Insta360 - Ace Pro 2

Your choices are basically the ace pro 2 vs action 4/5/6. Go pro is worse in basically every element compared to DJI&insta360. Get the ace pro 2 if you want the “best” quality (as in sharpness, color & detail) but it’s subjective bc some ppl prefer the colors of the action pro and vice versa. Also the quality is basically the same between the 2 cameras but if you nit pick every detail, the ace pro is maybe 5% better (I can’t really tell tbh). Ace pro also has flip able back panel so if you want to blog, you can see yourself better. Action pro has a small screen on the camera side but harder to see. The ace pro is also bigger and heavier than the action pro. And the batteries & battery charger cost more. Battery is also weaker/ doesn’t last as long be the action. Action pro has much better battery & auto integration with DJI mic. Low light recording (night time) is about the same when I see it. Colors are subjective, I think I like the ace pro more than the DJI but if you compare videos from both cameras without telling me which camera recorded which video, I wouldn’t know which is which lol Default mic on the action pro is much better than the ace pro, but get a DJI mic 2/3 and that solves that problem At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which one you get. I personally got the action pro 5 with the easier mic compatibility & longer battery life & lighter camera. I was also annoyed 360 was charging $60 for the battery case

Get the ace pro 2 or action 4/5/6, go pro is trash compared to the other 2 companies. X5 quality is low. Get the ace pro 2 if weight isn’t an issue and u want slightly better colors/quality (subjective). Get the action pro if you want better battery and DJI mic compatibility. I ended up getting the action 5 and really like it (also own the X5 and stopped using it when I travel due to low quality)

We have been testing an insta360 Ace pro 2 for about a month in different lighting and dive conditions. I have to say that we are very impressed with the quality that allows us to go beyond what the GOPro range of cameras have allowed us in post production. We also have an assortment of phone dive cases from Sealife sport diver, Ocenic +, and Divevolk. They are great also, but the Ace Pro 2 has far exceeded the quality any of our phones have been able to provide. We have used IPhones 15 Pro Max, Samsung S24 and S25 Ultra, in the different cases with different software.

I use the Ace Pro 2 and it’s much better it terms of image quality from the GoPro offerings. I do have multiple GoPro but the Ace Pro 2 beats it hands down thanks to the lens quality and the sensors ability to absorb light in darker environments. We also have multiple dive cases, and yes they work fine, but you have to have more co control over the camera to avoid shaking and erratic movements.

The insta 360 ace pro 2 has a fantastic price and it has better optics than the DJI and the GoPro.

Exactly, I wanted so much to like the Action 6, but it's not good. Watch the Photorabz YouTube channel, he makes great comparisons. The Ace Pro 2 is still the best, and it pisses me off because it doesn't have 10 bits log.

Hi everyone! My name is Andrea and I am a diver who wants to make the leap in quality in the world of underwater photography and videography. I would like to make my first purchase and I need your precious advice. Important Context: I have already tried an action camera (an Insta360 Ace Pro 2) but I sold it because I was looking for something that would guarantee me greater manual control and superior image quality, both for photos (especially in RAW format) and for videos. To help you best advise me, here is some information on my needs: My experience and my needs - Goal: I want a system that excels in both stills and video (with full control over exposure, white balance and, ideally, that can record in a "flat" or LOG color profile for post-production, if possible within my budget). - Diving Level: I am CMAS First Level and I am attending the Second Level course. I do about 30 dives a year. - Estimated Budget: My budget is €2,000, but I am willing to spend a little more if the leap in quality is justified, especially for a hybrid photo/video system. - Desired Subjects (The Versatility Challenge): My goal is maximum versatility, wanting to shoot both Macro (small subjects), Wide Angle (wrecks, divers, landscapes) and Mixed (medium sized fish). I know that such a versatile setup is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with a single lens underwater, so I ask for advice on the system that allows the fastest and easiest transition between Macro and Wide via external conversion lenses. - Environment: Mainly in tropical seas (next trip: Indonesia), but I also dive in lakes and the Mediterranean. My Top Questions (Focus on Versatility and Durability) 1. Camera Body and Versatility (Photo/Video): - Which models (1 inch advanced compact or entry-level mirrorless) do you recommend me to focus on for an excellent balance between 4K/Log video and RAW photo control? - Which of these systems offers the best starting point for mounting the external conversion lenses (Macro/Wide Angle) needed to cover my different subjects? 2. Housing: Quality-Price and Reliability: - Considering my 30 dives per year (need for durability) and the variety of environments, which housing brands (e.g. Ikelite, Fantasea, Nauticam, etc.) offer the best value for money and maximum reliability? - Are there specific features of the case (e.g. operating depth, possibility of fiber optic/cable connection) that I need to pay attention to for the models you suggest? 3. Lighting (Hybrid) and Supports: - Since I dive in very different environments (tropical light vs dark lake), to start with, is a powerful video light spotlight for videos and autofocus more strategic, or an external flash/strobe for photos? - Which base (tray) and which arms (or kits complete with supports) do you recommend to start with? I need a setup that is stable and scalable for future lighting expansions. 4. Ecosystem and Growth: If you decided on an interchangeable lens system (Mirrorless), which brands have the best ecosystem of underwater accessories for the "entry-level/intermediate" range in terms of availability of domes/portholes and conversion lenses? Any advice on used kits, or on which is the most cost-efficient path to obtain excellent hybrid and versatile results, is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your experience and suggestions! Andrew

Hi, Eventually, I decided to build a complete and versatile hybrid rig, with two separate sets to maximize efficiency in the water. My initial budget was around €2,000, but I barely exceeded it. I kept costs down by purchasing the camera equipment (Sony and most of the lenses/flash) used, while purchasing the video equipment (Insta360, UWL-03, and COB lights) entirely new. I have two separate sets, which means I'll dive with either the camera gear or the video gear. I won't use both rigs on the same dive. Video Equipment (Insta360 Rig) Action Cam and Case: Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with its underwater kit. Dedicated Tray: I have a tray entirely dedicated to the Ace Pro 2. Video Lens: The AOI UWL-03 lens with a dedicated adapter. Photographic Equipment (Sony RX100 Rig) Camera Body and Case: Sony RX100 VA with its Fantasea FRX100VA case. Dedicated Tray: I have a second aluminum tray with a trigger dedicated to this camera. Optical Viewfinder: I have the AOI UMG-01 (Magnifier). Flash (Strobe): Three external flashes: two AOI UCS-Q1s and an Inon S-2000, with their fiber optic cables, snoots, and diffusers. Photographic Lenses: Weefine WFL-01 (Extreme Wide Angle), AOI UWL-09 and Sea&Sea WCL-06 (Wide Angle), and AOI UCL-900+15 (Macro). I also have an M67 double lens mount. Lighting System: COB Video Lights: Two Leton Power COB lights, 12,000 lumens each (Chinese, I don't have high expectations). Secondary/Spot Lights: Orcatorch ZD710 (x2), Orcatorch D530V, and HiMax V16. Light Accessories: Snoot for D530V. Rig & Assembly Rigid and Flexible Arms: 18 cm Flexarms (x2) 22.5 cm Rigid Arms (x2) 19 cm Carbon Flexarms (x2) 25 cm Carbon Flexarms (x2) 33 cm Carbon Flexarms (x2) Clamps: Small Flexarm Clamps (x4) Small Carbonarm Clamps (x1) Large Flexarm Clamps (x4) Large Ultralight Clamps (x1) Request Advice: Initial Settings for First Shots/Films Since these will be my first times in the water with this equipment, I'm asking you experts: should I use the cameras in manual or automatic mode to get started? I intend to use manual mode for maximum control, but I'd like your opinion on the basic settings I'm considering. These are just some initial suggestions: A) Suggested Photography Settings (Sony RX100 VA + Flash) My goal is to balance ambient light (blue background) and flash (subject). Mode: Manual (M). ISO: ISO 100-200. Aperture: F/8 or F/11. Shutter Speed: 1/125s or 1/250s. Flash (Strobe): Start in TTL. WB: Fixed to Flash or Custom. Are these values ​​a good starting point for the Sony RX100 VA? B) Suggested Video Settings (Insta360 Ace Pro 2 + COB Lights) With 24,000 lumens (definitely not real), I was looking for maximum fluidity and color. Mode: Pro Video (manual control). Resolution/FPS: 4k60fps. Shutter Speed: 1/120s. ISO: Manual, as low as possible (ISO 100-400). White Balance (WB): Manual 5500K. Color Profile: I-Log. Are these video settings suitable, or should I start with a more automatic mode with the Ace Pro 2? Thanks for the advice. I can't wait to try both settings (I'll be in Egypt next week). Andrea

**TLDR**: If it is *only* cae diving then I think a traditional action camera like DJI Osmo Action 5 or 6, Ace Pro 1 or 2, , or GoPro Hero 12/13 will be better in that order. **Longer explanation** I own a Insta360 X2, X4 and Ace Pro. So the X4 is a 360 camera that captures a 8K 360 that can be cropped to a 16:9 rectangle video with detail between 4K and 2.7K video. https://preview.redd.it/viqqk4gml37g1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1054ec547a621f46b44285ce65cee5994cc602b2 This is extremely versatile and convenient when you have multiple moving subjects (such as yourself and another person) as you don't have to explicitly point the camera at your subject. Also the 360 camera has a "convenient" blindspot between the two camera modules that allows for an immersive third-person camera view of yourself without the selfie stick being visible. The spherical view allows for very good image stabilization as well. However, to film underwater you need a dive case otherwise the video is blurry because water refracts (bends the light) and messes up the video stitching which looks like this [https://youtu.be/DZ-D1DxKpNo?si=zmZVJWnVliYgs8EU&t=53](https://youtu.be/DZ-D1DxKpNo?si=zmZVJWnVliYgs8EU&t=53) That's another $100USD. so I'm imaging you are in a dive cage you basically only have one direction to point the camera (out of cage) so the 360 aspect is less useful. It would be useful if you are free diving or snorkeling around as you can video yourself AND the fish swimming around at the same time (I think 360 camera in general are the most versatile and I could only own/bring one it would be my 360 camera) So again when the subject (a big shark) is "straight" in front of you and say (e.g. 4-15 ft) - than a traditional action camera will be able to use more of the sensor area (and more effective pixels) to record your scene and that is going to give you a better image quality in low light (e.g. murky water). In general I like the DJI and Insta360 action cameras better than GoPro because they have a larger sensor, the batteries charge quickly (80% in 20 minutes versus 80% in 60 minutes on the GoPros) and have quality of life features like the long press the shutter button to cancel the current recording (limiting clutter of files that you have to go through later) - that being said the GoPro image quality in sunny conditions is still very good. Between the DJI and Insta360, I own the Ace Pro - but the Osmo has 10-bit log recording which is going to be easier to color correct the blue tint from being underwater (although that may or may not be too advanced for you - both have underwater color profiles to do a basic job of fixing the color). Between the Osmo Action 5 and 6, I don't think you really need the added features of the Osmo 6 and so the cheaper Osmo 5 is better. The same for the Ace Pro vs Ace Pro 2. If you are still set on a 360 Camera, I would consider the X4 air over the X4. It is smaller/lighter than the X4, but with a better sensor for better image quality (its video quality is between the X4 and the X5) and it has user-replaceable lenses (you buy an extra for $30USD and can untwist the scratch/broken one and screw in a new one... with the X4 you have to send the camera in to be repaired. I hope that wasn't too much information and helps.

TLDR: Stop believing Tiktok "influencers" who get paid to shill for products. Use the right tool for the right job. I have Ace Pro and Go 3S and I use them for different things. The majority of Tiktok "reviewers" are people being paid to promote a product and so they use their photography/video skill to make the output look really good. Ace Pro is a decent action camera - so it is good for action camera type things (vlogging, stabilizing large camera shake if you are running/moving, being water/impact resistant, being very small and mountable). I have the Ace Pro (which is the same sensor as the Ace Pro 2). Ace Pro is primarily for video in daylight, but is ok for indoors or night time if you aren't shaking too much. I don't like Ace Pro for photography in general. If you want superior still image quality and zoom, the Canon is going to be way better for that. Video quality is good if you are standing still (the image stabilization is worse, so it's less good if you are walking/running around). However, again - it is just a tool... just like getting a really nice pan, oven, and kitchen knife isn't going to mean you automatically are going to be making top tier food... getting a nice camera isn't automatically going to give you good content. Go 3S is a POV camera. You are trading image quality (video will look a little bleached/washed out in bright midday sun, and dark/blurry at night) and stabilization (there is only tilt correction of 10 degree) for compactness to be able to easily and discretely mount to your heat/chest or on a pole/fence. So it will only really look go if you are doing something interesting in your POV (playing sports, cooking, eat, walking with your attractive travel partner, etc). Go3S can also be snuck into small spaces (on a cat's collar, in a cat food bowl, in your backpack, on a fishing pole, etc) - even more so than an Ace Pro (although both as better than the Canon for this).

I don't know about gimbal mode for X4 Air. I think it depends on what you want to do with the camera. I have an Ace Pro and an X4 and I use my X4 a lot more in general because of the convenience of having a 360 pespective that allow reframing after the fact. I also have the X2 awhich was 150g and I notice the weight of the X4 (200g) at the end of a 100cm pole (a long lever) while snowboarding as I like to keep the stick horizontal and at waist height. The X5 is 200g as well so it will be a bit heavier than the 165g X4 Air. Last I checked the X4 Air is like $150 cheaper for a slight reducing in low-light image quality (the sensors are smaller) and like 15 minutes less battery life. So I would pick the X4 Air for action sports usage (handheld out in sunny weather) as well as to save some money. But if money is not an issue and you want the absolute best image quality available on a Insta360 right now and you are mostly not long-lever handholding (e.g. head, chest or object mounted) than I would got with X5.

I have a X2/X4 and a Ace Pro. X5 is a 360 camera. So when you crop it down from 8K 360 to a 16:9 viewport with say a 90 degree field of view... you are at something around 2.7K resolution (note you can shoot single lens in 4K, but it is an ultra, ultra wide field of view... so it's not going to be as good as a normal 4K as well). Personally, if I have to have only one camera with me, I always take my X4... it is just much more versatile as I think the convenient of framing and tracking almost always outweigh the loss in quality. Some times I have both an a magnetic-quick mount stick and just swap between the two depending on whether I need the reframing ability of the 360 camera or not.

TLDR: I have Ace Pro and X4... and I would get the x4 Air myslf to spend less time/thinking in the moment than trying to block and frame stuff with my Ace Pro, but YMMV depending on the type of stuff you do and how you want to record it. Also to consider it that unlike the X3 the other poster mentioned - X4 Air and X5 have quality of life no-editing options like Me Mode and Instaframe that create an MP4 that you can use immediately. Me Mode which creates a 4K video that centers the viewport down the shaft of the selfie stick (which is basically what you want 90% of the time when videoing yourself). It's what I do when recording myself hiking, snowboarding, skiing, etc. Me Mode can be "reverse" so it takes a superwide 4K video of what ever is at the top of the camera (i.e. you point the selfie stick like a wand at what you want to record). That 4K video is not as good as the 4K out of traditional recent action camera. Instaframe is tracking your face and editing/frame the viewport to follow you. I only have the X4, so I don't have it and haven't use it personally. I've always had a lot better luck with the Insta360 app than with the GoPro app and for the 360 cameras, there are some AI tracking options in the new 2.0 app (a lot of people hate it though so YMMV, I use the desktop app myself). As for Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2... I think the Ace Pro is like 80-90% of the Ace Pro 2. The new one is a better at wind noise reduction and low light video and a little wider angle. I think it gets a bit more battery life too - but none of the feature seemed THAT much better (otherwise I would have upgraded myself).

TLDR: Osmo Pocket is the best at a low light because it has the largest sensor and mechanical gimbal stabilization... it isn't waterproof or shockproof. So you need to be honest with yourself on what you are doing most. As you surmised, the DJI Osmo Pocket won't work if you plan to do stuff in the water. However, in tradeoff you get better low light performance (well it has a Type-1" sensor which is better) and stabilization (gimbal instead of electronic). The Pocket for is rumored to come out Jan 2026. You need to decide what are you definitely going to be doing and what you *might* be doing*.* For instance, if you *might* learning to snowboard - I wouldn't bother with a camera as you are likely falling all over the place and there won't be might interesting stuff to video. You *might* get a drone in the future... but there is no real crossover between DJI drones and DJI cameras at this time (I have Insta360 X2, X4, and Ace Pro and a DJI Mini 4 pro drone). **"But people say the Action 6 doesn't have good image quality especially at night"** Who says that influencers paid by Insta360? I have a Insta360 X2, X4, and Ace Pro and the Action 6 should be roughly on par if not better than the Ace Pro 2 because it has the same sized sensor and it's lens can let in double the light than the Ace Pro. There are differences in the software as it looks like the Action 6 makes night scene a little too bright (I would darken it a bit to make it look more natural and improve stabilization) Here is a video doing side by side video comparisons [https://youtu.be/SDdpY3DhKyc?t=578](https://youtu.be/SDdpY3DhKyc?t=578)

Personally, I like 360 cameras more and if I can only own/bring one... it would be 360 camera. the X5 is a 360 camera and those trade resolution/detail/low light performance for flexibility/convenience in framing/tracking and sometimes off unique third-party camera perspectives. So https://preview.redd.it/2tliq7rt7n8g1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba68d53523b3a3d63201b2bee80a4a0cba0fe21d Personally, the ability to have a third-person view and/or tracking a moving subject (while I'm haphazardly moving at the same time) is worth the loss in resolution/detail (the quality is somewhere between 4K and 2.7K in reality so it's not terrible) and low-light performance (honestly I don't like night performance of the Ace Pro either). Go look at X5 low-light performance and see if that is acceptable to you. However you mentioned diving (the X5 needs a $100-150 dive case to work properly underwater, it si waterproof, but the 360 stitching will be off because of the refraction of water) although if you are snorkeling/scuba diving it might be nice as one camera will give you *both* a third-person view of yourself and of any fish/stuff you see at the same time (you can re-edit the same 360 view for multiple camera directions).

X5 is the best image quality, but at 200g (same as my X4) is heavy at the end of a 100cm stick, and a little tippy on a helmet/unicorn helmet moubnt. The X4 Air is 165g (more like my 150 X2) and $150 USD cheaper (well it was because the sales so I don't know the difference right now). YMMV, but I like ski-pole, or 100cm selfie stick versus chest or helmet mount (as I would just use my Ace Pro for that).

IMO, it wouldn't get in the way any more than your ski pole gets in the way. Maybe if you don't have good control of your poles and wave them wildly in tight trees, but I found it is pretty easy to aim the pole towards you body centerline as it's part of the natural pole plant motion. The thing I have trouble with is spinning as I'm not in that control of my arms to keep the camera at a steady height/distance. However, YMMV and a chest mount going through tight trees is a great POV (you will be able to see your ski tips and arms/poles). Personally, I would always pick an Ace Pro or DJI Osmo Action over a GoPro now a day but that's just me. They have a larger sensor and a lot of quality of life benefits like being able to charge to 80% in 20 minutes (GoPro is still 60 minutes and 1.5 hours to full) or like being able to cancel a recording by long pressing on the shutter button to avoid clutter of video files you need to delete anyway. GoPro Hero 12/13 are still decent action cameras overall, especially in outdoor sunny weather (and I think the 12/13 have the Enduro batteries by default to handle cold weather, if they don't... then that's another knock against them).

I’ve got a Hero 13 which I use for mountain biking and it’s great. I’ve also got an Ace pro 2 which had better audio straight out of the camera but I sorted that on the GoPro with a foam windslayer. Now I always grab the GoPro as the daylight footage is better and I am probably going to sell the Ace pro 2 My only annoyance has been that I can’t get the auto upload feature to work from the camera.

Yeah, the Ace Pro 2 had that as well. But it came off the mount and smashed on a rock as it fell, going straight through the protective glass and damaging the lens itself.

I like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. If you are going to shoot stills with it as well as video, I highly recommend the Explorer 2 grip accessory. It was made in collaboration with Leica, and it shows in the lens quality and the color profiles. It costs about 400 to 450 bucks for the camera and the grip, there are also other lens attachments and various other accessories available.

I just returned my Ace Pro 2 yesterday. We will see.

I had the Ace Pro 2 and returned it. Capture button was uncomfortably hard to press and I wasn’t thrilled with the picture quality either. Love the photo quality from my Pocket 3 and DJI drone, so would think their action cam would be likewise good.

I just bought the ace pro 2. I like it, but with the xplorer Pack it feels pretty heavy. For street photography for me personally I don’t know if it’s the right choice.

I’ve had both and the photo quality of the Ace Pro 2 underwhelmed me, but then again it’s an action cam and not a dslr.

You’re on the gopro subreddit. Of course anyone saying anything other than gopro are getting downvoted. Go ask that question on a diving sub and the asnwer will be Insta360 and DJI. Personally i had issues at night with weird reflections on the edges of my Ace Pro 2, but a friend that was with me had no isues with his DJI action 5.