Insta360 Go 3S Review: 17 Fast Facts, Tiny 4K Action Camera

The Insta360 Go 3S is a thumb-sized modular action camera that updates the earlier Go 3 with 4K video, deeper waterproofing, and extra features while keeping the same compact magnetic form factor. Pricing starts at $380 for the Standard Bundle, which includes the essential $150 Action Pod. The camera module weighs 1.4 oz and is easy to hand-hold or clip to clothing.

It offers several mounting options, including a magnetic body that lets you use the standard bundle to clip it to clothing, a pendant, a bike, or a pivot stand. The camera magnetically mates with the Go 3S Action Pod, which has a flip-up screen.

The screen on the Pod shows whatever the camera sees, so even if the camera is detached from the Pod, you can still frame the picture/video using the Pod’s screen and change the camera modes. The Pod also recharges the camera, and charging is via a USB-C cable.

The Go 3S battery life is very acceptable without the Pod, with a standalone runtime of up to 38 minutes at 1080p/30 fps.

However, when docked in the Action Pod, battery life is dramatically extended, and at 30 fps, you can get a couple of hours of footage. The camera works either in the Pod or detached from it, and there is a zoom function in the Pod.

The camera and Pod each have a one-touch button to start and stop recording, and there is a pre-recording option that automatically captures 10, 15, or 30 seconds of video before you press the shutter. The camera can also be controlled by voice or gestures if those options are enabled.

The Go 3S shoots amazing video whether you’re using it Portrait-style or Landscape, and the picture automatically corrects whether it is upright or upside down. FreeFrame mode lets you shoot wide and choose aspect ratios later, which is handy for social media.

4K video at 30 fps makes for astonishing picture quality, and that’s the main upgrade over the Go 3’s 2.7K resolution. Additional options include 2.7K at up to 50 fps and 1080p at up to 200 fps for slow motion.

Image quality is excellent in good light, and daylight 4K footage is sharper and cleaner than the Go 3, with improved color and dynamic range. Low-light performance is average, but it’s still more than usable.

Image stabilization is also incredibly impressive, with Insta360’s FlowState electronic stabilization working well.

The audio is just as impressive as the video, with three choices of Wind Reduction, Stereo, and Direction Focus available, and each one does what it’s supposed to do. The noise cancellation is outstanding, with crisp and clear audio even in windy conditions.