Leica-branded Insta360 Ace Pro: A Next-Level Action Cam with AI Upgrades

We’ve already seen DJI’s Osmo Action 4 and GoPro’s Hero 12 representing the rugged action cams of 2023, and now, it’s Insta360’s turn to unveil its take on this category — one that focuses more on video quality than, say, its Go series’ versatility. In a nutshell, Insta360’s brand new Ace Pro can be described as a GoPro on steroids, thanks to its 2.4-inch flip touchscreen, 1/1.3-inch sensor, Leica tuning and, most notably, 5nm AI neural processor. You’ll also get “FlowState Stabilization,” IPX8 waterproof rating (down to 33ft or 10m) and swappable battery (up to 100 minutes in 4K@30fps Active HDR; fast charging at up to 80 percent in 22 minutes, or to 100 percent in 46 minutes). Insta360 claims that combining its AI denoising feature with its new image sensor, the Ace Pro produces clearer and more stable low-light results for videos (up to 4K@30fps in “PureVideo” mode) and stills (up to 48 megapixels). The camera is also capable of recording at up to 4K@60fps, 4K@120fps (slow motion) or even 8K@24fps. The dedicated AI chip isn’t just for enhancing image quality. Over the years, Insta360 has been finding ways to make video editing easier and quicker, and this time, it’s doing so by letting the camera itself do some auto-editing first. Dubbed “AI Highlights Assistant,” this feature analyzes your video while picking out the best bits in real time. Another fun new feature is “AI Warp,” which can be found in the “Shot Lab” template section in the mobile app. It’s basically Insta360’s first take on generative AI: you can pick a template or type in your own prompt, in order to get the app to transform either the entire video or just the highlighted subject into your desired style. The Insta360 Ace Pro is already available for ordering, with the $450 standard bundle including a standard mount and a flexible adhesive mount. There’s also a slightly more affordable Ace priced at $380, and while it comes with the same accessories, it has to make do with a smaller 1/2-inch sensor, a max video resolution of just 6K@30fps, no fast charging and no love from Leica. The rest of the feature list is the same, otherwise. Optional accessories include a dive case (for down to 197ft or 60m), a quick release mount, a multi mount, a GPS preview remote, a “Vertical-Horizontal Mount” and a mic adapter plus cold shoe module (for use with the quick release mount).