- Insta360 reveals new accessories for its flagship Ace Pro 2 action camera
- These include a photographer’s grip and an instant clip-on printer.
- New Leica lenses and color profiles are also added to the camera
Insta360 just gave its flagship Ace Pro 2 action camera a big boost with a range of new accessories, including a photographer’s grip, three lenses for different styles, and the odd crossover we didn’t know we needed (and probably don’t): an instant clip-on printer. You can see the full setup in the image above.
Some of the new accessories seem sensible, such as the new cinema, ultra-wide-angle and close-up lenses. Taking a page from GoPro’s book with its Hero 13 Black Lens Mods, a feature I called the ‘future of action camera design’, users will be able to get anamorphic-style clips with the cinematic lens and focus closer with the close-up lens. I can already feel GoPro’s wrath.
And then there’s the Xplorer Grip Pro, a case with a built-in battery and ergonomic grip (see below). It’s the kind of accessory that Chinese phone brands have been delivering in recent years to improve the handling of their photography phones, like the excellent Xiaomi 15 Ultra photography kit.
Clearly, Insta360 wants the Ace Pro 2 to be a tool for photographers in addition to an 8K action camera, and for users who want an all-around action camera, it makes sense.
The quirky addition, however, has to be the clip-on pocket printer, which Insta360 says is the “first ever made for an action camera – delivering instant, memorable memories of any moment.” It prints automatically laminated 3-inch (54 × 82 mm, with a printable area of 54 × 72 mm) photos using dye-sublimation technology, which Insta360 says “matches the vibrant images of the Ace Pro 2” and is water, dust, and fade resistant.
I don’t normally associate action cameras with photography, let alone make instant prints of them while traveling. I’m filing this accessory under “don’t rule it out until you try it.”
Excess or genius?
Between the latest flagship action cameras from GoPro, DJI, and Insta360, I think the Hero Black 13’s interchangeable lenses are the most exciting route forward for action cameras, more so than the 8K video capabilities of the Ace Pro 2. However, you can now get both with the Insta360 model, thanks to three new lenses, each directly inspired by (or imitating) GoPro.
I wouldn’t necessarily think of using the Ace Pro 2 for photography, because its strong suit is undeniably video. However, camera handling for photography will improve with the new grip, while Leica’s new color profiles will certainly help achieve a powerful look straight from the camera, ready to print.
The printing press, on the other hand… well, there is no consensus on that. I like the Instax Mini Link printers for printing on the go, but I wouldn’t use them for outdoor adventures.
There are now several Ace Pro 2 bundles available with these new accessories; The XPlorer Pro Bundle adds the new grip and extra battery and costs $519.99. The Flash Print package also adds the pocket printer, a flip-screen cover and a classic leather case for $579.99 / £545 / A$1,049. The Ultimate Videography Bundle also adds three new lenses and costs $739.99 / £725 / A$1,359. There are other bundles with just one of the lenses if you don’t want all three, and all bundles are available immediately at launch, starting November 12.
What do you think? Is the Ace Pro 2 with all these new accessories the best action camera setup? Let me know in the comments below.
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The best action camera.
