Leica-Engineered Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Tested as a Camera

A reviewer for Digital Camera World has tested whether the Leica-engineered Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera can produce images comparable to a traditional camera. The test pitted the Ace Pro 2 against the reviewer's own Leica M240 rangefinder.

The Leica Collaboration

Leica's involvement marks a significant shift for the action camera category. The brand is traditionally associated with deliberate, high-end photography. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 pairs a 1/1.3-inch sensor with Leica optics. The collaboration promises image quality that challenges expectations for such a small, rugged device.

The reviewer was not expecting the action camera to replace a dedicated rangefinder. The goal was to see if its images could stand as photographs in their own right.

Transforming the Shooting Experience

The biggest change in handling comes from an accessory. The Xplorer Grip Pro is a metal grip that connects directly to the camera. It adds a shutter button, a zoom control, and a rear dial for exposure adjustment. This accessory fundamentally alters how the device is used.

Suddenly, it feels like a compact camera. The reviewer began composing still photographs intentionally rather than just thinking about video. Combined with the ability to apply Leica-inspired color profiles like Leica Vivid to JPEGs, the line between action cam and camera blurs. The camera can also capture DNG RAW files for more detailed editing.

File Flexibility and Image Quality

The sensor's flexibility is a key strength. Using the full 4:3 aspect ratio yields a 50-megapixel image. Cropping to a 16:9 ratio still provides approximately 37 megapixels. This high resolution allows for significant cropping and reframing in post-production. It signals that photography is not an afterthought on this device.

When placed side-by-side, images from the Leica M240 were superior. The full-frame sensor provided greater depth, tonality, and a natural rendering that the smaller Ace Pro 2 sensor could not match. The reviewer states, "Of course it did."

Yet the surprise was how well the Insta360 images held up. They did not fall apart in comparison. The colors were excellent, and the Leica looks provided polished results straight from the camera. The DNG files also offered useful editing latitude. Considering the camera's rugged, video-centric design, this performance is notable.

A New Category of Camera

The test concluded that the Ace Pro 2 will not replace a dedicated Leica. But it demonstrated that the term "action camera" is now too limiting. With the grip attached, it becomes a capable compact camera that is also rugged and can shoot 8K video.

Its still images are not only good for an action camera. Under the right conditions, they are simply good photographs. The reviewer believes Leica's engineering has helped make an action camera feel like a proper camera. For still photography with an action camera, Insta360 may currently be leading the field.