Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3: All Specs Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated December 2023
Two popular brands in the world of action cameras, Insta360 and DJI, released their new flagship models in 2023, the Insta360 Ace Pro and DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Both cameras have great features, but which one is better? Let's compare their specs side by side.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 Ace Pro is a waterproof camera that stands out with an 8K video resolution, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a pocket-sized camera that stands out with its low light-dedicated 1-inch sensor. Both cameras offer many different unique features. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has better battery life while the Insta360 Ace Pro offers more accessories for diverse shooting scenarios.
Insta360 Ace Pro
Smart Action Camera
✓ 8K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor
✓ FlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
✓ FreeFrame Video
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Exceptional Gimbal Camera
✓ 4K Video, 9.4 MP Photo
✓ 1” CMOS Sensor
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Timecode Sync
#1 Price
Insta360 Ace Pro
As the new flagship models of Insta360 and DJI, both cameras are priced on the higher end of the spectrum. However, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is slightly more expensive at US$519, while the Insta360 Ace Pro is priced at US$499.99.
A more affordable model, the Insta360 Ace, is also available in the market for US$409.99. This model has most of the features found in the Ace Pro, with the exception of these four things.
#2 Design
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
While the Insta360 Ace Pro has a boxy shape like a typical action camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a unique handheld design that makes it easy to use right out of the box. However, both cameras are portable and lightweight, making them perfect for outdoor adventures.
Insta360 Ace Pro has an added benefit with its waterproof capability, allowing it to be used underwater up to 10 meters without any case. It can also withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C, making it perfect for winter sports and summer activities alike. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, on the other hand, is not waterproof and can't stand cold temperatures below zero degrees Celsius.
In terms of design, another difference you will notice is that the Insta360 Ace Pro has a larger 2.4" flippable touchscreen that you can adjust to your preferred angle, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a smaller 2" rotatable touchscreen that you use to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting.
#3 Video Quality
Insta360 Ace Pro
When it comes to video quality in general, the Insta360 Ace Pro is the clear winner. It boasts a maximum video resolution of 8K and a photo resolution of 48 MP, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a maximum video resolution of only 4K and a photo resolution of 9.4 MP.
However, when it comes to low-light performance, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 performs better due to its larger sensor size and wider aperture. Its ultra-large 1" CMOS sensor is currently the largest in the action camera market, allowing for excellent low-light performance. Insta360 Ace Pro's 1/1.3" sensor is already large enough to deliver great low-light quality when compared to most other action cameras, but it can't quite match up to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in this aspect.
When it comes to color accuracy, both cameras perform well. The Insta360 Ace Pro is equipped with a built-in Active HDR that ensures accurate colors and good contrast while also keeping the video stabilized. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, on the other hand, supports 10-bit HDR color through D-Log M and HLG modes, which allows for greater color depth and dynamic range. The D-Log M mode is especially useful if you plan on color grading your footage in post-production.
#4 Features
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
As a gimbal camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers three-axis mechanical stabilization that allows the camera to pan, tilt, and roll, ensuring smooth and steady footage. Meanwhile, the Insta360 Ace Pro offers FlowState Stabilization, a gimbal-like stabilization technology that is based on advanced algorithms and AI. Even though different, both stabilization technologies are highly effective in delivering smooth and stable footage.
Insta360 Ace Pro has an advantage with its 360° Horizon Lock feature, which allows the camera to stay level even if the camera rotates a full 360 degrees. This is something that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 cannot do. However, this feature is only available in the Ace Pro when you record using the FreeFrame Video Mode, a mode that lets you reframe your shot more flexibly in post-production.
FreeFrame Video Mode in Insta360 Ace Pro
Some other unique features exclusively available in the Insta360 Ace Pro include AI Highlights Assistant, AI Warp, Pre-Recording, Loop Recording, Timed Capture, and more. Unique Stats Dashboard is also supported, allowing you to add stats like speeds or GPS data from your Garmin devices or Apple watches to your footage. The Ace Pro also supports voice control and gesture control, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 only supports voice control.
However, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also offers some unique features that set it apart from the Ace Pro, such as ActiveTrack 6.0, HD Livestream support, webcam support, and built-in timecode, which is useful for syncing footage from multiple cameras in post-production.
#5 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Technically, the Insta360 Ace Pro has a larger battery capacity of 1650 mAh compared to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with a battery capacity of 1300 mAh.
However, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a better battery life, lasting up to 116 minutes of continuous recording in 4K/60 fps and up to 166 minutes of 1080p/24 fps. Insta360 Ace Pro, on the other hand, can only last up to 100 minutes of continuous recording in 4K/30 fps.
Both action cameras also support fast charging, but the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 charges faster up to 80% in just 16 minutes, while the Insta360 Ace Pro takes 22 minutes to reach 80%.
#6 Accessories
GPS Preview Remote for Insta360 Ace Pro
Both cameras are compatible with a wide range of accessories that allow you to customize your shooting experience. However, the Insta360 Ace Pro has some unique optional accessories that give room for more creativity and flexibility in your shots.
The Invisible Selfie Stick accessory, for example, allows you to take third-person shots or even drone-like footage without the selfie stick showing up in the footage. GPS Preview Remote is also available for the Ace Pro, which allows you to preview your footage and control the camera remotely from your wrist or your bike's handlebar. It can even record data like GPS info and speed to overlay your footage in the post-production.
Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Final Thoughts
Insta360 Ace Pro
Overall, the Insta360 Ace Pro and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 are both excellent action cameras with their own unique strengths and limitations.
Insta360 Ace Pro is better suited for action and adventure enthusiasts who prioritize video quality and waterproof capability, with advanced features like Unique Stats Dashboard, FreeFrame mode, and AI Highlights Assistant.
On the other hand, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is ideal for vloggers and content creators who value portability and low-light performance. Its long-lasting battery life also makes it a great choice for those who need to record for extended periods of time.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 Ace vs Ace Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Action 4
Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Pocket 2
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs GoPro Hero 12
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Action 4
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Insta360 GO 3
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