Forget the GoPro Hero 13 Black – this leaked Insta360 rival could offer 8K video and AI powers
Buying a new action camera this year is going to be a tough decision, based on the latest leaks. Not only are we expecting two new GoPros (out today) and a DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, a new leak suggests the Insta360 could overshadow them both.
Thanks to PhotoRumorswe now have our first image of what appears to be the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, a successor to the already very powerful Insta360 Ace Pro. Considering we described the latter as an “absolute monster” and one of the best action cameras to date, it might be worth the wait.
The leak doesn’t reveal much about the specs of the new Ace Pro 2. Like before, it will apparently record 8K video (possibly at a higher frame rate of 30 fps than the previous 24 fps maximum), but this time around it will get a “dual AI chip” instead of the current model’s single one.
The Ace Pro 2 will also reportedly continue the Insta360 and Leica partnership with a Super Summarit-A lens, though there are no markings on the body in the leaked image, so we can’t tell whether it will still have an f/2.6 aperture or if it’s a brighter lens for better low-light performance.
We’ll have to wait for the official launch for more details, but we can expect the Ace Pro 2 to be heavy again (both physically and in terms of price). The original model was 17% heavier than the Hero 12 Black and cost $449.99 / £429 / AU$729 at launch.
We’ll find out how the new GoPro Hero 13 Black and base Hero models compare to the new Insta360 rival at GoPro’s launch today at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST / 11pm AEST.
Refined power?
Our Insta360 Ace Pro review was quite positive about the action cam – so much so that it currently sits in third place on our list of the best action cams.
While that unique 8K resolution is more of a party than a real use for most people, we still rate the Ace Pro as the best premium action camera available. It has a ton of magnetic mounting options, and the handy 2.4-inch flip screen is great for vlogging and reviewing footage.
Still, the camera isn’t perfect: there’s no option to shoot in log format (for post-production color correction) and the “AI” chip was used primarily for noise reduction rather than any clever math tricks.
If the Insta360 can improve on the original, it could once again be a tempting option if you don’t mind the size and price. It could also put a damper on GoPro and DJI’s upcoming launch parties.
