Insta360 GO 3 - 10 Best & 5 WORST Features 

Buy Insta360 GO3: www.insta360.com/sal/go-3?insrc=INR0NLM

I just purchased the Go 3. I was torn between the GoPro 11, 360 X3 & Go3. My main activities r hiking, running & gym. The 360 X3 produced very fun video, but I figure its not very practical to be carried whilst running. Not to mention the lens is very much exposed to danger. If it falls while running, its the end for it. The GoPro 11 is superior in terms of image quality, but the downside is that it can only lasts around an hour recording time. To hike a mountain, I require something that could lasts for 2-3 hours. Hence, I decided to pick the Go 3. I bet it will come in handy, especially in the gym, where I can stick it to any equipments there.

I own the insta 360 x3 and love it. But I also wanted a small cam with image stabilization. So I just ordered the go 3. Can't wait to use it. Great video...

I'm always dubious of Insta360 product reviews. Everybody is far far too positive and gloss over the negatives. The quality is NEVER comparable to the GoPros and DJis of the world. Some almost feel scripted by Insta360. I've owned the Go2 but traded it in for being far too fiddly - both the camera and the app experience. Thanks for the GENUINE thoughts - I've bookmarked 12 reviews and you're the first I've watched - and probably the only I really need.

Thanks for taking the time to create a video review about this camera. Every 'action camera' has their plus and minus points. It looks like a clever little thing and like any tool that you choose to purchase and use, it will be of use in some cases and less so in others. 🙏🏽 Shhhhh... you can say 'DJI Osmo Action 3' without the GoPro police coming after you... I think..........

Excellent review, I've been using GoPro since the 3 for racing drones, I still have a stash of session 5's because I loved that form factor. Picked up the Insta360 GO3 for hiking, running, biking, climbing. I only have a hero 8 but I prefer the GO 3 dynamic range so far and stabilization is pretty dam good for such a small camera.

One thing that's surprised me while using it is how effective the wind reduction is. It picks up my voice really well when using it on the magnetic pendant as well. But certainly all round I've found the sound a big improvement over previous I360 cameras. I'm not sure the HERO11 is the main competitor though. I would compare it to something like the DJI Action2, which is a sort of similar concept (ie tiny camera module that can be used on its own with limitations, or with a larger battery/vlogging attachment/module).

Excellent video. Thank you!

Thank you! This is very useful.

Once again, a really honest review. I like when you show what's good AND bad! /Matti in Jokkmokk

Thanks for your review. How does this camera stack up for doing ASMR please?😊

Hi, it's a great review. I have a question. Is it possible to do broadcast live with it? Tks

How does it compare to the Insta360 One RS? I do standup comedy and am looking for something to record my sets with. I presently use a camcorder but would love getting another angle that I could add to the videos (or just have something really small and easy to use as my main and only camera). Would this work in that sort of situation?

so can you suggest this to use for cooking vlog? I really want this, my osmo pocket 2 couldn't do that for me so I'm really hoping this action camera could help me

This product is absolutely the best for me and i tried this almost 2 months ago and it's awesome i got my daily vlog.

Good review. I don’t actually partake in any action 😃 but I do fancy one of these. For me, it looks like you have more flexibility to create POV shots and unique angles, just to vary even basic studio footage up a little. Whether I can justify it in that alone is another thing!

Well done sir; a very informative video.

This man deserves more subscribers...best sense of humor and a great storyteller.

The best review I've found so far, and too many other review channels sound like they're reeling off the same spiel over and over - this is still info-packed yet feels like I'm watching a real human being! Having watched your excellent review of the Action 4 I'm torn between these two. I know the Action 4 has the better spec but I'm finding the GO's form factor very hard to resist given its improvements in battery life/overheating vs the previous iteration. Therefore I humbly suggest a dedicated side-by-side comparison video! Great work Stephen.

Great picture quality for such a small camera, dynamic range looked decent, and when you showed the GO3 and Hero11 side-by-side I prefered the GO3's tone mapping, however it did look more compressed and over-sharpened

Action cams are generally used for where the action usually is which is right here next to you or very close by. For ease of use and ease of editing it has to be the Go 3, if I'm feeling really creative its my Insta X3. Its all you need. I also bought the Insta one R and one RS with all the lenses which I think are far better than a GoPro.

Could you also share links for the attachments that you showed in the video? Like the reusable sticker and the bendy thing? It would useful! Thank you!

Thanks for sharing the good and bad points. I’ll stick with the Go 2 and use my phone. I also have the Osmo Action.

A question I haven't seen answered elsewhere. You say the pod has 3 hours battery life and the GO 3 has 45 minutes. Say you've used the GO 3 for 25 minutes, so it's at 50%, and you put it onto the pod - does it charge the pod while you're using it there? (Or while it's idle?) Or are the batteries independent, unless you plug it into the wall?

Hi Steve, great review👍. Question if I may. Is there any option to have a remote mic. For instance, recording on a helmut and puting a mic inside. Cheers 🍻

If youre a new channel starting out "YOU GOT THIS!" I got the Insta360 x3 for my HAWAII CHANNEL and am still learning the ins and outs of it. This looks great and perfectly portable. Are you able to zoom in on shots while editing in the mobile app? (Since its a single lens camera)

Great info I just want it for B roll on my RC stuff

I'd be interested to know how well the magnet on the chest mount holds up? Can it easily be knocked off? Thinking mainly for rollercoasters and waterslides

Question, once the pod is used to set up camera in different modes like stabilisation, horizon lock etc etc. Can the camera by itself away from pod be used in these modes ?

Some brilliant features but after seeing the image I think this is a great advert for the GoPro. GP 11 mini would have been perfect, if it was actually mini.

Can you use it for zoom meetings with a m1 mba

One question I have about this camera is whether horizon leveling/lock is available at all levels of stabilization. Or is it only an option when using the Freeform shooting mode?

Does the camera record audio as well by itself or does it require the housing connected? Thanks

I've bought Insta360 GO 3 with 128 gb variant, arrived yesterday. I need a small camera for my metal detecting videos and travel. Got no time to play with but I will test it in weekend. Also waiting for some UV filters, I want to protect the lens.

Hi, how long does it turn on and off. Go pro and DJI osmo takes forever, not really I’m just impatient but seconds could miss some shots lol

Great upgrade from Go 2.

I'll buy for the auto edit itself. I have a gopro 8 and I have tons of footage from my last trip in Japan sitting there doing nothing. I just dont have enough time to go through everything and edit them.

If you are using just the cam outside the main housing/charging unit, can you run a usb cable to just the cam for continuous charging?

What about livestreaming capabilities? Can you use it for streaming with powerbank attached to the pod for extra battery life?

Can you play back the clips with audio on the back screen? Thx for the video, great review.

I use my go2 mostly to cover bicycle rides so the following two points are very important to me: 1. The new version now has an audible beep when you press the button is it loud enough to hear on a windy bike ride? 2. I thought I read somewhere that there is voice activation is that true?

is the camera already installed lens guard straight from the box? I bought this camera yesterday and try to detach to check whether my go 3 already have lens guard, but it seem too hard to detach

I want to see more low light shoots like filming a concert as a videographer with access to be close to the artists.

I wish thag extension box was an option, or atleast option to choose between GO2 kind of extension box and this default extension box.

Thank you

Good review mate

Nani?! I know you! You’re that J Reid guy on another channel I’m subscribed to… 😅 Seriously though; nice to see a dedicated tech channel! Now I’ve got two portals to big ya with comments 😉

Can I use that as a webcam on my computer?

A little confused. You say it might not be for vloggers but then you say it might be good for travels vlogs? 😅 I have the Sony zv1 as my main camera and would like this for b-rolls like when I’m in the airport or poc when hiking. Do you think it’s a good camera for me?

Compared to other action cams, what's the low light like?

Can I use it as a Webcam for like a quick live stream? Or a video chat with friends

I like the convenience of an SD card but if this Go 3 had one in the mini form factor, it would no longer be water proof. For me the 64gb covers all the bases I will use it for. I can see me using this little guy quite a bit. One function is the remote video while doing mechanical work on vehicles. I can see what's happening in real time. Not a big deal for most people but useful for some.

How much hours can you film with a 64gb version?

Did you accidentally mix up the names of the cameras in the labeling at minute 7:36? Because on my screen, the left image that says "Go3" looks much better, sharper with better colors than the one on the right that says "GoPro". The right one is much worse, fuzzier and blurrier!? Or not?

Will the case's screen crack like a phone's if you drop it waist height?

Good video Stephen, I think your right for the money GoPro is the better option. Although I’m still using my GoPro 8. Never upgraded as don’t need the 2nd screen. Sell me your first insta go. Lol.

I think your dislikes are not so relevant as it’s meant for quick shots and easy access. To press the button Easily is by far my fav feature, and a sd card would likely make it not waterproof and bigger and heavier . I got the 128gig knowing it’s internal so I am more than sufficient with memory there😊. Video quality as well is sufficient like you mentioned it just for social and pov videos. A shot taken with ease is better than no shot at all. Btw I also use my mouth for the quickest pov 😂. Thinking of getting the mouth mount. Just bite and go. 👍👍

If only it did 4k I'd consider it but with a go2, a DJI action 2 and gopro I can't justify getting this. I barely use the go2 nowadays as it is as I prefer good sound and picture quality.

How is the minimum focal distance? How close can it get to small objects and still look decent?

I am still undecided between Insta360 X3 and Go3. I guess you can still use Go3 for Vlogs right?

Can you record video while charging the battery. ?

5:46 - so the max is still 30 seconds like on the GO 1 ? I use(d) my GO 1 a lot, great little camera, didn't upgrade to the 2, not much of an upgrade and it didn't have the "All in One" video mode (i.e. in camera stabilization) so everything had to be stabilized in post, the current "Free Form". Fixed on the GO 3 it seems ! The remote screen is great too obviously. I'm tempted !

I liked the Go 2 when it was on sale and the DJi action 2 was still very expensive and then the Action 2 price dropped 2 $200ish dollars and my curiosity got the better of me and yeah at that price point it dethroned the 1440 resolution Go2. I will say the Go 2 is much better for clipping to your hat and it is great for getting into tight spots in an engine with a f1.8 aperture. Where it shines in sort of a cheap way is that it comes with a lot of accessories, the sticky mount, the selfie stick, the hat clip, the pendant and a couple of mounts. My action 2 came with a pendant, magnet, the clip attachment and the base. So the Go 3 feels like a couple of steps above the Go2. I’ve rage quit using the insta 360 apps only to find some user error on my end or an update.

- One more good point : you briefly mentioned the quality of stabilization of the camera in video and freeframe mode. You forgot to mention the horizon stabilization in freeframe mode. This is insane, you can turn the camera clockwise or counterclockwise and the horizon stays horizontal… meaning in action filming like skiing the horizon doesn’t moves whatever you do - One more bad point : you showed that the video quality of the GoPro was better (and to be honest in the example you showed I found the Go3 better :)). Video quality and resolution is Ok for RU-vid and instagram, it is especially low light quality that is poor on the go 3. So this camera works perfect outdoor in the sun, indoor is less convincing…

Can I edit on an android phone.?

What is full name of the sticky thing at 3:50

The insta are nice for being unique and easy to use, the memory are indeed very small like 128 are safest choice for future proof, and about camera quality is acceptable for me, if that small camera are toe to toe with big camera of gopro then there something wrong with the gopro which why gopro are better than insta go as action camera

I really want one as now the image is so much clearer and sharper, it has more memory and more battery so I could replace my dji action 2, but it still has a problem when is not bright light outside......

The biggest downside of the GO3 is the battery life. Sure, with the action pod, it's great, 2-3h of video with the 128GB version, which is what I have, but I got the go3 for the portability and small form factor. I mostly use it with the magnetic necklace, since I eskate, ebike, snowboard, etc. It's easier to just have it on my chest, but the 30 minutes or so of battery life when standalone and not in the action pod is really difficult to work around. There's really no substitute for this so I'm dealing with it and hopefully one day battery technology will improve to the point where it's possible to get 1-2h of video recording out of something this small.

Nice one, should be 4K60 for £400! Wait another 2 years for the GO 4?

What’s the battery life

Over priced compared to whats out there with much better cameras. I mean you could buy the insta 360 x3 for a few pounds more and that really out does the go3 I think there trying to take advantage of people's pockets because its a small camera but the way the economy is out there I don't think there sell as many units as they think. Great video my friend ill definitely subscribe 😁👍👌🇬🇧

Like for all the reason you mentioned I should use this camera for, why don't I will use my phone?

Am I a bad person for preferring the Go 3 footage over the Hero11 footage in your side-by-side? I'll grant you it was a little too sharp and contrasty, but the way it effortlessly exposed your face as you turned around... maybe pro editors prefer the Hero11, but I look at that Go 3 footage and think "daaang, there's a timesaver right there".

waiting for the 4k version

Wow✨

It’s a shame on the Go3 that the camera isn’t very protected when it’s in the case. With the previous Go2 the camera was always safe and secure when inside the closed case…it was all together better to just slip into a pocket..with no chance of the camera being accidentally activated.

Does it overheats ?

9:03 you can reframe and DaVinci resolve

In the comparison I thought the Go3 looked better than the GoPro

Can I bring Go3 to swim? The case isn’t waterproof.

The 5th downside not that big a deal. You can buy a 32gb 64gb or 128gb. Abd wireless send videos photos to your phone

I think the worst feature of them all is the fact that iPhone SE 3 users will definitely not be able to pair it with their phone via the app. This means, the camera is basically unusable for them. The setup screen has not been optimised for iPhone SE and thus will not allow you to even click the connect button :D. What a bad rookie job.

*U didnt tell us wheter this tiny cam support external mic or not…*

The intro took me out 😭😭😭😭😭

I hope I can buy it after it's in Indonesia

I have the Go 2, and while for the most part, I have enjoyed using it, but does have some quirks that are quite frustrating. It tends to overheat quite quickly and frequently. If you record for more than a few minutes at a time, it will turn into a hot potato, and shut down to cool off for a bit. Which leads to frustration #2, the super short record times. Quick Instagram story posts or TikToks work fine, but anything longer, and it becomes unreliable. Because of this, I use it mostly as a “bodycam” of sorts. If I see something remotely interesting, and don’t want to whip out my phone or Fimi Palm Pro 2, I’ll use the Go 2 for a quick, discreet shot without anyone knowing.

the ordo is smaller I believe

You forgot. USB c chargers of all kinds work. Original go 2 wouldn't let you use USB c to USB c cables.

this mounts very similarly to the DJI Action 2.

You forgot to mention the audio is awful in windy conditions and no option for external mic

7:42 Is it just me or that image quality of the go3 actually looks a lot better than the GoPro tho?

Another bad aspect is the battery that can’t be replaced. 45 minutes to start with is not too impressive. Becomes less and less after several charges.

Biggest drawback is image quality. Love everything else though. Will stick to Gopro

Good review. This camera is not for me.

The fact you can't just use miniSDs in them, and remove etc, is ridiculous. So you are out, and fill up the storage, now what? At least with GoPro and have have spare SDs and swap out and keep going. They could have had one in the dock, and have some kind of auto transfer over to that.

If you have an action camera with accessories, I just do not really see a need for this. Cool camera though

👍

You were saying case I kept hearing kiss...

it's getting too big. the first one was 18.4 grams, then 25.5 for the second version, now 34.5