If you're in South Africa—be it in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or Pretoria—and you're looking to invest in a top-tier action camera, you've likely come across the Insta360 X5 and the Ace Pro 2. Both are flagship 8K cameras from Insta360, but they cater to different shooting styles and creative needs. Let's delve into what sets them apart to help you make an informed decision.
Video Quality: Clarity vs. Coverage
When it comes to pure sharpness, the Ace Pro 2 takes the crown. Its Leica-co-engineered 1/1.3″ sensor and F2.6 aperture capture 8K video at 30 fps with 13.5 stops of dynamic range, so your Gauteng surf shots or KZN mountain rides look razor-crisp—no resolution lost at the edges of the frame.
By contrast, the X5’s dual 1/1.28″ sensors shoot 8K 30 fps in full 360°, giving you mind-bending reframing power—from “tiny planet” vistas to flat edits—but each pixel has to cover a spherical panorama, so it feels ever-so-slightly softer than the Ace Pro 2’s narrower view.
Low-Light Performance: Night Owls, Rejoice
If golden-hour and after-dark outings are your thing, both cameras step up. The Ace Pro 2’s dual-AI-chip architecture and Leica lens deliver impressive detail under tree shade or dusk trails, often outpacing rivals like GoPro in challenging lighting.
Meanwhile, the X5 offers PureVideo—an AI-powered low-light mode that live-denoises, recovers highlights, and boosts dynamic range so your sunset braai or rooftop skyline comes through loud, clear, and beautifully nuanced.
Creative Freedom: Beyond the Frame
Here’s where the X5 really shines for content creators in Cape Town or Pretoria: its 360° footage can be rebounded into “bullet-time” slow-mo spins, immersive virtual tours, or playful “tiny planet” clips in Insta360 Studio—tricks the Ace Pro 2 simply can’t perform.
On the flip side, if you crave straight-down-the-barrel shots—think vlogging on the N3 or action montages of Table Mountain—then Ace Pro 2’s 157° FOV and cinematic stabilization keep your subject front and centre with unmatched clarity.
Durability & Everyday Use
Both cams are built tough: the X5 is IP68-rated to 15m, packs replaceable lenses, and uses a magnetic quick-release mount for rapid gear swaps on safari or surf trips.
The Ace Pro 2, at just 177 g and sporting a flip-up touchscreen, slides seamlessly onto helmet mounts or handlebars and boasts reverse-charge battery sharing when you’re out of plugs in a remote lodge.
Which Camera is Right for You?
Opt for the Insta360 X5 if you're into immersive content creation, want the flexibility to reframe shots in post-production, or are exploring VR content. It's ideal for capturing events, travel experiences, or any scenario where you want to document the entire environment..
Go with the Ace Pro 2 if you prioritize image clarity, prefer straightforward shooting without extensive post-processing or prefer a wide-angle perspective for your vlogging, sports, or travel activities
Where to Buy in South Africa
Both the Insta360 X5 (R13 999) and Ace Pro 2 (starts from R10 699) are available through 180by2, ensuring quick delivery across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and other provinces. Here's a quick look at the options:
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Insta360 X5 and the Ace Pro 2 boils down to your specific needs and creative aspirations. If you're aiming for immersive, all-encompassing footage with the flexibility to edit in post, the X5 is your go-to. However, if you prefer high-quality, wide-angle shots with minimal fuss, the Ace Pro 2 won't disappoint.
Whichever you choose, both cameras are top-tier options that will elevate your content creation game.