The Insta360 Go 3 is a small and lightweight action camera designed for FPV drone enthusiasts. This new model from the Chinese company offers improved features, functionality, and image quality, along with a unique Action Pod that includes an LCD screen and the ability to charge the camera.
Among Insta360’s series of compact action cameras, the Go 3 stands out as a game-changer, especially for those who enjoy flying FPV drones. While it may not capture the highest quality videos, with a maximum of 2.7K at 30 frames per second, its small size and light weight make it an excellent choice for FPV drone pilots who prioritize convenience and don’t necessarily need 4K footage. This is particularly useful for flying small FPV drones like microwhoops and cine whoops, especially in tight spaces.
The FPV drone landscape includes various drone sizes, such as microwhoops, 2.5-inch cine whoops, and 5-inch freestyle models. While larger drones can carry full-sized action cameras like DJI Osmo Action 4 or GoPro Hero 11, the Insta360 Go 3 caters specifically to smaller FPV drones.
Weighing just 1.2oz (35g) and being about the size of an adult’s thumb, the Go 3 is perfect for attaching to smaller FPV drones like 2.5-inch cine whoops, which typically support cameras up to 2.1oz (60g). For attaching to the drone, a 3D printed mount can be used. This offers a significant advantage over traditional action cameras as it saves power from the drone’s batteries and reduces setup time.
The Go 3 also introduces Quick Capture, allowing easy video recording with a simple button press. While the image stabilization helps smooth out drone movements, it can’t eliminate vibrations that cause “jello” in FPV videos. To address this, a 3D printed camera mount made of TPU can be used to absorb vibrations and produce stable videos.
The Go 3 captures video up to 2.7K at 30fps, making it a solid option for FPV drone enthusiasts. It also offers 1440p and 1080p video at up to 50fps, along with different color profiles and field of view settings. The new Action Pod provides an articulating LCD screen and allows adjusting camera settings without connecting to a smartphone. It can also charge the camera between flights, extending its usability for FPV pilots.
Additionally, the Go 3 uses screw-on ND filters, ensuring they remain attached even during crashes. These filters help maintain the correct shutter speed for video recording. While more advanced video editing can be done using software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro, Insta360 Studio and the Insta360 app offer basic editing features and color adjustments for quick video sharing.
