GoPro Max vs Insta360 Ace
VS
Overview of the GoPro Max
GoPro MaxGoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
Overview of the Insta360 Ace
Insta360 AceInsta360's budget action camera: 6K video and a flipscreen
The Ace is Insta360's entry level action camera but shares a lot of features with it's premium brother, the Insta360 Ace Pro. The main difference being the sensor technology, which although not as advanced, still offers very good performance, with video up to 6K.
- Pros
- Great image stabilization
- Flip screen
- Weather proof
- Cons
- Heavy
- Average audio
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Ace
Weight and size
The GoPro Max is a slightly smaller camera. The GoPro Max weighs a little less than the Ace.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
Insta360 Ace
71.9mm x 52.15mm x 38.5mm / 2.83in x 2.05in x 1.52in
6.24oz / 176.8g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The Ace offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
Insta360 Ace
1700mAh
Removable
100min at 4K30fps HDR
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Ace support SD cards.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
Insta360 Ace
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Video performance
Only the Ace offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Insta360 Ace
5.3K video at 30fps
4k 30fps
Camera and sensor technology
The Ace features a much higher resolution. The GoPro Max and the Ace both have a similar field of view. The Ace features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
Insta360 Ace
48MP
157°
170Mbps
Camera settings
The Ace's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Insta360 Ace
100-6400
+/-4
GoPro Max vs Ace specifications
| Name | GoPro Max | Insta360 Ace |
| Year of release | 2019 | 2023 |
| Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 2.83in / 71.9mm |
| Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 2.05in / 52.15mm |
| Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.52in / 38.5mm |
| Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 6.24oz / 176.8g |
| Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | 33ft / 10m |
| Waterproof with diving case | - | 197ft / 60m |
| Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | -4°F / -20°C |
| Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 104°F / 40°C |
| Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1700mAh |
| Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 100min at 4K30fps HDR |
| Charging time | 120min | 70min (5V/3A) |
| Storage format | microSD | microSD |
| Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 or UHS-3 |
| Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 1Tb |
| Rear screen size | 1.69in | 2.4in |
| Front screen size | - | Yes |
| Field of view | 155° | 157° |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/2" |
| Pixels | 18MP | 48MP |
| Aperture | F2.0 | F2.4 |
| Focal length | 13-27mm | 16mm |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
| Video zoom | - | 4x |
| Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
| Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 170Mbps |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
| 360-degree video | Yes | No |
| 5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
| 360 video format | GoPro 360 file | - |
| 5.3K video | - | 30fps |
| 4K video | - | 120fps |
| 2.7K video | - | 120fps |
| 1440p video | 60fps | 60fps |
| 1080p video | 60fps | 240fps |
| Slow motion at 4K | - | 4x |
| Maximum slow motion | 2x | 8x at 1080p |
| HDR video | - | 4k 30fps |
| Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | Flowstate |
| Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
| Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.265 (HEVC) |
| Live streaming | 1080p30 | - |
| Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
| Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
| Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
| Subject tracking | No | - |
| Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
| RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 |
| Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Audio format | wav | aac |
| Audio bluetooth support | - | Bluetooth headsets |
| Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.2 |
| USB | Type-C USB | USB-C |
| GPS integrated | Yes | No |
| GPS pairing | - | iOS Application Android Application |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture commands | No | Yes |