Insta360 Ace Pro 2: the first action cam to rely on AI, but for what performance?
Designed in collaboration with Leica, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers real performance improvements thanks to a dual AI chip, a first for an action camera, and integrates a new 1/1.3 inch 8K sensor, as well as than a Leica Summarit lens with a field of view of 157°.
This unique sensor produces smoother videos with higher frame rates in 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps, with Active HDR and PureVideo technologies providing even greater low-light performance. On the photo side, the sensor goes up to 50 Mpx and can be set to 37 Mpx, 12.5 Mpx and 9 Mpx. The Ace Pro 2 takes advantage of Insta360's advanced AI technologies for innovative features, such as pausing or canceling a recording, gesture and voice control or even automatic editing.
High-performance sensor and optics
The Ace Pro 2 intends to make the difference with its competitors by relying both on the quality of its 13 mm f/2.6 lens from Leica and its 1/1.3 inch sensor with high dynamic range and of 13.5 stops. But above all, it is the first action camera to use a dedicated professional imaging chip which handles image processing and noise reduction, while another 5nm AI chip takes care of the additional image processing and overall camera performance.
The dual chip integrates even more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K video at 30 fps, Active HDR at 4K at 60 fps and improved PureVideo technology. The 4K format at 120 fps will be very useful for producing very fluid slow-motion shots.
AI is therefore on board the Ace Pro 2, from which PureVideo technology takes full advantage with a clear improvement in noise reduction and even sharper and brighter images, even in low light conditions. Active HDR also benefits from the contribution of AI, particularly in the processing of highlights and shadows. Designed exclusively by Leica, new color profiles improve the precision of the colorimetric rendering of images, particularly underwater. Insta360's FlowState technology ensures videos run smoothly, while 360° Horizon Lock, now automatically applied in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level.
Improved design
Insta360 has given its action camera a slight facelift. Even more robust, the Ace Pro 2 is now waterproof up to 12 m or 60 m with the diving housing. Ready for winter sports and extreme climates, it withstands temperatures down to -20° C. Often the weak point of action cameras, the lens protector also provides better protection. A brand new wind screen keeps wind and noise to a minimum during crucial moments, ready to be clipped and unclipped as needed. A magnetic mounting system also makes it easy to switch from one accessory to another.
The Ace Pro 2 takes over the folding screen of the Ace Pro now in 2.5 inch format. An increase of 70% in pixel density and 6% in brightness, very useful in strong sunlight. It is equipped with a larger 1800 mAh battery and a new endurance mode which provides 50% more operating time in 4K at 30 fps compared to the Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 mins or 100% in 47 mins so you can get back to action faster.
Other features
The Ace Pro 2 also integrates innovative solutions such as pre-recording (up to 120 s of sequences recorded before even pressing the record button), gesture and voice commands to control the camera or even timecode for synchronizing multiple cameras in post-production.
The AI “highlights” assistant will automatically find the best moments of a video in the camera, which the user can merge to produce a small summary, then delete unwanted shots to save storage space. The Insta360 mobile app takes full advantage of the possibilities of AI with advanced automatic editing, 1-click templates including creative effects, as well as the famous invisible selfie stick effect with AI eraser.
Insta360 has extended its compatibility with several leading third-party sports accessories, allowing for example to overlay real-time statistics from sports brands such as Garmin, Apple, Coros… Motorvloggers will be able to associate the Ace Pro 2 with their helmet motorcycle equipped with a hands-free kit from brands such as Sena or Cardo. Users will also be able to add stats from their phone directly into the Insta360 app without additional equipment, or use the GPS Preview remote for live preview, remote control and real-time GPS data.
The different configurations
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available today from Insta360.com worldwide, as well as from trusted retailers, such as Amazon and select authorized partners.
The standard pack costs €450 and includes a windscreen, battery, standard stand, mic cap and USB-C cable. The double battery pack includes the same accessories and two batteries for €470.
