Insta360 GO 3S Review / Comparison: Unsponsored and Unbiased

Unsponsored, unbiased and honest review of the new Insta360 GO 3S mini action Camera. Includes overview of the updated design and features, operation, what’s good and bad and side-by-side comparison to the original GO 3. Check out the channel for additional videos focused on Insta360 and other cameras and accessories.
Keywords:
Insta360 GO 3S, GO 3, action camera, 4K, 2.7K, 1440P, free frame, Timelapse, action pod, fps, sensor, microphone, bitrate, vlogging, content creation, RUclips, instagram, stabilization
Chapters:
00:00 - 02:40 Introduction
02:40 - 05:05 Design / Hardware
05:05 - 07:10 Features / Capabilities
07:10 - 14:30 What’s Not So Good?
14:30 - 21:10 Comparison Tests
21:10 - 24:15 Final Thoughts
Product Links (I may earn a commission):
Insta360 GO 3S (White): amzn.to/3VI07Cf
Insta360 GO 3S (Black): amzn.to/3XNJMid
Insta360 GO 3S (Camera Only) amzn.to/4cm4c66
Insta360 GO 3, 128GB (White): amzn.to/3KrPeiD
Insta360 GO 3, 128GB (Black): amzn.to/3VsaUS4
Insta360 GO 3, 64GB (White): amzn.to/3x1HyR6
Insta360 GO 3, 128GB (Black): amzn.to/3Re1gjD
Insta360 Quick Reader for GO 3S / GO 3: amzn.to/3VZy2Yw
Other Recording Equipment
Sony ZV-1: amzn.to/3UVWCr0
DJI Pocket 3: amzn.to/3zxkASE
DJI Mic 2 Wireless Mic: amzn.to/3XP6jLc
Rode Videomic Go II: amzn.to/3UoxdHZ

[@MrPlaneTalk]

Thank you for your honest (and very thorough) reviews.
The dishonesty out there with other RUclipsrs is even worse as Insta360 seems to be pressuring reviewers to NOT mention they got it for free in exchange for a positive review and to NOT mention any sponsorship at all. Shame on Insta360.

[@gwebster65]

Yes, it’s a real shame, and seems unnecessary. In general, I really like the products, but this shady marketing is putting me off.

[@FabrizioNannini]

nice and clever comparison. Thank you

[@gwebster65]

Thanks for watching!

[@sergiovargas2990]

Excellent honest and objective video as always.... thanks

[@gwebster65]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrPlaneTalk]

At 5:10, mic starts picking up high pitched whine. Sorry.

[@gwebster65]

I know. Trying to figure it out.

[@JoATTech]

Thanks for unbias review.
Seems 3s is much better than normal 3. But I guess I would choose DJI Action 4 anyway :D. I already have DJI Mic2 so can connect it to Action 4 and enjoy better sound quality.
Huge improvement in low light. Go3 is just terrible in any shadowy scenario.

[@gwebster65]

Thanks for sharing

[@richardradon]

Nice video. How about Horizon Lock how do you find that? mine is not the best... regards Richard

[@gwebster65]

Initial impressions are pretty good, but have not fully tested yet. I am planning a comparison of standard video vs Freeframe and that will include horizon lock/leveling.

[@IanTed]

Having recently bought one, here’s my ten penneth. Agree re mic, would be nice to use my DJI Mic2 using Bluetooth. Agree re 60 frames too but overall I like its adaptability in certain situations even if fast file transfer requires the additional card reader or a cable connection.
.

[@rampart1234]

You are awesome👍

[@gwebster65]

Many thanks

[@single-shot-video]

Thanks for your detailed review of the Insta Go3S. I have the Go2 and have used it many times over 3 years, where I mainly use it on the chest pendent or a metallic post in vertical position to record horizontal 16:6 Standard Video - Not Pro Video (as the File sizes are smaller). If I understood your review correctly, it NOT possible to have the Go3S camera in a vertical position to record standard video mode for Horizontal 16:9 Video. Is this correct? Thanks, Adam.

[@gwebster65]

That is correct. I am planning a follow-up video on this topic. Stay tuned.

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

My guess is they up to 60FPS & add external mic in the Go 4.

[@gwebster65]

Let’s hope! Thanks for watching.

[@elmono3939]

Almost bought one today. But after seeing your video, I cancelled my purchase. The fact you cannot turn off the automatic horizontal -to-vertical function made me to abandon my purchase. What were they thinking?

[@gwebster65]

Hopefully this is something that they will fix with a firmware update. I plan to make a video specifically on this topic to try to raise visibility.

[@MrNeilRoberts]

GO2 user here …. I’ve been a Insta360 customer since their first consumer 360 camera and as time goes by my disappointment in them increases … the form factor for the GO3 is a step back from GO2 imo and they should focus on the GO as the tiny camera it is and not some GoPro DJI rival because they just end up with a bag full of compromises.
My theory is they have cleverly disguised the GO3 run out model as the S and the GO4 will hopefully see us get back to tiny and capable without all this flippy screen gubbins.
I really like your videos… as you rightly say, too many misleading so called non sponsored “reviews” out there … the X4 is another great example.. Apple Watch doesn’t work with it even though people such as EatSleep 360 tell me it does hum hum 😳

[@gwebster65]

Interesting take, but I’m sure that the GO 3/3S has a big market among people who want to buy/carry just 1 camera, making the “split personality” a big selling point.
Like you, I am getting disillusioned by Insta360 lately - not so much because of the products, but more for the shady marketing, which seems unnecessary.
Thanks for watching.

[@Eccentech]

I love the Action Pod. My first Insta360 camera.