As a seasoned outdoor photographer, I had the privilege of testing nearly every major action camera on the market in 2025. Among them, the newly released Insta360 Ace Pro2 stood out as the most impressive. After a month of intensive hands-on use, I'm excited to share my real-world experience with what I consider the “Camera of the Year.”

1. First Impressions: Redefining the Professional Standard

The moment I unboxed the Ace Pro2, the word that came to mind was “refined.” Compared to its predecessor, this new model features an aerospace-grade magnesium alloy frame, keeping the weight down to just 180 grams—lighter than a can of soda. The 2.5-inch flip touchscreen has been upgraded with an anti-glare coating, remaining clearly visible even under direct sunlight—an upgrade that proved invaluable during a recent desert biking trip.

Under the hood, the Ace Pro2 is a performance beast, equipped with a 1/1.3-inch large sensor and an all-new AI image processor. During a shoot at Qinghai Lake, footage captured in 8K at 30fps was remarkably detailed—even the feathers of distant birds were crystal clear. What really impressed me was the second-generation FlowState stabilization, which delivered gimbal-like steadiness even on rugged mountain biking trails.

2. Low-Light Performance: Black Technology That Defies Physics

The Ace Pro2's “Starry Sky Mode” allowed me to capture breathtaking images of the Milky Way on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Its dual native ISO technology brought noise control in night scenes to an unprecedented level for action cameras. Even with nothing but moonlight, footage remained impressively clean and color-accurate.

Also worth noting is the newly integrated AI noise reduction algorithm, which intelligently adjusts noise levels based on the scene. When shooting city nightscapes, it retains rich shadow detail without blowing out highlights—an incredibly rare balance in the action camera world.

3. Smarter Shooting: Making Content Creation Easier Than Ever

In actual use, the Ace Pro2’s AI capabilities left a strong impression. The upgraded Voice Control 2.0 system supports hybrid recognition for up to 12 languages and responds reliably even in noisy outdoor environments. Even more practical is the AI Composition Assistant, which analyzes your frame in real time and suggests optimal framing—especially helpful for beginners.

Battery life is another strong point. In 4K/60fps continuous shooting mode, a single battery lasts up to 110 minutes. Paired with the new super fast-charging tech, a 10-minute charge gives you 40 minutes of recording time—more than enough for demanding shoots. On a recent 3-day hiking trip, I managed to document the entire journey with just three batteries.

4. Water Sports Field Test: A Perfect Blend of Power and Durability

For a camera aimed at professionals, waterproofing is crucial. The Ace Pro2 offers 12 meters of waterproofing without a case and performed flawlessly during a diving trip in the Maldives. The new Smart Dive Mode senses how deep you are and instantly fine-tunes white balance and color settings, ensuring underwater footage looks vivid and natural.

One standout feature is the next-gen gesture control system. Even with thick diving gloves on, I could easily take photos and videos using simple hand gestures. While it may seem minor, this feature significantly improved shooting efficiency in the field.

5. Comparing the Competition: What Makes the Ace Pro2 the Best Action Camera of 2025

Compared with the GoPro Hero13 and DJI Action5, the Ace Pro2 excels in three key areas:

Superior AI features that simplify post-processing

Exceptional low-light performance with a wider dynamic range

A more complete ecosystem with better accessory compatibility

Especially in underwater shooting, the Ace Pro2’s color accuracy clearly outshines its rivals—thanks to its exclusive underwater color correction algorithm.

Final Verdict

After an extended period of in-depth testing, I believe the Insta360 Ace Pro2 is more than just an action camera—it’s a full-scene intelligent imaging workstation. It breaks through the performance limits of traditional action cams and seamlessly integrates professional imaging with smart technology.

For professionals who demand top-tier image quality, the Ace Pro2 is hands down the best action camera currently available. For casual users, the standard Ace Pro also offers a more affordable alternative without compromising too much on performance.