Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Revolutionizing the Action Camera Landscape

In the ever-evolving world of action cameras, Insta360 has made a significant splash with the release of its Ace Pro 2. This new entrant is not just an upgrade from its predecessor but a formidable competitor to industry giants like GoPro and DJI. The Ace Pro 2 stands out with its innovative features, a larger screen, AI-enhanced video recording, and an attractive price point of $399.99, which is notably $50 cheaper than the original Ace Pro. With a design reminiscent of the popular GoPro and DJI models, the Ace Pro 2 retains a unique identity, particularly with its front screen that displays only information in monochrome, unlike its competitors that offer a color video display. The decision to keep the screen monochromatic might be seen as a drawback by some, but it serves a specific purpose of conserving battery life while still providing essential shooting information.

The Ace Pro 2’s larger hinged screen is a noteworthy enhancement over the original model, offering improved brightness and pixel density, which makes it easier to frame shots from various angles. However, the durability of the hinge could be a concern for users who subject their cameras to extreme conditions. The camera is powered by a pro imaging chip and an AI chip that runs a custom-trained neural network, enabling advanced features like PureVideo recording mode for low-light situations and automatic creation of edited clips using AI capabilities. These technological advancements make the Ace Pro 2 a versatile tool for capturing high-quality footage in diverse settings, whether you’re vlogging, biking, or engaging in other action-packed activities.

One of the most impressive features of the Ace Pro 2 is its waterproofing capability, extended to a depth of 39 feet. This makes it an ideal companion for underwater adventures, especially when paired with a separate dive case that allows usage up to 196 feet. Additionally, the inclusion of a “wind guard” improves audio quality during high-speed activities, addressing a common issue faced by action camera users. The Ace Pro 2 also boasts a larger battery, continuous capturing mode, and innovative control options such as hand gesture and voice command, enhancing user experience and convenience. Despite these upgrades, Insta360 has chosen not to release an updated version of the original Ace camera, focusing instead on perfecting the Ace Pro 2 as a cheaper alternative to its competitors.

The partnership with Leica is another standout feature of the Ace Pro 2, providing users with a Leica lens with an aperture of f/2.6. This collaboration enhances the camera’s ability to capture sharp, high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions. The Ace Pro 2 can capture 50 MP images and shoot in 8K resolution at 30 fps, with additional shooting modes like 4K at 120 fps slow-motion. These capabilities are further enhanced by the camera’s dual AI chips and pro imaging chip, which automatically enhance footage and offer easy editing options through built-in features and stylized overlays available via the app. For users who prefer more control over their footage, the option to shoot in log with i-log is available, providing greater flexibility in post-production.

The Ace Pro 2’s design follows the compact and boxy style popularized by GoPro, but with notable improvements such as a detachable mic cap, new lens guard, and an upgraded 1800mAh battery that charges to 80% in just 18 minutes. This fast-charging capability is complemented by the camera’s ability to charge other devices, adding to its versatility. The camera’s internal features have also seen significant upgrades, with a dedicated pro imaging chip and an AI chip for better image processing and performance. The Ace Pro 2’s underwater mode offers improved stabilization and distortion correction, making it a strong contender for capturing stunning underwater footage.

In terms of real-world use, the Ace Pro 2 excels in both image and video quality, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Insta360’s FlowState technology ensures impressive stabilization, automatically enabled and further improved when set to “high” mode. The camera’s battery life and temperature control are commendable, along with great audio quality and compatibility with external microphones. These features make the Ace Pro 2 an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned videographers, offering a seamless experience across various action settings. Insta360 has heavily marketed the Ace Pro 2 as a competitor to GoPro, with promotional content showcasing its superior features and performance.

While a direct comparison to the GoPro Hero 13 was not possible, tests have shown that the Ace Pro 2 outperforms the Hero 12 in terms of image quality and stabilization. This positions the Ace Pro 2 as a clear winner in action settings, particularly in adventure sports like mountain biking. For those seeking a detailed comparison, a video by Chris Niccoll provides insights into the differences between the Ace Pro 2, Hero 12, and Hero 13. Overall, the Ace Pro 2 is a highly impressive and capable action camera, with superior features and technology that make it a strong competitor to other flagship models.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also caters to cycling enthusiasts, with features tailored for on-the-bike video capturing. Optional upgrades such as a 90-second pre-record function, an upgraded wind guard for the microphone, and Leica color profiles enhance the camera’s performance in this niche. The camera’s 360 horizon lock and Smallrig cage provide additional support, though it lacks the ability to rotate video in Insta360 apps and requires a separate adapter for tripods and action camera mounts. Despite these limitations, the Ace Pro 2 is a good option for cyclists looking to share their adventures, thanks to its traditional action camera experience and impressive shooting capabilities.

The Ace Pro 2 simplifies Insta360’s lineup by replacing the Ace with a more capable camera at a cheaper price. The front of the camera features a Leica-branded lens and a status screen, with a battery slot on one side and a power button on the other. The rear is covered with a screen that can be hinged up and flipped to face the front of the camera, offering flexibility in framing shots. While the camera is almost identical to the previous model externally, the larger screen and replaceable lens cover are noticeable changes. Insta360 has also addressed wind noise issues by making the microphone cover removable and adding a processor to reduce wind noise in audio.

For those interested in creating video content on a bike, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers features like horizon lock and the Smallrig cage that make it a compelling choice. The camera’s 8K shooting capabilities, log color profiles, and timecode add to its appeal, allowing users to reframe footage in post and deal with challenges while riding. However, there is a learning curve associated with the camera, and some issues with low light and backlighting performance may require users to adapt their shooting techniques. The quick capture function, while useful, can also be a hassle as pressing the shutter button turns off the camera and can result in aborted video clips.

In conclusion, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a game-changer in the action camera market, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, user-friendly features, and competitive pricing. Its ability to capture high-quality footage in various settings, coupled with its robust design and innovative features, makes it a worthy contender against established brands like GoPro and DJI. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a cyclist, or a content creator, the Ace Pro 2 provides the tools needed to capture stunning visuals and share your experiences with the world. As Insta360 continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with action cameras, the Ace Pro 2 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and user satisfaction.