Introduction
An All-Sky Camera is a specialized setup that continuously monitors the entire sky, day and night. It’s commonly used in astrophotography for capturing meteor showers, auroras, star trails, and other celestial events, as well as for general sky surveillance (like watching cloud cover or lightning in the daytime). In this article, we’ll walk through how to build a professional all-sky camera system using ZWO astrophotography components – specifically the ASI676MC color astronomy camera and the ASIAIR Plus (256G) smart controller – along with a sturdy tripod and a weatherproof enclosure. We will also explore whether an action camera (the Insta360 Ace Pro 2) could serve as an all-sky camera, and compare the two approaches in terms of setup, cost, and performance (especially for seeing stars at night). The goal is to determine which solution is better suited for round-the-clock sky monitoring, both for astrophotography at night and daylight sky observation, and why. Let’s dive into the build process, then examine how the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 stacks up against our DIY all-sky rig.
Components for a DIY All-Sky Camera System
Building a high-quality all-sky camera requires combining a sensitive low-light camera with hardware to control it and protect it from the elements. Below are the key components of our DIY setup and their roles:
- ZWO ASI676MC All-Sky Camera: A 12.6-megapixel USB astronomy camera known for its excellent low-light sensitivity and wide-field capability. This camera will capture the sky images.
- ZWO ASIAIR Plus (256G) Controller: A small WiFi-enabled control unit with 256 GB internal storage that will automate image capture and save the data. It acts as the “brain” of the system, allowing remote operation.
- Weatherproof Enclosure (with Dome): A protective housing to shield the camera from rain, snow, and dew. It typically includes a clear acrylic dome or window for the camera to view the sky and may incorporate a small heater or desiccant to prevent fogging.
- Tripod or Mount: A stable platform to point the camera upward. This can be a heavy-duty photographic tripod or a fixed mount on a roof or pole. It must securely hold the enclosure and camera, and allow an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Wide-Angle Lens: (Often included with or attached to the ASI676MC) A fisheye or ultra-wide lens to achieve nearly 180° field of view. The ASI676MC uses an interchangeable lens (C/CS mount); for all-sky use, a short focal length (e.g. 1.4–2.5 mm) lens is needed to cover the whole sky.
Each of these components is critical: the ASI676MC provides the imaging power and sensitivity, the ASIAIR Plus provides control and automation, the enclosure ensures 24/7 all-weather operation, and the lens + mounting determine the sky coverage. Now, let’s look more closely at the core electronics – the camera and controller – and why they are well suited for this project.
ZWO ASI676MC Camera – High Sensitivity for Night Sky
Figure: The ZWO ASI676MC camera (shown here with a 2.5 mm wide-angle lens attached) is a dedicated astronomy camera designed for all-sky imaging. It features Sony’s back-illuminated IMX676 sensor, offering exceptional low-light sensitivity and low noise, which ensures that even faint stars, meteors, and auroras are captured with clarity in dark night skies. This model was introduced by ZWO as a “planetary and all-sky” camera, meaning it can achieve very high frame rates for planets, but also has a wide-field mode ideal for the entire sky. With a 1/1.6″ sensor (12.6 MP resolution), it provides a large field of view when paired with a fisheye lens. The pixels are small (2.0 µm) but with high quantum efficiency (Sony STARVIS 2 technology), translating to great sensitivity to starlight. In practice, the ASI676MC can observe countless stars and meteor streaks across the sky throughout the night, thanks to its combination of low read noise and high dynamic range. Users have successfully used this camera for monitoring meteor showers and aurora borealis; ZWO advertises it as a “meteor-detecting, aurora-tracking, night-sky monitoring powerhouse” when used with an all-sky lens or dome.
Another advantage of the ASI676MC is that it’s a one-shot color camera (OSC). This means it captures color images in a single exposure (no need for separate filters), which is convenient for an all-sky cam – you’ll get natural-looking star colors and sky hues directly. The camera connects via USB 3.0 to a controller (in our case, the ASIAIR) and is powered through that connection. It also has an ST4 port if one ever wanted to use it for guiding, but that’s not needed in a fixed all-sky setup. In daylight, the ASI676MC can still be used – although it is very sensitive, you can set extremely short exposures (milliseconds) to avoid overexposure when the sun is up. The camera even has an internal IR-cut filter (built-in) to keep colors accurate in daytime. However, one must be careful during midday if the sun is in the frame: the lens and sensor should not be exposed to direct focused sunlight for too long. Some all-sky setups use a slight tint or neutral-density filter to reduce the sun’s intensity if continuous daytime use is required. Generally, though, the ASI676MC is flexible enough to capture daytime sky images (showing clouds, etc.) at very short exposures, and nighttime stars with long exposures – fulfilling the dual role of astrophotography and daytime monitoring.
In summary, the ASI676MC is an excellent choice because of its astrophotography-grade performance: it will show many more stars and faint night phenomena than typical security or action cameras. It’s specifically engineered to have very low noise in dark conditions and can even record an entire night of meteors or star trails without missing faint details. This gives it a clear edge for night sky capture. Next, we need a way to run this camera autonomously – that’s where the ASIAIR Plus comes in.
ZWO ASIAIR Plus (256G) – Smart Controller and Storage
The ZWO ASIAIR Plus is a compact Linux-based controller that simplifies running astrophotography sessions. It’s essentially a little computer (previous versions were Raspberry-Pi based, but the new 256G model uses upgraded internal hardware) that connects to the ASI camera and other gear, and can be controlled wirelessly via an app. For our all-sky camera, the ASIAIR will: power and control the ASI676MC, handle image capture (taking continuous photos or time-lapse sequences), save the files to its onboard 256 GB eMMC storage, and allow us to access the system remotely (over WiFi or network) to change settings or view the images. This makes the all-sky setup fully automated and wirelessly accessible.
Using the ASIAIR is convenient – you simply connect the ASI camera to one of its USB3 ports, and connect the ASIAIR’s power input to a 12V DC source (for example, an AC adapter or a battery). The ASIAIR Plus has multiple DC outputs as well, which could drive accessories like a small dew heater to keep the dome clear (it’s common to include a heater strip around the dome to prevent dew or frost). It also features an intuitive mobile app. Through the app, you can preview the camera feed, adjust exposure length, gain (ISO), and schedule sequences. For instance, you could program the ASIAIR to take 20-second exposures continuously all night or to capture a timelapse with a specific interval. The 256 GB of internal memory provides ample space for storing these images or videos – even if you’re saving hundreds of full-resolution frames, you won’t run out of space quickly. (To illustrate, a single 12 MP image is only a few megabytes; 244 GB usable storage can hold tens of thousands of images easily.) By eliminating the previous model’s reliance on a microSD card (the new version has internal eMMC storage), the ASIAIR Plus 256G is also faster and more reliable in writing data.
Another benefit of the ASIAIR is that it can run unattended all night. It’s designed for astrophotographers to automate long imaging sessions, so it can certainly handle an overnight all-sky run. You can even use its features like built-in planets and stars database or plate-solving for other purposes, but for an all-sky camera we mainly use its capture and storage capabilities. When you wake up in the morning, you can review the images via the app or transfer them. If something interesting happened (e.g. a bright meteor), you have it saved. The ASIAIR Plus also has an option to record video (up to the camera’s limits) if, say, you wanted a real-time video of part of the night sky. The connectivity (WiFi range ~20 m with the external antenna) means you could set the all-sky camera outside (perhaps on your lawn or roof) and sit indoors monitoring the feed on a tablet – a nice convenience (no need to stay out in the cold!). As High Point Scientific’s description puts it, “the ASIAIR Plus is an all-in-one control solution that allows you to control your camera, mount, and other equipment from your smartphone or tablet via the ASIAIR app”. In our case we only have a camera (no telescope mount to move), but the principle is the same – we have full remote control.
Tripod and Weatherproof Housing
To complete the physical build: you’ll mount the ASI676MC (with its lens) inside a weatherproof enclosure that has a clear dome. Many people DIY this using an outdoor electrical junction box or PVC pipe section and a clear acrylic dome (often repurposed from security camera domes). The camera is fixed inside such that the lens is just below the dome, facing upward. You should seal any gaps to ensure rain can’t ingress, and optionally include desiccant (silica gel packs) inside to absorb moisture. If you expect frost or dew, a small resistive heater or heating tape around the edge of the dome helps keep it clear (the ASIAIR itself generates some heat which can be routed to the dome area – one DIY builder noted that the heat from a Raspberry Pi or PoE splitter in the enclosure helped prevent frost on the dome). The enclosure protects the camera and the ASIAIR (you can either place the ASIAIR inside the same box if there’s room and not too much heat, or keep it just outside and run a USB cable in – just ensure any cable pass-throughs are sealed). The tripod or mounting pole should be robust enough to remain steady in wind. A standard camera tripod works if you can secure the enclosure on it; alternatively, some have mounted all-sky cameras on a pole or the side of a building with a custom bracket. The camera should be roughly level (pointing straight up) for a full 360° sky view; you may want to align one axis to true north if you plan to create star trail images that show the celestial pole, but it’s not strictly necessary for monitoring purposes.
Finally, consider power supply and cable management. Both the camera and the ASIAIR need power. The ASI676MC draws power over USB, which it gets from the ASIAIR’s USB port. The ASIAIR itself needs a 12 V DC input. In a permanent setup, you could run a 12 V DC line from an AC/DC adapter inside your house to the outside location. Alternatively, some all-sky camera enthusiasts use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for long runs (as mentioned in one DIY project, PoE can both power the device and provide network, minimizing cables). The ASIAIR has WiFi, but you could also connect it via Ethernet cable to your router for reliable remote access (the Plus model has a gigabit Ethernet port). Ensure the power source is continuous if you want 24/7 operation. For daytime usage, you might either continue taking images (short exposures) or set the system to standby and perhaps capture an image every few minutes for weather monitoring – the choice is yours. The ASIAIR can be programmed or manually controlled for either approach.
Cost (DIY System): Before we compare with the Insta360, let’s tally the approximate cost for this DIY all-sky rig. The main expenses are the camera and controller: the ZWO ASI676MC camera retails for about $399 (around €370–€400 in Europe), and the ASIAIR Plus (256G version) is about $349 (roughly €330–€350). A suitable wide-angle lens (if not included) might be ~€50, though many ASI cameras are sold with a basic 2.5 mm “all-sky” lens option. The weatherproof enclosure parts (box, dome, seals, etc.) can be done on a budget – perhaps €50–€100 for everything (DIY solutions have been done for under €50 using common materials, but if you buy a high-quality dome and case it could be closer to €100). A sturdy tripod might cost €50–€150, depending on what you choose (you may already have one). Summing these, a complete DIY all-sky camera setup would cost on the order of €800–€900 for brand-new components. It could be a bit less if you find deals or repurpose equipment (for example, an old tripod), or more if you add accessories (like a dedicated all-sky dome with heater). For our comparison, we’ll keep in mind roughly ~€850 as the investment for the ZWO-based solution.
Using the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 as an All-Sky Camera
Now let’s consider the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 – a consumer 8K action camera – as an alternative for an all-sky camera. The Ace Pro 2 is a recent action cam co-engineered with Leica, boasting impressive specs for its class: an 8K video resolution, a relatively large 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, and a very wide lens (157° field of view) in a compact, rugged body. It’s designed for things like biking, vlogging, and travel footage. But can it point upwards and continuously capture the sky? The short answer is yes, it can be used in an all-sky capacity, but with some caveats to be aware of.
Figure: The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a waterproof 8K action camera with a 1/1.3″ sensor and a 157° ultra-wide lens (f/2.6). It has a flip-up touchscreen and is built for rugged use. This camera can record high-resolution video and time-lapses, even at night using special modes, which makes it possible to use as an all-sky camera. However, as a general-purpose action cam, its low-light performance has limits – users report that nighttime footage can appear noisy and grainy compared to dedicated astro cameras.
Advantages of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 for all-sky use: First, simplicity and integration – it’s a single self-contained unit that is already weatherproof (rated IPX8, usable underwater to 12 m depth). That means the Ace Pro 2 can handle rain or snow out of the box, without needing a separate housing. You could mount it on a tripod or an outdoor mount and not worry about water damage. Its lens is an ultra-wide (157°) which covers a large portion of the sky – not the full hemisphere at once, but most of it. (For reference, 157° is slightly less than the 180° needed for true horizon-to-horizon coverage. If placed pointing straight up, it will see the entire sky except a small band near the horizon. This is usually sufficient for capturing weather and most celestial events overhead.) The Ace Pro 2 can shoot 8K video at up to 30 fps, or 4K video at up to 60 fps with an Active HDR mode. It also has a Starlapse mode for night sky time-lapses, which automatically adjusts settings to capture star trails or low-light scenes over time. Importantly, the camera has an internal battery (1800 mAh) that can last about 3 hours of continuous recording under optimal conditions. Furthermore, external power is supported: you can plug the Ace Pro 2 into a USB-C power source (like a power bank or AC adapter) while it’s operating, and it will draw external power to run continuously. This is crucial for an overnight all-sky camera – by supplying external power, you can overcome the 3-hour battery limit and run the camera all night (or indefinitely). In fact, Insta360’s support confirmed that the camera will prioritize external power when connected, effectively bypassing battery constraints for long recordings.
During the daytime, the Ace Pro 2 will have no issues – its auto-exposure system will adjust for bright daylight, and the sky footage will look good (it’s similar to using a GoPro or any action cam for filming outdoors). The dynamic range and 8K resolution mean you’ll capture clouds, birds, planes, etc., in fine detail. It’s at night that things get interesting: the Ace Pro 2’s large sensor and special PureVideo low-light mode do help it in dark conditions. It can definitely record bright stars, planets, or the moon. The camera’s Starlapse mode can create beautiful star trail videos by combining long exposures – for example, you might get dramatic circular star trail images after a few hours of recording. Insta360 even markets the Ace Pro 2’s ability to do night sky lapses and star trails as a feature, highlighting its noise reduction and AI processing for low-light scenes. So, yes, the stars do show up on the Ace Pro 2’s footage, especially the brighter ones and if you use the dedicated modes.
Limitations and considerations: Despite its capabilities, the Ace Pro 2 is not specifically designed for astronomy. Users have noted that in very low light (nighttime city scenes, etc.), the footage can be noisy and the small sensor struggles unless you drop the frame rate and enable all the noise reduction features. One Reddit user compared their Ace Pro 2’s low-light video and found their smartphone produced cleaner results, feeling some “buyer’s remorse” at the graininess. An Insta360 representative responded explaining that such issues can arise from motion blur and high ISO noise in dark environments, and suggested using the proper modes and settings (like the PureVideo+ mode at 30 fps, which maximizes low-light quality). This indicates that while the Ace Pro 2 has the capability to film at night, you must tweak settings to get optimal results, and even then the quality is limited by the physics of a small camera sensor. Stars on the Ace Pro 2 will not be as numerous or as crisp as on the ASI676MC. The astronomy camera can do long exposures (say 10–20 s each) and has a very low noise floor, capturing faint pinpoint stars. The Ace Pro 2, by contrast, even with long exposure mode, will apply aggressive noise reduction and still might only clearly show the brighter stars and maybe the Milky Way outline. Fine details like subtle auroras or very dim meteors could be missed or lost in noise. Indeed, one user outright returned their Ace Pro (first gen) due to disappointment with low-light performance, noting it was noisy even before it was fully dark. The Ace Pro 2 is improved over the first gen, but it’s still an action cam at heart – optimized for moving subjects in moderate light, not static stars in extremely low light.
Another factor is field of view coverage. To truly replicate an all-sky camera, you’d prefer a 180° fisheye view. The Ace Pro 2’s 157° lens will miss a bit near the horizon. If mounted on a high pole looking straight up, it should still cover essentially the entire sky above ~15° elevation. You might have to live with the very edges (horizon ring) not in frame. On the plus side, the Ace’s image will have less distortion at the edges than a full 180° fisheye typically does, because it’s not stretching to the absolute horizon.
One more consideration: data and storage. The Ace Pro 2 records to a microSD card (up to 1 TB supported). High-bitrate 8K video will consume a lot of space and also generate large files that are a bit unwieldy for daily review. An alternative is using time-lapse photo mode or star lapse mode, which might save individual frames or a processed video. If you plan to run it all night, make sure to use a high-capacity memory card and possibly set the camera to a mode that doesn’t fill it up too fast (for instance, taking a photo every X seconds rather than 30 fps video for 8 hours). There’s no continuous overwriting “loop” mode for 8K on the Ace (as far as I know), so it will just keep recording until the card is full or the camera stops; you’ll need to manage the data. By contrast, the ASIAIR approach was to save images and possibly let you auto-delete older ones or manually clear space. With the Ace, you’d likely transfer the files out daily or use multiple cards if not attending to it for long stretches.
Cost (Ace Pro 2): The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is priced around €449 for the standard single-battery package. In the US it’s about $399, essentially the same price point as the ASI676MC camera alone. You might consider buying an extra battery or accessory kits, but for an all-sky usage, the most important accessory would be a way to power it continuously. Fortunately, you can just use a USB-C cable to a USB charger. If the camera is mounted outdoors, you’d want a weather-resistant connection. There are third-party kits (for the prior Ace Pro) that provided a sealed power cable mount for action cams, although for the Ace Pro 2 you’d have to ensure the USB port cover remains slightly open for the cable – meaning its waterproofing might be compromised unless you shield that. Perhaps housing the camera under a small shelter (or DIYing a gasket around the cable) could solve that. In any case, aside from maybe €20–€50 for mounting accessories or a long USB cable, the €449 is basically your complete cost for this solution. You get the camera, built-in software, etc. No separate computer or housing required (though again, if leaving it out 24/7, a simple cover from direct sun/rain might prolong its life – UV light and very harsh weather could degrade it over time, despite its robust build).
Comparison: ZWO ASI676MC System vs. Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Now that we’ve described both approaches, which is better for an all-sky camera and why? Let’s break down the comparison into a few key factors: Night Sky Performance, Daytime Use, Automation & Ease of Use, and Cost.
Night Sky Performance (Star Visibility and Image Quality)
When it comes to capturing stars and other night phenomena, the ASI676MC + ASIAIR system has a clear advantage. It is purpose-built for astronomy: the camera’s back-illuminated sensor and low-noise electronics mean it can record brilliant starscapes with outstanding clarity even in very dark conditions, and it can detect faint meteors, satellites, or nebulosity that a general camera likely won’t pick up. Each exposure can be long (several seconds) without much noise, and the ASIAIR can stack or save RAW frames for later processing. The resulting images or time-lapses will show far more stars and with better fidelity. In contrast, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, while quite advanced for an action cam, is limited by its smaller sensor pixel size and the need to avoid too much motion blur in video. Real user feedback shows that the Ace Pro 2’s low-light footage tends to be noisy and grainy, with detail smoothed out by noise reduction. It may capture the brightest stars and meteor trails (especially if a fireball occurs – that would be obvious on any camera), but it will not capture the full spectacle of the Milky Way or very dim shooting stars as clearly as the ASI676MC can. The ASI676MC’s high dynamic range can even preserve bright and faint details in the same frame (for example, a bright moon and faint stars together), whereas the Ace might blow out bright objects or lose faint ones.
To put it simply: for astrophotography purposes (night sky), the ZWO system is better. It’s the difference between a specialized scientific instrument and a do-it-all gadget. The ZWO will give you cleaner, more detailed sky images. The Ace Pro 2 can produce decent night lapses – especially star trails or if you just want to watch cloud patterns by moonlight – but if your goal is to document as many stars and meteors as possible or do scientific monitoring, the ZWO is the way to go. This is why astronomy enthusiasts are willing to spend more for cameras like the ASI676MC; it delivers on showing things like a magnitude +6 star or a very faint meteor that an action cam would likely miss. (On the other hand, if you only care about capturing major events – say the Moon, bright planets, or a fireball meteor – the Ace could suffice, but you’d be missing a lot of the subtle activity.)
Daytime Sky Monitoring
Both systems can handle daytime sky monitoring, but here the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 actually has an edge in convenience. The Ace is meant to operate in daylight by default – its auto settings will adapt from bright noon sun to twilight seamlessly. It has HDR modes to deal with bright clouds and shadowy landscapes, so capturing a sky with clouds, sunlit and shade, etc., will look nice. The ASIAIR+ASI camera can certainly be used in daytime, but you would need to adjust the exposure manually (or write a script) to use very short exposures during the day. It might not adjust automatically if conditions change (for example, if a cloud covers the sun, a fixed exposure might temporarily make the image too dark or too bright when the sun reappears). There’s no true auto-exposure on the ASIAIR’s imaging for the ASI camera – astrophotography usually assumes manual control. So, for all-day unattended use, you’d likely have to find a compromise exposure or remotely tweak it. You could also physically add an ND filter to cut light during the day and remove it at night (but that means manual intervention). The Ace Pro 2 handles all that automatically with its camera firmware. Thus, for weather cam or daylight use, the Ace is simpler – just set it and forget it. Also, the Ace’s built-in stabilization and horizon leveling aren’t particularly needed for a static sky view, but if you ever wanted to repurpose it, it’s multipurpose (whereas the ASI676 is not useful outside of connected imaging sessions).
Image quality in daytime will be good on both; the ASI676MC can produce very sharp images too, but it might have rolling shutter distortion if it’s windy and the camera shakes during an exposure (since it doesn’t stabilize video like the Ace does). The Ace’s wide angle (157°) will show a nice wide expanse of sky. The ASI676MC’s view depends on the lens you use – you could give it a full 180° fisheye which would even show the horizon all around, something the Ace can’t do. So, if full-sky coverage is needed (e.g. to catch something right at the horizon), the ASI with a fisheye wins on field of view. For most practical purposes, though, both cover “the sky above”.
Automation and Ease of Use
In terms of setup complexity and operation, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is clearly less complex to get running. You mount it, press record (or use the app), and you have a recording. No extra devices, no software fiddling beyond camera menus. The ASI676MC + ASIAIR system, by contrast, involves assembling components, powering multiple devices, and using the ASIAIR app which has a learning curve (albeit not too steep for basic tasks). There is also the maintenance of the enclosure – ensuring the dome is clean, making sure the ASIAIR stays dry, etc. The Ace Pro 2 is a single sealed unit; you might just need to occasionally wipe its lens. On the other hand, the flexibility of the ASIAIR is greater – you can fine-tune exactly how and when images are taken, write custom sequences, etc. The Ace Pro 2’s firmware is less flexible in that sense (for example, if you wanted to capture one image every minute for an entire week, the Ace might not have a built-in intervalometer for that exact scenario, whereas the ASIAIR could be programmed to do so, or you could just leave it running and have huge video files to later break apart).
One thing to note: remote access and networking. The ASIAIR, being essentially a tiny computer, can be accessed over your network; you could potentially configure it to upload images to a server or view the live feed on a PC (through the app or some hacks). The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is primarily meant to have its footage downloaded after the fact or live-viewed through the phone app at short range. It doesn’t stream its feed over the internet out-of-the-box. If you needed to constantly monitor the sky in real time from anywhere, the ASIAIR-based setup might be adapted for that (for instance, by periodically uploading images to a website). The Ace would require you to be within WiFi/Bluetooth range to see the live view on the phone (it’s not a security camera with remote webcast capability). So for real-time remote surveillance, the ASIAIR setup could be more powerful if configured right. If that’s not a requirement, and you’re fine retrieving the data later or being nearby to watch live, then the Ace is fine.
Cost Comparison
As calculated earlier, the ASI676MC + ASIAIR + enclosure + tripod setup is roughly €800–€900. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is about €449 (with possibly a bit more for a large memory card and mounting accessories). Clearly, the Ace Pro 2 route is cheaper – on the order of half the cost of the DIY system. Even if we consider some extras for the Ace (say a €50 stand and a €50 power adapter/cable), you’re still well under the astro setup cost. The astro setup’s cost could potentially be reduced if you already own a tripod or find cheaper DIY solutions, but it’s difficult to beat the simplicity of “one device for €449” in terms of budget. In summary, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the less expensive option upfront.
Of course, value is tied to what you get out of it: if your goal is serious all-night sky monitoring (for research or passionate meteor observing), the extra cost of the ZWO system might be justified by its performance. But if your goal is more casual – e.g. seeing a live view of the sky, capturing occasional meteors, and also using the camera for other hobbies – then the Ace Pro 2 gives a lot of bang for the buck.
Summary: Which is Better and Why?
- All-Sky Camera Performance: The ZWO ASI676MC + ASIAIR is better for capturing stars, meteors, and faint night details. It’s purpose-built for astrophotography, resulting in clearer and more numerous stars in the images. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can record the night sky to an extent (especially bright stars and star trails), but its low-light image quality is inferior – expect more noise and fewer visible stars (user feedback: “noisy, grainy and overall poor quality” in low light). If seeing as many stars as possible is the priority, the ZWO wins by a wide margin.
- Daytime and Versatility: The Ace Pro 2 is extremely easy for daytime sky monitoring – it’s essentially plug-and-play, with great auto-exposure for daylight. The ASI676MC can do daytime but needs manual setting adjustments. The Ace is also a multipurpose action camera; you can detach it and use it for other filming projects. The ZWO camera is specialized and will always need a computer (ASIAIR or laptop) to operate. So for general versatility and daytime convenience, the Ace Pro 2 is better.
- Ease of Setup: The Ace requires almost no setup – mount it and go. The ZWO system requires a custom build (housing, wiring, etc.) which is a fun DIY project for some, but a hurdle for others. If you don’t want to tinker, the Ace is appealing.
- Automation/Remote Control: The ASIAIR-based system offers rich remote-control capabilities and can be left running autonomously, with huge storage for data. It’s ideal if you want to collect data unattended nightly and perhaps network it. The Ace Pro 2 can run on external power and record long sessions, but accessing its footage or live view remotely (beyond short-range WiFi) is not straightforward. You’ll likely have to manually retrieve the camera or card to get the data after each session.
- Weatherproofing: Both can be made to work 24/7 outdoors. The Ace is inherently weatherproof (just take care if running a cable out of its port). The ASI camera must have a good enclosure to survive outside. That said, many amateurs have built weatherproof all-sky enclosures successfully – it’s just an extra step.
Conclusion: If your primary goal is a professional-quality all-sky camera for astrophotography (meteor captures, star monitoring) and budget is not the biggest concern, the ZWO ASI676MC + ASIAIR Plus setup is the superior choice. It will simply show you more of the night sky and do so with higher fidelity than the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can. It’s the kind of setup used by serious sky observers and even research projects (for example, universities or meteor networks often use astronomy cameras in weatherproof domes for continuous sky surveillance). On the other hand, if you want a simple, lower-cost solution that can still give you a decent view of the sky (and maybe double as a general camera), the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is attractive. It’s easier to deploy, and at roughly half the cost, it might achieve enough of what you need, especially for mixed day/night use where ultimate sensitivity isn’t required.
In terms of which is “better” as an All-Sky Camera, it depends on your priorities: performance vs. convenience. The ZWO system is better in performance (especially at night), and the Insta360 is better in convenience and price. If we strictly interpret “All-Sky Camera” to mean capturing the whole night sky with stars visible continuously, then the ZWO system is the better All-Sky Camera – it is literally marketed for “all-sky observation” and “can record an entire night of meteor activity”, which it executes excellently. If instead one is looking for a gadget to casually monitor the sky 24/7, perhaps to watch cloud timelapses by day and have a chance at catching a meteor at night, and you don’t want to manage a complex setup, then the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 might be “good enough” and much simpler.
Final Thoughts
Building your own all-sky camera with astronomy components is a rewarding project that will yield the best results for night sky imaging. You’ll end up with a system that can document the heavens in great detail. The ASI676MC + ASIAIR Plus combo, though relatively expensive, is a proven solution for serious sky monitoring – expect to invest around €800+ for the whole setup, but you’ll get superb night images and a system that can run nightly with minimal oversight. On the other hand, repurposing an action camera like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is an interesting alternative for those on a tighter budget or who prefer an off-the-shelf solution. For approximately €449 you get a very capable camera that can watch the sky and survive the weather. It won’t match the astro camera in faint star performance, and you’ll have to work around some limitations (power and data management), but it’s an option that might satisfy casual requirements.
In summary, for the best all-sky astrophotography results, go with the ASI676MC + ASIAIR setup – it’s more expensive and complex, but delivers superior night sky footage. If cost or simplicity is paramount, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can serve as a basic all-sky cam, excelling in ease of use and still providing high-resolution coverage of the sky (especially for daytime and bright night events). By weighing these trade-offs, you can choose the solution that fits your needs. Clear skies and happy sky watching!
Sources: The information above is based on product specifications and user experiences. The ZWO ASI676MC camera is highlighted for its ability to capture immersive all-sky imagery with brilliant starscapes and meteors, and the ASIAIR Plus controller’s features (256 GB storage, wireless control) are documented by the manufacturer. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s specs (8K sensor, 157° FOV, ~3 hour battery) and price are from Insta360 and retailer data. User feedback about the Ace Pro 2’s low-light performance (noise and grain in dark footage) comes from real-world usage discussions. Additionally, the Ace Pro 2’s ability to be powered during operation is confirmed by official support. These references collectively support the comparison and conclusions made above, helping you make an informed decision on the best approach for an all-sky camera.