Insta360 Ace Pro AI action cam with 8K video, Leica tuning, and flip touchscreen

Insta360 has introduced two AI-equipped waterproof action cameras, the Ace Pro and Ace, expanding their lineup. The flagship, Insta360 Ace Pro, an 8K action cam developed in partnership with Leica, boasts a 1/1.3″ sensor, an AI chip, a 2.4″ foldable display, and PureVideo technology for enhanced low-light recording. Meanwhile, the more budget-friendly Insta360 Ace settles for 6K capabilities and a smaller sensor.

These new action cameras, Ace Pro and Ace, aim to push the boundaries in the competitive arena, challenging rivals like GoPro Hero 12 Black and Osmo Action 4 with innovative features. Notably, the top-tier Insta360 Ace Pro is anticipated to surpass competitors, particularly excelling in low-light image quality, leveraging smart AI technology and a larger sensor.

The more economical model, Ace, flaunts a 48 MP (1/2 inch) sensor and f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 6K videos (6,144 x 3,456 pixels) at 30 fps and capturing 48 MP photos (8,000 x 6,000 pixels). Meanwhile, the Ace Pro, the flagship variant, showcases a 1/1.3-inch sensor, F2.6 aperture with Leica tuning, recording videos in 8K (7,680 x 4,320 pixels) at 24 fps, supporting 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) up to 120 fps, and achieving a maximum video bitrate of 170 Mbps. In comparison, the rival Osmo Action 4 also utilizes a 1/1.3-inch chip but caps at 4K videos with a maximum of 130 Mbit/s and a photo resolution of 3,648 x 2,736 pixels.

Insta360 has devised specialized AI-driven photo modes for Ace Pro and Ace, enhancing the 48MP Photo mode and 4K 30 fps PureVideo capabilities. These AI features purportedly enhance signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range in low-light conditions, claiming to “outperform all other action cameras on the market.” Additionally, Active HDR and the all-new AI Highlight Assistant automatically identify crucial moments in videos, providing “clip highlights” directly accessible on the camera.

For vlogging, users can monitor ongoing recordings on the 2.4″ flip touchscreen, while the magnetic mounting system facilitates quick camera setups. Within the cameras, several new functions include focus zoom (Ace Pro: 2x without loss of quality), gesture control (start/stop recording, photo capture), recording cancellation, pause/restart recording, and live snapshots. This allows capturing moments in higher resolution during video shoots without interrupting the filming process.

The new Ace waterproof action cameras boast an array of tools like the statistics dashboard, enabling seamless integration of Garmin or Apple Watch data (GPS, speed, etc.) into videos. Additionally, AI Warp adds dynamic effects to videos, including time-lapses, hyper-lapses, and the “invisible selfie stick effect.” These cameras are waterproof up to 10 meters (diving housing extends to 60 meters), operational in temperatures down to -20°C, equipped with FlowState stabilization, 360° horizon lock, and a rapid charging feature, charging the Ace cameras up to 80% in 22 minutes (full charge in 46 minutes).

Insta360 Ace and Insta360 Ace Pro price and availability

• Insta360 Ace: $379.99 on Amazon.com
• Insta360 Ace Pro: $449.99 on Amazon.com / £429.99 on Amazon.co.uk