Is This the BEST Motorcycle Action Camera?

January 15, 2025

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2:

I’ve been testing out the brand new flagship action camera from Insta360, the Ace Pro 2, and I have some thoughts – some of which Insta360 might not be thrilled about. This isn’t a 360 camera; it’s an 8K AI-powered action camera with a lens developed by Leica. And I think it might just be the best motorcycle action camera for riders who want more than just basic POV footage.

Full disclosure: I have a partnership with Insta360 for their 360 cameras, not their traditional action cameras. They sent me the Ace Pro 2 to review, but I have no obligation to sing its praises. In fact, I’m going to share some honest opinions, good and bad.

So, why do I think this might be the best motorcycle action camera, at least for my needs (and probably yours too)? Let’s start with video quality.

Video Quality: It’s Not the Whole Story

Every flagship action camera on the market today offers excellent video. Side-by-side comparisons often make it difficult to distinguish between them. It’s less about which camera is objectively “best” and more about which one is best for you.

Here’s the thing: no matter which action camera you choose, the raw footage will look amazing on your computer. But after you edit and upload it to YouTube (or any other platform), it won’t look quite as pristine. This is because platforms re-encode your video to optimize it for web playback, reducing file size and quality.

So, don’t get too hung up on raw image specs. As a trained broadcast journalist, I can tell you one of the most important rules of videography: good video is good audio.

The Game Changer: Audio Quality

While image quality is important, within reason, it’s almost inconsequential compared to audio quality. And this is where the Ace Pro 2 truly shines.

Every action camera I’ve ever owned, including my first GoPro Hero 2 from 2011, has had terrible audio, especially in windy conditions—like when you’re riding a motorcycle at 80 mph. It’s been a constant source of frustration.

The Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera that actually solves this problem. It uses a brilliant wind guard that snaps over the microphone, making a world of difference. This alone puts it at the top of my list.

But there’s more. In the past, plugging in an external microphone meant using awkward adapters or media mods. While Insta360’s media mod isn’t terrible, it’s still an extra piece of equipment. I’ve even resorted to recording my voice on one device, ambient sound on another, and then using my bike’s horn to sync them up—a huge hassle.

The Ace Pro 2 allows you to sync to a Bluetooth microphone, like the one in your Cardo headset. Even better, the Insta360 app lets you use a slider to prioritize voice, engine sound, or a balanced mix. This is a game-changer for motorcycle vloggers. Nobody wants to listen to wind noise. Good natural sound is crucial, and the ability to easily integrate your voice is invaluable.

Other Key Features for Riders

Beyond the audio, here are some other features that make the Ace Pro 2 stand out for motorcycle use:

Widest Angle Lens: At 157 degrees, it creates a greater sense of speed in your footage, even when you’re riding at legal speeds.
AI Processing: The Ace Pro 2 uses two separate chips—an image processor and an AI chip—to adjust the footage before it’s recorded to the SD card. This is like adjusting your grandma’s spaghetti sauce while it’s still in the pot—much easier than trying to fix it after it’s on the pasta. This AI tech also makes the low-light performance incredibly impressive.
Flip Screen: Makes it easy to ensure you’re in frame when filming yourself.
Dash Cam Mode: Continuously records footage in a loop, providing high-quality dash cam functionality.
AI Editing Features: The Insta360 app has built-in AI editing tools for creating quick clips.
Magnetic ND Filters: Easy to attach and remove, a huge improvement over traditional ND filter systems.

A Few Minor Drawbacks

The 8K recording seems a bit gimmicky. The battery is slightly smaller than some competitors, but it comes with two in the box. And like all action cameras, it can overheat if you max out all the settings. However, I recommend shooting at 24 or 30 frames per second, using the widest angle possible, and using an ND filter—these settings produce great motorcycle footage without pushing the camera to its limits.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a fantastic action camera, especially for motorcyclists. The improved audio, wide-angle lens, AI processing, and convenient features like the magnetic ND filters and dash cam mode make it a serious contender for the best motorcycle action camera on the market.

In the ever-evolving world of action cameras, Insta360 has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Their latest offering, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, takes the game to a whole new level. From breathtaking 8K resolution to unparalleled audio and a cutting-edge AI-driven interface, this camera is designed to redefine the way we capture and share our adventures.

8K Video Clarity with Leica Precision

One of the standout features of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is its 8K resolution capability. Collaborating with Leica, a brand synonymous with precision optics, Insta360 delivers a lens that ensures crisp, vivid imagery in every frame. Whether you’re scaling mountain peaks or navigating city streets, the Ace Pro 2 captures every detail in stunning clarity.

Immersive Motorcycle POVs and Beyond

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Ace Pro 2 introduces an exciting new realm of possibilities. Its versatile lens and intuitive POV capture features let you relive your ride with a great perspective. And it doesn’t stop at motorcycles—this camera is equally adept at capturing dynamic action across various adventures.

AI-Powered Creativity

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 isn’t just about hardware; its AI-powered software is equally impressive. With advanced image processing and enhanced nighttime video quality, this camera ensures your footage looks professional straight out of the device.

Moreover, the built-in editing tools powered by AI let you create cinematic masterpieces with ease. Highlight your best moments, adjust angles, and even correct for lighting discrepancies—all without breaking a sweat.

Superior Audio Performance

Great video deserves great sound. The Ace Pro 2 features a wind-resistant microphone and Bluetooth audio connectivity, ensuring your natural soundscapes and commentary come through crystal clear. Whether you’re narrating a vlog or capturing the ambiance of your surroundings, this camera has you covered.

A Vlogger’s Dream Come True

For content creators and vloggers, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect mix of portability, high-quality video, and seamless connectivity. The intuitive flip screen design allows for easy switching between standard and selfie modes, ensuring you’re always ready to capture the moment.

Why the Insta360 Ace Pro Stands Out

With its premium design and thoughtful features, the Ace Pro caters to adventurers, vloggers, and creators alike. Its 8K video resolution, Leica-engineered lens, AI enhancements, and superior audio capabilities make it a versatile powerhouse that’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is more than just an action camera—it’s a tool for storytelling, a gateway to creativity, and a companion for adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, a motorcycle enthusiast, or someone looking to capture life’s fleeting moments, the Ace Pro delivers on every front.

Ready to elevate your storytelling? The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is here to turn your vision into reality.