Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Xplorer Grip Pro Kit: When the Action Camera Wants to Become a Compact

Action cameras have come a long way from the original idea of disposable cameras attached to a helmet. Today, they feature larger sensors, branded optics, and an ecosystem of accessories that conceptually brings them closer to the world of mid-range compact cameras.

Insta360 has accelerated in this direction with the Ace Pro 2, its flagship model, pairing the camera's hardware with a dedicated grip, the Xplorer Grip Pro Kit, explicitly designed for those who want to use the camera not just underwater, on mountain bikes, or in ski jackets but also on the road, while traveling, or in daily life.

The combination of the two products produces something interesting: a hybrid camera that retains the durability and compactness of an action cam, but gains ergonomics, battery life, and manual control typical of more advanced tools. By adding optional optical modules (Close-Up Lens, Ultra Wide Lens, Star Filter, Black Mist Filter) and the Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0, the system becomes even more articulated, covering scenarios that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable for a device of these dimensions.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Tech Specs and Features
Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality
Video and Photo Quality
Xplorer Grip Pro Kit: Specifications and Features
Other Accessories and Filters
Insta360 Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0
Insta360 Flip Screen Hood
Insta360 Close-Up Lens
Insta360 Ultra Wide Lens
Insta360 Star Filter
Insta360 Black Mist Filter
Insta360 Pocket Printer
Final Considerations

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Tech Specs and Features

Let's start with the hardware. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 features a 1/1.3-inch sensor capable of recording video in 8K/30fps, 4K/120fps, and Full HD/240fps, with photos up to 50 megapixels. The aperture is f/2.6, and the field of view extends to 157 degrees, slightly wider than the previous model, which stopped at 151 degrees. The optics are co-designed with Leica and visibly contribute to image quality, especially in fine details and edge management.

The main processor is accompanied by a dedicated 5-nanometer AI chip that doubles the processing power compared to the Ace Pro. The result translates into better performance in noise reduction, stabilization, and video signal processing. The declared dynamic range is 13.5 stops, a value that allows for working with the flat I-log profile in post-production and recovering detail in both highlights and shadows.

The battery is 1800 mAh and supports fast charging up to 30W: 80% is achieved in about 18 minutes, and a full charge takes 47 minutes. Insta360 claims up to 180 minutes of continuous recording in 4K/30p, an optimistic figure but not far from what is verifiable under conservative settings. The camera is waterproof up to 12 meters without an additional case and can go down to 60 meters with the optional underwater case.

On the connectivity side, the Ace Pro 2 features USB-C 3.0, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual-band Wi-Fi. There is no internal storage: a microSD card is required, supporting up to 1 TB in capacity. The total weight is 177 grams, with dimensions of 71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm when the screen is closed.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is listed at €399.

Tech Specifications - Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Sensor: 1/1.3 inches
Aperture: f/2.6
Field of View: 157°
Optics: Leica Summarit
Video Resolution: 8K/30p, 4K/120p, Full HD/240p
Photo Resolution: 50 MP (8192×6144) / 12.5 MP (4096×3072)
Dynamic Range: 13.5 stops
Processing Chip: Pro Imaging Chip + AI Chip 5nm
Screen: 2.5 inches, 180° flip touchscreen
Stabilization: Electronic (Standard / High) + horizon leveling 45° and 360°
Battery: 1800 mAh, fast charging PD (80% in 18 min, full in 47 min)
Declared Battery Life: Up to 180 minutes in 4K/30p
Waterproof: 12 m without case / 60 m with optional case
Storage: MicroSD up to 1 TB (not included)
Connectivity: USB-C 3.0, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi
Minimum Focus Distance: 37 cm (0.37 m)
Color Profiles: Standard, I-log, Leica (including high-contrast B&W)
Video Modes: Video, FreeFrame, PureVideo, Slow Motion, Starlapse, Timelapse, TimeShift, Loop, Dashcam, Pre-Recording
Audio: Integrated microphones with AI (stereo, wind reduction, voice enhancement); compatible with DJI Mic, Rode Wireless, Hollyland Lark
Mounting: Magnetic quick-release system
Dimensions (screen closed): 71.9 × 52.2 × 38 mm
Weight: 177 g
Launch Price: €399 (Standard Pack)

Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Aesthetically, the Ace Pro 2 maintains the setup of the series: square shape, red and black color scheme, and a limited number of physical controls.

There are two buttons on the body: one on the side for power and mode change, and one on top for the shutter. Everything else is controlled through the touchscreen or smartphone app.

The true distinguishing element compared to the competition is the 2.5-inch flip screen, which opens up to 180 degrees downwards. The choice to have a single large display (instead of the two opposing screens of GoPro and DJI) offers a significantly more generous preview area, useful for composing shots and navigating menus. The downside is that every time you want to switch from the front to the rear shot, you need to physically rotate the display, which is less intuitive than rotating the camera with a dual-screen system.

The mounting system is based on magnets and clips, compatible with the Insta360 accessory catalog. The cover protecting the battery compartment and the one covering the microSD slot and the USB-C port require pressure to open and click reassuringly when closed. The front lens area has been slightly redesigned for greater protection, and it's certainly worth mentioning the integrated wind guard: a metal grid with internal acoustic foam that protects the front microphone from wind noise, which can remain mounted during most shooting sessions and only needs to be removed for underwater use.

Video and Photo Quality

8K is technically present and works, with the possibility of exceeding half an hour of continuous shooting (a rather unrealistic scenario but not impossible) without the camera reaching its temperature limit causing shutdown. Choosing the highest resolution involves some compromises, such as a narrower field of view compared to 4K, no compatibility with the more aggressive stabilization, the inability to use the I-log color profile, and a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. For most uses, 4K remains the most sensible mode.

And it's in 4K that Ace Pro 2 shines. The footage shot with the I-log profile and corrected in post shows surprising color management and exposure latitude for a sensor of this size. The Active HDR mode in 4K/60p is effective in bright outdoor lighting, while PureVideo handles low-light situations decently, albeit with some visible artifacts on large monitors.

The electronic stabilization works on two levels, with two horizon leveling options (45° and 360°). All modes introduce an image crop proportional to the chosen level, but the final result remains smooth even in conditions of sudden movement. The audio from the integrated microphones is convincing: the three AI modes (standard stereo, wind reduction, voice enhancement) work well, and the physical wind guard contributes significantly to the quality of the sound recorded outdoors.

For still photography, Ace Pro 2 offers resolutions of 9, 12.5, 37, and 50 megapixels. JPEGs tend to show the over-processing typical of action cameras; DNG files provide wider margins for intervention, although the recovery tolerance of exposures remains limited.

Xplorer Grip Pro Kit: Specifications and Features

The Xplorer Grip Pro Kit is sold separately for €104.99 in Italy. It is a case shaped like a mirrorless that hugs the body of Ace Pro 2, adding about 200 grams to the total weight.

The increase in mass might seem significant, but the result is a considerably more stable ergonomic grip: the system becomes as manageable as a small digital compact. The built-in battery in the grip ensures about five hours of additional autonomy in video mode, much more if primarily used for photography (for which it is designed).

The large shutter button on the grip is customizable and significantly more comfortable than the one on the action cam, but the rotating dial is the real added value: it can be set to control exposure compensation, ISO, shutter speed, shooting mode, selection of digital filters, or white balance.

The ability to assign EV control to the dial effectively transforms the system into a camera with a real exposure ring, like on a traditional compact. When in manual mode and wanting to return to automatic, the first click of the dial opens the side panel, the second switches from manual to automatic, and the third adjusts the exposure value: a quick sequence without ever touching the touchscreen.

One aspect to keep in mind: the waterproofing of Ace Pro 2 does not extend to the grip. With the grip mounted, the camera cannot be submerged. Those who regularly use the camera underwater will need to remove the grip before submersion.

It must be said, as one can easily expect, that the Xplorer Grip Pro Kit does not transform the Ace Pro 2 into a mirrorless, but it brings it close enough to the concept of a compact to make it useful as a second camera in contexts where heavy equipment is not wanted. The 13mm lens (equivalent to the 35mm format) with an aperture of f/2.6 produces a wide field of view with extended depth of field where almost everything is in focus, almost always, providing creators with an almost absolute certainty in their shot results.

To shoot in low light conditions with the grip, it's advisable to switch to manual mode: the automatic exposure system tends to favor lower shutter speeds rather than raising the ISO, risking motion-blurred images as the light drops. The grip dial allows for quick adjustments without going into menus. The ISO range is from 100 to 6400, with effective but not miraculous digital noise reduction beyond 800 ISO. The shutter speed varies from 1/8000 to 120 seconds, covering almost any scenario from freezing fast actions to long exposures for stars.

The Leica color profiles — including a high-contrast black and white inspired by the aesthetics of the German brand — are a concrete addition for those who prefer to have JPEGs ready without going through post-production. Pairing the Leica black and white profile with the color RAW file gives a practical workflow: a JPEG ready to share and a DNG for potential revisions. Here are some photos taken with the system.

Other Accessories and Filters

Insta360 Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0

Compact, lightweight (about 142 grams), made of aluminum and polycarbonate with TPU inserts, the Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 is one of the most practical support accessories in the Insta360 catalog. As a selfie stick, it extends from 18 cm to 58.5 cm across five sections, with a maximum load capacity of about 300 grams. As a tripod, the magnetic legs open in a second and stabilize the camera on any flat surface. The conversion between the two modes takes a few seconds and is immediate.

Inside the handle, there's a compartment for the Insta360 Mini Remote (sold separately), allowing you to start and stop recordings when the stick is fully extended. In the absence of the remote, the same space holds two microSD cards. Mounting occurs via a standard three-prong mount (compatible with the entire Ace and GO line of Insta360) or through the included 1/4"-20 adapter, which opens compatibility to a broader range of cameras and accessories. Paired with the Xplorer Grip Pro Kit, the tripod becomes the natural support for still shots on a table or for vlogging sessions independently.

This accessory costs €42.99.

Insta360 Flip Screen Hood

The Flip Screen Hood is a magnetic sunshade designed for the flip screen of Ace Pro 2. Made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel, it attaches and detaches in seconds thanks to the magnetic system. Its main function is to reduce reflections and glare on the screen in intense lighting conditions where screen readability tends to degrade despite the good brightness of the panel. For those who frequently use the camera as a compact and need to compose shots accurately outdoors, the Flip Screen Hood is a useful and unobtrusive complement. It does not protect against scratches or impacts, but its minimal weight and compatibility with the camera's magnetic system make it an accessory that can be kept mounted without worries during most outdoor sessions. It costs €29.99.

Insta360 Close-Up Lens

The Close-Up Lens is probably the most useful addition of the entire range, especially for those using Ace Pro 2 in photography mode with the grip. It screws directly onto the camera body after removing the Lens Guard and offers an adjustable focus distance from 10 to 75 centimeters. Combining it with the Focus Peaking function is particularly effective: the edge of the areas in focus is highlighted on the screen in real time, making manual focusing quick even without automatic assistance. The camera's field of view does not undergo significant changes with the lens mounted, and there are no noticeable chromatic shifts or additional distortions. The Close-Up Lens comes with a protective silicone lens cap that also serves as a travel case. This accessory solves one of the structural limitations of all action cameras: Ace Pro 2's native minimum focus is about 37 centimeters, a value that makes faces slightly blurry when the camera is held at chest level or close range. With the additional lens, this issue disappears, and vlogging becomes much more manageable. It can be purchased for €143.

Insta360 Ultra Wide Lens

The field of view of Ace Pro 2 is already considerable at 157 degrees. The Ultra Wide Lens brings it to a nominal 189 degrees (measured as the design maximum of the optics), expanding 36% vertically and 32% horizontally compared to the standard lens. Mounting is identical to the other optical modules: remove the Lens Guard, screw on the lens, and activate the corresponding mode in the camera's Lens Master menu. Activating the dedicated software profile is necessary to avoid vignetting at the corners.

The Ultra Wide Lens is particularly suitable for shooting in enclosed spaces, narrow urban environments, or landscapes where you want to include as much visual context as possible. In video mode, it works well when paired with Standard stabilization. The result is visually recognizable, but the lens's utility greatly depends on the shooting style: those who already extensively use the camera's standard field of view will find fewer use cases for this module compared to the Close-Up Lens or creative filters. It costs €80 in Italy.

Insta360 Star Filter

The Star Filter costs €22 and is a diffraction effect filter that does not require the removal of the Lens Guard: it screws directly onto the existing lens guard, making mounting and dismounting quicker compared to interchangeable optical modules. Once the corresponding mode is activated, the camera optimizes its processing to account for the filter. The effect produced transforms point light sources (traffic lights, streetlights, fireworks, reflections on water) into star rays radiating from the center of the light source. The Star Filter is very useful for urban night shots, city time-lapse, or any situation where the presence of artificial lights can become an aesthetic element instead of a problem. Note that with the filter mounted, the exposure measurement options become unselectable in the camera's menu, a limitation to keep in mind when planning shots.

Insta360 Black Mist Filter

Finally, the Black Mist Filter is a softening filter that mounts, like the Star Filter, directly onto the Lens Guard without removing it. The filter's surface contains a micro-granule structure that disperses incoming light, softening harsh contrasts, and highlights, giving a more cinematic or analog look to the images. The effect is especially noticeable on the contours of illuminated subjects and areas with strong light/shadow transitions. The Black Mist Filter is mainly designed for portrait work: when enabled in the Lens Master menu, the firmware automatically activates Matrix metering mode and prioritizes face recognition, directing exposure towards the human subject. It should be used judiciously: its effect is discernible but not excessive with careful framing and lighting conditions, appearing more elegant in soft or diffused light conditions compared to direct sunlight. It costs €22.99.

Insta360 Pocket Printer

The Pocket Printer is the most unusual accessory in the Ace Pro 2 ecosystem, but it is an extremely interesting addition, especially for those who choose to pair the action camera with the Xplorer Grip Pro Kit. It is a pocket thermal printer measuring 125 x 84 x 36.7 mm and weighing about 290 grams. Its peculiarity is that it connects directly to the camera via Bluetooth without going through a smartphone, allowing for practically immediate interaction that does not require additional accessories beyond the camera itself. The result is a 2x3-inch print on thermal paper in 12-15 seconds, directly in the field, without cables, apps, or internet connection. The strong point is clearly the direct integration with the camera: unlike generic pocket printers that require a mobile device as a bridge, the Pocket Printer communicates peer-to-peer with Ace Pro 2. Recognition is automatic: if the printer is on and nearby, it connects in about three seconds upon camera startup, with image selection and sending occurring from the camera’s menu. The battery allows for up to 100 prints per charge, with USB-C charging in about 90 minutes. Thermal paper is sold separately and is compatible with the standard 2x3-inch size used by most pocket printers. The practical utility depends significantly on the context of use. For those covering events, distributing prints at the end of the evening, or wanting to turn a travel moment into a physical memory to share on the spot, the Pocket Printer makes perfect sense. For those using Ace Pro 2 primarily for sports videos or social content, it’s probably a niche accessory. It should be noted that the printer is not waterproof and should not be used in rain or near water, unlike the camera itself. Print quality, thanks to the 300 DPI resolution of the thermal module, is above average compared to generic pocket printers and produces sharp photos suitable for sharing or physical archiving. The printer costs €115, while a cartridge of paper for 10 prints is offered at €12.

Final Considerations

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is certainly not the latest entry in the action cam field, but it is still a high-level product today. While 8K is a number to communicate in press releases, the support for 4K with I-log, advanced stabilization, and Leica optics are reasons to buy it.

The Xplorer Grip Pro Kit expands the use case in a way consistent with these premises, adding ergonomics, autonomy, and physical control without overturning the camera's nature. The interchangeable optical modules - Close-Up Lens, Ultra Wide Lens, Star Filter, Black Mist Filter - and the very convenient Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 complete a well-constructed ecosystem, where each component has a specific and measurable function. Not everything is indispensable, this is clear from a quick glance, but everything makes sense.

The system composed of Ace Pro 2 and Xplorer Grip Pro Kit does not target extreme sports practitioners looking for a helmet camera. For that, the bare body of the camera with the magnetic mounting system is more than sufficient. Instead, the kit speaks to an audience that uses the camera in a hybrid way: those who travel often and do not want to carry two different cameras, those creating content for social media and needing a compact yet controllable tool, those moving through challenging environments who want the resilience of an action cam with the usability of a compact.

The strength of the system is the gradation: you start with the base body, add the grip when you want more control and autonomy, mount lenses based on the situation. Close-Up Lens for close-range vlogging or detailed reportage, Ultra Wide for landscapes and confined spaces, Star Filter for nights in the city, Black Mist for portraits. The Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 completes the equipment for those wanting to shoot independently without an assistant. Every addition has a precise sense and is not simply an accessory to fill a catalog.

The Pocket Printer occupies a different space compared to the other accessories: it does not expand the camera's technical capabilities but changes the way results are shared. For those working closely with people (events, weddings, group travels), the ability to print a photo in 15 seconds directly from the camera without going through a smartphone has concrete value. For everyone else, it remains a niche purchase, pleasant but not essential.

The only structural limit of the system remains the 1/1.3-inch sensor: in truly low light conditions, the camera shows its limits compared to any mirrorless with a larger sensor. Those who already have a dedicated camera will certainly not find a replacement in this system; however, those seeking a compact, robust, and versatile solution for daily photography and light travels have probably found the right answer.