The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has just been launched, and it’s already generating strong interest in the freediving and spearfishing world. With its 8K video capabilities, a large 1/1.3” sensor, and a lens developed in partnership with Leica, this new action cam doesn’t just aim at adrenaline sports on land, but also promises to become a serious tool for underwater creators, freedivers, and spearfishing enthusiasts.
While we wait to test it in the water for a full review, here’s a first look at what the Ace Pro 2 offers, especially from a subaquatic point of view.
Compact and solid, ready to dive
The camera body is compact and streamlined — 71.9 x 52.2 x 38 mm with a weight of 177 grams. It’s small enough to mount easily on a mask, a float arm, or a speargun camera mount, and solid enough to handle knocks and movement underwater.
Designed for image quality — even under pressure
On paper, video performance is outstanding: true 8K at 30 frames per second, 4K up to 120 fps, and Full HD at 240 fps for smooth slow motion. The Leica lens and large sensor promise excellent light management, which is particularly important when diving or spearfishing at depth, where lighting is always a challenge.
Stabilization is handled by the FlowState system with Horizon Lock, ensuring smooth and level footage even in dynamic conditions — like following a fish at speed or finning in currents.
Still photography — not just a side feature
Photo specs are impressive too, with up to 50 megapixels available and the ability to shoot in both JPEG and RAW formats. Modes like HDR, PureShot and Night Mode suggest that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 will handle low-light underwater scenes well — but that’s something we’ll need to verify in our upcoming test.
Built for depth
A key highlight for underwater users is waterproofing. The Ace Pro 2 is waterproof down to 12 meters straight out of the box — perfect for snorkeling, shallow reef diving, or some spearfishing sessions. This permits to use the foldable screen underwater for best selfie shots.
But with the dedicated dive housing, the camera becomes water and pressure resistant to 60 meters, opening the door to proper freedivers or deep spearfishing. From what we’ve seen so far, the design of the housing looks compact and hydrodynamic, a must when diving efficiently.
Battery life and charging
Underwater filming can drain batteries quickly, so it’s reassuring to see that Insta360 has equipped the Ace Pro 2 with an 1800 mAh battery. The company promises up to 100 minutes of 4K shooting on a full charge — almost enough for a typical spearfishing outing or dive. Lower resolution videos can definitely increase battery duration. Plus, with PD fast charging, it reaches 80% in just 18 minutes and full charge in under 50.
Accessory ecosystem
Included in the package are the basic but essential tools: USB-C cable, standard mount, and windproof mic cover and a great plus with a spare battery. But what really matters to divers are the optional add-ons: the 60 meter underwater case, external mic adapter for voiceovers on land, and float-compatible mounts — all part of the Insta360 accessories system.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro 13
Insta360’s new Ace Pro 2 takes a bold step ahead of the GoPro Hero13 Black, establishing itself as the new gold standard in the action cam world. Offering true 8K video and stunning 50MP stills, the Ace Pro 2 outperforms the Hero13 Black’s 5.3K video and 27MP photos. With its Leica lens, large 1/1.3″ sensor, and powerful low-light capabilities, it’s particularly well-suited for underwater shooting.
First impressions, waiting for the water
Insta360 has clearly worked hard to push the boundaries with the Ace Pro 2. On paper, it’s one of the most advanced action cams ever made — and now more than ever, it seems ready to take on the underwater world.
That said, image quality underwater — especially color balance, sharpness, low light response, and white balance stability — can’t be judged on specs alone. These are exactly the aspects we’ll evaluate in our full in-water review soon on Apneapassion.com.
Stay tuned for our upcoming hands-on tests and let’s find out if the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is truly the new reference for underwater action videography.