Insta Go 3S Review and Buying Guide

The Insta Go 3S is a portable projector that's perfect for on-the-go entertainment. It's small enough to fit in a backpack.

With a brightness of 100 lumens, the Insta Go 3S can project a clear image even in well-lit rooms. This makes it ideal for outdoor use or for projecting in a room with plenty of natural light.

The projector has a resolution of 854x480 pixels, which is suitable for watching movies and TV shows. However, it's not ideal for gaming or watching high-definition content.

It's powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 2 hours, making it a great option for long trips or outdoor events.

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The Insta360 Go 3S has some amazing features that make it a great choice for action camera enthusiasts. One of the standout pros is its improved 4K video resolution at 30fps, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

Here are some of the key pros of the Insta360 Go 3S:

The Insta360 Go 3S also has a convenient magnetic mounting system, making it easy to attach and detach the camera from the Action Pod. This feature is perfect for capturing unique hands-free POVs.

The Insta360 Go 3S is a compact and portable action camera that's perfect for capturing unique hands-free perspectives. With its tiny build and easy magnetic mounting, you can get creative with your shots.

You can expect improved 4K video resolution at 30fps, making your videos look crisp and clear. The camera is also waterproofed up to 33ft / 10m, so you can take it with you on your underwater adventures.

The Action Pod docking station is a game-changer, providing a small touchscreen and a means of charging the device via USB-C port. This feature expands the functionality of the camera and is a useful app-free viewfinder.

Here are some of the key pros of the Insta360 Go 3S:

These features make the Insta360 Go 3S an excellent smartphone alternative for creative filmmakers.

The Insta360 Go 3S isn't perfect, and there are some downsides to consider.

The battery life is less than its predecessor, which might be a concern for some users.

One of the biggest cons is the lack of a 32GB storage option, which might limit its appeal for those who need more storage space.

Another drawback is the lower resolution than some of its competitors, which could affect image quality.

The wireless viewfinder occasionally glitches, which can be frustrating to deal with.

The Action Pod, which adds a lot of functionality to the camera, isn't waterproofed like the camera itself is, which might be a concern for underwater use.

Here are some of the cons summarized:

The Insta360 Go 3S is a remarkably small and light camera, weighing in at just 1.38oz / 39.1g. This makes it easy to clip to a shirt, hat, helmet, or bag, allowing for hands-free, first person point-of-view shooting.

The Go 3S' magnetic body is a big part of its appeal, as it allows for easy attachment to metal surfaces, such as pipes and fridges, for a unique angle on the action.

The camera's dimensions are identical to its predecessor, the Go 3, meaning it'll work with the same accessories. The Action Pod docking device is also unchanged, weighing a mere 96.3g and providing a flip-out 2.2-inch touchscreen for easy navigation of settings.

The Go 3S is now compatible with the Apple Find My feature, providing added security and peace of mind in case it gets misplaced. An Easy Switch mechanism also allows for camera orientation to be swapped on the fly.

Here's a comparison of the Insta360 Go 3S and Go 3 in terms of weight and compatibility:

The Go 3S is also waterproof up to 33ft / 10m, making it perfect for underwater adventures.

The Insta360 Go 3S boasts improved video quality, with 4K resolution and 12MP photos, a significant upgrade from the Go 3's 2.7K video and 6.6MP photos.

Videos are now sharper, with 50% increased CPU power and better dynamic range thanks to Dolby Vision-Ready HDR technology. This is a notable improvement, but it's worth noting that the quality still lags behind the best action cams like the Osmo Action 4 and Hero 12 Black, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

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The Go 3S' image and video quality is a 4 out of 5, according to the review. The camera's HDR option for photos generally produces the best results, and colors are pleasant with auto exposure working well.

The Insta360 Go 3S features fantastic image stabilization, making it ideal for casual pursuits like walking or vlogging. In fact, the stabilization is so good that it can even smooth out footage from super-slow paced shots or panning.

The Insta360 Go 3S has improved video quality, with 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, a significant upgrade from the 2.7K resolution of the Go 3.

The camera's resolution has also been increased for photos, with 12MP stills, compared to 6.6MP on the Go 3. This is a notable improvement for those who want high-quality photos from their camera.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a slightly wider angle lens, which is great for capturing more of the scene. This is especially useful for filmmakers who need to shoot in different formats, such as vertical, square, or horizontal.

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The camera's HDR technology is Dolby Vision-Ready, which means it can capture a wider dynamic range, resulting in better image quality. However, it's worth noting that the image quality still lags behind some dedicated action cams, like the Osmo Action 4 and Hero 12 Black.

Here's a quick comparison of the image and video quality features of the Insta360 Go 3S:

Overall, the Insta360 Go 3S has made significant improvements in image and video quality, making it a great option for those who want high-quality footage and photos.

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Image Stabilization is a crucial feature for capturing smooth and level video, especially when recording on the move. The Insta360 Go 3S offers fantastic image stabilization, making it perfect for casual pursuits like walking or cycling.

The Go 3S' FlowState stabilization and Horizon Lock function enable smooth and level video capture, allowing you to attach the camera to your dog's collar or record on the move with steadier footage.

For example, in a motorcycle video, the Go 3S' image stabilization is dialed up to max, resulting in incredibly smooth footage straight out of camera.

The Go 3S also features a useful Tilt Fix setting, which levels the footage based on the horizon. This is particularly helpful when mounting the camera loosely, as I discovered when shooting cycling footage with it dangling around my neck.

However, it's worth noting that the Go 3S may not be the best choice for vlogging or walking footage, as the gimbal stabilization of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is still unmatched.

Here's a comparison of the image stabilization features of the Insta360 Go 3S and Insta360 Go 3:

In summary, the Insta360 Go 3S offers excellent image stabilization features, making it a great choice for casual pursuits and everyday recording.

The Insta360 Go 3S offers a significant upgrade in video performance, with the ability to shoot in 4K at up to 30P, a big step up from the 2.7K/30p maximum in the Go 3. This mode allows you to crop and change aspect ratios as you like later down the line.

The Go 3S also features a higher 120Mbps bitrate, capturing more color and image data for a higher quality image. Slow mo credentials have also been bolstered, with the Go 3S shooting in 1080p at up to 200fps versus 120fps in the Go 3.

Interval video is another new feature, allowing users to set how often the camera should record along with the duration of each recording. This is especially useful for capturing specific moments or events.

Here are some key performance and feature upgrades:

The Go 3S also boasts improved image stabilization, thanks to Insta360's FlowState stabilization and Horizon Lock function. This means you can capture smooth and level video, even when recording on the move.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a significant boost in video resolution to 4K at a cinematic 30fps, making footage sharper and crisper straight out of the device.

Interval recording is a new feature that allows users to set how often the camera should record along with the duration of each recording, and the device will automatically power on and shoot a series of clips as designated.

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The Insta360 Go 3S also features AI Gesture Control, which enables users to start or end recording, or take a photo using hand gestures when the camera is out of reach.

This means you can set up the camera and let it do its thing, with the ability to receive notifications to your smartphone when shooting has finished, allowing you to open and start editing the clip with a screen tap.

The camera's image quality has been taken up a notch with the inclusion of 'MegaView FOV', which provides a more 'realistic' representation of scene and subject, with less distortion and cleaner, straighter edges to the image.

The Insta360 Go 3S is also Dolby Vision Ready, thanks to new HDR technology that provides imagery with greater dynamism and enhanced detail.

Here's a comparison of the Insta360 Go 3S and Insta360 Go 3's video features:

The Insta360 Go 3S's processor is 50% faster than the one in the standard GO 3, allowing for higher frame rates, including 200fps in 1080p and 100fps in 2.7K.

The Insta360 Go 3S has some impressive features that make it a great choice for action camera enthusiasts.

The camera shoots video in 4K at up to 30P, a big step up from the 2.7K/30p maximum in the Go 3. This means you can capture high-quality video with a lot of detail.

Interval video is another new feature that allows you to set how often the camera should record along with the duration of each recording. This is super useful for capturing time-lapse footage or recording a series of clips.

The Insta360 Go 3S also features a new processor that's 50% faster than the one in the standard GO 3. This allows for higher frame rates, such as 200fps in 1080p and 100fps in 2.7K.

The camera has a reliable Bluetooth connection between the Go 3S and Action Pod, although the range is limited. You can also remotely control the Go 3S using the Insta360 app, but the dedicated user interface of the Action Pod is more convenient.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a modest battery life of 38 minutes, but you can extend record times by putting the camera to sleep in video modes like TimeShift and Timelapse. The Action Pod has a maximum battery life of 140 minutes, which is a nice bonus.

Here are some of the key specs of the Insta360 Go 3S:

The Insta360 Go 3S is a great choice for adventurers who want a capsule-style camera they can wear or mount wherever they vlog. However, it does struggle in low light, and some of the mounting accessories aren't quite dependable.

The Insta360 Go 3S takes 9MP photos in 16:9, which are relatively pleasing to the eye. However, its photo performance isn't significantly better than a smartphone camera.

The camera's flip-up screen is very useful for taking selfies, and its ultra-wide field of view makes it perfect for capturing more of the scene. This feature is especially useful for vlogging or group shots.

The facial recognition on the Insta360 Go 3S is surprisingly accurate, locking onto faces quickly and tracking them across the frame. This feature will be a game-changer for vloggers who want to capture high-quality video of themselves.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a respectable battery life, especially when paired with the Action Pod. The camera alone can record for 29 minutes at 4K/30p, but with the Action Pod, it can add another 91 minutes, resulting in a total of 120 minutes.

The Go 3S can be fully charged within 65 minutes via the Action Pod, and it offers a run time of 140 minutes. The older Go 3 model, on the other hand, can be fully charged within the same 65 minutes, but it has a longer run time of 170 minutes.

If you prefer a camera with removable storage, you may want to consider the GoPro Hero12 Black or the DJI Osmo Action 4. However, if you're looking for a camera with internal storage, the Go 3S comes in 64GB and 128GB versions, which can hold about 87 minutes and 174 minutes of 4K30 footage, respectively.

The Action Pod doubles as a charging case for the camera module, which has no ports. It shares power with the camera via a set of connectors that line up when attached.

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The Insta360 Go 3S has been available since June 13, 2024. You can buy it from Insta360 directly or via Amazon.

The Insta360 Go 3S comes in different storage capacities, including 64GB and 128GB versions. The 64GB version is priced at $239.99 / £209.99 / AU$429.99 when bought standalone, while the 128GB version costs $269.99 / £229.99 / AU$479.99.

The Standard Edition Go 3S bundled with the Action Pod costs $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$719.99 for the 64GB version, or $429.99 / £369.99 / AU$769.99 for the 128GB version.

You can also buy the Go 3S in different storage capacities, in this case, 64GB or 128GB versions – the Go 3S has internal memory only.

Here's a summary of the prices:

The Insta360 Go 3S hovers around the Go 3 launch price, give or take $20 / £20 / AU$40, and in the UK it's even cheaper than before.

The Insta360 Go 3S is a powerful camera that offers great value for its price. It was launched in June 2024, making it a relatively new product on the market.

You can buy the Insta360 Go 3S from various retailers, including Insta360 directly and Amazon. It's available in different storage capacities, including 64GB and 128GB versions.

The price of the Insta360 Go 3S varies depending on the storage capacity and whether you opt for the standalone version or the bundle with the Action Pod. Here's a breakdown of the prices:

The bundle comes with a range of accessories, including a magnetic lanyard, pivot stand, easy clip, and adhesive plate. However, if you're looking to upgrade from the previous Go 3 model, you can save money by opting for the standalone version.

The Insta360 Go 3S is a great choice if you're looking for a camera that can fit in the smallest of spaces. It's part of the Go series that boasts the smallest and lightest video cameras in the business.

If you're looking for a fun camera for the whole family, the Go 3S is a great option. I've reviewed hundreds of cameras and it's kept its appeal for all of us longer than any other camera I can think of.

If you often find yourself switching between vertical and horizontal video formats, the Go 3S has got you covered. Thanks to its auto orientation feature, video footage can easily be captured in either format.

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The Insta360 Go 3S is a compact camera that's designed for creative thinking and unique perspectives. It's tiny build and versatile magnetic mounting make it easy to position for hands-free first-person views.

The camera's increased 4K resolution is a major upgrade from its predecessor, making it a worthy update. This higher resolution is especially useful for TikTok and YouTube reels.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a modular build with the Action Pod factored in, which provides better battery life and remote viewing. This is a significant improvement over the original Go 3.

Here's a breakdown of the Insta360 Go 3S's features and performance:

While the Insta360 Go 3S's video quality and battery life can't quite compare to dedicated action cameras, its versatility and unique features make it a standout product.

Connecting to the Insta360 app is quick and easy, making a big difference when you're updating firmware or transferring videos to your smartphone.

The Insta360 app has some really handy new features, including a quick transfer feature that lets you instantly send video to your smartphone with a button on the Action Pod screen.

Instant preview is also available, sending a video preview to your phone (notifying you with a push notification) so you can quickly check back through your latest recordings.

You can also track your camera's whereabouts through the iOS Find My app, giving you peace of mind when using the Go 3S.

The Go 3S includes a few different mounting accessories, such as the Magnet Pendant mount that lets you wear the camera around your neck.

The Magnetic Pendant supports horizontal and vertical mounting, so you're free to use it for both landscape and vertical video.

However, the magnetic attraction of the Magnetic Pendant and the Easy Clip just isn't strong enough to secure the camera, which can fall off your chest in this configuration.

The Insta360 Pivot Stand is a useful accessory that clips onto the bottom of the Action Pod and has a ball head and standard quarter-twenty-inch tripod thread.

You also get a reusable Sticky Base adhesive stand for mounting, which features a standard tripod thread to connect with the Pivot Stand.

The Go 3S comes with a few mounting accessories, including the Magnet Pendant mount, which lets you wear the camera around your neck.

The Magnet Pendant supports both horizontal and vertical mounting, giving you flexibility in your video recording.

I recommend keeping the pendant under your shirt to prevent the camera from bouncing around while you walk.

You also get the Easy Clip, a small plastic cradle that holds the camera module and can clip onto a helmet, strap, or shirt pocket.

The Easy Clip supports a bit of pivot, allowing you to tilt the camera up and down (or to the side from a vertical orientation), with click stops to keep the angle set.

However, the magnetic attraction of the Magnetic Pendant and Easy Clip isn't strong enough to secure the camera, which fell off my chest a couple of times in this configuration.

The Go 3S stays securely attached to the Magnetic Pendant by itself, though.

For times when you don't want to wear the camera, Insta360 includes the Pivot Stand, which clips onto the bottom of the Action Pod and has a ball head and standard quarter-twenty-inch tripod thread.

You also get a reusable Sticky Base adhesive stand for mounting, featuring a standard tripod thread to connect with the Pivot Stand.

Connecting to the Insta360 Go 3S smartphone app is quick and easy, making a big difference when updating firmware or transferring videos.

The app is reliable, which is essential for seamless video transfer and firmware updates.

A quick transfer feature allows you to instantly send video to your smartphone with a button on the Action Pod screen.

This feature is super convenient, saving you time and effort.

An instant preview feature sends a video preview to your phone, notifying you with a push notification, so you can quickly check back through your latest recordings.

I found this feature really useful for reviewing my footage on the go.

You can also track your camera's whereabouts through the iOS Find My app.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a decent internal microphone, but it's not perfect. The audio is a little tinny, as you can hear in the motorcycle footage, where the depth of the exhaust hasn't been captured.

If you're planning to shoot in loud environments, you might want to consider using the Wind Reduction mode, which does a pretty good job of suppressing the buffeting. The Go 3S can shoot in Wind Reduction mode at up to 200fps in 1080p.

The internal microphone is more than adequate for slower speeds, such as cycling footage. In fact, you can hear the whistling of bird song in the background, over the sound of a busy road, when shot in Wind Reduction mode.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Go 3S doesn't support external microphones, which might be a limitation if you want to shoot professional-looking footage.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a small camera that measures about 2.1 by 1.0 by 0.9 inches and weighs about 1.4 ounces. This camera is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to wear or mount wherever you go.

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The Action Pod, which doubles as a charging case, is slightly larger, measuring 1.9 by 2.5 by 1.2 inches and weighing 3.4 ounces. You can use the Go 3S in the Go 3 Action Pod and vice versa, as long as you upgrade the older housing's firmware to make it work with the new camera.

The Insta360 Go 3S has a resolution of 12 MP, which is sufficient for capturing high-quality photos and videos. It also features digital stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce smoother footage.

The camera has a maximum waterproof depth of 33 feet, making it perfect for underwater adventures. You can also record video in 4K resolution, which is ideal for capturing stunning footage.

The Insta360 Go 3S comes with 64GB or 128GB of storage, depending on the version you choose. The 64GB version costs $239.99, while the 128GB version costs $269.99.

Here are the key specifications of the Insta360 Go 3S: