Insta360 Ace Pro 2: My HONEST Review After 12 Months Of Use - Still Worth Buying?

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their one-year experience with the Ace Pro 2, discussing its strengths and weaknesses. They highlight its superior audio features, 4K/8K video quality, user-friendly settings, and the value of its flip-up screen for vlogging. While noting the camera’s larger size and weight compared to competitors like GoPro and Action 5, they emphasize the Ace Pro 2’s durability and low-light performance. They also explore its variety of creative features, from underwater mode to AI highlights. The creator concludes that while the choice of action camera ultimately depends on user preference, the Ace Pro 2 is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a versatile, high-quality device.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ace Pro 2 has been the reviewer’s most-used camera over the past 12 months, capturing various moments worldwide.
• 😀 The video avoids direct comparisons of which camera is better but highlights the Ace Pro 2’s features in relation to its competitors like the Action 5, GoPro 13, and others.
• 😀 Despite its larger size compared to other action cameras, the Ace Pro 2’s form factor does not significantly affect usability, although it’s a bit heavier when mounted on a helmet.
• 😀 The Ace Pro 2 offers seamless compatibility with external microphones like the DJI Mic 2, Mic Mini, and Insta 360 Mic Air, providing improved audio clarity over previous models.
• 😀 Image quality is a major strength, with the Ace Pro 2 offering excellent 4K and 8K footage. However, 8K files can be large and taxing on storage and processing.
• 😀 Customizable settings like bit rate, exposure, white balance, and field of view give users greater control over video quality and creative flexibility.
• 😀 The camera’s flip-up screen is a key feature for vlogging, helping users frame their shots properly even when the camera is at a distance or on a gimbal.
• 😀 The Ace Pro 2’s durability is on par with other action cameras, making it suitable for various outdoor and extreme activities, and it performs well in low light.
• 😀 The camera supports a variety of creative features, such as clarity zoom, freeframe mode, endurance mode, underwater mode, and dash cam functionality.
• 😀 While the reviewer values the Ace Pro 2’s quality and features, they stress that camera choice depends on personal preference and creative vision, rather than brand superiority.
• 😀 The Ace Pro 2’s low-light performance is highlighted as one of its standout features, making it ideal for shooting in darker conditions compared to other action cameras.

Q & A

What makes the Ace Pro 2 stand out from other action cameras?

The Ace Pro 2 stands out due to its large variety of features, such as the seamless connection with the DJI Mic 2 and Insta 360 Mic Air, its flip-up screen for vlogging, and excellent low-light video performance. It’s an all-around camera for capturing high-quality footage with minimal effort, while offering robust customization options like image settings and exposure adjustments.

How does the Ace Pro 2 compare in size to other cameras like the GoPro Hero 13?

The Ace Pro 2 is slightly larger and heavier than the GoPro Hero 13, which can be noticeable, especially when mounted on helmets for moto vlogging. However, this additional size doesn’t significantly impact performance unless you need a more compact option.

How do you achieve the best image quality with the Ace Pro 2?

To get the best image quality with the Ace Pro 2, you should adjust the bit rate to high, set the white balance to 5400 Kelvin for most situations, and use a manual exposure setting with a slight reduction in exposure value (e.g., -0.3) to prevent overexposed highlights. Additionally, using the correct field of view (Action or Mega) and adjusting sharpness settings to low can help refine the footage.

What is the clarity zoom feature, and how does it enhance video shooting?

The clarity zoom feature allows the Ace Pro 2 to digitally zoom in by 2x, providing a 40mm equivalent field of view. This is useful for cinematic shots where a more focused look is needed without physically moving the camera closer. It's especially valuable when paired with 4K 60fps footage, which can then be slowed down for a smoother, more cinematic effect.

How does the Ace Pro 2 perform in low-light conditions?

The Ace Pro 2 excels in low-light conditions compared to many other action cameras, offering impressive video quality even at night. Its 'Pure Video' mode provides some of the best low-light footage available for waterproof action cameras, making it ideal for shooting in less-than-ideal lighting situations.

What settings should I adjust to get the best out of the Ace Pro 2 for vlogging?

For vlogging with the Ace Pro 2, it’s recommended to use a face priority exposure mode for better subject lighting, set the white balance to 5400 Kelvin for consistent color, and adjust the sharpness to low to prevent digital sharpening. Additionally, the flip-up screen is invaluable for framing shots and ensuring the perfect vlogging angle.

How do the DJI Mic Mini and Insta 360 Mic Air compare for audio recording with the Ace Pro 2?

Both the DJI Mic Mini and the Insta 360 Mic Air work seamlessly with the Ace Pro 2, providing clear and high-quality audio for vlogging. The Mic Mini has been a long-time favorite due to its reliability, while the Mic Air from Insta 360 offers slightly better clarity out of the box, making it a solid alternative for those seeking the best sound performance.

What is the importance of adjusting the bit rate to high on the Ace Pro 2?

Setting the bit rate to high on the Ace Pro 2 ensures that the camera captures more data with each frame, resulting in improved video quality. This adjustment enhances the overall sharpness and clarity of the footage, especially when shooting in high-resolution formats like 4K or 8K.

Are there any specific features of the Ace Pro 2 that are particularly useful for long-duration shooting?

Yes, the Ace Pro 2 offers an endurance mode that allows for longer recording times without overheating or running out of battery quickly. This makes it a great choice for extended video shoots, such as long road trips or events that require continuous recording.

What should someone consider before buying the Ace Pro 2?

Before buying the Ace Pro 2, consider the size and weight of the camera, as it’s slightly larger and heavier than some other models like the GoPro Hero 13. If you're looking for a more compact camera for helmet mounting, this might be a drawback. However, if you prioritize features like video quality, low-light performance, and ease of use with accessories like microphones, the Ace Pro 2 is an excellent option.