We’ve covered the new GoPro Hero 13 and the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and now we’ve got the latest action camera from Insta360 – the Ace Pro 2 with 8K resolution, dual image-processing chips, and increased battery life. So, which is the best pick for moto-vlogging in 2024? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.
Quick Specs
- Price: $400
- Weight: 177g
- Resolution: 8K30fps
- Battery life: 180min
- Slo-mo: 1080p 240fps
Throughout this comparison, I’ll reference our previous reviews of the GoPro Hero 13 and the Osmo Action 5 Pro. Check out those full reviews for more information on these specific cameras.
Ace Pro 2: What’s new?
With the Ace Pro 2, Insta360 has upgraded its action camera in several ways. Most notably, it can now record 8K30fps rather than the older Ace Pro’s 8K24fps.
A dual-chip system and sensor also improve image quality when filming in low-light scenarios. PureVideo, the recommended low-light setting, now goes up to 4K60fps.
Additionally, Active HDR now works at resolutions up to 4K60fps.
Insta360 has also addressed audio issues with new wind-reduction modes and a physical wind guard attachment that clips onto the camera.
Design
Design-wise, the Ace Pro 2 is largely the same as the older Ace Pro. It still features a 2.5-inch flip-up touch screen on the back and magnetic mounting on the bottom of the camera.
Ace Pro 2 is the largest of the latest action cameras, but it’s still fairly compact overall. If you want to mount the camera vertically, a separate bracket is required – either the vertical horizontal mount or the new metal utility frame.
Ace Pro 2: Video
Image Quality
Ace Pro 2 records up to 8K30fps, but Insta360 recommends filming at 4K for more situations. 8K will limit some features like stabilization, field of view, and active HDR.
I recorded most of my videos at 4K24fps with Active HDR turned on, as this is how I would most likely use it when moto-vlogging.
Unfortunately, the lens has been slightly redesigned, and the ND filters that worked with the previous Ace Pro won’t work with the new design. As soon as those are available, though, I plan on picking some up, as that will take the video from the Ace Pro 2 to the next level.
Without any ND filter, though, the image from the Ace Pro 2 was impressive. It’s crisp, and I never saw any artifact issues I noticed in shadowed trees with the Hero13.
It handled difficult lighting changes well, but with Active HDR, it looks artificially enhanced in some scenarios. When riding a motorcycle on a sunny day down a wooded road, it had a little trouble getting a natural-looking exposure.
Low-light
In my DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review, I found it to perform much better than the GoPro Hero 13. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 takes low-light performance to another level.
When riding through a small downtown, the overall image was brighter from the Ace Pro 2 than the OA5Pro but it also handled highlights better. Neon signs and theatre marquees were both easier to read than the image from the DJI.
Ace Pro 2: Audio
Ace Pro 2 has an upgraded wind guard. Combined with the wind reduction audio recording mode, this gave the best sounding audio when riding a motorcycle from any of the new flagship action cameras.
The wind guard clips over the front microphone and adds extra foam in a secure hard shell to reduce wind noise and it worked perfectly. At speeds up to 70mph, the audio sounded great for a stock action camera straight out of the box.
The Hero 13 and the Osmo Action 5 Pro both had bad wind noise when I turned my head to the left or right. There was a bit of that noise from the Ace Pro 2, but it was much more usable.
Battery life
With an 1800mAh battery, Ace Pro 2 recorded for 1 hour and 39 minutes at 4k24fps in my testing. This was without endurance mode enabled, though. Insta360 claims 180 minutes of battery life when filmed at 1080 with endurance mode enabled.
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro still takes the cake, as I was able to record for three hours on a single battery at 4K24fps. DJI claims four hours of battery life when used at 1080 24fps.
Ace Pro 2: In-Use
It might be nit-picky, but my main use for these cameras is moto-vlogging. I use quick-capture most of the time to record only when I want to and not waste battery life and card storage. When trying to start and stop clips, I got more frustrated with the Ace Pro 2 than the Hero13 or Osmo Action 5 Pro. I had a harder time pressing the shutter button with my gloves on to start and stop quick capture.
Electronicsforward Take
Now that we’ve tested the latest action cameras from GoPro, DJI, and Insta360, which is the best for moto vlogging?
While each has its pros and cons, I tend to gravitate toward the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, with some exceptions.
The Ace Pro 2 has the best image with its impressive resolution and incredible low-light performance. But for size, battery life, and ease of use, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is what I will keep in my camera backpack or mounted to my helmet most often for capturing moto-adventures.
Buy Insta360 Ace Pro 2
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