2025 Action Camera Recommendations | Insta360 vs GoPro vs DJI Latest Action Camera Comparison Review

The action camera market has evolved dramatically from GoPro's early 80% market dominance to today's competitive landscape dominated by three key players. This "Three Kingdoms" rivalry between Insta360, DJI, and GoPro has now spanned over a decade. Currently, the three most prominent wide-angle action cameras - representing the pinnacle of both sales performance and brand recognition - are: Insta360's Ace Pro 2, GoPro's HERO13, and DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Many enthusiasts carefully consider these three brands' latest flagship models when purchasing an action camera. This in-depth review will analyze the 2025 hot models from the top three action camera manufacturers: GoPro HERO 13, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. We'll compare these cameras across multiple aspects including image quality and field of view (FOV), helping you better understand each model's strengths and differences to choose the action camera that best suits your needs.

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

In terms of specifications, GoPro's latest flagship - the HERO13 - no longer holds a decisive advantage over competitors like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5. The Ace Pro 2 outperforms with 8K resolution and an ultra-wide 157° field of view, while the Osmo Action 5 counters with 20-meter waterproofing and exceptional 240-minute battery endurance.

For【image quality】, the Ace Pro 2 is the top choice, while those prioritizing【battery life】should consider the Osmo Action 5 Pro. However, GoPro HERO13 still maintains advantages in certain usage details and extreme sports scenarios.

	HERO 13	Ace Pro 2	Osmo Action 5 Pro
Release Price	NT$13,900 HK$3,200	NT$14,990 HK$3,149	NT$13,290 HK$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
Top Movie Specification	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
waterproofing	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.Quick Release Mount	support sth.Quick Release Mount
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

Insta360 launched its groundbreaking Ace Pro action camera in November 2023, revolutionizing traditional action camera capabilities by overcoming the common weakness of poor low-light performance. The upgraded Ace Pro 2 followed in October 2024. Simply put, no current action camera on the market can match the Insta360 Ace series in terms of overall user-friendliness and image quality.

The more I use this camera, the more I appreciate its seamless usability—not just for its outstanding image quality, but also for features like: ✅ Quick-release mount (effortless accessory swaps) ✅ Flip touchscreen (perfect for framing shots) ✅ Buttery-smooth responsiveness (no lag, even when wet) ✅ Insta360 mobile app (wireless control & easy editing)

Below is a new vs old review of the Ace Pro vs Ace Pro 2.

Action Camera Opinion

Ace Pro 2 Review Unboxing | Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro 2 | Getting Started with Sports Cameras Insata360 has released a new sports vlog camera, the Ace Pro 2. The Ace Pro 2's "ease of use" for vlogging has surpassed the "sportiness" of the GoPro as a sports camera. Although the exterior of the camera is not as...

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GoPro HERO 13

As the pioneer of action cameras, GoPro has maintained its industry leadership with annual flagship updates - launching the HERO 12 in September 2023 followed by the HERO 13 in September 2024. The HERO series remains GoPro's crown jewel, consistently delivering next-generation performance while staying true to its action sports DNA.

Founded by surfer Nick Woodman, GoPro has stayed true to its roots—even with the HERO 13, its core ethos of "extreme sports first" remains unchanged. The brand lives by its mantra: "Extreme is everyday."

Let’s be honest—GoPro cameras feel less user-friendly for casual shooters. Their focus on rugged stability comes with trade-offs: screw-mounted accessories (versus competitors’ magnetic systems) and mediocre touchscreen responsiveness create a steeper learning curve.

That said, GoPro’s enduring popularity stems from its athlete-driven marketing, which has cemented unmatched brand authority in extreme sports culture.This article will focus on comparing image quality and field of view (FOV) across DJI, Insta360, and GoPro cameras. When it comes to hardcore action footage – whether surfing big waves or bombing mountain trails – GoPro still delivers uniquely reliable performance where it matters most.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

DJI Launches Flagship Osmo Action 5 Pro in September 2024 Weighing just 146g, DJI's latest action camera packs an industry-leading 1950mAh battery delivering an impressive 4 hours of continuous recording. It also features 20-meter waterproofing without needing a housing .

It can be said that if you buy a sports cameraWith only two key points, "waterproof" and "endurance", DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is already the best choice in the market.But this sports camera8K recording not yet supportedThe image quality is different from GoPro HERO 13 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2.The

Imagine Quality Comparison

When I was choosing a sports camera.Picture QualityIt is the most important factor to consider. After using these three cameras, the ranking in my personal mind is:Ace Pro 2 > HERO 13 > Osmo Action 5 Pro.

When comparing image quality—whether filming in 5.3K or 8K—footage ultimately gets compressed to 4K resolution on platforms like YouTube. That’s why I use 4K output quality as my primary benchmark for evaluation.

When placing the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro head-to-head, the Ace Pro 2's footage demonstrates superior tonal gradation and depth. A clear example is in cloud reproduction - the Ace Pro 2 delivers more natural color rendering, while the Osmo Action 5 Pro leans toward a cooler blue cast. The GoPro HERO13, by comparison, produces more neutral but less nuanced image processing.

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skyline

The Ace Pro 2's Pure Video and Osmo Action 5 Pro's SuperNight modes are great for nighttime recording.I think the Osmo Action 5 Pro is closer to natural colors at night. Personally, I think Osmo Action 5 Pro is closer to natural color at night recording. Here are the comparison videos for your reference. 

Field of View (FOV)comparison

The Ace Pro seems to have a narrower shooting angle of view (FOV) than the GoPro HERO13 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Being a new generation product, theAce Pro 2 has been upgraded to a 157° camera angle.In comparison, the Osmo Action 5 Pro has a 155° angle of view. In comparison, the Osmo Action 5 Pro has a 155° angle of view, which is also quite wide.

In terms of parameters, the Ace Pro 2 seems to have the widest single-lens angle of view of any mainstream sports camera. However, to be honest, all mainstream sports cameras on the market have a wide-angle effect, so it's hard to notice the difference unless you make a detailed comparison.

In addition, GoPro and DJI alone offer interchangeable wide-angle lenses. With interchangeable wide-angle lenses, you can take even wider-angle pictures.

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Stability and stabilization

As for image stability, most people probably can't tell (I can't tell either), so I think the 3 cameras are pretty much on par.

level correction

Horizontal correction function keeps the camera horizontal even when it is rotated to 360 degrees. GoPro HERO 13 realizes 4K60fps horizontal correctionThis is the biggest advantage GoPro sports cameras have over DJI and Insta360.

The Insta360 Ace Pro suffers from a narrower shooting angle compared to other mainstream sports cameras, but this issue is significantly improved with the Ace Pro 2. However, the Ace Pro 2 only offers 30 fps horizontal correction, so if it's aFor those who care about leveling and slow motion recording, GoPro and DJI may be a better choice.Having said that, I really don't use the leveling function much myself.

Slow Motion Recording

When shooting 8x slow motion at 240fps, HERO 13 delivers slightly better image quality. Downscaled to 720p, HERO 13 also supports up to 13x slow-motion recording, so you'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. HERO 13 has the widest range of slow motion playback support. The

However, since this type of filming is usually limited to 15 seconds, it's difficult to get the right movements. With supplemental video, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is able to extract up toThree seconds of 32x slow motionIt's also a good way to take slow motion pictures. If you have the need to shoot slow motion frequently, we recommend getting a GoPro or DJI sports camera.

Camera Appearance

Although the quality of the picture is important, I personally believe thatAppearance and construction of the cameraIt is also an important point to consider when buying a sports camera.

Screen Design

The Ace Pro 2 is the only sports camera on the market with a reversible screen.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a touchscreen front screen, but I don't use the front screen very often and the difference between this screen and the GoPro HERO 13 isn't that great.

The Ace Pro 2's flip-up screen provides a viewing angle for checking the image from above, and can also be half-opened and placed on the ground for low-angle shots such as stargazing without the need for a tripod.

It can also be clipped to your shirt for first person shots without a chest strap.

Of course, the flip screen is easy to see and useful when taking selfies.

The versatility of the flip screen means it could be more useful than you think. I'd recommend the Ace Pro 2 with the flip screen to anyone who isn't looking for the convenience of a sports camera.

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brackets

The Go Pro HERO 13 is sold with a quick release mount alone, while the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro both come standard.

Quick Release Installation

In terms of ease of installation and removal, there is no doubt that the Ace Pro 2 is easier to install and remove than the Osmo Action 5 and HERO 13.Removing the Osmo Action 5 Pro's stand took some finesse, and even I, an outdoor blogger with an exercise regimen, found it to be quite disassembling (despite thinking I have an okay grip ......).

weights

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

atUsers who emphasize on portabilityThe DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is probably a popular choice. However, for cycling, traveling and vlogging, I would recommend the Ace Pro 2 with the flip screen for light sports.The light weight of the Osmo Action 5 Pro seems to make it more suitable for intense sports such as skydiving.

Microphone

The Ace Pro 2 comes with a separate windshield in addition to a sponge cover, which is ideal for those who need to film motorcycle riding.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity and battery life are often important points to consider when buying a sports camera.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a battery capacity of up to 1950mAh.Batteries for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 are compatible with older models. However, please note that the GoPro HERO 13 will not work with the HERO 12's battery.The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro have increased battery capacity while maintaining compatibility.

In addition, the Ace Pro 2 is the only sports camera with a power-saving mode and Type-C to C reverse charging support, so you can use the Ace Pro 2 as a walking battery if necessary.

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Support Temperature

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 shoot at a minimum temperature of -20°C, making them ideal for use in extremely cold winters.

Overheating

Test results on overheatingThe Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro do not overheat easily. The GoPro HERO 13 has a significant overheating problem.

waterproofing

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is waterproof to 20 meters bare metal, and the Ace Pro 2 is waterproof to 12 meters. Honestly, there's not much difference between waterproofing to 5 meters, 10 meters, and 20 meters, because the Ace Pro 2 is waterproof to 12 meters.It is recommended to buy a dive shell or a dive kit separately for the dive scene.Both the Osmo Action 5 Pro and Ace Pro 2 dive covers support 60 meters of water resistance.The

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With or without camera frame

Touch Sensitivity

I think the GoPro HERO 13 has the worst touch sensitivity, with a delay of about 0.5 seconds. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro had a better startup experience, booting up and switching between menus as smoothly as an iPhone, even when my fingers touched the water.

Response time

The Osmo Action 5 Pro has the fastest startup speed, but after using it for a while, I found that it slows down gradually, with a maximum delay of about 10 seconds. Even though the camera starts up very fast, it takes longer to write the movie. In conclusion, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has the most stable response time.The

SD Memory Card

The Ace Pro 2 is the best at storing videos without hogging memory.Writes 1.5 times more than Osmo Action 5 Pro and more than 3 times more than HERO 13.With Ace Pro 2, you will not have to worry about the capacity of the SD card. Welcome to the Ace Pro 2 SD Memory Card Buyer's Guide~!

Action Camera Opinion

Ace Pro 2 Memory Cards] A guide to choosing an SD memory card for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Capacity, speed and brand recommendations | Getting Started with Sports Cameras Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2, sports cameras capable of shooting 8K videos, are coming out one after another, and from the user reviews on Insta360's official website, many Ace Pro 2 users are confused when choosing the capacity of the microSD memory card. This review...

Other Functions

Macro Lens (GoPro)

DJI also offers interchangeable lenses, but only the GoPro HERO 13 is available with a macro lens (sold separately). Wide-angle macro is a lens that is rarely seen even in monocular cameras. However, sports cameras have a longer shooting distance and are not suitable for close-up photography.

Gesture control (Insta360)

The Insta360's gesture control feature is also available on the Ace Pro and GO 3S. The camera responds when you make certain gestures, so I personally think it's a good idea to use the Insta360 as a gesture control.Easier to use than voice control This feature is very convenient for users of motorcycle video recording. Even when wearing a mask and helmet, the camera can quickly start recording, so this feature is very convenient for users of motorcycle video recording.

Leica watermark (Insta360)

Watermarks usually contain brand logos, and since the Ace Pro 2 uses a Leica lens, the photo can also contain the Leica logo.

Green Mode

The Ace Pro 2 also has a trip recorder mode. This mode sequentially deletes old data, so if you're recording on Type-C power, you can use it in exactly the same way as a trip recorder.

Tracking function (DJI)

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a tracking feature. You can crop and track the subject from the wide-angle screen and place it in the center of the frame.

Ace Pro 2 vs HERO13 vs Action5 Pro: The right model for you.

Reasons to choose GoPro HERO 13

I think the HERO 13 is only popular with people who plan on mounting their sports camera directly to their helmet, but for anyone else it's a good idea to use the HERO 13. It really doesn't have any advantage. The

What are the most suitable scenarios 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. For these 2 reasons alone, I think Ace Pro 2 is already the first choice for most light sports camera users. The

What are the best scenarios for Ace Pro 2?

Mountaineering, Traveling, Daily Vlogs, YouTube Videos, Cycling (Road Bike, Motorcycle)

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Reasons to choose Osmo Action 5 Pro

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has the advantage of being the cheapest, lightest and durable enough to be used especially in extreme sports scenes. However, in terms of video quality, I personally find the Osmo Action 5 Pro to be mediocre, but it's the best choice for those who care about extreme sports video.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro What are the best scenarios to use it in?

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

Conclusion

This concludes our head-to-head comparison of the latest action cameras from the big three manufacturers—GoPro, Insta360, and DJI. We hope this review has provided clarity on which model best suits your needs, helping you make an informed decision on your next action camera.

Since action cameras typically receive annual updates, we expect these brands to launch newer flagship models after September 2025. Once the next-generation devices—likely the GoPro HERO 14, DJI Osmo Action 6, and Insta360 Ace Pro 3 (exact names TBD)—hit the market, we’ll publish fresh comparisons to keep you informed. Our goal? To help you choose the perfect action camera and capture every unforgettable moment.