The Insta360 Go 3, now in its third generation and starting at a price of $379.99, offers enhanced versatility. When used on its own, this wearable camera captures high-quality 2.7K30 video and is suitable for underwater adventures, allowing you to go as deep as 16 feet. Additionally, the included Action Pod housing enables it to function like a GoPro for conventional handheld shots when needed.
Insta360 Go 3 legacy
The Go 3, which is compact and capsule-shaped much like its predecessors, introduces a smart addition called the Action Pod accessory. This Action Pod is essentially a standard action camera housing without the camera itself, and the Go 3 attaches to it magnetically. While it’s not mandatory to use, it enhances the Go 3’s functionality compared to previous models. The Action Pod boasts a flip-over design touch screen, allowing you to set up shots from both behind and in front of the camera lens.
Additionally, it cleverly doubles as a remote control for the Go 3 when detached and can display a live view from the camera. When used without the Pod, the Go 3 has compact dimensions, measuring just 2.1 by 1.0 by 0.9 inches (HWD) and weighing 1.2 ounces. Due to its small size, it cannot accommodate standard storage cards while maintaining its waterproof capability. As a result, Insta360 offers it in several configurations with varying storage capacities: $379.99 for 32GB, $399.99 for 64GB, and $429.99 for 128GB.
On its own, the Go 3 camera boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to be used for snorkeling or swimming at depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters). The Action Pod housing, rated at IPX4, is suitable for use in rainy conditions but should not be submerged. It has dimensions of 1.9 by 2.5 by 1.2 inches and weighs 3.4 ounces. The 2.2-inch touch screen may be compact, but it offers sufficient space for easy tapping on icons and adjusting settings. The touchscreen is responsive and accurate, and its flip-over design is particularly useful for vloggers who want to capture themselves.
The camera module features a single button that, by default, initiates recording. You can change its default capture mode via the camera menu (accessible through the Action Pod’s screen) or set it to require a double press to reduce the chances of accidental recordings. A red indicator light on the Go 3 flashes when it’s actively recording footage. It also supports basic voice commands, such as “Start Recording” or “Take a Photo.” The built-in microphones deliver clear and loud audio, although it’s worth noting that the audio quality naturally degrades in noisy environments.
Remarkable battery performance
The Go 3 camera boasts an impressive capacity to record approximately 40 minutes of 2.7K30 footage on its built-in, non-removable battery—a pleasantly surprising duration for a camera of its size. Moreover, when paired with the Action Pod, it extends the runtime by an additional two hours. Therefore, recording long-form content shouldn’t pose any challenges with either option. However, it’s important to note that the non-removable battery does have some limitations. You cannot replace it with a spare battery for quick capture opportunities, and over time, its battery life will naturally degrade.
Insta360’s choice to cap the video resolution and frame rate at 2.7K30 or 1440p50 has its advantages in this context. In contrast, the GoPro Hero11 Mini tends to generate a significant amount of heat and has a shorter battery life, partially due to its capability to record up to 5.3K60 video. The Go 3, on the other hand, doesn’t need to handle as much data. Its single slow-motion mode, which offers 1080p120 resolution, is relatively modest compared to the capabilities of other action cameras.
The Action Pod comes equipped with a single USB-C port, primarily for recharging and transferring files to a computer. It serves as a charging container for the camera module, which lacks a conventional charging port. If you prefer to edit on your smartphone, you can download the Insta360 app, which is accessible for both Android and iOS devices.
Video at 2.7K30 with digital stabilization
When it comes to video quality, the Go 3 offers a mixed bag of results. Let’s start with the positive aspects: The 2.7K30 footage is crisp and sharp, and it provides a range of color profile options. You have the choice of selecting standard, vivid, or flat profiles for basic editing, or you can apply in-camera creative filters for a unique look.
Switching between Ultra, Action, Linear, and Narrow views of the lens is a breeze. The Ultra view exhibits some fish-eye distortion but covers an extensive frame equivalent to an 11mm lens at F2.2. The Action view eliminates distortion at the center but widens the edges of the frame for a broader perspective. The Linear option maintains a wide field of view while keeping horizon lines straight. Lastly, the Narrow selection aligns with the view of a standard-angle lens.
Digital stabilization works remarkably well for standard handheld recordings, delivering smooth and steady footage. However, when it comes to wearable use, the results can be disappointing. The stabilization system struggles to cope with the uneven motion associated with walking, so it’s advisable to use this configuration primarily for static shots and short clips.
It’s also important to highlight FreeForm video. While it involves assembling clips in the Insta360 app, it captures the entire circular view of the lens rather than a traditional rectangular frame. This approach provides flexibility, allowing you to extract a 1440p frame at different ratios such as 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1, suitable for various social media platforms. Although the editing process for FreeForm clips can be somewhat cumbersome, creators who need to produce content for both widescreen and vertical devices may still find it valuable.
