Insta360 Ace Pro 2, complete review: what’s new?

Insta360 Ace Pro 2, test complet : quelles nouveautés ?

One year after the launch of the first Ace Pro, Insta360 is back with a new version of its action camera, ready to challenge the leader GoPro and its rival DJI with the Osmo Action: the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. So, what innovations does this new version bring? Does it live up to its competitors? And most importantly, could it become your next action camera? All the answers await you in this complete test of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, with our detailed analysis of its performance, features, and price.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 : What you need to know

The new Ace Pro 2 retains the strong points of the first model – folding screen, compact size, excellent stabilization – while adding a series of welcome improvements that further enhance its versatility.

🆕 The main new features:

  • 🔧 Removable lens, easier to replace
  • 🎤 Integrated windscreen + compatibility with Bluetooth microphones (DJI, Rode, etc.)
  • 📱 New I-Log flat color profile for greater post-prod freedom
  • 🌙 Enhanced PureVideo mode, excellent in low light
  • 🌀 Expanded field of view to 157° with Megaview angle (less distortion)
  • 🧭 GPS data integration + multi-camera synchronization (timecode)
  • 📹 8K now available at up to 30 fps
  • 🔋 Autonomy announced up to 180 min (in reality: 1h30 to 2h in 4K, ~1h in 8K depending on settings)

👉 An evolution that’s especially worthwhile if you regularly shoot in low light, need better audio rendering without an external accessory, or are looking for a more flexible workflow in post-production thanks to the I-Log profile. For the rest of us, the original Ace Pro is still very much in the game.

Insta360 ACE Pro 2 : Design

insta360 ace pro 2 test design
Weight177,2 g
Dimensions71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm
Touch screen2.5 inch
Waterproofing12 meters
Operating temperature-20°C to 45℃
StorageMicroSD memory card up to 1TB

On paper, the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 retains the same overall dimensions as its predecessor (71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm), while being slightly lighter, weighing in at 177.2 g, or 2.6 g less. It remains, however, a little bulkier and heavier than its GoPro and DJI rivals, though still within action-camera standards.

Aesthetically, the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 bears a strong resemblance to the first model, but two elements distinguish it from its big sister:

  • The lens cap has a slightly different look, with bevelled corners. More interestingly, it is now removable and can be replaced if necessary, which is a real plus.
  • Under the lens, the microphone is now protected by a small metal grille lined with acoustic foam, designed to attenuate wind noise. This grille is not waterproof, but can be replaced by the plastic cover supplied, which is suitable for underwater use.

The Ace Pro 2’s design remains faithful to that of the first version: a power button that also acts as a shooting mode switch, a hatch for the USB port and memory card on one side, a large hatch for the battery on the other, a shutter on the top, and a magnetic and clip-on mounting system, inspired by the DJI Osmo Action, as practical as ever.

On the screen side, there’s the same large color touchscreen at the rear, and a small monochrome display at the front for essential information and settings. As with the first model, the rear screen can be extended up to 180°, allowing the image to be viewed from either side of the camera. It can even be used as a tripod or T-shirt clip when partially open. The new screen benefits from several improvements: it is larger (2.5 inches vs. 2.4 inches on the Ace Pro 1), 6% brighter and has 70% denser pixels. The hinge has also been reinforced for greater durability, a welcome improvement even if the previous model didn’t pose any particular problems in this respect.

Finally, the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 can now dive to depths of up to 12 meters, a slight improvement on the Ace Pro 1’s 10 meters. It also offers an excellent operating temperature range from -20°C to 45°C, equivalent to that of DJI cameras, and superior to that of GoPro, which operates between -10 and 35°C.

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 : Image

Sensor1/1.3 inch
Objective13mm equivalent
F/2.6 aperture
Field of view 157°.
Photo resolution9 MP
12.5 MP
37 MP
50 MP
Video resolution8K up to 30 fps
4K up to 120 fps
2.7k up to 120 fps
FHD up to 240 fps
Photo formatJPG
DNG RAW
Video formatMP4
ISO range100-6400
Color profilesStandard, Vivid, Leica Vivid, Leica Natural, Portrait, Film, Vintage, Urban, Night, I-Log flat profile
Max video rate180 Mbps

Sensors and Resolutions

In terms of image quality, the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 brings several notable improvements. Although the sensor size remains unchanged(1/1.3 inch), it is a new-generation sensor, offering an extended dynamic range of 13.5 stops. As an added bonus, the camera is now equipped with a Leica SUMMARIT lens. It’s also the first action camera to integrate two chips: a 5nm chip to optimize performance, such as the fluidity of interface navigation, and another dedicated to image processing and noise reduction.

In terms of resolution, the Ace Pro 2 boosts its photo capabilities, with capture options in 9, 12.5, 37 and 50 MP (versus 9, 12, 36 and 48 MP on the previous model).

On the video side, the camera also passes a milestone, with the ability to shoot in 8K at 24, 25 and 30 fps (previously only 24 fps). Frame rates remain stable for other resolutions in standard video mode, but retain excellent performance: 4K up to 120 fps, 2.7K up to 120 fps, and 1080p up to 240 fps, equivalent to the DJI Osmo Action Pro 5. HDR and PureVideo (low-light mode) video modes benefit from frequency increases, enabling 4K recording at up to 60 fps (previously 30 fps).

Another new feature is the Ace Pro 2’s wider field of view, with capture possible up to 157°, compared with 151° on the previous version.

Image quality

In bright daylight, the image quality of the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 is excellent. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the camera offers a high level of detail and a generous dynamic range, to the point where it has nothing to envy its competitors. The choice between this model and the others will above all be a matter of personal preference in terms of rendering.

Where the Ace Pro 2 really stands out is in low-light conditions. Once the Achilles’ heel of action cameras, the first Ace Pro managed to produce usable images even in low light, thanks to its PureVideo mode, and version 2 pushes this performance even further.

Dark areas are effectively enhanced, noise is almost non-existent, and stabilization remains excellent, which is often difficult in low light as these cameras require more brightness to stabilize properly. What’s more, highlights are well managed and avoid overexposure, even when ISOs are increased to lighten dark tones. In short, the result is more than appreciable. Although the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro performs very well in this exercise with its SuperNight mode, the Ace Pro 2 maintains a slight lead here.

On this point, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 clearly confirms its premium positioning, especially in low-light conditions where it stands out from most action cameras, as confirmed by the various available tests and reviews.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 : Features

Photo modesPhoto, HDR Photo, Interval, Burst, Starlapse
Video modesVideo (with integrated Active HDR), FreeFrame video, PureVideo, Slow motion, Starlapse, Timelapse, TimeShift, Loop recording, Dashcam, Pre-recording
Microphones3
Audio modesWind reduction, Voice enhancement, Stereo

All the features of the Insta360 ACE Pro…

The Insta360 ACE Pro 2 has no shortage of features. It incorporates all the classic photo and video modes, such as Starlapse, Timelapse and TimeShift, as well as all the features introduced with the Ace Pro 1.

These include Freeframe mode, which lets you choose a horizontal or vertical format for the video after shooting, PureVideo mode for optimized low-light shots (as mentioned in our section on image quality), gesture control, and the pre-recording function. The latter, which automatically records a few seconds before shooting so as not to miss any key moment, can now capture up to 120 seconds of video in memory.

We’ve already detailed these features in our Ace Pro test, so we won’t go into them again here, but feel free to check out our full Insta360 ACE Pro test:
➡️ Insta360 Ace Pro, more than up to the task? Full test.

… and a lot of new stuff too!

The Insta360 ACE Pro 2 also comes with some very interesting new features. These include:

  • Clarity zoom, allowing zooming up to 2 times without loss of quality
  • Megaview angle, for a wide, distortion-free field of vision
  • 360° horizon hold, allowing the camera to be turned completely upside down while keeping the horizon perfectly straight
  • Timecode function, for easy synchronization of multiple videos shot with different ACE Pro 2 units in post-production
  • Add GPS statistics, integrating data from your smartphone or a third-party application such as Garmin or Apple Health directly into your videos
  • Underwater mode, which reproduces colors for more faithful underwater shots
  • Dashcam function for on-board photography

These additions enhance an already powerful camera, giving users even greater flexibility and creativity in their shots.

Color profiles

One of the unique features of the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 is its wide range of color profiles, which enable you to add a specific hue to your videos as soon as they are captured, offering a unique rendering straight out of the camera. In addition to the Standard profile, you can choose between the Vivid, Leica Vivid, Leica Natural, Portrait, Film, Vintage, Urban and Night profiles, each of which allows you to adapt the mood and style of your shots.

The Ace Pro 2’s main innovation, however, is the addition of a flat profile, called I-Log. Much more neutral than that of the first Ace Pro, this profile offers greater latitude for colorimetry in post-production. By applying your own LUT, you benefit from even greater freedom in retouching and color customization, ideal for demanding video editing enthusiasts.

Sound recording and Bluetooth

One of the great new features of the Insta360 ACE Pro 2 is the new wind protection integrated directly into the camera, a first in the world of action cameras. And if you’re wondering about its effectiveness, the answer is yes: it works remarkably well. Whether on a motorcycle or at the seaside, wind noise is considerably reduced, and voices are much clearer – a real plus for outdoor shooting.

The Ace Pro 2 is also now compatible with various Bluetooth wireless microphones. This means you can connect a DJI Mic or DJI Mic 2, as well as models from other brands, such as the Rode Wireless. This compatibility even extends to Bluetooth motorcycle helmets, including those from Sena and Cardo, offering great flexibility for capturing quality sound in any situation.

The Insta360 application

Like all the brand’s cameras, the Ace Pro 2 can be controlled from your smartphone via the Insta360 app. This app lets you view live feedback on your phone’s screen, capture photos and videos, easily browse your shots, choose from all available modes and set various options.

The app also features a simple, intuitive video editor, which lets you edit your videos directly from your phone. With a few taps, you can share your creations on social networks. Well-designed and ergonomic, this application is, as we’re used to with the manufacturer’s other products, a real added value.

It also features an AI-powered automatic editor, offering two handy options:

  • Automatic editing: select the sequences you want to use, and AI takes care of the editing for you.
  • AI Moments Forts Assistant: let AI automatically spot and assemble the best moments in your videos for you.
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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 : Autonomy

Battery1800 mAh
Autonomy180 min.
Charging time30W rapid charge adapter: 47 min
5V/3A charger: 75 min

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is equipped with a new 1800 mAh battery (compared with 1650 mAh for the Ace Pro), logically offering longer autonomy than its predecessor. Good news: the batteries of both versions of the Ace Pro are compatible with each other, so you can use the batteries of the Ace Pro 1 on the Ace Pro 2, and vice versa.

On paper, Insta360 claims up to 180 minutes of recording in 4K at 30 fps. In reality, autonomy varies according to settings: we see around 1h30 to 2h in 4K (HDR on, stabilization on), and 50 to 60 minutes in 8K at 25/30 fps. With lighter settings (without HDR or advanced stabilization, or in lower resolution), we can exceed 2h15 in good conditions. In short, very decent autonomy for a camera of this power, but well below the manufacturer’s claims in most cases.

When it comes to recharging, the camera stands out for its speed: it can reach 80% charge in just 18 minutes, ideal for a quick getaway. Another interesting point is that it supports reverse charging, enabling the Ace Pro 2’s battery to be used as an external power source for recharging a smartphone via USB-C.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 : Price and reviews

insta360 ace pro 2 price packs

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Standard package449,99€
Pack with accessoriesFrom €515 to €733

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 starts at €449.99, the same price as the GoPro HERO 13 Black when it was released. For this price, you’ll receive the camera accompanied by a battery, a standard mount, a microphone cover (in addition to the windproof protection already installed) and a USB-C cable. For a further €20, you can also opt for the “double battery” option, which includes a second battery – normally sold at €41.99 if purchased separately.

As with most action cameras, the Ace Pro 2 is also available in a variety of packs, including specific accessories to suit particular activities. Offers range from the Deluxe Pack (€515), including a tripod and 128 GB memory card, to the Ultimate Pack (€733), which adds, in addition to the tripod and memory card, a second battery, a multifunction protective frame and various mounting brackets.

Beyond its pricing, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 receives overall very positive feedback. Available tests and reviews highlight its image quality, low-light performance, and versatility. Features like PureVideo, the I-Log profile, and Bluetooth microphone compatibility are frequently praised. On the other hand, some feedback questions the real usefulness of 8K depending on usage, but this remains secondary for most users.

Conclusion Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Should you give in?

In short, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is an interesting upgrade, with improved photo and video performance, an I-log flat color profile for maximum post-production flexibility, new built-in wind protection, and increased battery life.

This Ace Pro 2 confirms Insta360’s strategy in the high-end action camera segment.

Although the manufacturer emphasizes the ability to shoot in 8K, this is not what makes the Ace Pro 2 an excellent action camera. Insta360 has already proven its expertise in this field: its camera is well thought-out, robust, easy to use, boasts exceptional stabilization, and captures quality images and video. It offers a wide range of features that are sure to satisfy creative users. Probably the best low-light action camera on the market, it offers a solid alternative to rivals such as the GoPro HERO 13 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Is the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 the right camera for you?

As always, the answer depends on your specific needs. Every action camera has its own strengths, and there’s a reason why each model may be the right choice for some users. If the Ace Pro 2’s fold-down screen can fit in perfectly with the way you use a camera, or if you often shoot in low-light conditions, then yes, the Ace Pro 2 could well be the ideal action camera for you.

I already have the Ace Pro. Should I upgrade to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2?

The Ace Pro 2 brings some interesting improvements, but it doesn’t revolutionize the series, especially in terms of image quality. If you’re happy with your Ace Pro, there’s no need to change, unless one of the new features, such as improved sound recording, is particularly appealing to you. In that case, it might be worth upgrading, but otherwise, keep your Ace Pro.

FAQ – Insta360 Ace Pro 2

What are the main new features of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 compared with the Ace Pro?

The Pro2 brings a number of improvements: new-generation sensor with improved dynamic range, Leica SUMMARIT lens, recording up to 8K/30 fps, new I-Log color profile, integrated windscreen, Bluetooth microphone compatibility, improved battery life and wider field of view.

What design improvements has the Ace Pro 2 made?

The design remains close to the previous version, but with a few welcome adjustments: the lens becomes removable, the microphone is protected by a foam-lined metal grille, and the rear screen is slightly larger, brighter and more robust.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Ace Pro 2?

It measures 71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm and weighs 177.2 g, making it a compact camera, slightly lighter than the Ace Pro 1, while retaining a very similar format.

Is the Ace Pro 2 waterproof without a housing?

Yes, it can dive up to 12 meters without a housing, making it suitable for most water sports. A plastic cover is supplied to protect the microphone when submerged.

What video resolutions are available on the Ace Pro 2?

It can film :

  • in 8K at up to 30 fps,
  • in 4K at up to 120 fps,
  • in 2.7K at up to 120 fps,
  • and 1080p at up to 240 fps.

This covers a wide range of needs, from slow motion to high-resolution content.

What video modes does the Ace Pro 2 offer?

It comes with numerous modes: Video (with Active HDR), PureVideo, FreeFrame, Timelapse, TimeShift, Slow Motion, Starlapse, loop recording, Dashcam mode, and pre-recording.

What color profiles are available, and what does I-Log do?

In addition to the Standard, Vivid, Leica Vivid, Leica Natural, Portrait, Film, Vintage, Urban and Night profiles, the Ace Pro 2 introduces the I-Log profile. This flat profile allows greater flexibility in post-production color grading.

Is the Ace Pro 2 suitable for low-light shooting?

In fact, it’s one of its greatest assets. The enhanced PureVideo mode, coupled with optimized noise handling, delivers sharp, balanced, well-stabilized images even in low light.

What is the Ace Pro 2’s real autonomy?

Insta360 claims up to 180 minutes (in 1080p 24 fps, without HDR). In normal conditions, autonomy varies according to settings: count on around 1h30 to 2h in 4K and 50 to 60 minutes in 8K.

Is the battery compatible with that of the Ace Pro 1?

Yes, the batteries are interchangeable between the two models, which is handy if you already own AcePro accessories.

Is the touch screen suitable for vlogging?

Yes, the 2.5″ rear screen can be tilted up to 180°, making it easy to film and frame. The front screen, on the other hand, remains monochrome and is used only to display essential information.

Is the Ace Pro 2’s microphone effective against wind?

Yes, the camera incorporates wind protection directly into its design. The result: improved voice clarity and effective wind attenuation, even on motorcycles or outdoors.

Can I connect a Bluetooth microphone to the Ace Pro 2?

Yes, it is compatible with several Bluetooth wireless microphones such as DJI Mic, DJI Mic 2, Rode Wireless GO, as well as intercom headsets like Sena or Cardo.

Does the Insta360 application offer automatic editing?

Yes, as is often the case with Insta cameras, the application offers two AI-powered functions: automatic editing (you choose the footage, the AI edits it), and Moments Forts Assistant (the AI locates and assembles the best extracts).

What’s in the standard Ace Pro 2 pack?

The standard pack (€449.99 at launch) includes: camera, battery, standard mount, additional microphone cover, and USB-C cable. Other more comprehensive packs include additional accessories (memory card, extra battery, frame, etc.).

💡 Also read:
👉 Curious to compare two generations of 360° cameras? Check out our Insta360 X4 vs X3 comparison.

Also check out our full tests of the Insta360 ACE Pro 2’s rival cameras:
➡️ DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: our review
➡️ GoPro HERO 13 Black, full review: everything that’s new!