Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI ACTION 4 vs X3 vs GO 3 vs GOPRO 12 - Which To BUY in 2024!? 

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I'm still using my Hero 8 and added a DJI Action 3 as my main cam for content in my channel here. Once in a while I'll use my DJI Osmo Pocket too and that still has great image quality.

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Nice job of explaining the pro's and con's of each of these. I have the Go 3 and X3 but for a third action camera for ease of use I opted for the Action 4. It being on sale for $299 was also a factor in deciding over the Ace Pro which is also on sale at this time for $426.

I have the X3, and the Go 3. Glad to know I made the right choices a few months ago.

Perhaps the best comparison video on YT

Thanks I was looking for this exact type of video

Many thanks a super informative vid!

Top tier video. Thanks for that and subbed

Thanks for helping me out to decide which camera to choose.

Appreciate it. Finally something that helped me make up my mind.

during the day ther gopro hero 10, 11 or 12 is the one to go. in Low light or evening, the osmo pocket 3 is the one you need, just because it has a gimbal, nothing can beat that.

I always forget about the GO 3. I'm still using a GoPro 8 but I'm down to my last battery and no one ships them to Hawaii. Can't find any on the Big Island.

Would you recommend to get 4 now or wait for 5? (maybe it will come out around Aug/Sep 2024?)

I want to record POV cycling/snowboarding type videos. Go 3 is the one?

I enjoyed your professional review, which camera can take a photo while shooting a vedio...!

Thanks for the review. I got the GoPro Hero 12 creator package a few days ago. I also like the richer image from the GoPro during daytime better than Ace Pro. I'm currently debating whether I should return it to get the Action 4 or Ace Pro instead. However, I'm concerned that the Ace pro is having a focusing problem based on some YT reviewers. I just can't put up with Gopro's trashy image quality in low light situation considering I'll be doing in car talk and install videos. Additionally, it takes an eternity for gopro to recharge.

This is the video I needed. Perfect comparison for my KTM Duke, since that's what I'm going to use it on.

Another nice an great review!!! Thank you Rob!

Great video. New subscriber!. Did you ever tried osmo pocket 3? Thanks for your work

I'm in the market for an action cam. I am inching closer and closer to the DJI. While it may not have the highest resolution, it seems to have the overall best image quality. In terms of low light, I always thought that using the D-Log profile and 10bit color would get better results with manual control and post work. You are the first person I've watched to actually do this and confirmed my suspicions. I put the X3 separately as it does 360 which the others don't. But to me the X3 seems better used as a support camera. While the footage it captures looks amazing, the actual quality is slightly, but noticeably lower. Still trying to decide though for a first camera, should I get an action cam or a 360 cam.

well done, over the years i've been a gopro fan but sadly agree, all your comments are bang on.

very useful for me about to buy my first action cam - which will be INSTA 360 Go 3

I'm glad i found your video. I want to get my first action camera, but i don't know if i should choose between Action 4 or Go 3. But since battery life is a "big point" for me, then i decided to get Go3. It's just for a simple family vlog, so i think 2.7k resolution is enough for me. Thank you :)

I agree with GO3 as the best solution for taking everywhere with surprisingly good footage. Have you tested Ace Pro HDR video (so much easier than Editing D-log)? Waiting for you to drop video on DJI Mini 4 pro with Goggles 2 firmware update 😊

Could you please advise me which action camera is best for recording Airsoft games in the open areas? I am going to poot it on my halmet for recording my airsoft games.

The Hero 9 brought me so much bang for buck value but just pulled the trigger on the Ace Pro. It seems to solve so many problems in one tiny package. I spent so much on Sony Mirrorless cameras over the years and ended up leaving them home due to the bulk. They are great in controlled environments but that equated to 10% of my use cases. The GoPro was great (needed tweaking out the box) but fell apart so quickly when the light wasn't right. Lets hope the Ace Pro fairs better! :) Keep up the great work, have been really enjoying your channel and big love from Scotland! :)

really hope the up coming Insta Go4 have 4K and improve low light... i really like the super small size of the Go3

I got the DJI Action 4 because it can connect the DJI Mic 2 with no wires or RX

Hi very useful review thank you. my main goal about an action camera is to use while I’m riding my motorcycle. While I and my wife going on long journeys. The most important part for me is while I am riding I don’t want to struggle with sound and want to connect my Cardo pack talk bold to my action camera wirelessly. As I know dji can’t make Bluetooth connection, may be by dji mic2 when it comes out. GO12 can, AcePro I don’t know Cardo Packtalk Edge or Sena 50s are ok with AcePro but packtalk Bold it is a question mark. On the other hand as my wish, needs and style which of these action cams do you advise?

On which of them , it is possible to make a live video broadcast on the phone, using the WhatsApp or RU-vid application ?

Greatest camera comparison

i have ace pro n x3 happy with it🔥

Fully agree on all of these but I would slide the pocket 3 in to slot 2 and bump down the go 3.

I have X3 and was feeling left out by all these new cameras coming out. After watching this review, man I am happy. May be my next camera will be DJI Pocket 3 for low light footage. Thanks for the great review.

Whice side you on?

I have the X3 and also the Osmo Pocket 3 (wich isn't mentioned in your video). And I must say that I was very impressed by the quality of the low-light recordings. I used it two weeks ago on a citytrip to Berlin and was amazed how well it performs under all conditions. The X3 is also a great camera, but the advantage of having the possibility to choose your camera viewpoint in post is also a disadvantage. You have (in my opinion) a lot more editing work. And with the X3 you also have to upscale your video's if you want to use them in combination with other 4K footage. I've had a GoPro 12 also, but after two months i've sold it already, because of the same problems that you were mentioning. I was wondering what your workflow is to create the best 4K videos from your X3 footage. What do you use in post to upscale the videos ? What intermediate format(s) do you use ?

did u faced focus issue on intsa 360 ace pro?

Great unbiased comparison. For mounting onto a motorbike, I would assume the X3 would be your first choice, is that correct?

The footage from the X3 is incredible especially the underwater shots

I settled for the ace pro

Hi, Can you please suggest an all rounder camera for capturing Trekking, Caving, Rappling, mountains, foggy monsoon, Adventure, leopard & bear wild animals, waterfalls, dip in ponds/lakes waterproof, RU-vid product unboxing and cooking channel indoor. I'm confused between Sony-ZV E10 vs DJI 4 vs Insta 360 all 3 cameras. Please help

Quicky questions: for underwater (snorkeling, diving to max 10m) wouldn’t the Ace Pro be best choice die to low light capabilities? I was very unhappy with my GoPro10 so I’m looking for alternatives. Thanks!

i m am planning on purchasing onr for moto vlogging. but confused between DJI action4 vs insta360 X4. X4 is really good but bit pricy, don't have adventure accesssories like action 4 .so confused . please anyone help here

Great video, honest and straight to the point 👍🏽👍🏽

Awesome comparison. Well done!

I’m looking for a camera for snowboarding. Which one would be best? I only go once or twice a year so ideally cheaper but also don’t want to regret not getting a more expensive one if it’s much better

Great insights, Rob. I want to buy my first travel camera and I am so confused between X3, Go3 and now even Osmo Pocket 3. You should totally do a comparison between these 3!

Got the Go 3 this year, then the Ace Pro. Love both. Play several dog sports, so Go 3 is the most common choice.

Do you think ace pro will be a good choice for motorcycle use? I want to get a helmet cam and im between ace pro and go 3. Night time shooting is important for me but the price is also important 😅

Really good video for a person, who is deciding to buy a camera of this type 👌

You forgot to mention dji pocket 3 by dji, alongside all this beauties! I would love to see a video includes this camera

My feeling is that the Insta360 is being heavily pushed for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, I've had bad experiences with Insta360 and find that they don't hold up as well as a GoPro. Especially the 360 versions are too delicate and cannot be considered as action cameras.

My GoPro 10 would overheat so easily, especially outside in hot weather (walking or hiking, so not a lot of airflow). It was almost useless because of that, and I would have to fall back on my iPhone. Plus, all four of its batteries began to swell, perhaps because of heat from the camera. So GoPro seems to be resting on its laurels and falling more and more behind. Insta really is doing amazing things by comparison.

kind of amazing that the go3 runs longer than anything while the go2 overheats after 15minutes already. Its such a versatile camera with the main problem being ironed out.

How to protect the lens on the GO3 ?

Agreed, at the end of the day, all these cameras are the best they ever been. GP is being/has been out paced by other company’s. I will most likely be trending to insta in the years to come… GP is tough, so doing things that need that durability is great, but everything else there’s better options

Yeah. The GoPro 12 still has that wonky stabilization on complex shots. I'm fine with my Go 3, but I do wish it had a mic jack or wireless mic. Pocket 2 is even still fine for me.

I am a food delivery boy. Is it good to have a x3 in single lens or do i need to go to ace pro or some other models

Great comparison. Just a question, we have a RU-vid channel where we do walking tour on small city in Italy, which camera do you suggest overall for this kind of activity among the big panorama of available cameras?

I have Action 4, X3 and pocket 3, but if I am getting another one, it will be go 3

best review on RU-vid by far, I've been wanting to get an action cam for a lot of similar things you've actually recorded yourself and its great to always be reminded that "we sometimes get fixated on resolution" cause I do agree with the Go 3 and the X3 for both the versatility and their dependability but as a tech nerd its hard to not want the Ace Pro. I do again want to say thank you for your amazing video and its really helped me make my choice.

In my country action 4 is 340 euro the ace pro is 480 euro (both is standard version)

in public people know GoPro but walking around with really small things that record like the go 3 it makes you look sus and also almost all devices cant view 8k even RU-vid you cant watch 8k

I am a student and I want to document and make daily videos on my study. Can you suggest what camera I need to consider buying??

The X3 is amazing! For sure the best, thinking of getting the go 3 now for the really small camera size.

I am looking for a "do it all" camera. It needs to be practical, easy to set up, small, light, shoot action stuff, be durable, not overheat, under water capability, good stabilization, but also replace my normal dslr camera meaning that it needs to be able to zoom in, flippy screen to frame myself and good low light image. Well, thats the Ace Pro. It literally replaced EVERYTHING i have and is my main/only carry nowadays. It just does everything. It might not be the best at everything, but it *does* everything. Surprised you didnt mention the Aces 2x 4k zoom on the video

insta 360 nice cam! I like to make videos and show my work from interesting angles)

Osmo pocket?

If you are using the camera to do more than just take short selfies, heat is absolutely an important factor. For doing any sort of time lapse work heat is a major factor to the reliability of the camera. If you live in a humid and hot climate, battery operated electronics can suffer tremendously when it comes to cooling. It's laughable how quickly the go pro over heated compared to the others. The very reason go-pro in particular is a compromised design is due to trying to manage heat. The water proofing and armor are it's own worst enemy. Even with airflow I've still had action cameras overheat. I had a go pro-fusion 360 that over heated while recording on my ebike with a sustained 20+mph headwind. That camera is just E-waste. I can't seem to find an action cam that doesn't fail at some basic camera operations on some level. It seems that 1/4 threaded being built-in is basically a depreciated feature. This is important for mounting locations that are tight and confined, the go pro style tripod adapters is just too big. I work mine in spaces that are very right with barely a spare milimeter. Having to use an adapters really limited the mounting options. Particularly in the Z direction. The adapters also are just one extra unnecessary link that can contribute to a failure mode of a given shot. For instance, using an adapter on a shot with a camera attached to a car the camera can cause the camera to be blown backward by wind if it's not torqued down hard enough. Or if the bolt is damaged during the shot from say a kicked up rock, it can be a right pain to get the bolt out and fully dismount the camera. Sometimes an adapter can actually help by providing a pivot point for the camera but that should be a user choice. Having to use an adapter to mount the cameras to anything is obnoxious design. Than of course is the issue of external power. I bought a go pro 9 at a heavy discount, naively thinking that it would accept external power like any normal electronic device. Nope, you have to remove the battery first for it accept external power. But doing so means you have to expose both the battery and the SD card and charge port because they are all in the same compartment. So the fix for that requires getting a third party door mod and replacing the door the go pro comes with. This is just asinine on so many levels. I've come to learn that a number of different cameras on the market share this "feature". This bit of design failure means you have to get an external power bank for the camera, with heavy trade offs in bulk, cost, complexity, and flexibility. I can't for instance rapidly dismount a go pro in the field that is hooked up to external power. it's a whole faff to dismount and remount it. So for a proper thorough review, we need to look at mounting, external power, modularity, third party support, over heating/cooling, UI experience, shot adjustments, shooting modes, SD card handling, USB handling, and that's all before we even get to image quality. My 100 dollar discontinued action cam from china that I bought in 2018 shouldn't be more feature complete than a modern camera but here we are. And it had a 64 bit processor to boot! God I miss that thing. Rest in peace yi4k, freak accident sent it sailing out my car window at 50 mph, along with it's mount. Only recovered the face plate from it. I could do whole other fullsize rant about the user interface and software side of these cameras but I've whined long enough.

Hello from cold Norway. Any plans for sub zero temperature battery life time testing? Hero 12 Looks promising, the results were great: DC Rainmaker did freezer tests, so here are quotes from his website: In any event, for the ice-cream level cold testing, I used three different freezers. Two at home and one at the DCR Cave. All of which hovered at roughly -4°F/-20°C to 0°F/-18°C. I validated that with my nifty pizza oven laser thermometer. I mean, I use it for official things like measuring overheating action cams, but like any true Alton Brown kitchen tool, it’s a multitasker. Starting with the first time, just putting the camera in the freezer at various resolutions I found: 5K/60 with Enduro: 69 minutes 5K/60 with Regular: 49 & 53 minutes 5K/30 with Enduro: 89 minutes

Reliability & reasonable battery life are the most important features to me, & yet they seem to be the most elusive characteristics almost across the board 🤦🏻‍♂️

I have a Go 2 and the biggest issue is the overheating. It just stops when I shoot only for about 10 minutes. Does the Go3 have this issue?

After watching many review i am gonna pick up Action 4 🎉

This is the video I was looking for. Insta360 Ace Pro and x3!

Hi. I am from India. Can u please help me whether ace pro is suitable for suitable for making teaching whiteboard videos. I will be highly indebted to you.

Thanks getting the Insta Go3… used to be go pro fan but lately overheating, worst batteries, and glitches when need to record.

I have an old GoPro Hero 7 and now thinking about getting a new action camera. A friend told me he love the Insta 360 and it works well with him when he does snowboarding. I need mine to do snorkeling and hiking. You made if easier for me to decide which one I will get next for my trips to Africa and Europe this summer. Thank you.

Hi. I have been watching action camera review for months.. hundreds of videos.. but cannot decide which one to go.. Since you have used all of it for a long time, please guide me to pick the right one. I’m using motorcycle and I will mostly record my tours. Osmo action 4 adventure combo is 429€ at the moment. but I am quite interested in to X3 and Ace Pro as well. X3 motorcycle kit is €627 (X4 is also expected this year) Ace Pro without any accessories is 489€ I can afford all of the cameras but I just don’t want to waste my money, if it just isn't worth paying extra... Since you ride a motorcycle as well, which one would you pick?

Is the insta360 a 360 camera?

Im already buy insta360 ace pro, maybe after this i will grab instago 3 black version 😁

I agree, 💯 I myself rate go3 and x3 at number 1 position and you too just proved it.

Did all the cameras have the same size SD card in them? It's odd the card filled in the Ace Pro and you considered that a metric of how long it can go. Just curious why you wouldn't redo that test with a bigger SD card.

Just got the ace pro. Looks good from what I’ve seen

Are you from Norway? what would you recommend for filming on a motorcycle on a budget?

Go 3 ! no doubt x3 might not be durable due to those lenses are exposed . & nice review sure anyone can decide just by this video 👏👏👏

I do like the Go 3. As Rob says, despite its “limitations” on some technical specs, I believe the best camera is the one that is with you all the time and can be used without hesitation. As an average person the Go3 provides good quality footage and audio and is small enough not to draw attention to myself, so I feel comfortable using it all the time and so my favourite camera

Action 4!

Beside video quality there is sound quality and GoPro is the best at this. The only fat Cons - low light conditions. At low light GoPro completely sucks

Great video! But I am still confused if I should get the x3 or the go3. I like the 360 feature of the x3 and the mounting and the size of the go3. I do vlogging and MrBeast-style videos mainly btw.

Er du norsk?

I’m never getting a go pro, it’s so unreliable and it’s frustrating

In terms of choosing the right one for me personally. I will go with go3 whtsover the quality i just love how flexible it is. Bt when in low light settings then i will go with pocket 3 instead. X3 is superb but i think it would be maximum used in outdoor nature

Я пересмотрел кучу видео. И сделал считаю правильным выбор купить первую камеру insta360 x3 как единственную на данный момент.

Go 3 is the best versatile action cam

Ok so! X3 if interested in capturing everything and edit later. Go 3 is easy and convenient device Action 4 is robust (rare use, but good enough if it serves your purpose) Ace Pro making the most of it as creator and fun! Latest makes it more feature and foldable screen (Majestic) Go pro 12 promising device but better wait for 13 as it feels dated compare to rest.

Let’s not forget the GoPro is the design all the rest are trying to mimic.

You have made 5-8 such vidoes and it always the X3. Even though the end footage is 1080p, very fagile lens, have to send it to China for lens repair costing $200(after one Carerefresh), extra editing, we know your choice. Predictible.

DJI Action 4 for sure 👍🏻

Great video and it took a ton of work to make. I do have to disagree with you on the Go3. Bad IQ, lag in video b/t camera and base, bad connection b/t camera and base. 2.7k is ok but most are going to use free form that has only 1.4k. As an Insta360 ambassador, jealous yes, ha, I do understand your thinking. I have the GP12 and love the IQ during the day, only...which has me thinking of selling the GP and moving to the Action 4 or Ace Pro all for better lower light. Cheers