Insta360 GO3: Review and Test

Guillaume H
Jun 30
7 min read

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the Insta360 GO 3 , a revolutionary action camera that promises to transform the way you capture your adventures. Compact, lightweight, and incredibly versatile, the Insta360 GO 3 stands out for its ability to seamlessly integrate into a variety of scenarios, from everyday activities to the most extreme adventures.

In this article, we'll dive into a detailed review of the Insta360 GO 3 , examining its features, performance, and user feedback. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding videographer, or simply looking for a handy camera to document your day, you'll discover why the Insta360 GO 3 might be the perfect device for your needs.

Join us in this comprehensive review to discover how the Insta360 GO 3 pushes the boundaries of compact videography, delivering exceptional image quality, unmatched ease of use, and versatility that adapts to every moment of your life.

Insta360 GO 3 Design and Features

The Insta360 GO 3 impresses with its compact design and advanced features, positioning itself as an ideal choice for videographers looking for flexibility and creativity. Here are some of its key features:

Ultra-Compact Design : Weighing only 35.5g and measuring 25.6 x 54.4 x 23.2mm, the Insta360 GO 3 is remarkably small, offering unmatched portability for an action camera.
Video Quality : Capable of shooting in 2.7K30, it delivers impressive video quality for its size, suitable for various applications, from vlogging to sports adventures.
FlowState Stabilization : This feature ensures smooth and stable videos, even in the most hectic situations, which is crucial for shooting on the move.
Waterproof : With water resistance up to 5 meters, the Insta360 GO 3 is ready for aquatic adventures.
Storage Options : Available in 32GB, 64GB or 128GB versions, it offers sufficient internal storage space for your extended shooting sessions.
Voice Control : Enhanced voice control makes using the camera more convenient, especially in situations where hands are not free.
Connectivity and App : Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi, the Insta360 GO 3 syncs easily with smartphones for fast file transfer and simplified editing via the Insta360 app.

The Insta360 GO 3 combines innovative design with cutting-edge features, offering users unprecedented creative freedom in a pocket-sized format.

Insta360 GO 3 User Experience and Ease of Use

The Insta360 GO 3 shines not only for its compact size and technical features, but also for its intuitive user experience and ease of use. Here are some key points:

Battery Life and Recording Time : In standalone mode, the GO 3 offers approximately 45 minutes of continuous 1080p recording. When connected to the Action Pod, which also serves as a charging case, battery life increases to 170 minutes.
Control and Connectivity : The GO 3's Action Pod acts as a wireless remote control for the camera, providing live view and remote control within a few meters. Connectivity is provided by Bluetooth 5.0 and 5GHz Wi-Fi, while a USB-C port handles charging and data transfers.
Stabilization and Image Quality : The GO 3 features FlowState electronic image stabilization and horizon leveling, which are extremely effective at transforming shaky footage into smooth scenes. It records video in 2.7K (at 30/25/24fps), 1440p, and 1080p (at 50/30/25/24fps), delivering excellent detail and color quality in a variety of conditions.
Mounting Options and Accessories : Thanks to its magnetic design, the GO 3 easily attaches to a variety of metal surfaces and Insta360 accessories, allowing for creative shooting from different angles. Accessories such as the Adjustable Magnetic Pendant and 2-in-1 Mini Tripod offer even more flexibility.
Waterproof and Durable : The GO 3 is waterproof up to 4.87 meters, making it suitable for both land and water activities. The Action Pod is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, requiring a separate dive case for deep underwater use.

Overall, the Insta360 GO 3 proves to be an ultra-portable and versatile action camera, offering a simplified user experience and remarkable performance for its size. Whether for quick recordings or more elaborate creative projects, it meets the expectations of users looking for a compact and efficient solution.

Insta360 GO 3 Performance and Image Quality

The Insta360 GO 3 stands out for its exceptional performance and image quality, despite its compact size. Here are some key aspects to note:

Video Quality : The GO 3 captures high-quality 2.7K30 video, delivering remarkable resolution and sharpness for a device of this size. Its ability to transform between a traditional action camera and a handheld camera makes it extremely versatile for various types of shots.
FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Leveling : FlowState electronic stabilization and horizon leveling are extremely effective, transforming shaky footage into smooth scenes that look as if they could have been shot with a gimbal.
Innovative Accessories : The GO 3 comes with a wide range of accessories, including an action pod with a selfie screen, offering an unparalleled vlogging experience for an action camera. Its magnetic design opens up a wide range of mounting options, with or without additional accessories.
Waterproof and Durable : The GO 3 is waterproof up to 5 meters underwater, while the action pod is splash and rain resistant. The camera's ruggedness has been tested in a variety of conditions, proving its durability against accidental drops and intensive use.
Improvements over the GO 2 : Compared to the previous model, the GO 3 offers better video quality, with additional features such as pre-recording and scheduled capture, while maintaining its compact design and ease of use.

Comparison between the Insta360 GO 3 and the Insta360 GO 2

Two years after the launch of the GO 2, the Insta360 GO 3 has arrived with several improvements and new features. Here's a comparative look at the two models:

New GO 3 Features : The GO 3 features a new Action Pod with a flip-out screen, longer battery life, and new video modes. These improvements enhance its versatility and usefulness in a variety of settings.
Design : Both models are similar in their compact, pill-shaped design, but the GO 3's Action Pod, with its LCD touchscreen for framing shots and adjusting settings, is a significant step up from the GO 2's charging case.
Image Quality : The GO 3 offers better image quality with 2.7K video recording capabilities, compared to the GO 2's 1440p limit. It also benefits from software tweaks to improve image processing, reducing grain and slightly improving dynamic range.
Stabilization and Filming Modes : Both equipped with FlowState stabilization and 360-degree horizon leveling, the GO 3 adds specific picture profiles for various activities, providing more control over the appearance of the image.
Size and Weight : The GO 2 is smaller and lighter than the GO 3, which can be an advantage for uses requiring the greatest portability, such as mounting on miniature drones.
Battery Life : The GO 3 has a 310mAh battery that provides up to 45 minutes of recording time without the pod, a significant improvement over the GO 2's 210mAh battery.
Mounting System : The GO 3 introduces a magnetic clamp mounting system, which works with both the Action Pod and the camera itself, providing quick and secure mounting options.
Software and Features : Both cameras use the same Insta360 app, but the GO 3 introduces new recording modes, including pre-capture and scheduled recording.

Insta360 GO 3 User Reviews and Feedback

The Insta360 GO 3 has received generally positive feedback from users, highlighting its many strengths while noting some limitations. Here's a summary of the reviews and feedback:

Versatility and Accessories : Users appreciate its versatility and the variety of accessories it comes with. For example, the hat clip is ideal for recording sports activities, providing a high perspective and covering a larger area. The quick-release mount is also recommended for those planning to vlog with a tripod or monopod.
Video and Photo Quality : In daylight, photo and video quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and good detail reproduction. Insta360's FlowState stabilization is effective at reducing judder and shake, even when walking or running. However, in low light, performance is average, with noise and occasional haloing due to the small sensor size and narrow aperture.
Battery Life and Connection : The GO 3 offers approximately 45 minutes of continuous 1080p recording, which can be extended to 170 minutes with the Action Pod. However, some users have noted that the connection between the camera and the Action Pod can be unstable at distances greater than 10 meters.
Design and Ease of Use : Its magnetic design simplifies mounting on a wide range of surfaces and Insta360 accessories. The camera's simple design and quick start button are appreciated for their ease of use.
Waterproofing and Durability : The GO 3 is waterproof up to 4.87 meters, making it suitable for both land and water activities. However, for deeper underwater use, the separate purchase of a diving housing is recommended.
Limitations : Despite its many strengths, some limitations have been noted by users, such as low-light performance and the sometimes unstable connection with the Action Pod. Additionally, while video quality is excellent in daylight, it can be subpar in low-light conditions.

Overall Conclusion on the Insta360 GO 3

The Insta360 GO 3 's reputation in the action camera world continues to grow thanks to its impressive performance and versatility. Here's a general conclusion based on the latest reviews and opinions:

Small Size, Big Possibilities : The Insta360 GO 3 is praised for its small size that in no way limits its capabilities. Its extreme portability and magnetic design make it ideal for a variety of applications, from everyday activities to sporting adventures.
Quality and Features : Despite its compact size, it offers remarkable video quality with 2.7K recording. Its Action Pod with flip-out screen and remote control functionality adds considerable flexibility for users.
Water Resistance and Accessories : With IPX8 water resistance, the GO 3 is suitable for use in various environments, including underwater. The range of included accessories opens up new mounting and shooting possibilities.
User Experience : User feedback highlights the GO 3's ease of use and its ability to produce stable, high-quality videos. The combination of its advanced features and intuitive design makes it a popular choice among a wide range of users, from amateurs to professionals.

Overall, the Insta360 GO 3 stands out as a great option for those looking for an ultra-portable action camera without compromising on quality and performance. With its improvements over previous models and innovative features, it represents a significant step forward in the action camera field.

Check out our Insta360 GO3 vlog article