Insta360 Ace vs Ace Pro: 4 Differences You Need to Know
By Naila Syifa
Updated December 2023
Insta360 has just released two new professional-level action cameras in November 2023: the Insta360 Ace and the Insta360 Ace Pro. Dubbed as Insta360's "smartest action camera", these cameras are packed with innovative features designed to help you capture stunning footage more easily and creatively.
However, what are the differences between the two models? Which one should you choose? Let's compare the two models side by side and find out which one serves your needs the best.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 Ace and Ace Pro differ in 4 ways: maximum video resolution, sensor size, lens, and fast charging capability. Insta360 Ace Pro is superior to the Insta360 Ace in all these 4 aspects. Insta360 Ace Pro delivers an 8K resolution with a 1/1.3" sensor and superior Leica lens, and it supports fast charging. Meanwhile, Insta360 Ace delivers a 6K resolution with a 1/2" sensor and standard lens, and it doesn't support fast charging,
Insta360 Ace
Premium Action Camera
✓ 6K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/2” Sensor
✓ Active HDR
✓ FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
Insta360 Ace Pro
Flagship-Level Action Camera
✓ 8K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor
✓ Built-in Active HDR
✓ FlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
#1 Price
Insta360 Ace Pro
As the name suggests, the Insta360 Ace Pro is the higher-end model and comes with a higher price tag of around US$499.99, while the Insta360 Ace is priced at around US$409.99.
Even though the Insta360 Ace is more affordable, it still has a high price point compared to other action cameras on the market, such as the GoPro Hero 12 Black (US$399.99) or DJI Osmo Action 4 (US$399). So, it is important to consider your budget and your needs carefully before making a purchase.
#2 Design
Insta360 Ace
In terms of visual appearance, both cameras are not different significantly. The Insta360 Ace Pro only has a slightly larger front screen than the Ace model and a Leica marking on the lens. However, in terms of size and weight, both cameras are equal with dimensions of 71.9 x 52.15 x 38.5 mm and a weight of 179.8 grams.
Both the Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 Ace also feature a 2.4" flip touchscreen that allows for flexible framing and easy operation. Both models are waterproof, with a maximum depth of 10 meters even without additional housing. They can also withstand extreme temperatures as low as -20°C, making them perfect for winter sports and activities.
#3 Video Quality
Insta360 Ace Pro
Both cameras set a new standard for action camera video quality, with the Insta360 Ace Pro delivering a maximum video resolution of 8K/24 fps, while the Insta360 Ace delivers a maximum video resolution of 6K/24 fps. Not only that, both models also support high-quality pictures up to 48 MP and slow motion videos up to 4K/120 fps.
With a large sensor, both cameras also perform well in low-light conditions. To achieve this, you can enable the PureVideo mode in both cameras to reduce noise and capture clearer footage in low-light environments. However, it is important to note that the Insta360 Ace Pro has a larger sensor size of 1/1.3" compared to the Insta360 Ace with a 1/2" sensor, making the Ace Pro a superior option for low-light imaging.
PureVideo in Insta360 Ace & Insta360 Ace Pro
While both cameras feature Active HDR for capturing more detail and keeping the video stabilized in high-contrast moving scenes, the Active HDR in the Insta360 Ace Pro is built-in, so you can see the result in real time without additional settings. The Active HDR in the Insta360 Ace, on the other hand, is accessible as a special video mode that you can enable before recording when needed.
Insta360 Ace Pro also has another advantage with its superior Leica lens that delivers even more clarity and sharpness to your footage. However, it is also worth noting that this Leica lens offers an F/2.6 aperture, while the standard lens of the Insta360 Ace has a lower F/2.4 aperture. Though the difference is subtle, a lower aperture number is usually preferable as it allows for more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
#4 Features
AI Warp in Insta360 Ace & Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace Pro and Insta360 Ace share a lot of similarities when it comes to features. They both offer FlowState Stabilization, which ensures smooth and stable footage even in the most extreme conditions. In the FreeFrame video mode, which allows for exporting the footage more flexibly in any aspect ratio, you can also enable the 360° Horizon Lock feature to keep the horizon level even when the camera rotates a full 360 degrees.
You can also go hands-free with the Voice Control and Gesture Control available in both action cameras. Editing and sharing also become easier with AI Highlights Assistant, which automatically selects the best moments from your footage and creates a video for you to share instantly. With AI Warp, you can even utilize generative AI to transform your video more creatively.
Unique Stats Dashboard in Insta360 Ace & Insta360 Ace Pro
Another innovative feature that sets both cameras apart from other action cameras is the Unique Stats Dashboard. This feature integrates various stats (such as GPS, speed, and more) from Garmin devices or Apple watches to your footage, so you can overlay them on your videos and create a real-time data visualization of your activities.
Some other useful features available in both cameras include pause/resume recording, cancel recording, photo grab, auto dash, loop recording, pre-recording, timed capture, and more.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace has a larger battery capacity of 1700 mAh compared to the Insta360 Ace Pro with a 1650 mAh battery. However, both cameras have an equal battery life of approximately 100 minutes of continuous 4K/30 fps video recording, even with the Active HDR.
One difference is that the Insta360 Ace Pro supports fast charging, allowing you to charge up to 80% of the battery in just 22 minutes, and fully charge the battery in 46 minutes. The Insta360 Ace, on the other hand, takes around 70 minutes to fully charge and doesn't support fast charging.
Insta360 Ace vs Ace Pro
Final Thoughts
Insta360 Ace
When it comes to choosing between the Insta360 Ace and Ace Pro, it ultimately depends on your needs and budget. Both cameras offer innovative features and excellent video quality, so it's worth considering what features are most important to you before making a decision.
If you're looking for the highest video quality and low light performance, the Ace Pro is the clear winner with its 8K resolution, flagship-level 1/1.3" sensor, Leica lens, and fast charging capability. However, if you think those added features are not worth the extra cost, then the Insta360 Ace is a great choice.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Action 4
Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 X3
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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