My Experience with the Insta360 GO 3: The Coolest Little Action Camera That Just Wasn’t For Me
When the Insta360 GO 3 came out in 2023, I was immediately hooked. That sleek, all-white design with the detachable lens looked so cool. I just had to have it.
I knew the resolution wasn’t top-tier compared to other action cameras, but I was drawn to its unique style and features.
I ended up using it lightly over about a year and a half, and while it’s a great camera for many people, it just didn’t quite fit my needs.
Pros of the Insta360 GO 3
1. Unique and Stylish Design
The first thing that grabbed me was how it looked. Unlike most action cams, which are usually black or gray and pretty basic, the Insta360 GO 3 is bright white and just stands out. It looks modern, fresh, and really cool. If you’re into having gear that looks as good as it performs, this one nails it. The design alone made me want to buy it on impulse.
2. Solid Build Quality
This camera feels premium. Unlike my GoPro Hero 5 Black, which felt a bit plasticky, the GO 3 has a solid metal body with some weight to it. It feels like a durable, well-made piece of tech that can take a beating. That alone gave me confidence when shooting in sketchy situations.
3. Compact and Portable
The GO 3 is tiny and lightweight, which makes it super easy to carry around. Its small size means you can stick it almost anywhere or toss it in your pocket without any hassle. The detachable lens adds to this versatility.
4. Waterproof and Water-Resistant Features
While it’s not officially waterproof (due to the exposed USB charging port), the GO 3 is very water-resistant. The buttons are well sealed, and the mic and inputs are protected, so you don’t have to worry about splashes or rain. For most outdoor activities, this level of protection is enough.
5. Internal Battery and Storage
The camera’s battery is built-in and surprisingly long-lasting for its size. I never ran out of battery during my short shoots, which was impressive. Also, there’s no SD card slot, so you don’t have to carry extra cards or worry about dust and moisture getting inside. Everything is internal, which simplifies things.
6. Easy-to-Use Software
The free Insta360 editing app is fantastic. They’re intuitive and make it super easy to transfer footage, edit clips, and create social media content quickly. If you want to make quick videos or slice up your footage for Instagram or YouTube, the software is a big plus.
7. Flip-Up Screen for Vlogging
The flip-up lens design means you can see exactly what you’re recording, which is great for vlogging or self-recording. Unlike my old GoPro Hero 4 Black (where I had to guess if I was in frame), the GO 3’s preview screen lets you hold it and see yourself clearly.
Cons of the Insta360 GO 3
1. Bright White Isn’t Always a Good Thing
While the white design is cool, it also makes the camera very noticeable. When you’re trying to be discreet or blend into the background, especially in crowded places, this camera stands out too much. People will see it from a distance, which can make others uncomfortable or more aware that they’re being recorded.
2. Battery Is Built-In and Non-Removable
The internal battery is convenient, but it also means you can’t swap it out when it dies. If you’re out shooting for a long time, you’re stuck with whatever charge you have. This limits how long you can use the camera without access to a charger.
3. Limited Storage and No Upgrade Options
The GO 3 comes with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, but there’s no SD card slot to expand that. I went with the 64GB version, thinking it would be enough, but it wasn’t. Once you fill it up, you have to offload your footage before shooting more, which was always inconvenient.
4. Difficult to Remove the Lens
The detachable lens is held on by strong magnets and a latch system, which is great for keeping it secure but a pain when you want to remove it. You absolutely need two hands to pop it out, and it can be tough on your fingers. This isn’t ideal when you’re active and want to quickly switch setups.
5. Limited Bluetooth Range for Remote Preview
The GO 3’s preview screen works via Bluetooth, but the connection range is limited to about 10 to 15 feet. I found this frustrating because sometimes I wanted to move further away from the lens and still see what it was recording, but the connection would drop.
6. No 4K Video Recording
This was a big one for me. The GO 3 doesn’t shoot in 4K, which is a dealbreaker if you’re used to ultra-high-resolution footage. I knew this before buying it, but I hoped the detachable lens and other features would make up for it. Unfortunately, this limitation meant I hardly used the camera because the video quality wasn’t up to my expectations.
7. The Camera Gets Warm During Use
The Go 3 does heat up when recording, especially at higher resolutions. This can be uncomfortable to hold for long periods and might affect performance during extended shoots.
8. Easily Gets Dirty and Shows Smudges
Since it’s white, the GO 3 picks up fingerprints, smudges, and dirt very easily. If you’re using it outdoors, especially on dusty trails or sweaty rides, you’ll find yourself constantly wiping it down to keep it looking clean. This is a minor annoyance but worth mentioning.
