I Pack This Tiny 4K Action Cam No Matter Where I Travel (and It's on Sale Right Now)
As part of my job, I travel frequently and work from many different parts of the world. No matter where I go, I'm always careful to pack a a variety of must-have items, and my Insta360 Go 3S camera is one of them. I like to document my travels in the most convenient manner possible, and this tiny action camera does exactly what I need. Normally, action cams can cost a pretty penny. But right now, the Insta360 Go 3S has dropped from its usual retail price of $400 and is down to $341 when you apply a $59 off coupon on Amazon. That's just a dollar more than its all-time low.
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 chest 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.
Watch this: 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 to my edits 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 at all times.
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.
And if you happen to be doing some early shopping for Father's Day or a soon-to-be-graduate in your life, check out our list of the best gifts for dads and the best gifts for grads.
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