Inside the realm of action cameras, the common gripes often revolve around small sensors that struggle in low-light conditions and screens that are just too diminutive to be practical. Enter the Insta360 Ace Pro, a flagship action camera that not only addresses these issues but also boasts a larger sensor, a flip-out screen, and a plethora of impressive features.
In this review, we’ll delve into my experiences with the Insta360 Ace Pro, testing it in various scenarios from high-speed boat rides to low-light nightlife, and comparing it to the latest GoPro Hero 12.
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Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Insta360 Ace Pro appears typical for an action camera. However, peeling off the plastic reveals the collaborative effort with Leica, featuring a noteworthy 1/1.3-inch sensor. This larger sensor, compared to the GoPro Hero 12’s 1/1.9-inch sensor, is a game-changer for capturing more light, particularly beneficial in low-light scenarios. The camera is compact, fitting in the palm of your hand, and waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet).
The standout feature is the 2.4-inch flip-out screen, a welcome departure from the cramped screens on many action cameras. This screen allows for better framing of shots, particularly when shooting in the desired aspect ratio, whether it’s 16×9 or 9×16. The hinge design of the screen is robust yet flexible, ensuring stability during high-motion activities.
Accessories and Mounting Options
The Insta360 Ace Pro comes with a standard magnetic mount, similar to GoPro’s, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories. The magnetic feature facilitates quick mounting and dismounting—a handy feature for those on the move.
Additionally, a recommended quick-release mount includes a folding two-prong mount and a screw hole, providing versatility in mounting options. Insta360 continues to expand its ecosystem, offering various mounting and accessory choices.
UI and Controls
Navigating the user interface on the flip-out screen is intuitive, with responsive controls and various shooting modes. Voice and gesture controls are present, allowing for hands-free operation.
The inclusion of a physical power button and recording shutter button on top provides tactile control. The flip-out screen displays essential information, and the small front screen gives at-a-glance recording and battery status. However, when polarized sunglasses are worn, visibility of the screen becomes an issue.
Performance and Video Quality
The Ace Pro impresses with its capability to shoot in 4K at 120 frames per second, offering stunning slow-motion footage. While it technically supports 8K footage (via an upcoming update), the real star is its performance in low-light conditions. The PureView mode, leveraging the larger sensor and AI capabilities, excels in producing usable footage even in challenging low-light environments, as demonstrated during a night out in Soho.
The introduction of Active HDR enhances the camera’s video capabilities, providing improved dynamic range and detail in both bright and shadowed areas. The Ace Pro’s FlowState stabilization performs admirably, delivering smooth footage even in high-motion activities such as boat rides and off-road biking.
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AI Features
Insta360 Ace Pro introduces several AI features that elevate the user experience. The AI Warp option stylizes videos using generative AI, allowing users to choose presets or input custom prompts for unique effects.
The AI Highlight Assistant creates highlight montages of recorded clips, automatically identifying action points using machine vision. These AI features, coupled with the ability to wirelessly transfer content to the Insta360 app, add a layer of creativity and convenience to the overall package.
Battery Life and Charging
The Ace Pro outshines the competition in terms of battery life, especially in 4K 60 recording. In my tests, the GoPro Hero 12 lasted about 29 minutes, whereas the Ace Pro showed no signs of overheating or shutting off during an hour and 15 minutes of continuous recording. The faster charging time, reaching 80% in just 22 minutes, further adds to its appeal.
Considerations and Final Thoughts
While the Insta360 Ace Pro offers an impressive array of features, there are some considerations. The non-replaceable lens cover might be a concern for users prone to accidents, and the screen’s visibility with polarized sunglasses needs improvement.
The pre-production model provided for this review was slightly bulkier and heavier than the GoPro Hero 12, albeit with a higher price tag. Pros & Cons, and reasons to buy on the NEXT PAGE...
