Insta360 GO 3 – New Generation of the Smallest Action Cam Launched

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by Jakub HanJune 29^th, 2023

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Insta360 GO 3 now features a higher video resolution of 2.7K up to 30fps, 1080p 120fps slow motion recording, a new Action Pod with a wireless flip touchscreen, a larger battery, a second microphone, and other improvements. It is available now with different storage options starting at $379.99 for the 32GB option.

The first Insta360 GO came out in 2019, followed by the second generation in 2021. It seems the Chinese camera manufacturer continues to follow a two-year refresh cycle because two years after the last generation the new Insta360 GO 3 is here. Let’s take a brief look at what is new.

Why GO?

Insta360 GO is the smallest action camera series on the market, and that is exactly its unique selling point. The compact size enables users to mount it in different spots that allow for some really creative angles. I enjoyed using the GO 2 for special angles to spice up my videos and offer viewers a different perspective. In fact, one time I mounted the GO 2 to the back of my FPV drone to capture the flight, including the main camera.

Another thing I really like about the GO 2 is the concept of a square 1:1 image sensor paired with an extremely wide lens that does not even cover the whole sensor. This results in “circular” video clips where the edges are black. Why is this good? It gives you the lens’s widest possible angle and you can export each clip at different aspect ratios (16:9, 1:1, or 9:16) and still get the widest FOV possible. In terms of image quality, the GO series generally could not hold up with larger action cameras such as GoPro in my opinion, but that is to be expected given the size difference.

Insta360 GO 3 – here comes the Action Pod

Insta360 GO’s third generation brings a new charging case that no longer resembles a traditional case. Insta360 calls it “Action Pod” and it is basically a housing for the GO 3 which holds the camera with magnets on the outside facing forward. On top of charging pins for the camera, the housing also features physical buttons to control the GO 3 and even a 2.2″ flip touchscreen that shows the image that is being captured.

The camera controls and image transfer all work wirelessly via Bluetooth, so the housing can show the camera’s image even when both devices are not physically touching. The Pod is IPX4 water-resistant while the camera itself is IPX8 waterproof to 5m (16ft) depth. On par with other Insta360 cameras, the GO 3 also includes FlowState stabilization and 360 horizon lock. The good news is that the front element of the lens is replaceable.

Higher video resolution, bigger battery

What has improved since the Insta360 GO 2? The new GO 3 has a slightly larger body (and it weighs slightly more at 35.5g, 1.25oz) that can now fit a larger 310mAh battery. This can power the camera for up to 45 minutes of shooting time before having to connect to the Pod.

The video resolution is now higher at 2.7K up to 30fps, 1440p up to 50fps, or 1080p up to 120fps. Strangely, Insta360 claims that video recording is only available in H.264 with a maximum bitrate of 80Mbps. I would expect HEVC (H.265) here. Thankfully, the maximum clip length is not limited.

The storage is, unfortunately, still internal only, but at least Insta360 lets you choose between 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB versions at the time of purchase. Furthermore, the GO 3 now features a second microphone.

Price and availability

Insta360 GO 3 is available now and each camera comes with the Action Pod, magnet pendant, easy clip, pivot stand, and lens guard included. There are three options based on the amount of internal storage:

• Insta360 GO 3 with 32GB internal storage costs $379.99
• Insta360 GO 3 with 64GB internal storage costs $399.99
• Insta360 GO 3 with 128GB internal storage costs $429.99

What do you think about the new Insta360 GO 3? Did you use any of the previous GO cameras? Is the GO 3 a worthy upgrade despite the higher price? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.