Action Camera Beginner Recommendations | Insta360 vs GoPro vs DJI Action Camera Comparison

From the early days when GoPro dominated the market with an 80% share, to the rapid rise of Insta360 and DJI, the "three-way battle" in the action camera industry has been ongoing for over a decade. Based on sales data and brand recognition, the current most popular action cameras on the market come from these three leading manufacturers: Insta360's Ace Pro 2, GoPro's HERO 13, and DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Many enthusiasts, when choosing an action camera, pay special attention to the latest flagship models from these three brands.

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025 popular models from the three leading action camera brands: GoPro HERO 13, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. We compare these cameras across multiple aspects, including image quality and field of view (FOV), helping you better understand the strengths and differences of each model, so you can choose the action camera that best suits your needs.

Camera Review - GoPro HERO 13 vs Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Based on various specifications, the former action camera king—GoPro's latest model, HERO 13—does not show a significant advantage compared to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 supports 8K video recording and features a 157° field of view, while the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers 20-meter waterproofing and a long-lasting battery life of up to 240 minutes.

In conclusion, if image quality is your priority, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the top choice, while those who prioritize battery life may consider the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. However, in certain usage details and extreme sports scenarios, the GoPro HERO 13 still holds an advantage.

	HERO 13	Ace Pro 2	Osmo Action 5 Pro
Release Price	NTD $13,900 HKD $3,200	NTD $14,990 HKD $3,149	NTD $13,290 HKD $2,899
Sensor size	1/1.9	1/1.3	1/1.3
aperture	F2.5	F2.6	F2.8
Lens	/	LEICA Lens	/
ISO	100~6400	100~6400	100~6400
Max Video Resolution	5.3K@ 60fps 4K@120fps	8K@ 30fps 4K@120fps	4K@120fps
Slow motion	4K@ 120fps	4K@ 120fps	4K@ 120fps
Burst Slo-Mo	13 times (15 seconds)	/	/
Field of View (FOV)	156°	157°	155°
Photo Resolution	27.13 million pixels	50 Million Paintings	40 million pixels
Night View Function	/	PureVideo PureVideo Plus	SuperNight
Waterproof	10m	12m	20m
screen (TV, computer or movie)	both sides of the coin	Flip Screen	both sides of the coin
Mounting Bracket	1/4″ Screw-in Bracket	support sth.Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series	support sth.Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series
Temperature	-10°C ~ 35°C	-20℃～45℃	-20℃～45℃
Battery Capacity	1900mAh	1800mAh	1950mAh
Storage Capacity	Supports 1TB SD memory card	Supports 1TB SD memory card	Built-in 64GB capacity Supports 1TB SD memory card
Duration	79 minutes.	180 minutes.	240 minutes.
Weights	154g	177.2g	146g

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

In November 2023, Insta360 launched the brand-new action camera Ace Pro. This camera redefined traditional action camera performance, overcoming the common weakness of poor image quality in low-light conditions. In October 2024, the Ace Pro 2 was released. In conclusion, currently, no action camera on the market matches the overall ease of use and image quality of the Insta360 Ace series.

My experience with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is that the more you use it, the more you appreciate its ease of use. This is not only due to its image quality but also its quick-release base, flip screen, responsive touch controls, smooth operation, and the convenience of the Insta360 mobile app.

Below is a comparison review of the Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2 for your reference.

Action Camera Beginner’s Guide

[New vs. Old] Ace Pro 2 Review & Unboxing | Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | Introduction to Action Cameras Insta360 has released its new action vlog camera, the "Ace Pro 2". The Ace Pro 2's ease of use for vlog shooting can be said to surpass GoPro's performance as an action camera. Although the body design is different from the previous generation Ace Pro…

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GoPro HERO 13

GoPro released the HERO 12 in September 2023 and the HERO 13 in September 2024. As GoPro's flagship series, the HERO line is updated annually, and GoPro remains the pioneering brand in the action camera industry.

GoPro's founder, Nick Woodman, is a surfing enthusiast, and even with the HERO series reaching the HERO 13, its focus on extreme sports has never changed. The brand consistently adheres to its core philosophy: "Extreme is Everyday."

To be honest, GoPro cameras can feel somewhat difficult to use. This is because GoPro action cameras prioritize stability, and the screw-based mounting system along with less responsive touch controls make it harder for the average user to get started quickly.

However, compared to DJI and Insta360, it can be said that GoPro action cameras are gradually losing their advantages across various aspects, including image quality, battery life, waterproofing, heat dissipation, accessory mounting, and touch controls.

Nevertheless, GoPro's popularity is largely due to its marketing strategy of collaborating with athletes, which gives it strong brand influence. In this article, I will focus on comparing the image quality and field of view (FOV) of action cameras from DJI, Insta360, and GoPro. In conclusion, GoPro action cameras still hold unique advantages in extreme sports filming.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

In September 2024, DJI released its latest action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Despite weighing only 146g, it comes with a top-tier 1950mAh battery, providing an impressive 4-hour battery life, and supports 20-meter waterproofing without a case .

It can be said that if you are choosing an action camera based solely on "waterproofing" and "battery life," the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is already the best option on the market. However, this action camera does not yet support 8K recording, and there are differences in image quality compared to the GoPro HERO 13 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2.

Picture Quality Comparison

When choosing an action camera, image quality is the most important factor for me. After using these three cameras, my personal ranking is: Ace Pro 2 > HERO 13 > Osmo Action 5 Pro.

When comparing image quality, whether it's 5.3K or 8K, the final output on YouTube or other platforms is often compressed to 4K. Therefore, I use 4K image quality as the primary standard for comparison.

When comparing the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro side by side, the Ace Pro 2 clearly delivers more layered and detailed image quality. For example, in cloud details, the Ace Pro 2 presents colors more naturally, while the Osmo Action 5 Pro tends toward a bluish tone, and the GoPro HERO 13's image processing appears relatively flat.

skyline

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Pure Video mode and the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro SuperNight mode are both excellent for night recording. Personally, I find that the Osmo Action 5 Pro produces colors that are closer to natural at night. Below is a comparison video for your reference 

Camera Angle FOV Comparison

The shooting field of view (FOV) of the Insta360 Ace Pro seems narrower compared to the GoPro HERO 13 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. As a next-generation product, the Ace Pro 2 has upgraded its FOV to 157°. In comparison, the Osmo Action 5 Pro has a FOV of 155°, which is also quite wide.

Based on specifications, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 appears to have the widest single-lens field of view among current mainstream action cameras. However, honestly, all mainstream action cameras on the market already offer wide-angle effects, and the differences are hard to notice without a detailed side-by-side comparison.

Additionally, GoPro and DJI offer separately replaceable wide-angle lenses. With these interchangeable wide-angle lenses, you can capture even wider shots.

Stability and stabilisation

As for image stabilization, most people may not notice a difference (I personally can't either), so I believe all three cameras perform similarly in this regard.

levelling

The horizon leveling feature allows the camera to maintain a level position even when rotated 360 degrees. The GoPro HERO 13 can achieve 4K60fps horizon leveling, which is one of GoPro action cameras' biggest advantages compared to DJI and Insta360.

The Insta360 Ace Pro has a narrower field of view compared to other mainstream action cameras, but this issue has been significantly improved in the Ace Pro 2. However, the Ace Pro 2 only offers horizon leveling at 30fps, so if you care about horizon leveling and slow-motion recording, GoPro and DJI might be better choices. That said, I personally rarely use the horizon leveling feature.

Slow Motion Recording

When shooting 8× slow motion at 240fps, the HERO 13 delivers slightly better image quality. By reducing the resolution to 720p, the HERO 13 can support up to 13× slow-motion recording, making the HERO 13 the action camera with the widest slow-motion support.

However, since this type of shooting usually only allows for 15 seconds of recording, it is actually difficult to capture precise motion. With supplemental footage, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro can produce up to 32× slow motion for three seconds, which is also a good method for slow-motion filming. If you frequently shoot slow motion, I recommend choosing action cameras from GoPro or DJI.

Product Design

Although image quality is important, I personally believe that the camera's design and build are also key factors to consider when choosing an action camera.

Screen Design

Currently, among action cameras on the market, only the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 features a flip screen.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro features a front touchscreen, but I don't use it often. The difference between this screen and the GoPro HERO 13 is not very significant.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 flip screen provides a top-down view for checking the frame, and it can also be partially opened and placed on the ground, allowing low-angle shots—such as effortlessly capturing the night sky—without the need for a tripod.

It can also be clipped onto your shirt, allowing for first-person perspective shooting without the need for a chest strap.

Of course, the flip screen is easy to see and also very practical for selfies.

The versatility of the flip screen means it can be more useful than you might think. If you are not overly concerned with keeping your action camera ultra-lightweight, I would highly recommend choosing the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with a flip screen.

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Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series

The GoPro HERO 13 sells its quick-release mount separately, while the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro both come with quick-release mounts as standard.

Quick Release Installation

In terms of installation and removal ease, there is no doubt that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is easier to attach and detach than the Osmo Action 5 Pro and HERO 13. Removing the mount from the Osmo Action 5 Pro requires some skill; even I, an outdoor blogger with a regular sports routine, have to use considerable effort to take it off (and I consider my grip strength decent…).

Weights

In terms of camera size and weight, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the lightest.

For users who prioritize portability, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro may be a popular choice. However, for cycling, travel vlogs, or light sports, I would recommend the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with a flip screen. The portability of the Osmo Action 5 Pro seems more suitable for intense sports like skydiving.

Microphone

In addition to a foam cover, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 comes with a separate windscreen, which is especially suitable for those who want to film while riding a motorcycle.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity and battery life are also key factors to consider when choosing an action camera.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a maximum battery capacity of 1950mAh. The batteries of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 are compatible with previous models, but note that the GoPro HERO 13 cannot use the HERO 12 battery. Both the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro have increased battery capacity while maintaining compatibility.

Additionally, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the only action camera with a power-saving mode and support for Type-C to C reverse charging, allowing it to be used as a power bank when needed.

Support Temperature

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 have a minimum operating temperature of -20℃, making them suitable for use in extremely cold winter conditions.

Camera overheating

Regarding overheating, test results show that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro do not overheat easily, whereas the GoPro HERO 13 exhibits noticeable overheating issues.

Waterproof

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is waterproof up to 20 meters without a case, and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 supports 12 meters. Honestly, the difference between 5, 10, and 20 meters is not significant. For diving scenarios, it is recommended to purchase a separate diving case or a diving kit. Both the Osmo Action 5 Pro and Ace Pro 2 diving kits support up to 60 meters of waterproofing.

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With or without camera frame

Touch Sensitivity

I find that the GoPro HERO 13 has the least responsive touchscreen, with about a 0.5-second delay. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offer a smoother startup experience, similar to an iPhone, allowing seamless menu navigation and even functioning properly when your fingers are wet.

Response time

The Osmo Action 5 Pro has the fastest startup speed; however, after some usage, I noticed the startup gradually slows down, with delays of up to around 10 seconds. Even though the camera starts quickly, video writing takes longer. In conclusion, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has the most consistent response speed.

SD Memory Card

The Ace Pro 2 is the best at storing video without taking up memory, 1.5x more than the Osmo Action 5 Pro, and over 3x more than the HERO 13. With Ace Pro 2, you won't have to worry about running out of SD card capacity. Please refer to the Ace Pro 2 SD Memory Card Buyer's Guide for more information.

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[Ace Pro 2 Memory Card] SD Memory Card Selection Guide for Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Capacity, Speed, and Brand Recommendations | Action Camera Purchase… Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2, sports cameras capable of shooting 8K video, are coming out one after another, and from the user reviews on Insta360's official website, it seems that a lot of Ace Pro 2 users are confused when it comes to choosing the capacity of the microSD memory card. This is made possible by...

Other Functions

Macro lens (GoPro)

DJI also offers replaceable lenses, but only the GoPro HERO 13 supports a separately sold macro lens. Wide-angle macro lenses are rare even among DSLR cameras. However, because action cameras are typically used at longer shooting distances, they are not ideal for close-up shots.

Gesture Control (Insta360)

The gesture control feature of Insta360 is available on both the Ace Pro and GO 3S. When you make specific gestures, the camera responds accordingly, which I personally find easier to use than voice control. Even when wearing a mask or helmet, the camera can start recording quickly, making this feature very convenient for motorcycle filming.

Leica watermark (Insta360)

Watermarks usually include the brand logo. Since the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 uses a Leica lens, photos can also include the Leica logo.

Green Mode

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also features a dashcam mode. In this mode, old data is deleted sequentially, so if you use a Type-C power source for recording, you can use it just like a regular dashcam.

Tracking function (DJI)

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro features a tracking function. It can crop from the wide-angle screen, track the subject, and keep it centered in the frame.

Comparison of Disadvantages

After discussing the advantages of each model, let's briefly introduce the drawbacks of these three popular action cameras for reference. Whether you can accept these shortcomings is an important consideration when purchasing. After all, there is no perfect camera on the market, and many issues are only significantly improved in the next generation. Fortunately, DJI, Insta360, and GoPro typically release new models every 12 to 18 months, actively addressing issues and continuously enhancing their products. They are considered conscientious manufacturers in the industry, allowing users to enjoy an ever-improving experience.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Disadvantages

The main drawbacks of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 include:

• 8K video requires ample light and a large file size.
• The flip screen has limited utility in certain situations such as cycling and is sometimes inconvenient to operate.
• Slightly heavy body, may be a burden to carry or wear for a long time.
• Lens is easy to fog is also a problem reflected by users, has been all returned to the factory for repair.
• 10-bit colour recording is not supported, limiting the space for post-toning.

GoPro HERO 13 Disadvantages

The main drawbacks of the GoPro HERO 13 include:

• No significant breakthrough in resolution: the film only supports up to 5.3K.
• Discounted quality in low light conditions
• The new 1900mAh battery life is only slightly better than its predecessor.
• Small screen size: Rear 2.3" touchscreen doesn't look good in bright light, narrow action buttons
• Lens module needs to be purchased additionally.
• Easy to overheat when recording continuously
• Operability and Ease of Use

The GoPro HERO 13 has improved stability and some of its features, but it still leaves something to be desired in terms of image resolution and battery life performance.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Disadvantages

The main drawbacks of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro include:

• Low-light shots show some noise and graininess, and the colours are cool.
• HDR is on by default and cannot be turned off, may cause image over-processing in bright light conditions, HDR mode cannot be enabled for 4K recording.
• In 155° super wide-angle mode, the edges of the screen are easily distorted.
• Built-in microphone has limited noise cancellation in noisy environments, wind noise is more noticeable, an external microphone is recommended to improve sound quality.
• Harder feedback on buttons, average feel on shutter and power buttons.

Overall, the above restrictions may still affect the experience of some professional and high-demand users.

Ace Pro 2 vs HERO13 vs Osmo Action 5 Pro: A Guide to Choosing the Right Model

Reasons to choose GoPro HERO 13

I believe only those planning to mount the action camera directly on a helmet would most prefer the HERO 13. For anyone else, it truly offers no advantages.

What are the most suitable scenes for HERO 13?

Recommended for recording with a helmet mount while riding or skiing.

Reasons to choose Ace Pro 2

The Ace Pro 2 has 8K image quality and is the easiest to use of the current top 3 sports cameras from the 3 major manufacturers. For these two reasons alone, I think the Ace Pro 2 is the first choice for most light sports camera users.

What are the best scenarios for Ace Pro 2?

Mountaineering, Travelling, Daily Vlogs, YouTube Videos, Cycling (Road Bike, Motorbike)

Reasons to choose Osmo Action 5 Pro

The advantages of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro are that it is the most affordable, the lightest, and durable enough for use in extreme sports scenarios. However, in terms of video quality, I personally find the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s performance average. Nevertheless, for users who prioritize recording extreme activities, it is the best choice.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro What are the most suitable scenarios?

Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Parkour, Diving, Kayaking Slalom, Skydiving