Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs. DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Best Use Cases
Naila Syifa
Updated October 2024
When it comes to portable cameras for content creation, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 represent two distinct approaches to capturing life's moments. Both devices offer impressive capabilities, but their design philosophies and feature sets cater to different types of creators. Which one best suits your shooting needs?
Key Takeaways
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the better choice for adventurous content creators who need a rugged, capable camera that can handle extreme conditions and action-packed scenarios. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is perfect for vloggers and indoor content creators who prioritize stabilization and low-light performance over durability and scene coverage.
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm | 139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5 mm |
| Display | 2.5” Flip Touch + 0.7” Front Status | 2” Rotatable OLED Touch |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3” | 1” |
| Field of View | 157° | 92° |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K/30 fps | 4K/60 fps |
| Max Photo Resolution | 50 MP | 9.4 MP |
| Image Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization | 3-Axis Stabilization |
| Subject Tracking | ❌ | ✅ Active Track 6.0 |
| Color Depth | 8-Bit | 10-Bit |
| HLG | ❌ | ✅ |
| Audio | 3 Mics | 3 Mics |
| Hands-Free Control | Gesture Control, Voice Control | ❌ |
| Timecode | ✅ | ✅ |
| Battery | 1800mAh | 1300mAh |
| Runtime (1080p) | 180 minutes | 166 minutes |
| Reverse Charging | ✅ | ❌ |
| Waterproof | 39ft (12m) | ❌ |
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Powerful Action Camera
✓ 8K Video + 50 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor
✓ Dual AI Chip
✓ Wind Guard
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Exceptional Gimbal Camera
✓ 4K Video + 9.4 MP Photo
✓ 1” CMOS Sensor
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ 10-bit D-Log M & HLG
Design
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has a more typical action camera design with a cuboid shape, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a taller, elongated design that makes it suitable for handheld use. This difference also results in different mounting options and use cases for each device.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 comes with a standard mount, which attaches to the camera magnetically and connects to various accessories via the 2 prongs. It is most ideal for mounting on helmets, handlebars, chest harnesses, or other action camera mounts. Mounting on selfie sticks or tripods is also possible, but a 3-Prong to 1/4" Adapter is required.
Meanwhile, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers a handle with a 1/4" thread, which then can be connected directly to tripods or selfie sticks. Mounting on helmets, handlebars, or chest harnesses requires a separately sold Expansion Adapter.
Another design difference between the two cameras is the display, with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 featuring a 2" rotatable OLED touchscreen while the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has a 2.5" flip touchscreen LCD and a smaller 0.7" status-only display.
In terms of durability and ruggedness, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is losing to the Ace Pro 2 as it's not waterproof and can't stand cold temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is waterproof up to 39ft (12m) without a case and can operate in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).
Video & Photo
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Supporting up to 8K/30 fps resolution for videos and 50 MP for photos, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is clearly defeating the DJI Osmo Pocket 3's 4K/60 fps and 9.4 MP in terms of raw resolution capabilities. The higher resolution not only provides more detail but also allows for better cropping and reframing options in post-production.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also wins in its ability to capture more of the scene, thanks to its 157° field of view, a significantly wider angle than the DJI Osmo Pocket 3's more limited 92° field of view. An optional wide-angle lens for the Osmo Pocket 3 can expand the FOV to 108°, but it costs more money and still falls short of the Ace Pro 2's coverage.
However, when it comes to low-light performance, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has the upper hand with its larger 1" sensor compared to the Ace Pro 2's 1/1.3" sensor. A larger sensor captures more light and generally produces cleaner, less noisy images in darker conditions.
Audio
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Both the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offer a three-microphone array with support for stereo audio and advanced noise reduction algorithms.
The Ace Pro 2 adds an integrated wind guard into its body, further minimizing wind noise during outdoor recording rather than just relying on software-based noise reduction alone.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 features a USB-C port for an external microphone connection, but 3.5mm microphones require an additional adapter to work with the device. Similarly, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also offers an optional mic adapter to connect to 3.5mm external microphones.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has an advantage with its compatibility with Bluetooth headsets and motorcycle helmet headsets for wireless audio recording. This compatibility means a wider range of wireless audio recording options, as compared to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 which only supports the DJI Mic 2 for Bluetooth audio recording.
Features
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
With both cameras offering timecode functionality, they are equally great for multi-camera setups and professional video production workflows.
What's mainly set apart the two is the stabilization technology. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 relies on an electronic image stabilization system known as FlowState Stabilization, while DJI Osmo Pocket 3 uses a mechanical 3-axis gimbal. Each stabilization method has its own advantages: FlowState can handle more extreme movements and doesn't have mechanical parts that could break, while the gimbal provides smoother, more cinematic motion in controlled environments.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 stands out with its gesture control and voice control features, allowing for hands-free operation. This suits the Ace Pro 2's action camera nature and makes it easier to control while engaged in sports or activities. As a gimbal camera mainly designed for handheld use, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 features no gesture or voice control options, thus requiring physical interaction with the device to operate its functions.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also comes with the Insta360 app, which offers a range of AI-powered editing tools like AI Highlights Assistant, Auto Editing, and AI Warp. These features make it easier for users to create polished content without extensive editing knowledge.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a similar AI editing feature in the LightCut app, the One-Tap Editing feature, which automatically creates a ready-to-share video using the available template. In another app, the DJI Mimo app, there is also Glamour Effects for automatic beautification. This makes the Osmo Pocket 3 perfect for vloggers and content creators who want to appear their best without spending too much time on post-processing.
Battery Life
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers up to 166 minutes of battery life at 1080p/24 fps resolution, which is quite impressive for its 1300mAh battery capacity. The camera supports fast charging and can reach 80% in just 16 minutes.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 boasts a larger battery capacity of 1800mAh, thus providing longer recording times of up to 180 minutes at 1080p/24 fps resolution. A full charge takes 47 minutes when using the fast charging adapter, while 80% can be reached in about 18 minutes.
What's impressive about the Ace Pro 2 is not only the longer runtime but also its reverse charging capability. That means, the Ace Pro 2 can serve as emergency power back to charge smartphones when needed.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs. DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Both cameras excel in different areas, making the choice largely dependent on your specific needs. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 stands out with its durability, higher resolution capabilities, hands-free control, and superior battery life, making it ideal for extended outdoor shoots and action-packed scenarios.
Meanwhile, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3's handheld design, 3-axis gimbal, excellent low-light performance, and beautification features make it a compelling choice for vloggers and content creators who mainly shoot indoors, at night, or in controlled environments.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs Insta360 X4
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs Insta360 X3
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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