Insta360 GO 3 Review: 5 Things I Like & 5 Things I'm Not So Keen On

The Insta360 GO 3 is the successor to the popular GO 2 action camera, and it brings some impressive improvements. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at the GO 3, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right camera for you.

5 Things I Like:

1. Tiny and Lightweight:

The GO 3 is incredibly compact and portable, even smaller than your thumb and weighing just 36 grams. This makes it a great choice for capturing everyday adventures on the go without being weighed down by bulky gear. I easily slipped it into my pocket during hikes and bike rides, and it fit snugly in the key pocket of my wetsuit while powderboarding.

2. Easy and Versatile Mounting:

The GO 3 comes with a variety of mounting options, making it incredibly versatile. You get a pendant mount that sits comfortably under your shirt, a clip mount for attaching to running shorts or a backpack strap, and a pivot mount with a sticky base for sticking to any flat surface. I found the pendant mount to be the most convenient, allowing me to quickly grab the camera and capture a moment whenever inspiration struck.

3. Action Pod with Touchscreen:

The new action pod is a game-changer for the GO 3. It doubles as a battery pack and remote control, featuring a responsive 5cm LCD touchscreen. This lets you preview your shots, change settings, and even start and stop recording remotely. The live preview continues even when you detach the camera from the pod, making it ideal for vlogging or capturing low-angle shots.

4. Excellent Image Stabilization:

The GO 3 boasts fantastic image stabilization, especially in free-frame video mode processed through the smartphone app. Even shaky footage from a chest mount on a bumpy bike ride comes out smooth and watchable. This makes the GO 3 a great option for action shots and capturing footage on the move.

5. HDR Photo and Pre-Recording Feature:

The GO 3’s HDR photo mode captures stunning detail in high-contrast scenes, perfect for outdoor adventures or cityscapes. Additionally, the pre-recording feature constantly records a 10-30 second buffer before you hit the record button, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. This is a handy feature for capturing unexpected action or spontaneous events.

5 Things I’m Not So Keen On:

1. Action Pod Fragility:

While the build quality is generally good, the action pod feels a bit fragile, especially the glass LCD screen. I’d be worried about damaging it in a fall or during rough activities. A more ruggedized case or screen protector would be welcome.

2. Exposed Lens:

The replaceable lens protrudes from the action pod, making it vulnerable to scratches and impacts. It’s also a bit tricky to remove, especially with gloves on. A recessed lens design or a protective lens cap would be a welcome improvement.

3. No MicroSD Card Slot:

The GO 3 only has integrated storage (32GB, 64GB, or 128GB), which can fill up quickly, especially when shooting in higher resolutions. The lack of a microSD card slot in the action pod makes it inconvenient to offload footage and expand storage capacity.

4. Slow Transfer Speeds:

Both USB-C and Wi-Fi file transfer speeds are on the slow side, taking a long time to copy footage to your computer or phone. This can be frustrating when you want to quickly share your captured moments.

5. Limited Resolution in Free-Frame Mode:

If you prefer the flexibility of free-frame video editing like me, you’re limited to 1440p resolution in this mode. While the footage still looks good, it might feel outdated compared to other action cameras that offer 4K or even 5K recording.

Overall:

Despite these drawbacks, the Insta360 GO 3 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a super-compact and versatile action camera. Its tiny size, easy mounting options, and excellent image stabilization make it ideal for capturing everyday adventures on the go. However, the action pod’s fragility, lack of microSD card slot, and slow transfer speeds might be dealbreakers for some users.

Here’s a quick comparison of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Incredibly compact and lightweight
• Versatile mounting options
• Action pod with touchscreen remote
• Excellent image stabilization
• HDR photo and pre-recording features

Cons:

• Action pod feels fragile
• Exposed lens
• No microSD card slot
• Slow

Price and Alternatives:

The Insta360 GO 3 starts at £400/$400, similar to the GoPro HERO10, which offers higher resolution (5.3K) and removable storage. If you mainly want a tiny camera for casual use and don’t need the action pod’s screen, the older GO 2 is still available for £300/$300. Additionally, Insta360’s flagship 360° camera, the X3, offers unparalleled immersive footage but comes at a significantly higher price.

Video and Audio Quality:

The GO 3 captures decent footage in good lighting conditions, with a maximum resolution of 2.7K at 30fps. However, the lack of 4K recording feels outdated for some users. In free-frame mode, even Full HD (1080p) is unavailable, which might be a limitation for those who prefer editing flexibility. The GO 3 boasts two microphones, capturing good audio for everyday use, but for serious content creators, an external microphone option would be desirable.

App Connectivity and Editing:

The Insta360 app is essential for unlocking the full potential of the GO 3. It allows you to access and process your footage, including cropping, adding effects, and applying FlowState stabilization in free-frame mode. The app is generally user-friendly but can feel a bit laggy on older phones. The ability to directly access and edit footage on the camera itself would be a welcome addition for situations where your phone isn’t readily available.

Target Audience:

The Insta360 GO 3 is ideal for adventurers, travelers, and everyday vloggers who value portability and convenience. It’s perfect for capturing quick clips, spontaneous moments, and documenting your daily life on the go. If you need a camera for professional productions or high-resolution action shots, you might want to consider alternative options with higher specs and ruggedness.

Who Should Buy It?

• Minimalists and travelers: If you prioritize a tiny and lightweight camera for capturing everyday moments, the GO 3 is a great choice.
• Content creators: The GO 3 is excellent for quick clips, B-roll footage, and vlogging on the go. However, its limitations in resolution and audio might not be suitable for professional work.
• Active individuals: The GO 3’s excellent image stabilization and versatile mounting options make it ideal for capturing action shots and activities.
• People who already own the GO 2: If you enjoyed the GO 2, the improved image quality, action pod with touchscreen, and pre-recording feature might justify the upgrade.

Who Should Pass?

• Photographers and videographers who need high resolution and professional features: Consider cameras with larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and higher video resolutions.
• Gamers and action sports enthusiasts: The GO 3 might not be rugged enough for intense activities or extreme sports.
• Those on a tight budget: The GO 3’s price tag might be off-putting for casual users who don’t need all its features.
• People who already own a GoPro Hero or similar action camera: If you already have a capable action camera, the GO 3 might not offer enough advantages to justify the additional cost.

The Verdict:

The Insta360 GO 3 is a remarkable little camera that packs a lot of punch into a tiny package. Its size, versatility, and image stabilization make it a great choice for capturing everyday moments on the go. However, the action pod’s fragility, lack of microSD card slot, and slow transfer speeds might deter some users. Ultimately, the GO 3 is a niche camera best suited for minimalists, adventurers, and content creators who prioritize portability and convenience over high-end specs.

Final Thoughts:

The Insta360 GO 3 offers a unique combination of size, functionality, and quality. It’s a reminder that great things can come in small packages. While it has its limitations, the GO 3 proves that you don’t always need bulky gear to capture amazing memories. It’s a perfect companion for capturing the joy of everyday adventures, spontaneous moments, and the beauty of the world around us.