made by Leica, has besides been somewhat improved and now offers a wider section of view: 157º opposed to 151º.

Personally, I find 8K to beryllium a spot of a gimmick, particularly connected a camera truthful small. The immense mostly of america watch videos connected devices pinch 4K aliases smaller resolutions, truthful 8K seizure feels for illustration monolithic overkill unless you’re readying connected cropping down nan video later on. I should constituent retired present that nan section of position erstwhile capturing 8K is smaller than pinch 4K, 2.7K aliases Full HD recordings. 8K besides doesn’t support nan champion level of image stabilization, doesn’t let you to usage nan level I-log colour floor plan and, contempt nan bump up to 30fps, still limits framework complaint compared to nan little solution modes.

As a consequence, I recovered myself overmuch much drawn to 4K which, arsenic connected nan Ace Pro, is excellent. Most of nan vlogging footage you spot successful nan embedded sample video present was changeable utilizing nan I-log floor plan and colour graded and corrected successful post, but nan nighttime clip footage uses nan debased ray PureVideo mode, while nan cycling footage beneath uses nan modular colour floor plan pinch nan Active HDR turned on.

Low ray footage is beardown by action camera standards but still a weakness compared to moreover a modestly priced mirrorless camera. Insta360 tin propulsion each mode of algorithms astatine nan footage to sharpen, denoise and bring retired nan item successful gloomy areas, but it’s still coming from a mini sensor pinch constricted light-gathering potential. When viewed connected a smartphone surface PureVideo footage looks cleanable and clear, but connected a larger show aliases TV unusual artefacts and effects go overmuch much prominent. Still, nan Ace Pro 2 is overmuch amended astatine low-light video than a GoPro Hero 13 Black and connected a par pinch nan DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, though their characteristics are rather different. I've created a short comparison video of nan Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro truthful you tin spot for yourself really they fare.

All successful all, it’s a very awesome showing. In general, I still deliberation straight-out-of-the-camera videos from a GoPro Hero 13 Black taken successful bully lighting look somewhat much appealing, but for those who for illustration to put successful a spot of activity successful post-processing nan Ace Pro 2 is each spot arsenic tin arsenic nan Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Audio is unexpectedly clear erstwhile utilizing nan built-in microphones. The upwind defender seems to do its occupation admirably and voices are picked up well. The camera comes pinch 3 AI-assisted audio modes: modular stereo, upwind simplification and sound enhancement. Living by nan sea, I kept my Ace Pro 2 group to upwind simplification astatine each times and was pleasantly amazed by nan results.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera sample still photos
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The Ace Pro 2 tin besides return photos (in JPEG and/or DNG RAW) astatine 12.5MP aliases 50MP resolution, and while I’ve personally ne'er been a instrumentality of utilizing action cameras for still photography, it does arsenic bully a occupation astatine it arsenic immoderate of its awesome rivals. The JPEGs thin to look over-processing and over-sharpened; erstwhile I changeable images successful RAW and processed them myself successful Lightroom I was capable to execute overmuch much natural-looking results.

  • Image value score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: testing scorecard

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
PriceOn a par pinch rivals, if somewhat pricier than a DJI Osmo 5 Pro4/5
DesignRugged and small, pinch a unsocial flip-up surface and upwind defender 4.5/5
Features & PerformanceStrong stabilization, decent artillery life and coagulated audio options 4.5/5
Image and video qualityDecent successful debased ray and fantabulous successful daylight 4.5/5

Should I bargain nan Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Buy it if...

You perfectly must person 8K footage
Currently this is nan champion 8K action camera connected sale, truthful if you really require video signaling successful this solution it’s nan apical choice.

You want an all-round image value performer
With its fantabulous video capacity successful bully lighting and much than acceptable capacity successful debased light, it’s a jack of each trades.

You dislike mini screens
The Ace Pro 2’s 2.5-inch surface thumps its rivals’ dual-screen setups for size. Ideal if you want clearer-looking previews and menus.

Don't bargain it if...

You're expecting 8K signaling to toggle shape your life
You astir apt don’t request 8K video, and nan Ace Pro 2’s execution of it comes pinch loads of caveats. It’s still a niche signaling mode.

You for illustration to move betwixt beforehand and backmost signaling quickly
The dual-screen setups of DJI and GoPro rivals suit this style of shooting amended than nan Ace Pro 2’s flip screen.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: besides consider

GoPro Hero 13 Black

GoPro’s flagship is simply a polished performer, signaling gorgeous 5.3K video and supporting a wide scope of accessories – including nan auto-detected Lens Mods that drastically widen its imaginative options. It besides features built-in GPS, and yet supports nan faster magnetic mounting strategy already utilized by rival action cam makers.

Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black review

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Stacked pinch unsocial features for illustration wireless Hi-Res audio signaling erstwhile utilizing a DJI Mic 2 and blessed pinch fantabulous artillery life, class-leading waterproofing and a generous 47GB of built-in storage, nan dual-screen Action 5 Pro is simply a worthy replacement to nan Ace Pro 2. It’s besides cheaper than its adjacent rivals, though it doesn’t grounds 8K, maxing retired astatine 4K/120p.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

How I tested nan Insta360 Ace Pro 2

  • A week of vlogging and biking
  • Various upwind conditions and times of day
  • Footage edited utilizing Davinci Resolve Studio 19

I spent a week utilizing a pre-release type of nan Insta360 Ace Pro 2, capturing vlog-style and cycling videos astatine different times of nan time and successful different upwind conditions. I besides tested artillery life and power guidance by allowing nan camera to continuously grounds until nan artillery died aliases nan camera overheated and unopen down.

I recorded video astatine different resolutions and framework rates, utilizing different colour profiles and video modes and pinch nan various forms of stabilization connected aliases off. Footage was later edited connected my MacBook Air utilizing Davinci Resolve Studio 19 software, which I utilized to colour people and correct immoderate clips.

First reviewed October 2024

Sam Kieldsen

Sam has been penning astir tech and integer civilization for complete 20 years, starting disconnected successful video games publicity earlier branching retired into nan awesome worlds of user electronics, streaming intermezo and photography. Over nan years he has written for Wired, Stuff, GQ, T3, Trusted Reviews and PC Zone, and now lives connected nan Kent seashore successful nan UK – nan perfect spot for a camera reviewer to ply their trade.

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