8K adventure: Insta360 announces the Ace Pro 2 action camera

4 weeks ago 19
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Image: Insta360

Insta360 has announced the Ace Pro 2, its newest action camera and successor to its Ace Pro model. Although similar in appearance to its predecessor, the Ace Pro 2 includes some notable upgrades.

The Ace Pro 2's camera is built around a Type 1/1.3 (9.6 x 7.2mm) image sensor, which can capture up to 8K video or 50MP photos. Insta360 claims the camera can deliver up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. The camera is co-engineered by Leica and includes a Summarit-branded F2.6 lens with a 157° FOV (13mm equiv).

In video mode, the Ace Pro 2 can capture up to 8K/30p (16:9) or 4K/60p (4:3 or 16:9) using Insta360's Active HDR technology or up to 4K/120p or 1080/240p without Active HDR and supports both the H.264 and H.265 codecs. For photos, the camera supports both JPEG and DNG Raw capture.

Image: Insta360

Other recording features include a pre-capture mode that can record up to 120 seconds of video before hitting the record button, gesture and voice control, and the ability to pause/resume recording. Insta360 says that Leica engineered the camera's color profiles.

The Ace Pro 2 also includes Insta360's FlowState stabilization technology designed to minimize or remove camera shake for smoother video. A 360° horizon lock can be applied in-camera to keep the horizon level while shooting.

The camera also gains a slightly larger 2.5" LCD flip screen for self-capture, up from its predecessor's 2.4" screen. Insta360 doesn't provide screen resolution in the camera's specifications but claims the new screen has a 70% increase in pixel density and a 6% increase in brightness.

According to Insta360, the Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with dual AI processors: a dedicated processor to handle image processing and noise reduction and a second processor to handle further image processing and to deliver a smoother user experience on the camera.

Image: Insta360

The dual processors also enable some of the more demanding shooting modes like 8K/30p, 4K/60p with Active HDR and upgraded PureVideo, which the company describes as "A specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light." Insta360 says that PureVideo uses a custom-trained AI neural network to deliver better low-light results and when using Active HDR.

The Ace Pro 2 is waterproof to 12m (39 ft.), up from 10m for its predecessor, and up to 60m (197 ft.) when used with Insta360's dive case for the camera. It includes a new wind guard to reduce wind noise, a removable lens guard, and features Insta360's magnetic mount system. The camera is rated for use in temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F).

The Ace Pro 2 also gains a new, higher capacity 1800mAh battery. When using the new Endurance Mode, Insta360 claims that the camera will provide 50% longer runtime than its predecessor when shooting 4K/30p and quotes a maximum runtime of 180 minutes (based on 1080p video capture). The battery can charge to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes.

Image: Insta360

Once video is captured, the Ace Pro 2 uses AI to help users create and share content. The AI Highlights Assistant is designed to automatically find the best moments from captured videos, which can be reviewed on the camera, after which the Auto Edit feature will create a recap video. Insta360 has also expanded compatibility with third-party sports accessories and apps from companies like Apple, Garmin, Nike Run Club and COROS to enable the overlay of real-time information and statistics.

Price and availability

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available beginning today. The standard bundle, which includes a wind guard, battery, standard mount, mic cap and USB-C cable, retails for $399. A dual-battery bundle, which consists of the same accessories but with two batteries, retails for $419.

Meet Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Redefining Action Cameras With Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & Smarter AI

Insta360 is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its Ace series, Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme.

Co-engineered with Leica, it delivers serious performance upgrades with the sophisticated dual AI chip, a first for any action camera, and state-of-the-art imaging courtesy of a new 1/1.3" 8K sensor and Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view. Creators can experience smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5" flip touchscreen and more.

The action camera utilizes Insta360's advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. With no more complex workflows, anyone can experience a simpler way to film and spend more time immersed in the moments they love.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 significantly improves on its design, offering a more rugged, reliable action camera. Its waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with a new Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it, providing full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.

"Our goal was to refine and enhance the groundbreaking features of the original Insta360 Ace Pro to deliver an unparalleled experience," says JK Liu, founder of Insta360. "We are confident these upgrades establish a new industry standard. Not only do they bring significant advances in AI, they empower creators to capture what was always impossible with other action cameras, opening the door to unprecedented creative potential."

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to order today via Insta360.com worldwide, as well as trusted retailers such as Amazon and select authorized partners.

Unparalleled Image Quality, Day and Night

Legendary Leica optics once again meets Insta360 innovation in the form of a SUMMARIT lens, setting it apart from competitors with its state-of-the-art image quality. Combined with an upgraded 1/1.3" 8K sensor offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can't handle.

Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR, and upgraded PureVideo. Even in fast-moving motion and high-intensity action, creators can enjoy smooth, sharp videos thanks to the higher frame rates or slow it all the way down with crisp 4K120fps slow motion.

A complex, custom-trained AI neural network underpins PureVideo, a specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light. Whether it's twilight strolls or evening rides, creators can record what they never could before. For the daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range) brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° FOV captures more of the surroundings, perfect for vlogging or when the scenery really matters.

Exclusive Leica-engineered color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot. Insta360's devotion to color accuracy is seen elsewhere with Insta360 Ace Pro 2's ability to retain rich and precise colors, even underwater.

Ready for Action Anytime, Anywhere

The upgraded design proves to be even more rugged, ready for when you ramp up the action. Waterproofing has increased to 39 feet (12 meters) or 197 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case, and it handles temperatures as low as -4ºF (-20ºC) with ease, perfect for winter sports and extreme climates.

The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.

An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What's more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.

Insta360's leading FlowState Stabilization technology ensures videos remain incredibly smooth no matter what, while 360º Horizon Lock, now applied automatically in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level. Prioritizing performance and convenience, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sports a bigger 1800mAh battery and a new Endurance Mode that offers a 50% longer runtime at 4K30fps than Insta360 Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes, so you can get back to the action quicker.

Insta360 has expanded its compatibility with several top third-party sports accessories, allowing action and sports enthusiasts to add a new level of detail. For data-rich videos, overlay real-time stats from third-party sports brands and apps, including Garmin, Apple, COROS, Nike Run Club, and more. For moto vloggers, pair Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with your motorcycle helmet headset from Sena, Cardo, and more for clear dual-track audio and hands-free control every ride. Alternatively, users can add stats from their phone directly in the Insta360 app without any extra gear, or use the GPS Preview Remote for easy live preview, remote control, and real-time GPS data.

Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life's thrills with confidence.

Smarter, Easier Capture & Editing

Insta360 Ace Pro's flip touchscreen proved an essential and convenient tool for creators and has been further upgraded to 2.5 inches. With a 70% increase in pixel density and a 6% increase in brightness, it allows for perfect framing and easier preview for vlogging, selfies, and difficult angles, all while remaining visible under bright sunlight. Instead of guessing if your shot looks perfect, you can shoot with confidence, knowing it is.

Internally, Ace Pro offers innovative solutions to problems that have hindered action enthusiasts for years:

  • 4K Clarity Zoom - Want a close-up but the image quality becomes too grainy? Zoom in and out 2x without losing quality.
  • Pre-Recording - Never miss a moment with up to 120 seconds of footage saved before you even hit record.
  • Gesture & Voice Control - Use quick hand signals or verbal commands to control the camera, such as start/stop recording or take a photo, ideal if it's mounted out of reach.
  • Pause/Resume Recording - Got time between shots? Hit pause and continue recording when you need to keep everything in one continuous file for easier file management and editing.
  • Timecode - Seamlessly synchronizes multiple cameras for an efficient editing workflow.

Insta360's revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. For those who aren't confident editing, AI Highlights Assistant automatically finds the best moments from a video and delivers the highlights for review, all in-camera. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.

The Assistant also helps craft your next reel from your adventures and pushes it directly to your smartphone via the Insta360 app. Look back on all your Memories and share those unforgettable moments in seconds.

Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.

Available Now

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com, Amazon, and select retailers. The Standard Bundle retails for US$399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The Dual Battery Bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for US$419.99.

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