Insta360 - Ace Pro 1

**TLDR**: If it is *only* cae diving then I think a traditional action camera like DJI Osmo Action 5 or 6, Ace Pro 1 or 2, , or GoPro Hero 12/13 will be better in that order. **Longer explanation** I own a Insta360 X2, X4 and Ace Pro. So the X4 is a 360 camera that captures a 8K 360 that can be cropped to a 16:9 rectangle video with detail between 4K and 2.7K video. https://preview.redd.it/viqqk4gml37g1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1054ec547a621f46b44285ce65cee5994cc602b2 This is extremely versatile and convenient when you have multiple moving subjects (such as yourself and another person) as you don't have to explicitly point the camera at your subject. Also the 360 camera has a "convenient" blindspot between the two camera modules that allows for an immersive third-person camera view of yourself without the selfie stick being visible. The spherical view allows for very good image stabilization as well. However, to film underwater you need a dive case otherwise the video is blurry because water refracts (bends the light) and messes up the video stitching which looks like this [https://youtu.be/DZ-D1DxKpNo?si=zmZVJWnVliYgs8EU&t=53](https://youtu.be/DZ-D1DxKpNo?si=zmZVJWnVliYgs8EU&t=53) That's another $100USD. so I'm imaging you are in a dive cage you basically only have one direction to point the camera (out of cage) so the 360 aspect is less useful. It would be useful if you are free diving or snorkeling around as you can video yourself AND the fish swimming around at the same time (I think 360 camera in general are the most versatile and I could only own/bring one it would be my 360 camera) So again when the subject (a big shark) is "straight" in front of you and say (e.g. 4-15 ft) - than a traditional action camera will be able to use more of the sensor area (and more effective pixels) to record your scene and that is going to give you a better image quality in low light (e.g. murky water). In general I like the DJI and Insta360 action cameras better than GoPro because they have a larger sensor, the batteries charge quickly (80% in 20 minutes versus 80% in 60 minutes on the GoPros) and have quality of life features like the long press the shutter button to cancel the current recording (limiting clutter of files that you have to go through later) - that being said the GoPro image quality in sunny conditions is still very good. Between the DJI and Insta360, I own the Ace Pro - but the Osmo has 10-bit log recording which is going to be easier to color correct the blue tint from being underwater (although that may or may not be too advanced for you - both have underwater color profiles to do a basic job of fixing the color). Between the Osmo Action 5 and 6, I don't think you really need the added features of the Osmo 6 and so the cheaper Osmo 5 is better. The same for the Ace Pro vs Ace Pro 2. If you are still set on a 360 Camera, I would consider the X4 air over the X4. It is smaller/lighter than the X4, but with a better sensor for better image quality (its video quality is between the X4 and the X5) and it has user-replaceable lenses (you buy an extra for $30USD and can untwist the scratch/broken one and screw in a new one... with the X4 you have to send the camera in to be repaired. I hope that wasn't too much information and helps.

TLDR: Stop believing Tiktok "influencers" who get paid to shill for products. Use the right tool for the right job. I have Ace Pro and Go 3S and I use them for different things. The majority of Tiktok "reviewers" are people being paid to promote a product and so they use their photography/video skill to make the output look really good. Ace Pro is a decent action camera - so it is good for action camera type things (vlogging, stabilizing large camera shake if you are running/moving, being water/impact resistant, being very small and mountable). I have the Ace Pro (which is the same sensor as the Ace Pro 2). Ace Pro is primarily for video in daylight, but is ok for indoors or night time if you aren't shaking too much. I don't like Ace Pro for photography in general. If you want superior still image quality and zoom, the Canon is going to be way better for that. Video quality is good if you are standing still (the image stabilization is worse, so it's less good if you are walking/running around). However, again - it is just a tool... just like getting a really nice pan, oven, and kitchen knife isn't going to mean you automatically are going to be making top tier food... getting a nice camera isn't automatically going to give you good content. Go 3S is a POV camera. You are trading image quality (video will look a little bleached/washed out in bright midday sun, and dark/blurry at night) and stabilization (there is only tilt correction of 10 degree) for compactness to be able to easily and discretely mount to your heat/chest or on a pole/fence. So it will only really look go if you are doing something interesting in your POV (playing sports, cooking, eat, walking with your attractive travel partner, etc). Go3S can also be snuck into small spaces (on a cat's collar, in a cat food bowl, in your backpack, on a fishing pole, etc) - even more so than an Ace Pro (although both as better than the Canon for this).

I don't know about gimbal mode for X4 Air. I think it depends on what you want to do with the camera. I have an Ace Pro and an X4 and I use my X4 a lot more in general because of the convenience of having a 360 pespective that allow reframing after the fact. I also have the X2 awhich was 150g and I notice the weight of the X4 (200g) at the end of a 100cm pole (a long lever) while snowboarding as I like to keep the stick horizontal and at waist height. The X5 is 200g as well so it will be a bit heavier than the 165g X4 Air. Last I checked the X4 Air is like $150 cheaper for a slight reducing in low-light image quality (the sensors are smaller) and like 15 minutes less battery life. So I would pick the X4 Air for action sports usage (handheld out in sunny weather) as well as to save some money. But if money is not an issue and you want the absolute best image quality available on a Insta360 right now and you are mostly not long-lever handholding (e.g. head, chest or object mounted) than I would got with X5.

I have a X2/X4 and a Ace Pro. X5 is a 360 camera. So when you crop it down from 8K 360 to a 16:9 viewport with say a 90 degree field of view... you are at something around 2.7K resolution (note you can shoot single lens in 4K, but it is an ultra, ultra wide field of view... so it's not going to be as good as a normal 4K as well). Personally, if I have to have only one camera with me, I always take my X4... it is just much more versatile as I think the convenient of framing and tracking almost always outweigh the loss in quality. Some times I have both an a magnetic-quick mount stick and just swap between the two depending on whether I need the reframing ability of the 360 camera or not.

TLDR: I have Ace Pro and X4... and I would get the x4 Air myslf to spend less time/thinking in the moment than trying to block and frame stuff with my Ace Pro, but YMMV depending on the type of stuff you do and how you want to record it. Also to consider it that unlike the X3 the other poster mentioned - X4 Air and X5 have quality of life no-editing options like Me Mode and Instaframe that create an MP4 that you can use immediately. Me Mode which creates a 4K video that centers the viewport down the shaft of the selfie stick (which is basically what you want 90% of the time when videoing yourself). It's what I do when recording myself hiking, snowboarding, skiing, etc. Me Mode can be "reverse" so it takes a superwide 4K video of what ever is at the top of the camera (i.e. you point the selfie stick like a wand at what you want to record). That 4K video is not as good as the 4K out of traditional recent action camera. Instaframe is tracking your face and editing/frame the viewport to follow you. I only have the X4, so I don't have it and haven't use it personally. I've always had a lot better luck with the Insta360 app than with the GoPro app and for the 360 cameras, there are some AI tracking options in the new 2.0 app (a lot of people hate it though so YMMV, I use the desktop app myself). As for Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2... I think the Ace Pro is like 80-90% of the Ace Pro 2. The new one is a better at wind noise reduction and low light video and a little wider angle. I think it gets a bit more battery life too - but none of the feature seemed THAT much better (otherwise I would have upgraded myself).

TLDR: Osmo Pocket is the best at a low light because it has the largest sensor and mechanical gimbal stabilization... it isn't waterproof or shockproof. So you need to be honest with yourself on what you are doing most. As you surmised, the DJI Osmo Pocket won't work if you plan to do stuff in the water. However, in tradeoff you get better low light performance (well it has a Type-1" sensor which is better) and stabilization (gimbal instead of electronic). The Pocket for is rumored to come out Jan 2026. You need to decide what are you definitely going to be doing and what you *might* be doing*.* For instance, if you *might* learning to snowboard - I wouldn't bother with a camera as you are likely falling all over the place and there won't be might interesting stuff to video. You *might* get a drone in the future... but there is no real crossover between DJI drones and DJI cameras at this time (I have Insta360 X2, X4, and Ace Pro and a DJI Mini 4 pro drone). **"But people say the Action 6 doesn't have good image quality especially at night"** Who says that influencers paid by Insta360? I have a Insta360 X2, X4, and Ace Pro and the Action 6 should be roughly on par if not better than the Ace Pro 2 because it has the same sized sensor and it's lens can let in double the light than the Ace Pro. There are differences in the software as it looks like the Action 6 makes night scene a little too bright (I would darken it a bit to make it look more natural and improve stabilization) Here is a video doing side by side video comparisons [https://youtu.be/SDdpY3DhKyc?t=578](https://youtu.be/SDdpY3DhKyc?t=578)

Personally, I like 360 cameras more and if I can only own/bring one... it would be 360 camera. the X5 is a 360 camera and those trade resolution/detail/low light performance for flexibility/convenience in framing/tracking and sometimes off unique third-party camera perspectives. So https://preview.redd.it/2tliq7rt7n8g1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba68d53523b3a3d63201b2bee80a4a0cba0fe21d Personally, the ability to have a third-person view and/or tracking a moving subject (while I'm haphazardly moving at the same time) is worth the loss in resolution/detail (the quality is somewhere between 4K and 2.7K in reality so it's not terrible) and low-light performance (honestly I don't like night performance of the Ace Pro either). Go look at X5 low-light performance and see if that is acceptable to you. However you mentioned diving (the X5 needs a $100-150 dive case to work properly underwater, it si waterproof, but the 360 stitching will be off because of the refraction of water) although if you are snorkeling/scuba diving it might be nice as one camera will give you *both* a third-person view of yourself and of any fish/stuff you see at the same time (you can re-edit the same 360 view for multiple camera directions).

X5 is the best image quality, but at 200g (same as my X4) is heavy at the end of a 100cm stick, and a little tippy on a helmet/unicorn helmet moubnt. The X4 Air is 165g (more like my 150 X2) and $150 USD cheaper (well it was because the sales so I don't know the difference right now). YMMV, but I like ski-pole, or 100cm selfie stick versus chest or helmet mount (as I would just use my Ace Pro for that).

IMO, it wouldn't get in the way any more than your ski pole gets in the way. Maybe if you don't have good control of your poles and wave them wildly in tight trees, but I found it is pretty easy to aim the pole towards you body centerline as it's part of the natural pole plant motion. The thing I have trouble with is spinning as I'm not in that control of my arms to keep the camera at a steady height/distance. However, YMMV and a chest mount going through tight trees is a great POV (you will be able to see your ski tips and arms/poles). Personally, I would always pick an Ace Pro or DJI Osmo Action over a GoPro now a day but that's just me. They have a larger sensor and a lot of quality of life benefits like being able to charge to 80% in 20 minutes (GoPro is still 60 minutes and 1.5 hours to full) or like being able to cancel a recording by long pressing on the shutter button to avoid clutter of video files you need to delete anyway. GoPro Hero 12/13 are still decent action cameras overall, especially in outdoor sunny weather (and I think the 12/13 have the Enduro batteries by default to handle cold weather, if they don't... then that's another knock against them).

The ace pro 1 did great, no heat issues, while I was travelling last year in the US virgin islands. I'll be back on a different beach in a couple of weeks. I'll try to overheat the 2.

The difference is that the gopro 11, or any other gopro since, have inferior video quality compared to DJI action 3/4/5 or Insta360 ace pro 1 and 2. Gopros are inferior in quality for a while now in lowlight and also in good light conditions.

I use GoPro hero 12 with digipack refuel battery inside a t-housing aluminum housing. I have a macro lense magnetic mount that I pop on and off at will when needed. On top of my cradle I have the insta360 Ace pro for lower light footage and a redundancy. Depending on the dive site. I'll use GoPro footage for shorts or clips, or if I'm in a place with a ton of different colors I'll use the 8:7 resolution for full frame shots, and use insta360 for entire dive. I have Ace pro 1, the Ace pro 2 has a feature where the side button is programmable, so a zoom macro is possible and the Ace pro zoom doesn't lose resolution like the gopros do. I however not using the Ace pro 2 since I saw one YouTube video where it struggled with purple light when the pro 1 didn't, it only happened once but that's enough for me to pass since I do UV lights on reef night dives. I was gonna upgrade to full slr setup till I witnessed a dude with a Sony a1 housing flood, pretty sure I heard him crying underwater. So the GoPro/insta360 combo works best for me

I use both GoPro, 10,12, and Ace pro 1 on dives. I use Ace pro 1 for recording entire dive. And GoPro for highlights for lack of better term. Push come to shove and I had to choose one, it would be the insta360 Ace pro 1. Im about a week removed from trip to Cozumel and the Ace pro just performs better, especially on night dives and insanely well with UV night dives. And it doesn't overheat like GoPro. One caveat. I have an aluminum housing that fits GoPro with the battery pack, so for deep dives, or extended dive times that would be my go to, those options aren't really available for Ace pro.

I have the Ace Pro 1 and the GoPro 10 12 13, depending what kind of footage you're going for will depend on which camera to get. All around I would go with the Ace Pro 2. The clarity Zoom is lossless, you can get wet lenses that provide immaculate macro and wide angle shots. Ace Pro 2 has underwater mode, unfortunately it can only be on or off cannot be turned on at will underwater as of yet. However if you are doing some very lengthy Dives, like Tech Dives over an hour and so, GoPros about the only one that can do that with tea housing and the extended battery pack. That housing also has macro lens, but that setup kind of sucks. The DJI action series comes pretty close to the Ace Pro 2, but does have some soft edges when it comes to the wet lenses. If you want good examples the guy I follow is Sean Elliott in Australian diver on YouTube.

Depending on what kind of diving you are doing can change which camera. I personally own. GoPro 10/12/13, insta360 Ace pro 2. I used to own a paralenz and Ace pro 1, And I have used DJI action, (not latest model). I also used a 360 camera, I hate those personally so I don't even remember which one If your looking for an extended dive or going ultra deep like 90 meters and want to record the entire dive. then GoPro is about the only one with accessories to allow that. Other then that, GoPro ain't the scuba king anymore and I would pass My current goto is the Ace pro 2. The normal housing has been record at something like 70 meters, (it's on a deep wreck diver channel). The clarity zoom and underwater mode paired with wet lens is incredible footage for an action camera. Yet to see it beat. The DJI comes real close, but they gotta fix those soft edges. (Again, haven't used newest model but I heard they are still there. I also do UV light shooting on reefs on night dives. GoPro is useless, the Ace pro 2 is best of the action cams for this . DJI was ok at this, not as good at Ace pro with the UV, honestly my Samsung ultra 24 phone was pretty damn good with this to The DJI I initially skipped because they had a bit rate problem on launch that has since been patched. Between the soft edges and lackluster UV performance, I probably won't be switching to it. One more to consider is the dive volk phone case. I've used one. It nice, the membrane allows full access to phone functions, the shot quality is excellent, wet lenses available, good night shots. My only drawback preventing me from using that full time us phone memory Cheers .

Depending on what kind of diving you are doing can change which camera. I personally own. GoPro 10/12/13, insta360 Ace pro 2. I used to own a paralenz and Ace pro 1, And I have used DJI action, (not latest model). I also used a 360 camera, I hate those personally so I don't even remember which one If your looking for an extended dive or going ultra deep like 90 meters and want to record the entire dive. then GoPro is about the only one with accessories to allow that. Other then that, GoPro ain't the scuba king anymore and I would pass My current goto is the Ace pro 2. The normal housing has been record at something like 70 meters, (it's on a deep wreck diver channel). The clarity zoom and underwater mode paired with wet lens is incredible footage for an action camera. Yet to see it beat. The DJI comes real close, but they gotta fix those soft edges. (Again, haven't used newest model but I heard they are still there. I also do UV light shooting on reefs on night dives. GoPro is useless, the Ace pro 2 is best of the action cams for this . DJI was ok at this, not as good at Ace pro with the UV, honestly my Samsung ultra 24 phone was pretty damn good with this to The DJI I initially skipped because they had a bit rate problem on launch that has since been patched. Between the soft edges and lackluster UV performance, I probably won't be switching to it. One more to consider is the dive volk phone case. I've used one. It nice, the membrane allows full access to phone functions, the shot quality is excellent, wet lenses available, good night shots. My only drawback preventing me from using that full time us phone memory Cheers .

I have GoPro 10/12/13. And insta360 Ace pro, 90% filming while scuba, with occasional daughters recital. I noticed a significant difference from 10-12, also huge noticable effect for some reason in the GoPro labs results as well. I did not notice that much of a different 12-13 and for some reason I'm having more thermals with the 13. I ended up going with the Ace pro primarily for twilight/night dives but I'm starting to use it more and more for all dives.

I have the X3 and the Ace Pro 1 so the same dilemma with older versions. I agree with you I took my X3 and the footage was stunning no problem with the stitch line so long as you set the camera correctly. Also you need to keep the two lenses on the same plane ie at an even depth - don’t have one pointing down and one pointing up as the difference in exposure will be two much for the software to cope with.

Basic summary is the X5 is out for obvious reasons (curved lenses don't work great underwater), the Action 5 tends to overdo the "blue" correction and isn't always accurate to the real colors, and sometimes loses sharpness in some scenarios. The AcePro's colors are better, but the highlights tend to be quite soft which removes some of the punch from the image. It also loses sharpness in some scenarios. The GoPro tends to have the most accurate colors and the best overall sharpness in these tests.

Get the original Ace Pro. It’s probably less expensive than OA5 Pro and is a fantastic camera.

Avoid GoPro. Terrible reliability. They’ve rested on their laurels far too long and don’t deserved your business. I’ve heard a DJI account is required to use the OA5. If true, absolutely avoid them as well. I’ve been very happy with my Insta360 Ace Pro. 100% reliability after 2 years. It has literally never not turned on, overheated, or otherwise malfunctioned in any way. Image quality is fantastic and it absolutely destroys GoPro in low light. If you plan to record at night, Ace Pro/Ace Pro 2 is the way.

If you’re leaning towards the GoPro side, get the Hero 12 or 13 Black Just be warned that GoPros are notorious for overheating if you’re just letting them sit and record long clips in 4K with no airflow. If you’re planning on doing stuff where you’re moving like biking or hiking then it’s fine but for stationary vlogging, it can be a bit of a literal headache If not those two, then consider the Insta360 Ace Pro. It’s got a flip-up screen which is huge if you’re planning on talking to the camera because you can actually see if your face is in the frame. It also handles low light way better than the GoPro, which usually turns into a grainy mess the second the sun starts to go down. More options on here like the Sony to narrow down your choices - [10 Best Action Cameras to Invest In](https://alaskanarrows.com/10-best-action-cameras-to-invest-in-2025/) Either way, make sure you save like $60 of that budget for a high-quality V30 SD card and an extra battery! Cheers

I have an Ace Pro, X3 and just got an X5. Remember that the X5 resolution is spread out over the entire sphere so you’re nowhere near 4k if you crop your field to a typical 16:9 action cam focal length/POV. So it’s horses for courses, if you want a conventional hi res camera, Ace Pro 2 is the right tool, but if you want an infinitely reframe-able, stabilised view then X5 is amazing

I disagree. In technicality and specs, DJI wins, but in usability and gimmick, Ace Pro takes it. Honestly, it's up to the user. I've seen AcePro videos that are dogshot, but I've also seen Action5 videos that are dogshot. But yeah I guess we can all agree that GoPro is non existent at this point

cool, dji and ace pro can do that too since their sensors are also square-ish