Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 X3: All Specs Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated December 2023
Insta360 is one of the leaders in the field of action cameras, offering a wide range of products that cater to different needs and budgets. In this article, we will compare the Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 X3, some of the high-end models, to help you decide which one is a better investment for you.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 Ace Pro has a superior video resolution of 8K compared to X3's 5.7K. It also offers superb low-light imaging and more smart features like generative AI and a stats dashboard, but the X3 offers 360-degree footage that the Ace Pro doesn't.
Insta360 Ace Pro
Smart Action Camera
✓ 8K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor
✓ FlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
✓ FreeFrame Video
Insta360 X3
360 Camera
✓ 5.7K + 72 MP 360 Footage
✓ 4K Single-lens Footage
✓ FlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
✓ Reframing in Post-Production
#1 Price
Insta360 X3
As high-end models, both the Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 X3 come with a premium price tag. Even though the newer Ace Pro model is more expensive than its predecessor X3, the price gap is not that significant. The Insta360 Ace Pro retails at US$499.99, while the Insta360 X3 is available at US$449.99.
Another version of the Ace Pro is also available, known as the Insta360 Ace, which costs cheaper than the two at US$409.99. This model offers many of the same features as the Ace Pro, except for these 4 things.
#2 Design
Insta360 Ace Pro
Both cameras look strikingly different in terms of external appearance, with the Ace Pro looking like a typical rectangular action camera while the X3 has a tall, slim, and more handheld-like design. Insta360 Ace Pro features a camera lens on the front and a 2.4" flip touchscreen on the back that you can adjust to your desired angle. The Insta360 X3, on the other hand, has a larger 2.29" touchscreen on one side and a pair of camera lens on each side that captures a full 360-degree view.
Another difference between the two is that the Insta360 X3 is equipped with 4 microphones, which allow for better audio recording compared to the Insta360 Ace Pro's 3-microphone configuration.
However, both cameras also have some commonalities in terms of design, such as being waterproof to 10 m without the need for an external case, and the ruggedness that allows both cameras to withstand extreme conditions, including cold temperatures to -20°C.
#3 Video Quality
Insta360 X3
Insta360 Ace Pro has a significantly high image quality, delivering a maximum resolution of 8K/24 fps for videos and 48 MP for photos. It also offers superb low-light performance with its large 1/1.3" sensor and a 5nm AI chip that helps reduce noise and improve image quality when using the PureVideo mode, resulting in excellent quality in low light.
On the other hand, the Insta360 X3 allows for two modes. The first mode, the 360 mode, delivers immersive 360-degree footage at a maximum resolution of 5.7K/30 fps for videos and 72 MP for photos. Meanwhile, the single-lens mode captures footage at a maximum FOV of 170-degree and at a maximum resolution of 4K/30 fps.
Both cameras offer Active HDR, which helps to balance the exposure in challenging lighting conditions to produce better image quality even during intense action scenes. One difference is that while the Active HDR in the Ace Pro is built-in (so you don't need to enable it in the settings), the X3's Active HDR has to be manually enabled and is only available for recording a 360-degree video and not the single-lens mode.
#4 Features
Insta360 X3
In an action camera, image stabilization is a must. FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock are features present in both the Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 X3 that help to keep your footage steady and level, even when the camera rotates a full 360 degrees.
However, it is worth noting that the 360° Horizon Lock feature in the Ace Pro is only available in FreeFrame Video, a mode that allows you to shoot footage that can be reframed later into any aspect ratio you want in post-production. It is similar to the reframing process you can do with the 360 footage from the X3.
Both cameras also support voice control for hands-free shooting, but the Ace Pro also has an added advantage with its gesture control, which allows you to trigger the camera to take a photo or start/stop recording by simply using hand gestures.
Unique Stats Dashboard in Insta360 Ace Pro
When it comes to editing and sharing, the Insta360 Ace Pro offers a range of AI-powered features, including AI Highlight Assistants, which automatically identifies the best moments in your footage and creates a ready-to-share video, and AI Warp, a generative AI feature that allows you to create surreal and artistic videos with just a few keywords.
Though not as advanced as the Ace Pro, the Insta360 X3 also offers AI-powered editing features available in the Insta360 app, such as Shot Lab, Deep Track, Auto Frame, etc.
However, the Insta360 Ace Pro edges ahead with another innovative feature unavailable in the X3 and most other action cameras, which is known as Unique Stats Dashboard. This feature integrates data from Garmin devices and Apple watches to display performance metrics like speed, GPS info, and more in your videos to make them more informative and engaging.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 X3
Insta360 Ace Pro boasts a battery capacity of 1650 mAh, large enough to last for up to 100 minutes for continuous shooting at 4K/30 fps. It also supports fast charging, allowing you to achieve 80% in just 22 minutes and fully charge in 46 minutes.
Insta360 X3, on the other hand, has a larger battery capacity of 1800 mAh. It can last for up to 81 minutes of continuous shooting at 5.7K/30 fps. However, the X3 takes a considerably longer time to charge, requiring up to 90 minutes to reach full battery capacity.
Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 X3
Final Thoughts
AI Warp in Insta360 Ace Pro
Overall, both the Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 X3 are excellent high-end action cameras that offer a range of features to cater to your needs.
Insta360 Ace Pro has superior video resolution with a range of smart features such as PureVideo, gesture control, AI Highlight Assistants, AI Warp, and Unique Stats Dashboard. Meanwhile, the Insta360 X3 stands out with its unique 360-degree footage and may be a better option if you value the creative possibilities that come with it.
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
GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 X3
GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
GoPro Hero 12 vs 11
Insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max
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