Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Biggest Flop of 2024?

[@DennyJannettyMTB]

Nice to see someone give a review and not get paid. I think that “Pure Video” mode looked pretty good to be completely honest. Didn’t look natural, but looked good. From what I’ve seen and heard the osmo 5 seems really good and that’s coming from non-paid sources. I’d probably stay with GoPro because of the max lens mod 2.0, which is basically all I shoot with now, but I’d def look into DJI. The insta360 products just seem to promise a lot and don’t deliver.

[@AustinSheidy]

Thanks! DJI Action 5 Pro review coming next week! I wasn’t a fan of the Pure Video mode, I felt that it was exceptionally unnatural and lacked color depth, but it’s all down to preference.

[@emailsucks98]

I thought the video looked very good as well. I think the AP2 just has a different target audience - users who don't want to color grade and frequently shoot in low light (That is me). For SOC riding footage in those circumstances I am very happy with mine. Also, Clarity Zoom is awesome for stills, There's other issues (Insta360 studio needs an update, Freeform has no stabilization, etc) which reviews haven't dug into.

[@martidrone88]

Now is not available insta360 AP2 hardware problem

[@justgregnow]

I run the GoPro hero 11 black and the insta ace pro 1. I really enjoy filming with the AP1 and the flip screen makes so much sense. But the GoPro 11 with its 10 bits is better with details and clarity. The AP1 is definitely way better in low light than the GP11 so having both just makes sense!

[@Titot182]

As other reviewers have said, massive respect for your honesty and impartiality. I love riding in autumn because of all the vivid colours, so it's good to see the variety of frame rates and in-camera colour profiles. Was looking at a replacement for my go pro 9 - mostly recording in flat profile and grade afterwards, but I'm guessing I'll save my money. That lens flare at 7:00 is wild.

[@AustinSheidy]

@@Titot182 I’m currently testing the DJI Action 5 Pro and posting a review next Friday and things are looking pretty good. It might be a good candidate for an upgrade.

[@Titot182]

@@AustinSheidy Just about to upload my ride today on my channel. Funnily enough, we were at the trailhead discussing which cams to go for and he mentioned "mate, you should so totally go Insta 360", to which I replied that the OSMO action 5 is in contention. I've got their ronin 2 gimbal when I used to shoot with my A6400 and was impressed with their build. Alas, that's not a camera. The 10 bit colour profiles when shooting in log will allow creators more control over their tones. So, I'm looking forward to seeing something pop from you in a bit. The 9 just lacks that bit of dynamic range still in overcast, but vivid autumnal days.

[@AustinSheidy]

@@Titot182 I should have a short up soon highlighting a couple features of the Action 5 Pro that I’m loving. Full review is uploaded and scheduled for Friday.

[@ClintGibbs]

Very helpful. I am deciding between this camera and the DJI. I tried the DJI and did not like the standard picture profile. I think I’m gonna give it another shot and shoot and log. I was trying to simplify the workflow but I think to get the best video, taking the time to color grade is going to be the best option. Like you, I built my channel around GoPro but testing other waters. The thing I like best about the DJI is using their mic.

[@AustinSheidy]

Yeah, the mic is awesome. My recommendation: shoot in D- Log M 10-bit, drop the exposure -.7 EV, and hard set your white balance to ~5500K. Turn sharpening to low. In post, apply the DJI official LUT, then pull back on saturation and vibrance. Maybe cool the white balance off a bit. You can add sharpening if posting to Instagram or leave it alone for KZbin. This has given me great results personally.

[@salmansadozai5500]

Well i bought ace pro 2, it is my first ever dedicated camera for shooting cycling videos. I'm planning to ride from North western part to North Eastern part of Pakistan in the end of this December. Hope it won't malfunctions or have an issue during the tour. I haven't tested it yet or recorded any video cause i'm waiting for mounts and memory cards.

[@AustinSheidy]

I don’t foresee you having any malfunctions, I just wasn’t happy with the video quality. In standard color (not log) it didn’t look totally awful, and it was pretty reliable during my testing and had respectable battery life.

[@dqitwithbrad]

1. last time i checked crunchy leaves isnt wind 2. I blew on the Microphone under the wind cover, and its defelentlly a microphone. I could hear me blowing into it really prominintlly 3. why are you color grading a videomode that doesnt need it (Pure video), you made the colors look worse (too punchy). Look man, you just bought the wrong camera, get the DJI becuse it can record 10 bit. gopro (aka shitpro) is behind its time

[@AustinSheidy]

Let me be a bit more clear: 1. The wind reduction mode butchers crunchy sounds, which there are a lot of in mountain biking, especially in the fall season, therefore making the wind reduction mode unusable. I did not put an example of this in the video, that’s my bad. 2. Due to the fact that the wind reduction mode was ruining my audio, I had to use the stereo mics, one of which is not under the microphone cover. Therefore, the wind noise on one of the stereo channels is terrible. You can test this for yourself. 3. I did not apply a heavy grade to the Pure Video footage. I agree that it looks like shit. I did, however, try to get the colors to match both my other clips from the day, as well as the footage I’ve taken in the past on various GoPros. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 was not the right camera for me. But the bigger issue here is the way the sponsored “reviews” are failing to address any of its many shortcomings, quirks, or potential dealbreakers, which in my opinion there are several of.

[@illyskeqchevo]

I watched your video, and I think you make a fair point. The lack of 10-bit color definitely stands out as a primary issue. But after using the Ace Pro 2 for a few days, I'm pretty happy with the footage straight out of the camera. I don't do a lot of color grading since my main use is short vloggig videos. Having 10-bit color would definitely be a game-changer, but it seems we'll have to wait for future Insta360 cameras to support it-it’s probably not something that can be fixed with a firmware update. For now, the footage is quite good for those of us who don't do much color grading.

[@AustinSheidy]

That’s fair! I’ve heard a lot of people saying that the standard profiles are pretty good. I find that action cameras tend to struggle with mountain biking lighting conditions due to the amount of dynamic range required to get a clean image. LOG usually helps with this, but without 10-bit, LOG is relatively useless.

[@DB6904.]

Are you comparing this with the insta360 pro 1?

[@AustinSheidy]

Most of my experience is with the hero 12 black.

[@DB6904.]

@AustinSheidy okay, thank you for letting me know.

[@SkiRidesMTB]

Did you see the canyon on recall?

[@AustinSheidy]

I did. Personally, I’m still running mine but keeping a close eye on the battery casing. I remove it every ride to put the bike on my roof rack anyway so it’s easy to inspect each time. I’m not going to stowe my e-bike for 4 weeks.

[@thomas-cheng]

Thanks for this honest review.

[@AustinSheidy]

Of course! I felt like there were a lot of paid “reviews” out there and those aren’t worth much.

[@notbillymays5062]

Bro I can’t with the ace 2 this is the second video I’ve seen that actually wasn’t sponsored and the video quality in anything but perfect light is unacceptable. Man does it make me feel sketchy about trusting sponsored reviews though. Anyway I’ve seen enough DJI it is!

[@DejanSmaic]

Battery life? It's dependent on resolution.

[@AustinSheidy]

I was at 4k30 and ended the ride at 65-70%. I give a range because I messed around with the settings a bit and it ended up at 65, but without the extra screen on time, it would have been a bit higher.

[@oneonlyxram]

What's up Austin! I use this camera for my main other channel calimototv. I agree with the Sharpe issue, I also didn't like using the I-log being 8 bit it was a pain to grade. But me coming from a hero 7 to this I like it so far and it matches decently with my Canon r5 clarity that I use for vlogging. The low light is better than the gopro, but yea it isn't nearly as clear as people made it seem.

[@AustinSheidy]

This is bang on!

[@JuiceBiker]

.. it's a shame. The Hero13 isn't the best... but the end result is the best.

[@AustinSheidy]

I’ve been playing with the DJI Action 5 Pro and it’s looking really good! Stay tuned: review next week!

[@intertube1000]

I like your footage, I think you did great on grading it. I have AcePro1 for biking, been happy with it, I use Leica Natural color profile, everything else auto, Pure Video when night riding. I dont do color grading, but happy with the result. Also use the voice command a lot, and works most of the time. Camera on chin mount. my GoPro7 is not good with voice command. I am ordering Ace Pro 2 bc of the wider FOV, I hope i will like it too. One thing I like about this Ace Pro, I use it for family gathering, bday party etc, for indoor videos, people loves the flip up screen.

[@AustinSheidy]

The flip screen is cool but I was not happy with the video quality at all, especially compared to the DJI action 5 pro. I’ll be posting some shorts content from the DJI over the next few days, so keep an eye out for that!

[@906Roofer]

The lens flair is horrendous with the action 5 and under water ace pro 2 is better​@@AustinSheidy

[@AustinSheidy]

@ hmm. Haven’t had an issue with the lens flare on the Action 5 yet, I honestly thought it was pretty bad on the AP2. And I usually try to avoid riding my bike underwater, so I can’t say I’ve ever tested any action camera in that environment.

[@DanF2767]

@@AustinSheidy check other videos , the A5pro as well as A4 show a full orchestra of trumpet flares in daytime but even worse at night.

[@AustinSheidy]

@ So far in my testing I’ve seen flares but nothing worse than any other action cam I’ve used.

[@TimBrownTown]

Hey! Another small youtuber on an action cam journey! You're exactly right about other reviewers not showing this and this is why I decided to make some videos about it. I bought the AP2 and wasn't blown away, so I picked up the Action 5 and I still can't decide. I'm coming from a GoPro Hero 10. I don't do biking or motovlogging. I have other cams so I only use my action cams in and around water. On my Action 5, the USB-C door comes down and off without me pressing the button so I'm concerned it will be an issue when I'm in the water, especially snorkeling. The AP2 looks too contrasty (I don't really think it's sharpening but could be wrong) and the A5 looks too milky (sky and clouds) and too sharp faces. But, the A5 is more consistent with image quality and exposure. I didn't even try Log. I have a Pocket 3 and D-Log M didn't impress me that much either because you lose face priority exposure. The "Voice Enhancement" on the Ace Pro 2 seems to do the best for wind reduction as well. For some reason.

[@AustinSheidy]

Ping me on Instagram DMs, I’d love to chat!

[@TimBrownTown]

@AustinSheidy just followed you. I'll dm you later.

[@DJISupportGlobal]

Hi, there. Thanks for sharing your concerns. Regarding the "On my Action 5, the USB-C door comes down and off without me pressing the button", could you please tell us if it also happens in usual use? Also, the A5 looks too milky (sky and clouds) and too sharp face, please provide the original footage, you may save it through a shareable link like Google Drive and DropBox, then send the link here. our relevant team will check this further for you.

[@AustinSheidy]

@ let’s go DJI! Get this guy sorted!

[@TimBrownTown]

@@DJISupportGlobal You would need to define "normal use" of an action cam. The door does not come down when I'm vlogging, but I'm concerned it will come down when I'm snorkeling. As for the "milky" sky, this is not an objective issue. It's just my opinion on how I see the camera processing the sky. It's present on all of the footage I've seen. I'm not a DJI hater--I love the Pocket 3 and the Action 5 produces good footage for an action cam. The USB-C door however concerns me.

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

I like it for its night vision quality picture which isn’t the best but way better than GoPro which is awful

[@AustinSheidy]

PureVideo mode does seem like it will be good for some people. I personally didn’t like the look or lack of color flexibility, but for anyone who wants to shoot and share with no steps in between, it might not be a terrible option.

[@glasgowharleyrider]

"compared to GoPro " 😅😅😅

[@AustinSheidy]

Plenty of Hero 7, 9, 11, and 12 Black footage on my channel from the last few years. Feel free to compare.

[@davidbombara1070]

the only problem with insta360 is the lack of after purchase support...buyer beware

[@rickaguilar1833]

Not true, they helped me with the magnetic clip replacement!

[@algar2003]

it looks pretty good on KZbin in my tablet.....

[@AustinSheidy]

I think you’ll be surprised how much better the Action 5 Pro looks. I just posted a review on my channel.

[@algar2003]

@AustinSheidy I will check it out. I'm debating between AP2 and DJI. Thanks for great review.

[@AustinSheidy]

@ I definitely think DJI is the way to go for now.

[@invisibleazn9330]

Your footage looked good despite the short comings. Audio on action cams will always be a challenge unfortunately. Dji ac5 is the camera to get if you can only get 1 imo

[@rjfotovideo]

I can recommend Action 4, but also Action 5. But with Action 5 you probably want to shoot in D-Log M and put a LUT on or colorgrade yourself. For now I think Action 5 is the best camera out there, but I will not buy Ace Pro 2 that I was actually wanted to try out myself.