Insta360 Go 3/Wala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
The extreme camera market is flooded with many models, offering similar features at different prices.
In this competitive space, the Insta360 Go 3, which looks like a big candy with a lens, stands out thanks to two main elements: the Action Pod, which adds a new dimension to the photography experience, and a unique vision.
Who is it suitable for?
We received it for review courtesy of the Bug network - and came back with answers.
Design
For those who don't know, the Insta360 Go 3 is a small camera the size of a thumb (or candy, you decide), designed to allow you to document the world - and especially yourself - in a whole new way.
The camera body is resistant, even against water (up to 5 meters deep), and the magnetic back allows it to be connected to a wide range of accessories.
However, the most significant innovation in the Go 3 is not the camera itself, but its new charging case, which Insta360 calls the Action Pod.
The case takes the small Go 3, which looks like a thumb, and turns it into a GoPro-style action camera.
The Action Pod has buttons for controlling the camera and a 2.2-inch foldable touchscreen for tracking shots.
The camera inside its new charging case, which Insta360 calls the Action Pod/Walla!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
The camera itself is a bit larger than its predecessor - it is 9 grams heavier (35 grams without the case) and a few millimeters larger in each direction.
However, you probably won't notice the difference unless you hold the two cameras side by side.
However, it's important to note that the size difference is significant enough that all of the Go 2's accessories probably won't fit the Go 3.
The Action Pod case next to the tiny camera/Wala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
The Go 3 attaches to the Action Pod using a very strong magnet, which then locks into place with two latches, one on each side.
A button on the side of the case releases the clips, and the camera unit can then be removed from the magnet.
You will be surprised, but the connection is very strong, even while running.
accessories
The package includes three hanging accessories.
One accessory, which I think is also the most useful, is a magnetic pendant that can be worn under the shirt while the camera is attached to it.
Another accessory is a hat clip with a personalized cradle.
Both of these accessories hold the camera very well.
The third accessory is an adjustable stand, which includes a base with a sticky surface and a ball head for attaching the camera.
Want more?
Two additional accessories are compatible with the camera, but sold separately: a selfie stick and a "monkey tail" hook for hanging the camera in non-standard places, by wrapping it around.
A magnetic pendant that can be worn under a shirt while the camera is attached to it/Wala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Photography experience
First, we've already talked about it and it's incredibly small and light.
And it's important to dwell on this for a moment, because it allows you to easily connect it to almost anything, with the help of the right accessories.
For example, with the help of the magnetic pendant I attached it to a shirt - and photographed a routine walk from the car to work from a unique perspective.
Sure, it's cool, but after you shoot the video, you might find yourself wondering what to do with it.
And that's what happened to me.
However, similar to the previous Insta360 Go models, most operations can be performed using only one button hidden at the bottom of the camera.
On top of that, I found it useful (very!) in that it can get into tight spaces that no other camera can.
This means that you can shoot at special and creative angles, say through small items or narrow places.
Incredibly small and light/Wala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Quality of photos and videos
First of all, some dry details: the camera offers a resolution of 2.7K (yes, you won't find 4K here, which is a shame).
It also includes the FreeFrame mode, which allows you to adjust the video ratio, with a choice between a 1:1 square, 16:9 wide or 9:16 narrow mode for posting on social networks.
Besides this, as requested, the camera allows you to shoot in a variety of modes - slow motion video recording, sequential photo shooting to create a timelapse video, HDR photo shooting, Interval mode, Starlapse mode (photographing stars in motion) and Loop mode.
Like the Hero 11 Black, the Go 3 has a FreeFrame mode that's available up to 1440p, allowing you to resize the video after shooting.
There's also image stabilization, this time up to the improved maximum resolution of 2.7K, which can shoot at 30fps.
You can choose from four field of view modes (extra wide, action, linear and narrow), each of which actually reduces the field of view.
This means you are not limited to the extra wide fisheye view and can adjust the look of your shots to your liking or need.
The camera allows you to take pictures in a variety of situations.
This is how it looks on the screen in the case/Walla!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Review |
Shooting in Action mode with the Insta360 Go 3
Review |
Shooting in LINEAR mode with the Insta360 Go 3
how are the results
Still photos in daylight show good quality and are reminiscent of photos taken with a modern smartphone.
Even the videos, although not in 4K, are sharp and clear, with accurate colors and balanced lighting.
In addition, the digital stabilization is effective and knows how to deal with uneven movement, especially in Action mode.
However, it is important to be aware of the limitations, which are typical of many action cameras.
For example, shooting with the fisheye lens causes significant distortions in the image, even though many see this as an integral part of the aesthetics of action photography.
In addition, a relatively small sensor, similar to that of most smartphones, leads to less good image quality in difficult lighting conditions and a low level of detail.
And one more little thing - you can also take pictures in vertical format (for Real or Tiktok).
Less suitable for stills: shooting with the Insta360 Go 3/Walla!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
A less good picture in difficult lighting conditions.
Shooting with the Insta360 Go 3/Walla!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Shooting with the Insta360 Go 3/Walla!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
battery
On paper, the company says the battery is 50% larger than the previous generation, the Go 2, and it will provide up to 170 minutes of work.
In practice, under everyday conditions, recording at the maximum resolution in standard video mode I managed to reach more than 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is extremely respectable.
On paper it will provide up to 170 minutes of work/voila!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
There is an app, but you don't really need it
With the Action Pod, there's really no reason to install the app on your smartphone.
However, it's still a great companion app and convenient to use on larger phone screens where it's easier to see details and change settings.
The only downside to using a phone is that it requires giving up a standard Wi-Fi connection in favor of the camera's Wi-Fi signal - meaning that if you want internet at the same time, you'll have to make sure you have cellular reception.
The app also includes, apart from a remote view of what the camera sees, a manual or automatic video editing mode (yes, with the AI).
For the advanced among you, there is also a version for PC, called Insta360 Studio.
In the bottom line
The Insta360 Go 3 can't replace a DSLR, or even a smartphone camera, but opens the door to shooting at interesting angles that you probably wouldn't be able to get without it.
The tiny size of the camera mainly allows you to do fun things - like putting it on your pet and taking pictures of yourself with minimal effort, even in motion.
However, if professional video quality is important to you, as with GoPro, the Go 3 is not for you, nor was it intended to be.
the price?
Starting at NIS 1,989, for the 64 GB version, on the Bug network.
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