Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs. Insta360 X3: 5 Aspects Compared
Naila Syifa
Updated October 2024
The Ace Pro 2 is the latest action camera from Insta360 released in 2024, while the Insta360 X3 is the company's flagship 360 camera launched in 2022. Being two years apart in release, what are the key differences between these two action cameras?
We'll delve into five key aspects to help you determine which camera is the better fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has superior video quality, low-light performance, and additional features like timecode, gesture control, and reverse charging. However, the X3's 360-degree capture capabilities may be worth the tradeoff for some users who prioritize creative freedom and flexibility.
| Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | Insta360 X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72 x 52 x 38 mm | 46 x 33.1 x 114 mm |
| Display | 2.5” Flip Touch | 2.29” Touch |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3” | 1/2” |
| Field of View | 157° | 360° |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K/30 fps | 5.7K/30fps (360) 4K/30 fps (Single) |
| Max Photo Resolution | 50 MP | 72 MP |
| Color Profiles | I-Log, Standard, Vivid, Leica Vivid, Leica Natural, Portrait, Film, Vintage, Urban, Night | Vivid, Standard, LOG |
| AI Chip | Pro Imaging Chip + 5nm AI Chip | ❌ |
| Audio | 3 Mics | 4 Mics |
| Hands-Free Control | Gesture Control, Voice Control | Gesture Control, Voice Control |
| Timecode | ✅ | ❌ |
| Reverse Charging | ✅ | ❌ |
| Battery | 1800mAh | 1800mAh |
| Waterproof | 39ft (12m) | 33ft (10m) |
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Powerful Action Camera
✓ 8K Video + 50 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor
✓ Dual AI Chip
✓ Wind Guard
Insta360 X3
Versatile 360 Camera
✓ Reframeable 5.7K 360 Footage
✓ 1/2” Sensor
✓ FlowState Stabilization
✓ Wind Reduction Mode
Design
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
While both cameras are rugged and compact, the Ace Pro 2 has a slight advantage with its larger 2.5" flip touchscreen compared to the X3 with a 2.29" regular touchscreen display. The difference is not so significant, but a larger display can be more convenient for framing shots and reviewing footage.
The Ace Pro 2 is also leading in terms of waterproofing capability, as it can be used underwater up to 39ft (12m) without any additional housing or up to 197ft (60m) with a dive case. In comparison, the X3's waterproof rating is capped at 33ft (10m) out of the box or 164ft (50m) with a dive case.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also stands out with a magnetic mounting system, which allows for easy attachment and detachment from accessories. Insta360 X3 relies on its built-in 1/4" thread for mounting on accessories. It is not as convenient as the Ace Pro 2's magnetic mounting for swapping between accessories, but it is very ideal for mounting the camera on a selfie stick. The Ace Pro 2, on the other hand, requires an adapter for mounting on a selfie stick.
Video & Photo
Insta360 X3
At 8K/30 fps maximum video resolution, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can capture higher quality video compared to the Insta360 X3 with its 5.7K/30 fps maximum video resolution.
The Ace Pro 2 also boasts a larger 1/1.3" sensor, accompanied by a Leica Summarit lens and dual AI chip, which allows it to perform better in low-light conditions compared to the smaller 1/2" sensor in the X3. PureVideo mode, a dedicated low-light video capture mode, is also exclusive to the Ace Pro 2.
As a camera co-engineered with Leica, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also offers two Leica color profiles, including Leica Vivid and Leica Natural, along with a wider range of color profiles like I-Log, Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Film, Vintage, Urban, and Night. The X3 only has Vivid, Standard, and LOG color profiles, limiting its customization options.
However, the Insta360 X3 offers more versatile 360-degree capture capabilities compared to the Ace Pro 2 with only 157-degree FOV. 360-degree footage not only captures more of the scene, but also allows for more creative reframing and editing possibilities in post-production. Features like Deep Track and AI editing in the Insta360 app further simplify the process, making it easy to create dynamic and creative 360-degree content.
Audio
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 X3 has 4 built-in microphones, which is a bit more than the 3 on the Ace Pro 2. This makes sense since the X3 can capture video in 360 degrees, which needs more mics to get good audio all around, compared to the more limited view of the Ace Pro 2.
Both action cameras offer 3 audio modes. The Ace Pro 2 offers Wind Reduction, Stereo, and Voice Enhancement, while the X3 offers Wind Reduction, Stereo, and Direction Focus. Voice Enhancement on the Ace Pro 2 focuses on capturing clear speech, while Direction Focus on the X3 allows users to target audio from a specific direction.
What gives the Ace Pro 2 a clear advantage in terms of noise reduction is the integrated wind guard, which physically blocks wind from directly hitting the microphones, providing better wind noise reduction compared to the X3's reliance on software-based wind reduction alone.
Other than relying on the built-in microphones, both cameras support external microphone input via a Mic Adapter. Wireless microphone connectivity is also available for both cameras, supporting some Bluetooth headsets like AirPods and motorcycle helmet headsets like Sena.
Features
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Some features that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Insta360 X3 share in common include FlowState Stabilization, 360° Horizon Lock, voice control, editing capabilities within the Insta360 mobile app and Insta360 desktop software, and sports stats integration with compatible Garmin devices or Apple watches.
As the newer model, the Ace Pro 2 brings some additional features that the X3 lacks, such as gesture control for hands-free operation and a timecode feature for multi-camera synchronization.
Battery Life
Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3 is powered by a 1800mAh battery, which can last for up to 81 minutes when recording at 5.7K/30 fps. A full charge takes quite long at 90 minutes approximately.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also offers a 1800mAh battery, but with 180 minutes of runtime at 1080p/24 fps. It charges more quickly at 47 minutes with fast charging, while 80% can be reached in just 18 minutes.
The Ace Pro 2 also has a unique reverse charging capability, allowing it to charge other devices like smartphones when needed.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs. Insta360 X3
Final Thoughts
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Insta360 X3 are both impressive action cameras that cater to different needs and preferences. While the Ace Pro 2 offers superior video quality, low-light performance, and professional features like timecode, the X3 excels in its 360-degree capture capabilities, making it a more versatile choice for creative content creation.
The ultimate choice depends on whether you prioritize higher video quality and professional features or more versatile and creative 360-degree capture capabilities.
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 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
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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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