Ace Pro 2: Future-Proof Action Cam or Just Hype? Unfiltered Opinions from the Experts

The Ace Pro 2 is here and while we’re expecting stock to arrive soon, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling opinions from all corners of the internet to provide a well-rounded summary of what you get when you purchase an Ace Pro 2

Without further ado, here we go:

The Good.

Can the Ace Pro 2 record 8K video? Yes – but that’s not what makes it a great camera. It’s small, lightweight and rugged too, of course, but the real appeal of Insta360’s flagship action cam lies in its all-round video capabilities. Thanks to excellent stabilization and the I-log picture profile, aficionados not afraid to dive into a video editor can achieve great things in regards to dynamic range and color – with 4K video rather than 8K. It’s also strong in low light situations – at least by action cam standards. The Ace Pro 2 is another excellent flagship camera to consider alongside competitors like the GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Fstoppers

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a highly impressive action camera that brings notable upgrades over its predecessor while maintaining the same core features that made the original popular. Insta360 has listened to user feedback, improving both hardware and software to offer a versatile, feature-packed camera that is easy to use and capable of producing top-tier footage. The emphasis on low-light performance, image stabilization, and AI-powered editing tools sets this camera apart in an increasingly competitive market.

As someone who reveres the name Leica, I should be more excited about the lens and sensor being with the storied camera company’s name. The sensor is apparently the same as DJI’s, so I guess it’s Leica software and/or firmware. With that said, the image quality, the colors, the details, the focusing, everything I can name about the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is fantastic.

The Bad

Techradar
You probably don’t need 8K video, and the Ace Pro 2’s execution of it comes with loads of caveats. It’s still a niche recording mode.

With all that being said, there’s not a lot between any of the main three action camera flagships at this point (the other two being the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and GoPro Hero 13 Black).

The camera shines in many ways, but it does have a few quirks worth noting. While its upgrades are solid, some users may find them only marginal if they already own the previous model or a comparable competitor’s recent release.
Although the sound quality is better here, the microphone still suffers in extreme conditions. I also found it inconvenient that the camera doesn’t remember my wireless mic pairing; every time I turn it on, I have to re-pair the mic, which ideally should connect automatically.
At 177 grams with the battery, the camera is slightly heavier than some competitors, which could be a downside for users wanting a more lightweight setup. Its feature set does make a strong case for the price, though budget-conscious buyers might still find it steep compared to other action cams out there.
During my tests, I noticed the AI editing could be a bit aggressive with facial tones, especially at higher resolutions—4K is noticeable, and in 8K, it can even overemphasize wrinkles. The default sharpness is also dialed up too high, making images look almost too crisp, which can’t easily be softened in post. It’s best to adjust this before filming if you’re aiming for a more natural look.
As for 8K quality, it’s impressive to have, but the file sizes are large and may be difficult to manage for regular use. I found 4K more than sufficient for most situations, and I suspect most users won’t need 8K as their default resolution.

The Drive had no negative feedback on the camera but promised more in-depth reviews. 

Conclusion

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has built on the deficiencies of the initial Ace Pro, however in that time, 8K footage still hasn’t become mainstream. That said, it’s a great way to future proof for when 8K resolution starts to make a more prominent appearance in media devices. We’re expecting our own unit in house within the next few weeks and will be able to do a proper review and comparison to the original Ace. Stay tuned and pre-order your Ace Pro 2 from 180by2 today.