Watch my full Insta360 Go 3S Review on YouTube
Welcome to Mark’s Tech Blogs. Today I’m reviewing the Insta360 Go 3S, a compact action camera I’ve been using for the last six months. As someone who had never owned an action camera before, I wanted something versatile for vlogging and theme park trips. The Insta360 Go 3S has been my go-to device for capturing roller coaster footage and travel vlogs, and in this review I’ll break down my full experience.
First Impressions & Price
The Insta360 Go 3S retails at around £350 for the 64GB model and £370 for the 128GB version. Since there’s no expandable storage, I recommend the 128GB option. It’s available in black or white, and there’s a wide range of accessories. In my setup I’ve added a carry case, a small pocket case, wind muffs (£6.99 for four), a chest strap for roller coasters, the Quick Reader for easy file transfers, and the selfie stick tripod. Pricing feels competitive compared with other branded action cameras.
Design & Build
The Insta360 Go 3S is designed as a two-part system: the camera and the Action Pod. Together, they look like a standard action camera, but the camera can also be removed and used as a tiny, wearable device. It’s magnetic, which means you can mount it on metal surfaces – I even attached it to a lighting bar at a gig instead of using a tripod. The included attachment provides a shoe mount if needed.
The pod includes a flip-up touchscreen for selfie filming, power and mode buttons, a USB-C port, and microphone placement for the optional wind muff. Overall, the design is compact, pocket-friendly, and thoughtfully made for versatile use.
Technical Specs
- 4K video recording at 24/25/30fps
- Field of view options from UltraWide to “MegaView” distortion-free mode
- Built-in stabilization for smooth footage
- Gesture and voice controls, plus quick record buttons
- Apple Find My support for iOS users
- 38 minutes of standalone camera battery, or up to 140 minutes with the Action Pod
- IPX8 waterproofing up to 33ft with the lens guard
- Connectivity via Wi-Fi and the Insta360 app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
The camera also supports creative modes like Timelapse, Slow Motion (2.7K), Star Lapse, Interval Photo, HDR, and FreeForm Video for cropping later to vertical or horizontal formats.
Setup & App Experience
Getting started with the Insta360 Go 3S is simple: unbox it, download the Insta360 app, and follow the pairing instructions. The camera connects via Wi-Fi, which means firmware updates require mobile data as you can’t use the app and home Wi-Fi simultaneously. The app allows access to video previews, manual settings (ISO, white balance, exposure), and exporting footage with stabilization applied. While raw files can be copied directly, stabilization requires export through the app or desktop software.
Real-World Use
Using the Insta360 Go 3S has been a mixed but largely positive experience. On the plus side, the compact size makes it perfect for travel, vlogging, and roller coaster POV shots using the chest strap. The magnetic pendant mount is great for walking POV footage, and stabilization is excellent even on wooden roller coasters. Video quality is impressive in daylight, and the Timelapse feature is particularly fun. Low-light video isn’t perfect, but it performs better than expected for such a small sensor.
Audio is acceptable for vlogging if the camera is facing you, though it struggles in noisy environments. Unfortunately, there’s no external microphone support despite Bluetooth being built-in, which feels like a missed opportunity. The device also gets quite warm, which impacts battery charging and long recordings. Exporting stabilized video through the app takes time, which can be frustrating for bulk files, though the Quick Reader accessory helps.
Verdict
The Insta360 Go 3S is a powerful pocket-sized action camera that delivers smooth, stabilized footage in a tiny, versatile package. It’s perfect for travel, theme park days, and vlogging on the go. While it has downsides – such as limited audio options, occasional overheating, and reliance on the Insta360 app for stabilization – it remains an excellent choice for creators who value portability and creative shooting modes.
Check out the Insta360 Go 3S through my links for current pricing and bundles, which may include free accessories.
