Insta360 GO3 Revealed: Exciting New Features and Enhanced Battery Life

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Insta360 has officially unveiled the GO3, the successor to its highly popular GO2 camera, taking the concept of a miniature action camera to new heights.

The GO2 was an exceptional camera. Its incredibly compact size and protective pod made it effortlessly portable for charging. Surprisingly, it also delivered impressive image quality, despite its limitations. However, there were a few drawbacks, such as its short battery life of approximately 20 minutes outside the charging pod and a limited storage capacity of 32GB. Insta360 later released a slightly upgraded version with 64GB storage, but the battery life issue remained unaddressed.

Enter the GO3, Insta360's solution to the previous camera's limitations.

The GO3 maintains the magnetic mount system from the GO2, but it now incorporates a new clip system for even more secure attachment. In terms of specifications, the GO3 is slightly larger than its predecessor, but still incredibly lightweight at just 1.25 ounces (35g). The small increase in size allows for a larger 310mAh battery, providing approximately 45 minutes of usage without the pod. Additionally, the GO3 introduces clip points similar to the mounting system found on the DJI OSMO Action 3. With the magnetic back present on the GO2 and the new clip points, users now have two versatile methods of mounting the camera.

The charging pod of the GO3 underwent significant changes. It no longer resembles an earbud charging case. Instead, the GO3 charging pod has transformed into a practical action camera and vlogging tool, featuring a large LCD screen on the back. The LCD screen is fully reversible, allowing for selfie shots, and it enhances the user interface, making it more user-friendly compared to previous Insta360 cameras. The screen also provides haptic feedback for settings changes. Notably, the pod's functionality extends to when the camera is detached and mounted elsewhere, granting easy access to settings and image framing. Additionally, the pod can utilize the same clip-style mounts as the GO3 camera body. While the new system adds bulk compared to the GO2, the added functionality makes it worthwhile. Moreover, the charging pod boasts a 1270mAh battery, providing up to 170 minutes of camera usage when attached.

The GO3 body itself is fully waterproof up to a depth of 5 meters, while the charging pod is weatherproof, but only when the GO3 camera body is attached to it. Sound quality has been enhanced on the GO3 with an additional microphone, and voice control functionality has been implemented.

Moving on to its capabilities, the GO3 offers numerous upgrades compared to the GO2. Users can now record video in 2.7K resolution (2720x1536) at up to 30fps in normal video mode. Video mode requires no additional effort from the user, as it includes virtual lens modes (Ultra-wide, Action, Linear, Narrow) and stabilization.

The FreeFrame video mode records video similar to 180-degree video, allowing users to decide on lens mode and stabilization during post-production using either the phone app or the Insta360 Studio desktop software. FreeFrame provides a lower resolution output of 2560x1440 but grants users maximum creative flexibility. If you require different outputs for the same video for social media platforms, FreeFrame will be your go-to mode.

While ultra slow motion is limited to 1080p resolution, it can reach up to 120fps. This may appear restricted compared to some action cameras available today, but the GO2 managed to produce high-quality slow-motion footage despite its resolution limitations.

Unlike the GO2, which only featured Hyperlapse, the GO3 offers a comprehensive range of modes, including TimeShift, Timelapse, Pre-record, Loop Record, Starlapse, Interval Record (Timelapse using still photos in RAW or INSP format), Still Photo, and HDR Photo. With its Timed Capture function, the GO3 can even be scheduled to turn on and begin recording at a specific time using any of the aforementioned modes.

Overall, the GO3 is a much more versatile and capable device than its predecessor, the GO2. We currently have the GO3 in our possession and are thoroughly testing its capabilities. Stay tuned for our in-depth review!

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