My experience with the Insta 360 Ace Pro 2 with Xplorer Grip Pro kit

What does the kit contains: Camera with two batteries, cage with grip, mini printer and a very handy screen hood.

I mentioned before that I have been looking for a portable camera that can be used during cycling and as well that I could carry anywhere. At the start of the year, I saw a camera that looked interesting, but I thought it was not my type. First, I enjoy recording with an action camera to do vlogging and sports activities. I have used the DJI Action 4 and the GoPro Hero 9. Both are great cameras with their stabilisation. However, I hate taking photos with those types of cameras. Is just … spherical.

Now, the camera I got interested in was the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with the xplorer grip. The concept was interesting… a cage that made the action camera into a more proper camera, plus the partnership with Leica, which also was somewhat tempting. But I already had the previous cameras, and I was not going to buy a new one. It happened suddenly that a friend of mine was looking for an action camera and bought my DJI, I was considering upgrading it to the Action 6.

I got an ad about the Insta360 AP2 with the Xplorer Grip Pro with a promo, which made me decide to try it. Also, I did a bit of research about some specific specs I liked from the GoPro that my favourite DJI doesn’t have, and reading that the AP2 had those settings made me confirm my decision (More of this later).

Insta360 AP2 with xplorer grip pro.

I ordered the camera with the combo, and I was so surprised by the massive box that got delivered. I was expecting the traditional size of a gopro package. When I opened the box, there were many things that were actually included, to my surprise. I was not expecting the printer, plus a second spare battery and also a “screen cover” for those sunny days. I actually did enjoy the experience of opening the package, and it may sound weird, but the smell reminded me of when opening a video game console in the 90s.

Once I opened the package, I didn’t make any effort to set up the camera, I tried to just use it with my experience using action cameras. And it was not so different. However, I enjoyed a lot the functions of the Xplorer Grip Pro. I found it quite useful, and I started to play with the Leica filters. Those are quite enjoyable. I found that this could be a great camera that you could carry anywhere, and you can use it as a first to find compositions or to see if you can get something before using your big camera. I took my camera to work and got the opportunity to enter an old basketball stadium, which was perfect for a wide view camera. The results were impressive (* for an action camera), and is so convenient that you can carry it in your pocket anywhere.

*I emphasise it as “an action camera” because it still will not replace a proper camera. Sharpness is somewhat ok but not the best, there is always the infinity focus, and it s just not replacing a camera.

A sample of the jpg image with the Leica filters.

Now using the printer is an extra delight. I enjoy these types of printers because sometimes it is necessary to print an example of your work so you can share it with someone. I’m a fan of printing photos, so this is a great excuse to do it. Especially because it is a good quality layered printer, not like the temperature-based ones with zink paper. However, at this moment I haven’t even checked how much the paper cartridges cost.

I have different things that I enjoyed from the settings of the camera. The first one is the double tap on the screen for zoom. As I mentioned before, I’m not a really fan of the action camera wide view, but the zoom helps. Now there were some functions from the GoPro that I missed in the DJI, and I could say that the Insta360 AP2 fits between both brands. I enjoy the video quality and the trust from the DJI Action 4, but the functions from GoPro are on another level. Normally, for shooting on my bike, I always select a timer to only record 20-30 seconds. This will stop the camera if I forget to click the recording button, and it is enough during cycling or any other sport activity.

This is just a first review of the camera, and I still need to try to check if there are no issues regarding heat malfunction or microphone connectivity. I will create a midterm and long-term review of the camera. Meanwhile, I could say that I’m really happy using it.

Another sample of the camera with the Leica filters.