Insta360 Go 3S NOW 4K

In this review, we are looking at the brand new Insta360 G0 3S that can now capture video in high-quality 4K resolution. This has to be one of the smallest, lightest 4K action cameras available. But don't let the small size fool you the quality of the 4K footage is quite good. There are many other new features and enhancements with the Insta360 Go 3S. This camera will be perfect for those looking for the smallest, wearable 4k action camera for impressive POV shots.
Insta360 Go 3S (Store) bit.ly/4edycCy
Insta360 Go 3S (USA) amzn.to/45rj3JT
Insta360 Go 3S (CAN) amzn.to/3VrsxQG
Go 3/Go 3S Quick Reader (Amazon) amzn.to/45rpAEj
Links may contain Amazon Associate or other affiliate IDs. As a result, we may receive a small portion of the sale.
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/ @airphotography

[@AirPhotography]

Insta360 Go 3S: bit.ly/4edycCy

[@Heckman_Productions]

Personally I would consider receiving a free product is considered as a sponsorship, but that’s just me. Regardless, love hearing your opinion on the product 💯

I am offered a lot of free products to review , I was thinking the same before finding out how much work is to do a proper review , as long as you can say whatever you want I don't consider it sponsorship , especially if you also point out the flaws or minuses , most of the times if I multiply the number of hours I took for a review with a regular wage , I could have bought that product many times over it's value , also most of the times I already have a much better product from that cathegory , so it's not even like I would have a benefit by getting that product , and also I don't sell them , because I want to let people know later on if the product develops a problem , also my channel is very small so there is not really a financial reward to the review , I just like to test stuff out , as a lot of the regular reviews don't really test what I would like to know about one product

[@Heckman_Productions]

Totally makes sense! Cool nonetheless I’m sure to get to try out other products, especially if it ends up being useful to you beyond the video

[@AirPhotography]

I fully understand what you’re saying. But for me, I have a drawer full of every single action camera ever made pretty well. Most I don’t use anymore. I only need so many. I would never take a $400 camera in exchange for a positive review that would be Ludacris. Especially for something that may not get used or I don’t need. I get sent products quite a bit that I don’t even review because I don’t like them.

[@LetoDK]

Legally IT IS a sponsorship and HAS TO explicitly be disclosed as such in many jurisdictions. Regardless of whether or not money was also exchanged.

[@teofilol2666]

The same people turned their blind eyes on videos comparing xx products vs "iphone", "Tesla", "GoPro". Not to say those are sponsored videos, just weird videos suspiciously with agendas

[@terryparadox]

The Camera Module being standalone is genius!!! You just saved me so much money

[@cuve_ae]

Shawn! I just got hired by a Toyota dealership to do car content for social media. I’ll definitely be grabbing this for POV driving scenes. Thank you brother!

[@EbNorth]

Cool. How does a job like that come about? Or did you offer your services?

[@cuve_ae]

@@EbNorth initially I wanted to be a sales consultant but didn’t like the hours. So I made a long form & several short form videos of my personal vehicle to provide an example of what to expect. The sales manager liked it and we worked out a referral commission deal where I get 20% of the sales consultants commission. I’m able to track who I bring in by offering a preloaded gas card if they tell the sales person “Abraham” sent them in. Here’s the big kicker I own the content created so on the back end I’m able to monetize and double dip on profits using affiliate links to tires, floor mats, windshield sun shades…etc. You don’t need anything but your phone honestly if it records in 4K. Bonus if you invest in a decent mic for voice overs. For my base scripts I use chat GPT / Gemini (Google AI) then punch it up to sound more like me.

[@cuve_ae]

@@EbNorth my comment keeps getting deleted 😡

[@cuve_ae]

@@EbNorth lmk if you see the big paragraph I wrote explaining it

[@EbNorth]

@@cuve_ae sorry. Don't see it. Did channel delete it or is this a KZbin glitch lol?

[@aaronmelson2887]

I have the regular 3 in black 128gb and love it. It was on sale on their website and I purchased it a month ago. Even though I wish the regular 3 was 4k compatible, the 1440p is still very great video quality so that is what I film in. I will be getting the quick reader though before it sells out.

[@AC-lt5ro]

Great review! You're one of the few KZbinrs who went into detail about how fully backward-compatible the previous-gen action pod is with the updated camera.

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you I found that to be a very important feature. I’m really happy that they made it compatible.

[@BazFairbrother]

Hi Shawn, this could be the one to finally move me away from GoPro. I've been using GoPro since 2006 but they really are lagging behind now.

[@michaelnielsen7627]

Bro I have been using GoPro for almost 8 years. This year I bought the X4, and I will never go back ✌🏻

[@AirPhotography]

I love the X4

[@asmr_reviews]

I’ve been waiting for this one 😭 since I didn’t like the footage from the go3. These videos look amazing

[@neilbland1701]

👋👋Hiya Shawn, hope you're keeping well?? I am amazed with the features the Insta360 cameras have and are a great choice between Insta360, DJI and GoPro, they all each have their strengths and improvement areas, the innovative features and form factors are all gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.👋👋

[@22welcome]

Thank you so much for this amazing review 👌👌👌

[@AirPhotography]

Glad you liked it

[@Stealthman42]

Awesome review! Just purchased mine! Love it!

[@AirPhotography]

Awesome thanks for sharing your feedback

[@satay71]

Does the 'Quick Reader' accessory come in the box? None of the bundle variations of the 3s mention it. It's also not in the Insta360 shop (or website) at all.

[@AirPhotography]

I do believe it is a separate accessory you have to purchase

[@checkeredflagfilms]

good review thanks. I see the camera module will only record by itself for 32 minutes...how much storage space does it have? is it recording to it's own internally? do you need to have the docking unit nearby or can you just send it out on its own at any distance? finally, when it stops recording at 32 minutes, how do you off load the footage? thanks.

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Thanks Shawn! Another great review!

[@eecorr]

Thanks for sharing. I ordered mine today and subbed !

[@MrUnevik]

Can you link that selfiestick that could power the camera :)

[@HeroShotz]

If insta360 had cloud storage on the app like gopro does I'd switch to them

[@PositiveDuality]

Hello! What amount are you using to connect the Go 3S to the PGYTECH?

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Can you share a link to the battery handle? Thank you

[@AirPhotography]

If you go back to my channel, I’ve made a full review on the battery handle a video or two ago has all the information there. It’s a pretty useful tool.

[@porscheoffroad]

A low light comparison between the 3 and 3S ( Short video ) please mate 👌🏾🙌🏾💪🏾

[@AirPhotography]

Noted!

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

Can it support an external mic yet?

[@oneschance]

I think he covers that in the video @ 14:50

[@AirPhotography]

Not as of yet, but I do hope that comes with a firmware update. I think it’s important and I will make a follow-up video if they add it.

[@technicalsupport6983]

Wow It is very lightweight for drone , can it cast video wirelessly with 5.8 ghz ??

[@AirPhotography]

The range of the wireless is not very far. I don’t think it would work in that scenario. But definitely the small camera is perfect for FPV.

[@LaloFlores]

If I already have a DJI Action 2 do I need the camera in this review?

[@AirPhotography]

I would say no if you’re currently happy with your DJI. Probably not. Unless you’re looking for something small and wearable as a complementary camera

[@omik6770]

Very sad that 3s doesn't have horizon lock... The main idea of being action camera is to have horizon lock.

[@brilliantspeedsuperbikes]

Can I use insta360 studio desktop to process footage from Go. Speaking of Studio, the latest PC version seems to have a major bug because it won’t let you export edited footage.

[@AirPhotography]

Yes, you can import the footage and export via studio. I have not encountered that bug myself. But I been using beta. I will contact my contact at Insta360 and see what he says about the issue

[@pasangfromearth]

what do you do with all those old gadgets after reviewing new gadgets ???😁

[@RayRay-zc2ed]

Major issue, does it have horizon lock while filming in 4K? The 3 only has horizon lock when filming in 1440 but not while filming in 2k. Because of that I never use the 2k on my 3. Horizon lock is one of the main reasons why I bought it. So what it’s important is the ability to record in 4K at 60 with horizon lock. I hope insta360 is reading these comments!

[@HellbellyUK]

I think it has Freeframe mode in 4K (so full horizon lock) but I'm sure I saw somewhere that it is a narrower field of view (which makes sense I guess).

[@Ozpeter]

Hmmm. The camera itself can be bought standalone (for those already having the original Go 3) but I can't help wondering for someone wanting the basics, could the camera plus the card reader make a functioning system, without the screen module? Interesting thought. Meanwhile I look forward to any comparison of the X4 vs Go 3S picture quality. Obviously very different tools for very different jobs but still, it would be good to know how they compare as the price is not hugely different methinks. (Currently I have the Go 2 and the X3. And about a dozen other small cameras, sigh...)

[@AirPhotography]

Indeed, a very, very interesting concept. I think one could get by with just the module and the reader. As the reader will also charge the device.

[@TommyDanger5]

@@AirPhotography The real question here is how does the camera module communicate with the phone to change settings? Or does all the settings have to be changed with the pod?

[@platoscavealum902]

Thank you

[@AirPhotography]

You're welcome

[@chavsny1578]

Why would there be a quick switch mode? Isn't free frame mode supposed to be the superior version of this or is this removed now?

[@HellbellyUK]

It's for when your filming in "Normal" video mode.

[@AirPhotography]

As mentioned free, fair frame is still fully available. The quick switch is great for when you’re filming in regular video mode. But I do believe that can be disabled in the settings if you don’t want to use it

[@chavsny1578]

Well I found out that "free frame" is just 4:3 as with the Ace Pro. No longer actual free frame as 360 video-sphere recording like the GO2, which have way more that 4:3.

[@chinzeem]

I own the go3 allready. If i purchase only the go3s module (without a pod) Can i continue to use my go3 with its same pod it came with after updating its firmware and begin using it's (go3)pod with the go3s. Hoping i can switch between the two modules for instance, use one while the other is charging in the pod. What is the pairing process to have the pod recognize a new module? And once that "pairing" is completed, does the pod forget the prior paired module entirely? Would be nice if the pod remembers both and switches to the module that is powered on first? Or if the pod axes you, which available camera you would like to connect to. Does it have this capability? Thanks

[@pineappleroad]

From what i understand, to pair it you just turn both the pod and the camera on, then insert the camera into the pod, and it will pair automatically

[@FilmWryter-321]

Great review!

[@AirPhotography]

Thanks!

[@Regantdarcy]

I find it silly how everyone is making a big deal about Insta360 & sponsored videos. Like NO other camera company does that? Gimme a break. Part of me thinks that all this Insta360 bashing is being fueled by GoPro because Insta360 is stealing their thunder. 😂 Since getting an Insta360 X4 & Go3, I gave all my GoPro gear away. Even if I get the Go3s for the 4k, I am still keeping my Go3 because it has a wider 35mm equivalent field of view 11mm vs 16mm.

[@AirPhotography]

I agree. I enjoy their cameras so I will continue to support them. They’ve always been fair with me and never asked me to do anything. I’m not comfortable doing. I don’t do sponsored videos so it’s never been an issue. All companies are greedy. Just Insta360 got caught. But I understand why they were doing what they were doing. it’s a fundamental problem with reviews on KZbin. There’s always hidden agendas and paid sponsorships. It’s hard for people to know what’s real and who they can trust. As soon as the video is sponsored, it’s basically a paid commercial. A company is not gonna pay you $5000 to say the product is garbage.

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

How well does it do in darker environments?

[@AirPhotography]

It does have a smaller sensor than something like the ace. So it’s not super good, but it’s not bad either. it’s the stabilization that really suffers in lower light they do have that jitter reduction that does help a little bit

[@edm11nd]

Im surprised wirh your battery test. I think in the specs it says the run time is based on 1080p. You did it in 4K. That might solve the one thing i felt was a downgrade from my existing go 3.

[@AirPhotography]

To be honest, I was surprised as well. Usually when we get the specs from the manufacturer, they’re not always accurate with my testing, but this was really close and in 4K. I actually ran that test three times with the same results. And I was surprised it didn’t overheat. They even give you a warning that when recording in 4K it could overheat.

[@FQ8]

Does the standalone come with the easy clip?

[@AirPhotography]

Good question I’m not sure. I think it’s just the camera, but the easy clip can be purchased separately. And there are third-party variants on Amazon.

[@FQ8]

@@AirPhotography good to know thank you

[@markmasaki1480]

How is the low light visibility?

[@AirPhotography]

Mediocre it’s a fairly small sensor. But usable as long as there’s not too much motion.

[@creativesymon]

Can you turn stabilisation off...then use gyroflow?

[@AirPhotography]

I don’t think so, but I will check into that

[@markr041]

Gyroflow's web site says yes, may require the FreeFrame setting.

[@creativesymon]

@@markr041 Yeh, that's what confused me. Gyroflow OKed but no data from Insta360. Perfect camera for a drone.

[@dannyly]

Can you connect wireless mics to this camera?

[@HellbellyUK]

Nope.

[@AirPhotography]

Not at this point, but I have submitted to Insta360 to get their engineers to look into that because I think it is essential. So hopefully they can add that with a firmware update.

[@tjrick]

Are the charging pod interchamgable with the Go 3?

[@AirPhotography]

Yes, when I was updating the firmware I’m both units today. It did say that the action pod for the 3S is also compatible with the 3 camera. And vice versa.

[@tjrick]

@@AirPhotography so will 1 action pod be paired to both, or can you only pair it to one at a time. How do you pair them?

[@pineappleroad]

@@tjrick The action pod can only be paired with one camera at a time, pairing happens automatically when the camera is inserted into the pod (both camera and pod need to be powered on)

[@stealtherider3008]

Great video!

[@AirPhotography]

Thanks!

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Thanks!

[@akeemsemple21]

Would you do a video comparing it to the dji action 2

[@AirPhotography]

Indeed, that would be a good idea. Compare footage, stabilization and features. Ill maybe work on that next week

[@akeemsemple21]

@@AirPhotography great I'm sure I'm not the only person that want's to see a battle of the small camera 😂😂 DJI needs to update the action 2

[@armando.visuals]

Do you know if it has Gyro Data? Sorry if i missed that

[@AirPhotography]

Good question I will look into that

[@armando.visuals]

@@AirPhotography Please! thank you

[@markr041]

GyroFlow web site says yes, may require using the Freeframe setting.

[@armando.visuals]

@@markr041 do you have a link where it says that please?

[@ambarish92]

Go 4 will come out with 4k 50 FPS capability 😅 Holding on to my horses to not get one now

[@THELIFEOFCB]

How is the low light?

[@AirPhotography]

It’s decent it is a small sensor so it’s not gonna be as good as the ace or other action cameras with larger sensors, but definitely usable

[@THELIFEOFCB]

@@AirPhotography I have the 3 so I’m just wondering if it’s an upgrade?

[@kg5750]

'Not sponsored but I've been given a free product'! You've released this video at the same time as everyone else, so there must have been some type of agreement. The original GO 3 has 45/170 minutes of recording time, so that's quite a big drop.

[@AirPhotography]

Free product. If you think I would make a favorable video for an action camera. I have a drawer full of every action camera ever made. Why do I need another one just for the sake of throwing it in a drawer? I get sent products to me all the time many of them I never make videos about because I don’t like them. I only support brands I like and products I like.

[@kg5750]

@AirPhotography I wouldn't know what you'd do for a free product though. I'm sure most people being sent a free product would point out the good bits, and gloss over the not so good. A company is unlikely to send you more free stuff if you'd pointed out all the flaws. So it's in yours, and their favours to praise it up. I was looking at GO 3 reviews to see if it would be the best suitable option for me as a wheelchair user. None of the reviews were sponsored, but all the ones I watched had been given the cameras. Today, my feed is now full of non sponsored but 'have been given' GO 3S reviews, saying how wonderful the new version is. All I want is a genuine review.

[@Jlocko67]

So annoying; bought the black Go 3 a month ago....

[@edrencealfaro]

Same

[@romanlesiak2858]

Same

[@Jlocko67]

Spotted you can upgrade the standalone camera at £200(ish), its mentioned here as a benefit but who wants to buy the Go 3 camera on its own? Ebay?

[@IdaAdele.]

Hey! Just gotten this camera and I'm having difficulty knowing what settings to use to get the best quality. I want to record stuff outside, not biking or anything like that with super much movement- but maybe walking recording around. I've been looking around the internet but I don't find anything helpful.

[@GenuineArticle71]

My Go2 has a "Pro video" setting i always use, so no matter what orientation my camera is in that mode gives me FlowState stabilization, the option to adjust the aspect ratio during editing, and most importantly; horizon leveling. Is there a setting so that the Go3s standalone camera can be clipped to my backpack and regardless how my backpack is situated; right-side-up or sideways, the footage taken by the camera will remain smooth and horizon leveled? Also, my Go2 has haptic vibration so i don't need to look at a light or activate the beeping. Does the Go3s have that feature in the camera (not the action pod)?

[@HellbellyUK]

Freeframe Mode is basically what they call "Pro Video" mode now.

[@audiotuyenchon8042]

Good live 👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@demonhogo]

Not a fan. Of this camera it this company. Like at all.

[@AirPhotography]

I’ve been pretty happy with that. I actually have enjoyed Insta360 since my very first 360 camera many years ago. I use their products regularly and I’ve always been happy.

[@r0sco_1]

I love Insta360 devices but they have very big issues with their marketing. Way too many videos that are "sponsored/gifted". They need to relax, back their product. Nobody expects the perfect camera.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

Never going to buy any insta360 products again. Shady business

[@AirPhotography]

They’ve always been good to me. They don’t even make me sign any paperwork for nondisclosure. But I don’t do sponsored videos so that could be why.

[@PearTreePictures1950]

but you did get paid you got a free camera that’s payment in anyone’s language

[@AirPhotography]

I understand what you’re saying, but honestly, I have a drawer full of every action camera ever made. I would never make any specific type of video for a $400 camera when I can’t use all the cameras I currently have . I sent so many products that I don’t even make videos about if I don’t like them.

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

Your video using the Go3S looks amazing! Did you color grade it? Or is that direct from the camera?

[@louisross-g8z]

hello my friend .I've been interested in this camera for a while now and I'm really in love with it.But unfortunately, it is not possible to buy it in our country and I don't have the ability to buy it.The purpose of getting this insta 360 go 3s camera was to be able to get memorable pictures and videos of my grandmother.Because he will not stay with us for a long time and he is sick.I request you, my friend, is it possible for you to give me this camera as a gift? Of course, I may be able to pay you the amount in the following years.thank you so much....

[@DaDragon8tor]

I hope someone gives one to you soon! I would but I am not in a good state with money

[@derekdunn9643]

I had the Go 3, and liked it. However, I no longer use it as I had difficulty transferring footage over to my external hard drive for storage. I would hook up a cable from the Go 3 to my laptop and multiple times, my laptop didn't recognize it. Just tired of the hassle, so I gave up on it. While I like the improvements they made to the Go 3S, feel like they should include a built-in micro SD memory card slot and external mic port. You add those two features and it'd be a bigger improvement.

[@travelwithyou1]

The most important feature is the FreeFrame video now support 4k. thank you FreeFrame Video 4K: 3840x2880@24/25/30fps 2.7K: 2720x2040@24/25/30/50fps 1080p: 1920x1440@24/25/30/50fps

[@RonaldBrown59]

I glad to see they finally added 4k video to the GO series of cameras, that's all anyone ever mentions when talking about these camera. If you need a tiny POV camera, this is the one to get. Great review, and thanks for sharing Shawn.

[@AirPhotography]

Thanks ron

[@MpchBrwn]

For everyone knowledge about horizon level + video rotation, the go3s crops the video a lot using freeframe and 360 Horizon lock view, shame, the Go2 had better Horizon lock and wider angle of view, also you can't rotate the video on freeframe. In the Go2 you can add keyframes, rotate video for a barrel efect and lock Horizon while switching from filming horizontal to vertical, not anymore on insta go 3s.

[@willywin7591]

people are telling 3 have better view angules than 3s and better edition after de record??

[@BryanMiraflor]

lack of a MicroSD card is kinda weird.

[@emgee44]

I very nearly purchased the Go3 when it was on offer last month, glad I waited as this really looks worth while. The quick reader is a neat idea. Maybe the next iteration will have that feature built into the pod?

[@AirPhotography]

Yeah, honestly, I don’t see. No reason why they can’t build a memory card slot into the pod.

[@edifying.24]

anyone have idea when insta 360 would release the newest version of this action cam?

[@AirPhotography]

The 3S just came out. It is the latest version. I don’t think we’ll see an updated version for quite some time.

[@ThomiX0.0]

Thanks for the very clear explanation, but I still have some doubts.. Does this camera have image stabilisation when the horizontal leveling is turned off? (it would make the cornering with bikes much more realistic)

[@asmr_reviews]

I’ve been waiting for this one 😭 since I didn’t like the footage from the go3. These videos look amazing

[@tranemiles7212]

Thanks for info on purchasing Insta360 GO 3S Standalone Camera only!!!!

[@chriscapune7873]

Wow that looks amazing!!!👍🐾🐈‍⬛👏👏👏

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

Great video like always. Mate, Q: the housing for the camera which was on the remote control car. Where did you get that from?

[@AirPhotography]

I do believe Insta360 will be selling them. They sent them to me when they sent me the camera.

[@kaviratvlogs]

When will be available in UAE?

[@averageguy1261]

How was low light capabilities?

[@DigDan85]

What a quality, concise and clean review. Thanks so much

[@AirPhotography]

Thank you very much

[@Cleo_and_Mark]

So it is not compatible with Go3 filters, I assume?

[@HellbellyUK]

Unfortunately not. The camera is slightly wider than the Go3.

[@AirPhotography]

Unfortunately, no the thread size is different

[@TheLotusManFILMs.]

7:20 Question, if you don't use 'easy switch' does the camera still film horizontally when the camera itself is vertical?

[@AirPhotography]

I do believe that can be disabled in the settings if you prefer to film in one specific aspect at all times. Plus, it has the free frame mode which captures technically in both aspects.

[@HellbellyUK]

@@AirPhotography I can see the ability to switch it off useful if you needed to shoot in landscape but the camera has to be mounted vertically for space/ergonomic reasons.

[@anilkumar1971]

Does this come with the option of a memory card or just using the internal memory?

[@AirPhotography]

It only has internal memory. They have a accessory that allows you to offload to a memory card if need be.

[@anilkumar1971]

@@AirPhotography Thank you. Just curious to know the accessories. If you have a link, kindly share it! By the way, awesome video as always.

[@myfavoritecrew7920]

How much record time do you think I can get with the 64gb shooting mostly 4K 30?

[@AirPhotography]

I’m not exactly sure but well over four hours I would have to say. Probably longer.

[@markr041]

​@@AirPhotographyNo way. Over an hour, 4K in high quality mode. The camera reports the amount of time remaining. The 128GB gets you over two hours of 4K high quality.

[@luiscardoso5847]

Dove posso acquistare il accessorio con la sd card?

[@oneschance]

By default, wouldn’t you consider their website? 🤷‍♂️

[@AirPhotography]

It should be available on their website and I’m assuming at some point if not already on Amazon

[@Blubladubla]

This or the dji pocket 3?

[@AirPhotography]

Depends what you’re looking to do. they’re both great cameras but for some people if you just want a small wearable camera go 3 is a better choice but for every day filming, I would go with the pocket 3

[@Blubladubla]

Thank you for the reply. I went with the DJI pocket 3. Just received it today.😊