
This Tiny 4K Action Cam Is Smaller Than a GoPro, and I Take It Everywhere I Travel
The Insta360 Go 3S, released last summer, introduced a minor but significant upgrade to its predecessor by adding 4K video recording -- a first for this ultracompact camera line. I've been using it since its launch, and so far, I've been pleased with the image quality, stabilization and the magnet mounting system. This action cam lets me get POV shots with unmatched ease, far beyond what I can get with my phone.
Why I chose the Insta360 Go 3S
I carry the Insta360 Go 3S with me for its portability and quality. It's smaller than the GoPro Hero cameras I've used and weighs 3.4 ounces (96.3 grams) with the Action Pod and just 1.38 ounces (39.1 grams) for the camera unit.
The design is pretty slick, with a capsule-shaped camera that pops out of its "Action Pod" and can be mounted magnetically to unconventional places like railings, poles, streetlights, etc. This lets me capture myself on the go without needing a tripod. The Go 3S also comes with a pendant-style accessory in the box, which I wasn't entirely sure I would use. But unlike the GoPro Hero 13 Black, this pendant allows me to attach a camera to my chest without needing a strap, so I've used it a lot.
Prakhar Khanna/CNET
Apart from the sharp 4K footage, Insta360's Go 3S can also shoot slow motion at 200fps in 1080p resolution, but I found the 2.7K at 100fps videos to be better in quality. I've also noticed better footage of motion shots than the Go 3, likely because of the higher bit rate of 120Mbps (versus 80Mbps). It obviously shoots the best quality videos in bright daylight with vibrant colors, great dynamic range and better shadows. Insta360's FloState stabilization is pretty good, too -- I've used it while running and riding a bike. The videos were close to GoPro-level stability.
Now Playing: Insta360 Go 3S Review: We Took the Smallest 4K Action Cam to Big Sky, Montana
05:38
I shoot most of my 4K videos in FreeFrame mode at 30fps so I can edit them later in the aspect ratio I want. It goes up to 50fps in 1080p resolution but I prefer 4K. The app allows me to transfer media, edit videos, add color profiles, add fun effects and more.
The Insta360 Go 3S offers a narrower field of view (16mm versus 11 of 35mm equivalent) than the Go 3 but the difference is barely noticeable. It's slightly narrower. While it can also capture images (JPG as well as DNG), I use my Go 3S to shoot videos. The only downsides of Insta360's camera are nonexpandable storage and average battery life. I recommend you buy the 128GB version instead of the base 64GB, which is double that of the predecessor but might not be enough for everyone. Plus, add a power bank to your backpack to keep it charged.
Essential Insta360 Go 3S specs
Size (camera): 1 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches
1 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches Size (Action Pod): 2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches
2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches Weight (camera): 1.38 ounces (39.1g)
1.38 ounces (39.1g) Weight (Action Pod): 3.4 ounces (96.3g)
3.4 ounces (96.3g) Video resolution: 4K
4K Maximum waterproof depth: 33 feet
33 feet Battery life: 140 minutes (with Action Pod)
A standard bundle includes the Insta 360 Go 3S camera, magnet pendant, Easy Clip, Action Pod and pivot stand.
Insta360
Yes, there are lots of action-cam alternatives
As much as I travel, I appreciate the convenience and portability of the Insta360 Go 3S, and with its current discount, it's a pretty great deal right now. But there are plenty of worthy action cam competitors, depending on your needs and budget. If you're interested in checking out other action cameras from the likes of GoPro, DJI and Akaso, here are CNET's top action cams tested by our expert reviewers.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bitcoin Hits $1T Realized Cap as Price Holds Above $118K After $9B BTC Sale by Satoshi-Era Whale
Bitcoin continues to trade above the $118,000 mark, holding steady after a week of significant institutional developments and a landmark milestone in on-chain metrics. According to CoinDesk Data, BTC was last up 1.45% over the past 24 hours, bringing its 30-day gain to 10.42% and lifting its year-to-date performance to more than 26%. Blockchain analytics firm Glassnode highlighted in its latest "Week On-chain" report that July has brought one of the strongest upside breakouts of the year. After dipping to around $105,400 earlier in the month, bitcoin surged to an all-time high of $122,700 before settling into a consolidation phase just below that level. The report noted that this price rally triggered substantial profit-taking from long-term holders while also drawing in new buyers, leading to a sustained inflow of capital into the asset. The result is that bitcoin's realized capitalization — a measure of the total value of coins based on the last time they were moved — has now surpassed $1 trillion for the first time. Unlike market capitalization, which reflects current price multiplied by total supply, realized cap tracks the actual liquidity deployed into bitcoin over time. Glassnode says this milestone reflects growing conviction among both long-term holders and new entrants, and signals a deepening of the asset's liquidity base. The on-chain analytics firm also claims that this points to bitcoin's growing role on the macroeconomic stage, with the ability to absorb and settle ever larger volumes of capital. On Friday, Mike Novogratz's Galaxy Digital (GLXY) announced in a press release "the successful execution of one of the largest notional bitcoin transactions in the history of crypto on behalf of a client." Galaxy said that it had executed a more than $9 billion bitcoin transaction on behalf of a legacy investor from the early days of the network. The 80,000 BTC sale is one of the largest of its kind in crypto history and was reportedly part of the client's estate planning. Meanwhile, on Friday, CNBC resurfaced a detail from Tesla's second quarter of 2022 earnings filings, which disclosed that the company had converted approximately 75% of its bitcoin into fiat currency during that quarter. With bitcoin hovering around $118,000 on Friday morning, David Faber, a "Squawk on the Street" co-host, estimated that had Tesla held onto its full bitcoin holdings, the value of its BTC holdings would now exceed $5 billion — four times higher than its reported valuation of $1.25 billion as of the most recent quarter. Of course, this is the same kind of criticism that has been aimed at the German government for selling its bitcoin holdings too early. In June and July 2024, the German authorities liquidated nearly 50,000 BTC seized from a film piracy case, netting roughly $2.9 billion at an average price around $57,900 per coin. At the time, officials justified the move by citing legal obligations to avoid potential loss in value and quickly liquidate seized assets. However, in hindsight, this strategy has come under fire as the value of bitcoin soared in the following year. On May 19, crypto market intelligence platform Arkham noted on X that those same coins would have been worth more than $5.24 billion had the German government held on to them, meaning it missed out on over $2.35 billion in potential gains. Critics argue that the sale not only left a fortune on the table but also contributed to short-term price pressure on the entire bitcoin market. Technical Analysis Highlights According to CoinDesk Research's technical analysis data model, during the 23-hour session ending July 26 at 14:00 UTC, the digital asset rallied more than 3%, carving out a $3,300 trading range between $114,937 and $118,237. Support has remained firm in the $117,140–$117,330 zone, while resistance appears to be consolidating just below the $118,200 threshold. The final hour of trading saw modest gains of 0.07% as BTC climbed from $118,095 to $118,183, with tight-range consolidation suggesting continued buying interest just below psychological resistance. Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Do You Have An 'Aisle Lice' Problem? Here's How To Tell.
If you've ever taken a flight, you know the chaos that often ensues after landing when the pilot turns off the 'fasten seatbelt' sign. People are jumping to their feet, swinging their bags down and in some cases, even getting into altercations. And of course, there are the 'aisle lice.' This deplaning phenomenon is quite common, but it can be frustrating nonetheless. Below, travel and etiquette experts break down what the term 'aisle lice' means and what you should know about this behavior before your next flight. What does 'aisle lice' refer to? ''Aisle lice' is a term used to describe airline passengers who immediately stand up and cluster in the aisle as soon as the plane arrives at the gate, often before the seatbelt sign is turned off,' said Lauren Gumport, vice president of communications at Faye Travel Insurance. It's related to the concept of 'gate lice,' the folks who crowd the gate area at the airport during the boarding process, well before their group number is called. 'Anyone who has been on a commercial flight in economy knows the cramped nature of deplaning,' said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going. 'Elbows in faces, bags coming from all angles in the overhead bins and of course, the impatient people who crowd the aisle. Regardless of seat assignment, some people will rush to the front of the aisle in an effort to deplane as fast as possible.' Although aisle lice typically refers to those who refuse to patiently wait in their designated seat until their row's turn to deplane, the term might also apply to passengers who stand and take up space in the aisle at other inopportune moments. 'So long as the attendants have finished their service, it is perfectly acceptable to stand or walk back and forth to stretch your legs. If there is beverage or meal service, you need to remain in your seat.' said Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. 'While generally used when referring to airplanes, aisle lice can also be found on trains, buses, subways, and even boats,' she added. What's driving this phenomenon?'In some cases, people are trying to make a tight connection, and they are likely the ones to rush ahead with an apology attached to provide context as to why they need to cut ahead,' Nastro said. 'Others are just too impatient to wait either in their seat or near their seat, inching as close to the plane door as possible without any regard for the unofficial deplaning protocol. Maybe they are late for a business meeting, or family emergency.' Whatever the case, she added that it's rare to get a full explanation as to why a particular passenger feels they should be allowed to deplane out of order. Smith emphasized that there can be valid reasons for aisle lice behavior. For instance, there might have been a long delay that shortened passengers' connection times. In these cases, even a few moments can mean the difference between making the next leg or being stranded overnight. 'But other passengers are just done being seated and want to stand to stretch their legs,' Smith said. 'And yes, there are a subset of passengers that are just plain pushy.' After long delays, flight attendants often make a pre-landing announcement asking passengers arriving at their final destinations to stay seated and allow those with tight connections to deplane more quickly. However, not everyone honors such requests. 'Aisle lice behavior is often driven by a mix of impatience, anxiety and a desire to be among the first off the plane ― whether to catch a tight connection, beat the crowd to baggage claim or simply stretch after a long flight,' Gumport said. 'In some cases, it's habit or social mimicry. People see others standing and assume they should, too.' She added that standing prematurely doesn't speed up the deplaning process in most cases. 'And it can create unnecessary congestion and tension, especially in tight cabin spaces,' Gumport said. 'That said, I wouldn't label it malicious ― it's more of a minor annoyance.' Dollar Flight Club founder and CEO Jesse Neugarten agreed that the phenomenon can be annoying, but the urge is relatable. 'I've definitely found myself standing up earlier than I needed to, especially on long travel days,' he said. 'This is one of those classic examples of how air travel kind of brings out weird habits in all of us. Everyone's tired, no one wants to be last. It's not the biggest deal, but it's one of those things where if everyone just relaxed a bit, the whole process would be smoother for everyone.' How can you not let aisle lice disrupt your air travel experience?'Aisle lice has become an even hotter topic in some places,' Nastro noted. 'Recently, Turkish Aviation Authorities have implemented a fine for people who stand up too early in the deplaning process, specifically when it is not safe to do so. These are extreme cases of people really going beyond deplaning etiquette.'In places where passengers are not fined for bad deplaning behavior, however, there are different ways to deal with aisle lice. 'Stand by and let pass, or kill 'em with kindness,' Nastro advised. 'If someone does rush ahead, you can consider politely asking if they have a connection or emergency, and if not, just explain that there is a general deplaning etiquette that ensures everyone gets off as efficiently as possible. If the other person isn't willing to oblige, well, you tried to do your part.' Regardless of how you feel, she emphasized the importance of patience and common courtesy in the deplaning process. 'If there is room, I am all for some of the passengers standing up in the aisle because this allows those still seated in the row a bit more elbow room and the ability to actually look around their seats to gather all of their belongings,' Smith said. 'It also allows for the overheads to be opened, making for easier unloading. What is not OK is pushing those standing in the aisle. Not every aisle seat will be able to stand, and if the passenger across the aisle from you has already stood, you will need to wait.' For those bothered by the aisle lice rush, she recommended booking a window seat and remaining seated until the majority of passengers have disembarked so that you may leave at your leisure. 'Honestly, what is more of a nuisance, especially in airplane travel, are those passengers who stand lollygagging in the aisle, turning this way and that, surprised that it is their turn, while blocking others from disembarking,' Smith said. 'Passengers who require extra time or assistance should, as the airline state, remain comfortably seated, allowing others to pass.' She also urged travelers to pay attention to where their fellow passengers' heads are as they pull their luggage from the overhead for those who stand up in the aisle during the flight, Smith emphasized presuming positive intent. 'Not everyone is able to sit still for hours on end,' she noted. 'For others, it may be medically necessary for them to walk and stretch during the journey.' Related... The Rudest Things You Can Do While Boarding A Plane A Definitive Guide To Airplane Seat Etiquette Is 'Check-In Chicken' The Ultimate Airplane Seat Hack? Here's What Experts Say.


Android Authority
3 hours ago
- Android Authority
Samsung may be killing bootloader unlocking on all phones with One UI 8
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung appears to be disabling bootloader unlocking in One UI 8 on more devices than before. Previously, only US models lacked the OEM Unlock toggle, but the restriction now seems to be spreading to global models as well. A contributor on XDA Developers discovered that Samsung is likely stripping out the necessary code to unlock bootloaders entirely. Samsung might be quietly locking down its phones even more tightly with the One UI 8 update. A new report from an XDA Developers contributor reveals that Samsung appears to be removing the ability to unlock the bootloader on more devices, including international versions that previously supported it. Samsung phones in the US already lack the 'OEM Unlocking' toggle in Developer Options, effectively preventing users from unlocking the bootloader and installing custom ROMs. But now, it looks like that restriction could apply globally. What's changed? The contributor, salvo_giangri, discovered that Samsung has added a line to the device's bootloader configuration: This line tells the Android system whether the device is allowed to unlock the bootloader. If it's set to 1, the Settings app won't even show the OEM Unlock option, which is the first step in unlocking a phone. In the latest One UI 8 firmware, this line is present even on non-US devices, indicating that the restriction is no longer region-specific. We checked and can confirm that our non-US Galaxy Z Fold 7 does not have the 'OEM Unlocking' toggle in Developer Options. Some folks think this could be a mistake on Samsung's part. However, those running the One UI 8 beta build also report that the option is missing from their devices. Unlocking the bootloader is essential for enthusiasts and developers who want to install custom ROMs or kernels, gain full root access to their devices, or further customize their phones. If you're someone who loves customizing your phone or values the freedom to tinker with Android, then this is a significant step back from Samsung. Anyone planning to update to One UI 8 or buy a new Samsung device running Android 16 should know that this restriction may apply to their devices. That said, we'll reach out to Samsung for an official confirmation on the matter. For now, the bootloader on your current Samsung devices that are not running One UI 8 should still be unlockable, but with new updates and devices, that may no longer be the case.