The Ace Pro and Hero12 Black are similar action cameras. I own both models and I’ll compare the Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero12 Black. Capture settings, battery life, size, and sensor size are some of the specs compared.
- Ace Pro is the best choice for higher-resolution video (8K) and low-light conditions. It features a flip touchscreen, large sensor (1/1.3″) and AI integrations, great for vlogging and content creators.
- GoPro Hero12 Black is best for action sports. It has less moving parts (no flip screen or press locks) and the protective lens cover is replaceable. It is lighter and smaller than the Ace Pro.
Ace Pro and Hero12 both have external mic capability, equal waterproofing and outstanding image stabilization features (FlowState Stabilization and Hypersmooth 6.0). The battery life is comparable between both cameras.
Here’s the full breakdown of these two action cameras. I own the Ace Pro (review) and the GoPro Hero12 Black. The photos in this post are of my cameras. I’ve used both in content creation. And I’ve been shooting with action cameras since 2012.
Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero12 Black
Ace Pro is your best choice for vlogging. It shoots higher resolution, has a great flip touchscreen, and exceptional low-light performance.
GoPro Hero12 Black is your best choice for a true action camera. It is smaller and lighter, waterproof to almost 60 ft, and shoots 5.3K video,
Ace Pro vs Hero12 Black: Which one is best for you? If you are a content creator, I recommend the Ace Pro. Here’s why:
- Ace Pro: The Ace Pro camera shoots up to 8K video (compared to the 5.3K of the Action 4). It shoots 48 MP still photos, much higher res than the 27P of the Action 4. Check Ace Pro on Insta360 or Amazon.
- Ace Pro Sensor Size: 1/1.3″
If you’re creating actual action camera footage, the Hero12 Black is my recommendation.
- GoPro Hero12 Black: The Hero12 has less moving parts (no flip screen or press locks) and the protective lens cover is replaceable. MRSP price for the Hero12 is between the Ace and the Ace Pro cameras. Find the Hero12 Black on Amazon.
- Hero12 Black Sensor Size: 1/1.9″
6 Primary Specs Compared: Ace Pro vs Hero12 Black
Here are some key factors to compare between these two action cameras.
- Battery Life: Equal. Insta360 Ace Pro (100 minutes) vs Hero12 Black (70-150 minutes).
- Cost: Equal. Insta360 Ace Pro (USD$449.99 MRSP) vs Hero12 Black (USD$399.99 MRSP). The more basic Ace camera is listed at USD$379.99. The actual sale price depends on where it’s purchased and the available offers.
- Weight: Hero12 is lighter. Insta360 Ace Pro (6.3 oz, 180 g) vs Hero12 Black (5.5 oz, 155 g). The Hero12 Black also has a slightly smaller overall size.
- Image Stabilization: Equal. Both feature a very capable stabilization function. Ace Pro has FlowState Stabilization and GoPro Hero12 has Hypersmooth 6.0.
- Image Resolution: Ace Pro. Insta360 Ace Pro (8K24) vs GoPro Hero12 Black (5.3K60). For slow-motion footage, both cameras also capture 4K at 120 fps.
- Waterproof: Equal. Insta360 Ace Pro (33 ft/10m) vs GoPro Hero12 Black (33 ft/10m).
Get your Ace Pro on Insta360 or Amazon. Find GoPro Hero12 Black on GoPro or Amazon.
The Ace Pro is a brand-new release by Insta360. Here are all Insta360 cameras by release date.
Learn more about GoPro cameras. Here are the release dates for every GoPro model.
Specs and Pricing: Ace Pro vs Hero12 Black
| Specs | Insta360 Ace Pro | Insta360 Ace | GoPro Hero12 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRSP | $449.99 USD | $379.99 USD | $399.99 USD |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3” | 1/2″ | 1/1.9″ |
| Video | 8K24 / 4K120 | 6K30 / 4K120 | 5.3K60 / 4K120 |
| Photo | 48MP | 48MP | 27MP |
| Battery | 1650mAh | 1700mAh | 1720mAh (SPBL1B) Removable |
| Battery Life | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 70-150 minutes |
| Weight (grams) | 179.8g | 176.8g | 155 g |
| Size (inches) | 2.8 x 2 x 1.5″ | 2.8 x 2 x 1.5″ | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3″ |
| Waterproof | Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) | Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) | Waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) |
Appearance, UI, and Battery
The Ace Pro feels like a GoPro. It is a solid build, with the same button locations (shutter, power, USB port).
It’s important to note that the protective lens cover of Ace Pro production models can not be removed or replaced. This is in contrast to the easily replaced GoPro lens. GoPro even makes a Lens Mod to increase the FOV of their camera. Just twist and pull to swap them out.
The primary difference in appearance is the additional thickness of the Ace Pro to allow for the flip touchscreen. And there are two locking buttons to keep the screen closed.
User Interface: The onscreen menu is almost identical for both cameras. You won’t have any trouble switching between brands. The DJI Action 4 also has the same basic menu system.
Get your Ace Pro on Insta360 or Amazon. Find GoPro Hero12 Black on Amazon.
Here’s how the Ace Pro compares to the Osmo Action 4 and the GO 3.
Battery Comparison: Ace Pro vs Hero12 Black
All three cameras (Ace, Ace Pro, and Hero12) have removable, rechargeable batteries.
Battery Specs: While GoPro has a longer potential battery life, my tests suggest that they are actually pretty close. Expect to get about 70-80 minutes of actual filming time from both brands.
If you have an older model GoPro, the batteries might be compatible with the new Hero12. Batteries are interchangeable from Hero9, Hero10, Hero11, and Hero12 cameras (Black model). Here’s our GoPro battery compatibility guide.
Here’s how the battery life and capacities compare across all three models.
| Battery | Insta360 Ace Pro | Insta360 Ace | GoPro Hero12 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Removable | Removable | Removable |
| Battery Life | 100 minutes | 100 minutes | 70-150 minutes |
| Same Battery | 1650mAh (CINSBNAJA – CP6) | 1700mAh | 1720mAh (SPBL1B) |
| Charging Time | 45 minutes (30W), 63 minutes (5V/3A) | 70 min (5V/3A) | 2 hours (USB wall charger) and 4 hours (via computer) |
Capturing Photo and Video: Specs
These cameras capture stunning video. But there are some notable differences.
Capture Specs: Ace Pro Wins. Ace Pro has a large sensor (1/1.3″). And it has exceptional night and low-light filming. The Ace Pro shoots higher resolution video (8K vs 5.3K) and photos (48MP vs 27MP).
But if you are filming for fun or to share on your social channels, the 5.3K video of the Hero12 is more than enough. In fact, it’s probably more than most creators will ever need.
Audio Specs: Equal. All three cameras (Ace, Ace Pro, and Hero12) have 3 mics. The Ace Pro and Hero12 both integrate with Apple AirPods via Bluetooth for a great wireless mic. And Hero12 cameras also have a mic jack for a wired mic option (when using the Media Mod).
And all three models have wind noise reduction for better audio on windy days.
Get your Ace Pro on Insta360. Find GoPro Hero12 Black on Amazon.
Here are all the capture specs for both camera models.
| Capture | Insta360 Ace Pro | Insta360 Ace | GoPro Hero12 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | 8K24 / 4K120 | 6K30 / 4K120 | 5.3K60 / 4K120 |
| Photo | 48MP | 48MP | 27MP |
| FOV | TBD | TBD | 151° (With Hypersmooth Off) |
| Image Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 |
| Audio (Mic) | 3 | 3 | 2 (Front and top) |
| Accepts External Mic | Yes, via AirPods Bluetooth | Yes, via AirPods Bluetooth | Yes, with Media Mod. Or Pro 3.5 Mic Adapter |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3” | 1/2″ | 1/1.9″ |
| Aperture | f/2.6 | f/2.4 | f/2.5 |
| Zoom | 2X Digital Zoom | TBD | Digital zoom |
Here’s more about managing GoPro wind noise.
Features and General Specs
Here are the other specs and details for each camera.
| General Info | Insta360 Ace Pro | Insta360 Ace | GoPro Hero12 Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 21, 2023 | November 21, 2023 | September 6, 2023 |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Serial Number Begins With | TBD | TBD | C350 |
| Webcam Function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (ounces) | 6.3 oz | 6.2 oz | 5.5 oz |
| Weight (grams) | 179.8g | 176.8g | 155 g |
| Size (inches) | 2.8 x 2 x 1.5″ | 2.8 x 2 x 1.5″ | 2.8 x 2 x 1.3″ |
| Size (mm) | 71.9 x 52.15 x 38.5 mm | 71.9 x 52.15 x 38.5 mm | 72 x 51 x 34 mm |
| Protune | Yes | ||
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| GPS | Yes, via Garmin device or Apply watch | Yes, via Garmin device or Apply watch | No |
| micro HDMI | No | No | Yes, if using Media Mod |
Test Footage: Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero12 Black
These videos are pending and this section will be updated soon.
Which One Do You Like Most?
After our Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero12 Black review, which model do you have your eye on?
The image and audio quality, battery life, and durability make these cameras great for creators, vlogging, and travel.
Final Thoughts
Which model are you considering? Have a question? Please drop it below and I’ll do my best to answer it.
- About the Author
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Hey, I’m Bryan! I’m a content creator and co-founder of Storyteller Tech.
Experienced GoPro Videographer: I’ve been shooting with GoPro cameras for over 11 years. My first GoPro was the Hero3 Silver, bought for a Galapagos work trip in 2012. Today I own 20+ action cameras, including GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 cameras.
Professional Creator: Dena and I have developed video and content marketing plans for numerous international travel brands. And we also run several content businesses.
Bryan also creates at Storyteller.Travel and is co-founder of Storyteller Media, a Canadian-based publishing company.