Insta360 GO 3 Action Camera Review
The Insta360 GO 3 is a compact and feature-rich action camera that offers impressive image quality and innovative functionality. Along with the camera itself, the package includes a USB-C charging cable, a startup guide, and various useful accessories. Notably, it comes with a magnetic pendant, an easy clip for hat attachment, a charging case (action pod), and a pivot stand with adhesive.
Buy Insta360 GO 3 : https://rcdrone.top/products/insta360-go-3-operation-camera
It's worth mentioning that the GO 3 is slightly larger than its predecessor, the GO 2, so older accessories like 3D printed TPU mounts may not fit properly. Additionally, Insta360 plans to release ND filters specifically designed for this camera.
Specifications:
- Aperture: F2.2
- 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 11.24mm
- Photo Resolution: 2560×1440 (16:9), 2560×2560 (1:1), 1440×2560 (9:16), 2936×1088 (2.7:1)
- Video Resolution:
- Video: 2.7K: 2720×1536@24/25/30fps, 1440P: 2560×1440@24/25/30/50fps, 1080P: 1920×1080@24/25/30/50fps
- FreeFrame Video: 1440P: 2560×1440@24/25/30/50fps, 1080P: 1920×1080@24/25/30/50fps
- Timelapse: 1440P: 2560×1440@30fps
- TimeShift: 1440P: 2560×1440@30fps
- Slow Motion: 1080P: 1920×1080@120fps
- Pre-Recording: 2.7K: 2720×1536@24/25/30fps, 1440P: 2560×1440@24/25/30/50fps, 1080P: 1920×1080@24/25/30/50fps
- Loop Recording: 2.7K: 2720×1536@24/25/30fps, 1440P: 2560×1440@24/25/30/50fps, 1080P: 1920×1080@24/25/30/50fps
- Color Profiles: Standard, Vivid, Flat
- Weight:
- GO 3: 35.5g (1.25oz)
- Action Pod: 96.3g (3.40oz)
- Dimensions (W x H x D):
- GO 3: 25.6×54.4×23.2 mm (1.0×2.1×0.9in)
- Action Pod:
- Screen Folded: 63.5×47.6×29.5mm (2.5×1.9×1.2in)
- Screen Unfolded: 63.5×86.6×29.9mm (2.5×3.4×1.2in)
- Color: White
- Video Coding: H.264
- Max. Video Bitrate: 80Mbps
- Gyroscope: 6-axis gyroscope
- Exposure Value: ±4EV
- ISO Range: 100-3200
- Shutter Speed:
- Photo: 1/8000 – 120s
- Video: 1/8000 – to the limit of frames per second
- White Balance: Auto, 2700K, 4000K, 5000K, 6500K, 7500K
- Audio Modes: Wind Reduction, Stereo, Direction Focus
- Audio Format: 48Khz, 24bits, AAC
- Bluetooth: BLE 5.0
- Wi-Fi: 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac
- USB: Type-C
- Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
- Battery Capacity:
- GO 3: 310mAh
- Action Pod: 1270mAh
- Charging Method:
- GO 3: Action Pod
- Action Pod: Type-C
- Charging Time:
- GO 3: 23 mins to 80% | 35 mins to 100%
- Action Pod: 47 mins to 80% | 65 mins to 100%
- Run Time:
- GO 3: 45 mins
- GO 3 + Action Pod: 170 mins
- Use Environment:
- GO 3: -4°F to 104°F (-20℃ to 40℃)
- Action Pod: -4°F to 104°F (-20℃ to
40℃)
- Compatible Devices:
- iOS devices including iPhone SE 2, iPhone 8 and newer models, iPad Air (2020), and iPad Pro
- Android devices with Kirin 980 and above chips, Snapdragon 845 and above chips, Exynos 9810 and above chips, and Tensor chips
Design and Features:
The GO 3 retains the familiar thumb-shaped design of its predecessors, featuring rounded ends and curved edges. It can be mounted on FPV drones with custom-made 3D printed TPU mounts. However, for non-FPV use, the GO 3's magnetic body allows for easy attachment anywhere, enabling creative shooting angles.
Compared to its predecessor, the GO 3 comes with a charging case (Action Pod) that features a color touchscreen. This enhancement allows for convenient settings adjustments, footage playback, and shot previews. The Action Pod is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
When the GO 3 is placed in the Action Pod, it resembles a GoPro and offers a graphical user interface. The camera supports voice commands for easy control without physical interaction. The Action Pod's additional 1270mAh battery extends the camera's recording time up to 170 minutes.
Unlike traditional action cameras, the GO 3 doesn't have an SD card slot. Instead, it has internal memory available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB options. While this eliminates SD card compatibility issues, it also means you don't need to purchase separate SD cards.
Video and Audio Quality:
Despite its compact size, the Insta360 GO 3 delivers impressive image quality. It can record videos up to 1440p at 50fps or 2.7K at 30fps with a bright f/2.2 aperture. However, low-light performance could be improved. The camera offers manual and automatic settings for color profile, white balance, and shutter speed. It supports various video modes, including time-lapse, time-shift, slow motion, and more. The Go 3 features FlowState 2.0 digital image stabilization for smooth footage.
Audio quality is acceptable, with stereo and directional microphones providing decent sound even from a distance. Wind reduction is also available for action sports recordings.
User Experience:
Using the Insta360 GO 3 is straightforward. The camera features a USB-C port for charging and a latch to secure it within the Action Pod. It requires some force to detach due to the strong magnets. The camera has a screen, a power button, and a mode-switching button for easy menu navigation.
The GO 3 offers extended battery life compared to its predecessor, with 45 to 60 minutes of continuous recording. Placing the camera in the Action Pod extends recording time up to 150 to 170 minutes while recharging.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allow for remote control and fast file transfers to smartphones or tablets. The Insta360 mobile app enhances the user experience, enabling content viewing, editing, keyframe setting, and sharing.
One standout feature is the "Auto Editing" mode, where AI identifies highlights in your footage and creates an engaging montage synchronized with music. The GO 3 is water-resistant up to 5 meters, allowing for filming in various conditions, including underwater. However, the Action Pod has a lower water-resistance rating (IPX4) and can only withstand splashes.
Conclusion: Is the GO 3 Ideal for FPV?
The Insta360 GO 3 is a remarkable pocket camera that combines compact design, impressive image quality, and innovative features. Weighing only 35g, it is suitable for FPV drone use. However, for existing GO 2 owners, the GO 3 may not offer essential upgrades in terms of resolution and performance. The improved battery life and charging case are the notable enhancements. The absence of 4K capability in 2023, especially when considering competitors like the DJI O3, may be disappointing for some.