I had the go 2 and hated it and returned it. I purchased it about a year ago. When the go 3 first came out, I wasn't interested. But recently I wanted to get back to making youtube videos so I purchased 2 new cameras. The canon r8 (my first mirrorless) and the go 3, black with 128gb. I love the R8, but I didn't like the go 3 at first but after using it and the app, I got more familiar with them and fell in love with this little camera.
Thanks for the follow up review. Just picked up a new Go3 128GB on sale for $339 USD (B&H Photo). I do a lot of hiking/backpacking and paddle sports, and weight is a premium on multi-day backpacking trips. Super excited to try it out. Weight and easy mount options were probably top of my list. Durability too.
I carry and use mine everyday. Great for driving shots and vlogging. It doesn't take long to come on, so if I'm thinking of something to vlog about, I can just get right to it.
I can relate to this. I have the Go 3 as well as a GoPro and Action 4. My Go 3 turned out to be defective but Insta360 replaced it with zero hassle. I started using it again myself and love how fun and easy to use it is. It’s a great little camera!
@@ThisIsJulianC They’re both great cameras. I tend to use the GoPro Hero 12 more as I like the colors better, but the Action 4 is very good and handles lower light situations better. I also like that I can schedule Timelapse’s with the GoPro, which I don’t believe you can do with the Action 4, although I might be wrong about that. I like them both and have no plans to get rid of either.
Another brilliant video, I love how you use a risk based analysis to using the Go 3 over your iPhone based on the cost of replacement. As a side note, I got the black edition (128GB). I'm starting a running channel with it because less people spot the camera when it's black and I've got a black tee/hoodie on 🙂
No one will notice it when you are running... you won't even notice it yourself if you are just using the camera and not the action pod. Wish you success with the new channel #thumbsup
Thank you for this useful video. I love the idea of this Camera, but just haven't purchased one yet. I think I will hold fire and see if they bring out a new version this year!
Glad it was useful. I believe Insta360 will not launch a new one later this year, they added the black version of the GO 3 a few months ago and are deep in to their roll out of their action cameras right now (Ace etc). But if you are on the fence then no harm in holding back anyway.
I would love one. Just cant justify the asking price. I still have an Osmo Action 2 and it does a lot of the same. Sort of. Great video Julian, thanks.
Very good video and very good points you raised. I decided to buy this camera (the latest 3s version since it just came out) because of this video. Thanks.
Glad it helped! GO 3S looks very tempting. It is possible to buy just the new camera module and use it with the existing GO 3 action pod. For those of us that have a GO 3 and want to upgrade that might be a compelling option. Enjoy the camera!
@@ThisIsJulianC Thanks, Julian. I'm using a range of Delkin suction mounts like the Fat Gecko. The trick is to get the camera far enough out from the side of the car without hitting the road embankment (or other cars) with it!
Great video and thanks for all the tips, the only thing I'm trying to find out before I get one of these is how people are mixing the content of the Insta 360 Go with their 4k. This video for example was shot in 4K and you have sample images from the Insta 360 (that doesn't shoot 4K) mixed in with your review? Are you just dropping the 2.7k footage onto the 4K timeline and the software then upscales the content? Thanks..
You are correct on all counts. The studio footage is 4K/24fps, all of the GO 3 footage is 2.7k/24fps (except the hyper lapse sequence). I drop it in to Final Cut which creates a 4K video from the final edit. I believe it works well this way. No other 4K camera is able to get in the places that the GO 3 can due to its tiny size and weight, so for me in those situations the 2.7K resolution is worth the compromise. ..love that Lotus Sunbeam btw :-)
@@ThisIsJulianC Lol yes the good old Lotus, that camera (I used to film the car) was bigger than me with a VHS tape in the side of it 🙂Thanks for the reply, much appreciated indeed.
Basically, the man find the go3 very practical to use for daily use bec of its convenience, reliability and durability 👍 I have been contemplating whether to go for the go3s or x4 - still undecided 😂
Unless you specifically want 360 footage I would stay away from a 360 camera like the X4. Image quality from 360 cameras is getting very good now but still compromised compared to regular action cameras like the GO3S.
I use with my 6 year old. She is very technical and the Go 3 is small and robust. We use it at the mall on the carousel or the train (yes, there is a carousel and a train at the mall) or this free tram where I live. Scooters at the park. On the hat to record her ordering the 3 donut special at the bakery (3 donuts for 100 pesos).
Love it! The GO 3 is WAY more robust than I expected and is not a benefit of the camera that is typically promoted. I am using it more partly because I know I don't need to baby it. Those donuts sound tempting ;-)
Julian, I'm surprised at what you said (at 7:29), especially these days! Everyday I see people alone walking around talking to 'something'! Twenty years ago they would have been considered insane, but now there are even tiny things they can stick in their ears to make or take phone calls with built-in mics, with speakers, so that they can freely wave their arms about when trying to make a point. And, of course there are regular phones, and who knows what... next they'll have tiny phones surgically implanted under the skin! I enjoy my black Go 3, and am finally feeling fairly comfortable talking to it whilst walking around! I'm from Toronto, and believe it or not, I started searching around for a tiny camera, after visiting London in 2018 and 2019. I was fascinated with the huge escalators there, entering or coming from the tube. I had a Lumix LX100 with me, but felt self-conscious about videoing on the escalator, as many of the commuters looked quite tired and cranky. Another time, I was looking for Ronnie Scott's jazz club, and (when looking back at my footage in Toronto, weeks later) I spotted a rather tough-looking, big woman with a dyed-buzz cut coming toward me, and giving me the finger! I had not known it at the time, as I was simply holding the LX100 on a Crane M2 gimbal, and not paying much attention to what was on the screen instead, watching where I was going. But later the answer to my problem came with the discovery of Insta 360. Firstly, I purchased a Go 2, but had endless problems with the Blu-tooth connection. After almost a year (and many exchanges back and forth with Insta 360), they had me send back my final Go 2- of three that were faulty! A great, attentive person, always staying in touch, named 'Daisy', got me a good deal with an exchange for the Go 3, and even reserved a black one for me (by request), as soon as they came out! So, along with my Sony a7C, Pocket 3, Insta360 X 3, and some other Sony cameras, I'm very happy with the very inconspicuous Go3! Finally, I was wondering about the mountain you are on, early in the video- is that Mount Snowden by any chance? Thank you.
That’s certainly true - it’s a lot less conspicuous than the camera gear we were using for vlogging even a few short years ago. I was on the summit of Coniston Old Man, I revisited some favorite climbs while I was over there, that’s one of them 😀
@@ThisIsJulianC using the X4 just in auto and the footage looks grainy and when I zoom in it gets worse not liking this X4 lots of issues and the Studio software won’t even export 360 video I keep saying I’m going to take this X4 back but I’m still trying to get it to look good I understand that the TH-camrs do a lot of editing and coloring to the X4 footage to make it look good… I just don’t believe that it’s worth it
@@DRobertson725 Reframed 360 footage from X4 is at best at 2.7k resolution, which on paper is comparable to the GO 3. However with X4 the image is taken from extreme wide angle lenses that are then corrected for distortion using software. That is all going to have an impact on image quality. I have not tried to export full 360 footage from Insta360 Studio, only reframed footage from X3 and now X4. I published a video with X4 footage, you can see it here: th-cam.com/video/om4LcPl_0lM/w-d-xo.html I did no color correction or anything other than reframe the footage and then export it from Studio. Not trying to promote another of my videos to you but it might help you with the comparison. Personally I don't think any 360 camera with current technology is going to match a regular (action) camera for image quality. But with X4 it is getting closer than it was before. Hope this helps
I‘m trying to find out what is the black surface in fron of the airplane window you put the sticky mount on. Have watched it three times now (btw your video is worth it) but couldn‘t guess.
...that would be my iPad cover. I had to remove the sticky mount from the window so I sat the mini stand on my iPad instead. Not as good a shot but I was clearly on someones radar so it's all I could do.
Been using the Go3 for my travel vlogs. It will be better if memory can be expanded and if an external mic can be connected. Otherwise, it's a good vlogging camera.
You can't connect a separate mic to the GO 3, wired or wireless. So your options are to use the internal mics on the GO 3 or to use a separate mic and sync up the audio in post.
@@ThisIsJulianC Hi thanks for the reply, if you use the internal mics does for example wind noise get picked up, or is there some kind of suppression? Or is it better to pic up external mic?... Thanks again for your help 😊
@@adied7725 You have three audio options on GO 3 - Wind Reduction, Stereo and Direction Focus. I have wind reduction turned on all the time. The sound quality is good enough for the uses I put the GO 3 to, all the audio on the GO 3 footage in this video is using the on-board mics, wind reduction on. If you want better audio the best option is an external mic/recorder that you then sync in post production.
@@ThisIsJulianC Ah that really helps, that makes sense now. Thankyou so much for your time in replying back to me.. 😊😊😊😊you got yourself another subscriber 👍👍
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for sure. Better image quality, better audio quality, less reliance on an app, better stability, use of MicroSD card. The benefits of the GO 3 are all focused on its tiny size and what you can do with it because of that. For vlogging that benefit is not top of my list.
Depends in what way it looks better. I use the GO 3 differently to other cameras and I set it up differently too. I shoot in 2.7K 24fps, vivd color. If you can be more specific about what you refer to I'll try to help.
Even though I've already seen 20 TH-cam reviews of the camera, I really like your refreshing perspective. Thanks :)
Thanks!
I am using the GO 3 WAY more than I ever expected. It's also much tougher than I thought it would be too.
Really useful video. Clear and well thought out arguments for the GO 3. Mine is on its way and excited to get filming with it. Thank you.
Thanks... glad you liked it. Have fun with the GO 3 its a blast to film with.
Wow. Stellar review and footage. Well done. For my needs this little camera looks like a great option.
Thanks… glad it helped 👍
I had the go 2 and hated it and returned it. I purchased it about a year ago. When the go 3 first came out, I wasn't interested. But recently I wanted to get back to making youtube videos so I purchased 2 new cameras. The canon r8 (my first mirrorless) and the go 3, black with 128gb. I love the R8, but I didn't like the go 3 at first but after using it and the app, I got more familiar with them and fell in love with this little camera.
It took me a while too before I really liked the GO 3, but like you I am a fan of it now.
Thanks for the follow up review. Just picked up a new Go3 128GB on sale for $339 USD (B&H Photo). I do a lot of hiking/backpacking and paddle sports, and weight is a premium on multi-day backpacking trips. Super excited to try it out. Weight and easy mount options were probably top of my list. Durability too.
Sounds good - enjoy it!
Thank you very much 😊
You're welcome 😊
I carry and use mine everyday. Great for driving shots and vlogging. It doesn't take long to come on, so if I'm thinking of something to vlog about, I can just get right to it.
Sounds a good approach #thumbsup
I can relate to this. I have the Go 3 as well as a GoPro and Action 4. My Go 3 turned out to be defective but Insta360 replaced it with zero hassle. I started using it again myself and love how fun and easy to use it is. It’s a great little camera!
Thanks for sharing - How do you find Action 4 vs GoPro? Haven't looked at Action 4 (yet)
@@ThisIsJulianC They’re both great cameras. I tend to use the GoPro Hero 12 more as I like the colors better, but the Action 4 is very good and handles lower light situations better. I also like that I can schedule Timelapse’s with the GoPro, which I don’t believe you can do with the Action 4, although I might be wrong about that. I like them both and have no plans to get rid of either.
Another brilliant video, I love how you use a risk based analysis to using the Go 3 over your iPhone based on the cost of replacement. As a side note, I got the black edition (128GB). I'm starting a running channel with it because less people spot the camera when it's black and I've got a black tee/hoodie on 🙂
No one will notice it when you are running... you won't even notice it yourself if you are just using the camera and not the action pod. Wish you success with the new channel #thumbsup
Hi, your running channel link please
@@ICUNURSE thanks so much for the interest! It’s www.youtube.com/@RunWithBK?si=ezz9Ryh_Tn-OQZzr&cbrd=1
Julain I couldnt think in a better review than yours tbh, normally I do not comment on yt videos but your is a must, tks 4sharing man!
I appreciate that!
Thank you for this useful video. I love the idea of this Camera, but just haven't purchased one yet. I think I will hold fire and see if they bring out a new version this year!
Glad it was useful. I believe Insta360 will not launch a new one later this year, they added the black version of the GO 3 a few months ago and are deep in to their roll out of their action cameras right now (Ace etc). But if you are on the fence then no harm in holding back anyway.
I would love one. Just cant justify the asking price. I still have an Osmo Action 2 and it does a lot of the same. Sort of. Great video Julian, thanks.
Action 2 is still a great camera.
Very good video and very good points you raised. I decided to buy this camera (the latest 3s version since it just came out) because of this video. Thanks.
Glad it helped! GO 3S looks very tempting. It is possible to buy just the new camera module and use it with the existing GO 3 action pod. For those of us that have a GO 3 and want to upgrade that might be a compelling option. Enjoy the camera!
The GO3 is a brilliant device. I've managed to get some incredible videos and images with it attached to the side of motor vehicles.
I'll have to check out some of your videos - the ones I viewed today look awesome. How are you attaching the GO 3 to the car?
@@ThisIsJulianC Thanks, Julian. I'm using a range of Delkin suction mounts like the Fat Gecko. The trick is to get the camera far enough out from the side of the car without hitting the road embankment (or other cars) with it!
@@peterfritzphoto Got it - thanks Peter
Non sponsored review of the Go 3S? Maybe a short video sharing thoughts?
I have the GO3S on test right now, did a run a couple of days ago. It’s a nice upgrade. Video to follow soon 👍
Great video and thanks for all the tips, the only thing I'm trying to find out before I get one of these is how people are mixing the content of the Insta 360 Go with their 4k. This video for example was shot in 4K and you have sample images from the Insta 360 (that doesn't shoot 4K) mixed in with your review? Are you just dropping the 2.7k footage onto the 4K timeline and the software then upscales the content? Thanks..
You are correct on all counts. The studio footage is 4K/24fps, all of the GO 3 footage is 2.7k/24fps (except the hyper lapse sequence). I drop it in to Final Cut which creates a 4K video from the final edit. I believe it works well this way. No other 4K camera is able to get in the places that the GO 3 can due to its tiny size and weight, so for me in those situations the 2.7K resolution is worth the compromise.
..love that Lotus Sunbeam btw :-)
@@ThisIsJulianC Lol yes the good old Lotus, that camera (I used to film the car) was bigger than me with a VHS tape in the side of it 🙂Thanks for the reply, much appreciated indeed.
Oh and Subscribed 🙂
@@xrayheadThank you!
Basically, the man find the go3 very practical to use for daily use bec of its convenience, reliability and durability 👍 I have been contemplating whether to go for the go3s or x4 - still undecided 😂
Unless you specifically want 360 footage I would stay away from a 360 camera like the X4. Image quality from 360 cameras is getting very good now but still compromised compared to regular action cameras like the GO3S.
Great review, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
I use with my 6 year old. She is very technical and the Go 3 is small and robust. We use it at the mall on the carousel or the train (yes, there is a carousel and a train at the mall) or this free tram where I live. Scooters at the park. On the hat to record her ordering the 3 donut special at the bakery (3 donuts for 100 pesos).
Love it! The GO 3 is WAY more robust than I expected and is not a benefit of the camera that is typically promoted. I am using it more partly because I know I don't need to baby it. Those donuts sound tempting ;-)
Very nice content. Those shots while running you had a selfie stick? I’m so impressed by the stabilization
Yes - unless otherwise stated this is all with in-camera stabilization, not added in post production. And I do run with a selfie stick.
Julian, I'm surprised at what you said (at 7:29), especially these days! Everyday I see people alone walking around talking to 'something'! Twenty years ago they would have been considered insane, but now there are even tiny things they can stick in their ears to make or take phone calls with built-in mics, with speakers, so that they can freely wave their arms about when trying to make a point. And, of course there are regular phones, and who knows what... next they'll have tiny phones surgically implanted under the skin! I enjoy my black Go 3, and am finally feeling fairly comfortable talking to it whilst walking around!
I'm from Toronto, and believe it or not, I started searching around for a tiny camera, after visiting London in 2018 and 2019. I was fascinated with the huge escalators there, entering or coming from the tube. I had a Lumix LX100 with me, but felt self-conscious about videoing on the escalator, as many of the commuters looked quite tired and cranky. Another time, I was looking for Ronnie Scott's jazz club, and (when looking back at my footage in Toronto, weeks later) I spotted a rather tough-looking, big woman with a dyed-buzz cut coming toward me, and giving me the finger! I had not known it at the time, as I was simply holding the LX100 on a Crane M2 gimbal, and not paying much attention to what was on the screen instead, watching where I was going.
But later the answer to my problem came with the discovery of Insta 360. Firstly, I purchased a Go 2, but had endless problems with the Blu-tooth connection. After almost a year (and many exchanges back and forth with Insta 360), they had me send back my final Go 2- of three that were faulty! A great, attentive person, always staying in touch, named 'Daisy', got me a good deal with an exchange for the Go 3, and even reserved a black one for me (by request), as soon as they came out! So, along with my Sony a7C, Pocket 3, Insta360 X 3, and some other Sony cameras, I'm very happy with the very inconspicuous Go3!
Finally, I was wondering about the mountain you are on, early in the video- is that Mount Snowden by any chance? Thank you.
That’s certainly true - it’s a lot less conspicuous than the camera gear we were using for vlogging even a few short years ago.
I was on the summit of Coniston Old Man, I revisited some favorite climbs while I was over there, that’s one of them 😀
Your footage looks better then the footage i am getting out of the Insta360 X4
May not be a good comparison - what are you seeing, color issues, resolution or?
@@ThisIsJulianC using the X4 just in auto and the footage looks grainy and when I zoom in it gets worse not liking this X4 lots of issues and the Studio software won’t even export 360 video I keep saying I’m going to take this X4 back but I’m still trying to get it to look good I understand that the TH-camrs do a lot of editing and coloring to the X4 footage to make it look good… I just don’t believe that it’s worth it
@@DRobertson725 Reframed 360 footage from X4 is at best at 2.7k resolution, which on paper is comparable to the GO 3. However with X4 the image is taken from extreme wide angle lenses that are then corrected for distortion using software. That is all going to have an impact on image quality.
I have not tried to export full 360 footage from Insta360 Studio, only reframed footage from X3 and now X4. I published a video with X4 footage, you can see it here: th-cam.com/video/om4LcPl_0lM/w-d-xo.html I did no color correction or anything other than reframe the footage and then export it from Studio. Not trying to promote another of my videos to you but it might help you with the comparison.
Personally I don't think any 360 camera with current technology is going to match a regular (action) camera for image quality. But with X4 it is getting closer than it was before.
Hope this helps
@@ThisIsJulianCJulian I think I am going to return the X4 and get the GO 3
I‘m trying to find out what is the black surface in fron of the airplane window you put the sticky mount on. Have watched it three times now (btw your video is worth it) but couldn‘t guess.
...that would be my iPad cover. I had to remove the sticky mount from the window so I sat the mini stand on my iPad instead. Not as good a shot but I was clearly on someones radar so it's all I could do.
Been using the Go3 for my travel vlogs. It will be better if memory can be expanded and if an external mic can be connected. Otherwise, it's a good vlogging camera.
If we could connect a Bluetooth mic that would be awesome
You can record around 5 hours + with 128GB version.
You need more than that?
Good video!
Thanks!
what camera was used at 7:40 pls
Osmo Pocket 3.
How about sound/ Voice, seperate mic or? Phone.... What do you
recommend? Please thanks😊
You can't connect a separate mic to the GO 3, wired or wireless. So your options are to use the internal mics on the GO 3 or to use a separate mic and sync up the audio in post.
@@ThisIsJulianC Hi thanks for the reply, if you use the internal mics does for example wind noise get picked up, or is there some kind of suppression? Or is it better to pic up external mic?... Thanks again for your help 😊
@@adied7725 You have three audio options on GO 3 - Wind Reduction, Stereo and Direction Focus. I have wind reduction turned on all the time. The sound quality is good enough for the uses I put the GO 3 to, all the audio on the GO 3 footage in this video is using the on-board mics, wind reduction on. If you want better audio the best option is an external mic/recorder that you then sync in post production.
@@ThisIsJulianC Ah that really helps, that makes sense now. Thankyou so much for your time in replying back to me.. 😊😊😊😊you got yourself another subscriber 👍👍
@@adied7725 Glad to help 👍
why not pocket 3 tho?
Well.... th-cam.com/video/GoXJulGzuWA/w-d-xo.html
Any tips of how you got connected with insta360? I would love to review some of their products. The one i have always do well on my channel. Thank you
Companies reach out, that's all I can tell you.
Thank you
If you had to choose this or the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 which do you prefer from the two for vlogging purposes?
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for sure. Better image quality, better audio quality, less reliance on an app, better stability, use of MicroSD card.
The benefits of the GO 3 are all focused on its tiny size and what you can do with it because of that. For vlogging that benefit is not top of my list.
Why does your footage look better than mine? Any tips?
Depends in what way it looks better. I use the GO 3 differently to other cameras and I set it up differently too. I shoot in 2.7K 24fps, vivd color. If you can be more specific about what you refer to I'll try to help.
Do you know if the timestamp issue is resolved?
No change that I am aware of.
@@ThisIsJulianC Why in the hell is that so difficult to resolve!?
Can i use external wireless mic with insta360 go 3 ?
Unfortunately no - the GO 3 does not support any external mics.
does it uses an sd card?
No - fixed internal memory only.
I hate when people review a camera product but doesnt make complete video with it.
Glad you liked it 👍
I'm still using the GoPro 6. Lol $$$
Hero 6 is still a great camera.
@@ThisIsJulianC Still works and gets the job done. I'll use it until it won't power on anymore.