Six years after the Insta360 GO first appeared, the Insta360 GO Ultra has a new square Standalone Camera, and sacrifices some size and weight to accommodate a raft of decent-looking upgrades.
Insta360 has had a busy few months of it of late, and the new Insta360 GO Ultra takes some of the advancements the company has made with its Ace and X series cameras and crams them into the GO Ultra’s still small but slightly-less-compact-than-before form factor.
That’s enabled the company to do some interesting things in a slightly stretched action camera space. Important things are either bigger (the 1/1.28" sensor is 221% larger than its predecessor), or smaller (it features a new 5nm AI chip) as appropriate. The result is that it delivers 4K60fps video, double the frame rate of its predecessor, as well as new features such as what’s termed PureVideo, which Insta360 says uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to reduce visual noise and enhance brightness in low light.
Unlike GO 3S, which has fixed internal storage, GO Ultra uses removable microSD cards, ramping storage up to a potential 2 TB.
Okay, so it’s bigger and heavier than previous models, but in the grander scheme of things it remains tiny too. The newly square-shaped wearable Standalone Camera weighs a meagre 53 grams / 1.87 oz, and measures just 46x45.7x18.3 mm / 1.8x1.8x0.7 in. This makes it about the size of a smartwatch or an Oreo, Insta360 can’t decide which is the best comparison.
By way of comparison, the previous GO 3S was 25.6x54.4x24.8 mm / 1.0x2.1x1.0 in and weighed 39.1 grams or 1.38 oz.
As ever, the camera is split into two components: the Standalone Camera and the Action Pod. The Standalone Camera's built-in magnetic base can be used on any metallic surface and combined with a whole range of accessories including a Magnet Pendant, Pivot Mount, Flexi Strap Mount, and more, opening a whole range of creative third-person angles. There are even peel-and-use Sticky Tabs and the wonderfully named Toddler Titan Hat Clip to mess about with.
GO Ultra uses Bluetooth to broadcast in real time from the Standalone Camera to the Action Pod. This acts as a remote control with a 2.5” flip-up touchscreen display, grip, and extra battery. Claimed charging is pretty impressive. The Standalone Camera has a run time of 70 minutes on a single charge, but that can be bumped up to 200 minutes when combined with the Action Pod’s battery. It will charge back to 80% in only 12 minutes too.
Elsewhere, a new ambient light sensor reduces flickering and calibrates colors in real-time for what Insta360 says is more authentic footage. And IPX8 waterproofing lets it reach 10 metres (33 feet) underwater.
The Insta360 app has been upgraded as well. Transitions, effects, music, and more can be added with just a few taps, while cyclists can add their data—GPS, heart rate, speed—from Strava or a third-party device that syncs in real-time to their footage.
Are all the new features worth the slight increase in weight? Probably yes, as far as users go, and probably yes for Insta360 as well. The very similar DJI Nano, at least according to leaks, looks set to launch imminently, and any advantage that Insta360 can steal in what is becoming an overly competitive market with too many companies chasing too few sales is a good one.
Insta360 GO Ultra goes on sale today at the Insta360 Store, Amazon, and select retailers worldwide. The Standard Bundle is priced at $449.99 and includes GO Ultra (Standalone Camera and Action Pod) in either Midnight Black or Arctic White, a Quick Release Safety Cord, Magnetic Easy Clip, Magnet Pendant, USB-C cable, and a Lens Guard.
|
Photo & Video |
Aperture |
F2.85 |
|
35mm Equivalent Focal Length |
14.27mm |
|
|
Photo Resolution |
Up to 50MP 50MP: 8192x6144 (4:3) 37MP: 8192x4608 (16:9) 12MP: 4096x3072 (4:3) 9MP: 4096x2304 (16:9) |
|
|
Video Resolution |
Highest Video Quality: 4K60fps Highest Video Frame Rate: 1080p@240fps
Video *Active HDR can be turned on or off up to 4K30fps. 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30/25/24fps 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@60/50/48/30/25/24fps 4K (2.35:1): 3840x1632@60/50/48/30/25/24fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30/25/24fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@120/100/60/50/48/30/25/24fps 1080p (4:3): 1920x1440@30/25/24fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@240/200/120/100/60/50/48/30/25/24fps
PureVideo 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@30/25/24fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@30/25/24fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@30/25/24fps
FreeFrame Video 4K (4:3): 4096x3072@30/25/2fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30/25/24fps 1440p (4:3): 1920x1440@30/25/24fps
Toddler Titan 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30/25/24fps 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@30/25/24fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30/25/24fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@30/25/24fps 1080p (4:3): 1920x1440@30/25/24fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@30/25/24fps
TimeShift 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30fps 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@30fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@30fps
Timelapse 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@30fps 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30fps
Loop Recording *Active HDR can be turned on or off up to 4K30fps. 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30/25/24fps 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@60/50/48/30/25/24fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30/25/24fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@60/50/48/30/25/24fps 1080p (4:3): 1920x1440@30/25/24fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@60/50/48/30/25/24fps
Slow Motion 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520 @120/100fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@240/200/120/100fps
Portrait Mode 4K (4:3): 3840x2880@30/25/24fps 4K (16:9): 3840x2160@30/25/24fps 4K (2.35:1): 3840x1632@30/25/24fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688x2016@30/25/24fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688x1520@30/25/24fps 1080p (4:3): 1920x1440@30/25/24fps 1080p (16:9): 1920x1080@30/25/24fps |
|
|
Photo Format |
JPG DNG (can be exported to JPG via Insta360 app or Studio) |
|
|
Video Format |
MP4 |
|
|
Photo Mode |
Photo, HDR Photo, Live Photo, Interval Photo, Starlapse, Burst Photo |
|
|
Video Mode |
Video, PureVideo, FreeFrame Video, Toddler Titan, TimeShift, Timelapse, Loop Recording, Slow Motio, Pre-Recording, Interval Video |
|
|
Color Preset |
Standard, Glow, Selfie, Vivid, Film, Vintage, Urban, Night |
|
|
Hardware |
Weight |
Standalone Camera: 52.9g±0.5g Action Pod: 108.5g±0.5g |
|
Dimensions (W × H × D) |
Standalone Camera: 46x45.7x18.3mm (1.8x1.8x0.7in) With Lens Guard: 46x45.7x22.4mm (1.8x1.8x0.9in)
Action Pod (Touchscreen Closed): 70.4x48.8x33.3mm (2.8x1.9x1.3in) Action Pod (Touchscreen Open): 70.4x91.2x33.6mm (2.8x3.6x1.3in) |
|
|
Color |
Arctic White, Midnight Black |
|
|
Video coding |
H.264, H.265 |
|
|
Max. Video Bitrate |
180Mbps |
|
|
Gyroscope |
6-axis |
|
|
Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices |
iOS Devices: Compatible with iOS devices with A12 chips or above and iOS 13.0 or later, including: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPad Air (2020), iPad Pro and newer models.
*To use Apple Find My to locate your GO Ultra, the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is recommended.
Android Devices: Compatible with Android devices that meet the following capabilities including: • Android devices with Kirin 990 and newer chips, including Huawei Mate 30, P40 or newer models. • Android devices with Snapdragon 855 and newer chips, including Samsung Galaxy S10, Xiaomi Mi 9 or newer models. • Android devices with Exynos 2200 and newer chips, including Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Ultra and newer models. (Requires Android 10.0 or above, or HarmonyOS 2.0.0 or above. HarmonyOS NEXT is not supported)
Note: 1. Devices that do not meet the above requirements may still be able to use the app to control the camera. However, the performance of some processor-intensive and AI-powered features may be sub-optimal. 2. Phones equipped with Qualcomm SDM765 5G chips have poor hardware decoding capabilities and are not supported for use, such as OPPO Reno 3 5G. 3. App installation requires a 64-bit smartphone. A 32-bit system does not support app installation. |
|
Bluetooth Headphones |
DJI: Mic Mini, Mic 2 Apple: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 Redmi: Buds 5 Pro vivo: TWS 2 |
|
|
|
Exposure Value |
±4EV |
|
ISO Range |
100–6400 |
|
|
Shutter Speed |
Photo: 1/8000–120s Video: 1/8000– to the limit of frames per second |
|
|
White Balance |
Auto, 2000-10000K |
|
|
Audio Modes |
Auto Wind Noise Reduction (two strengths), Voice Enhancement, Stereo |
|
|
Audio Format |
48 kHz, 32bits, AAC |
|
|
Bluetooth |
BLE 5.4 |
|
|
Wi-Fi |
Standalone Camera: 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax
Action Pod: 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax |
|
|
USB |
USB-C 2.0 |
|
|
Storage |
microSD card required, supports up to 2TB |
|
|
Battery Capacity |
Standalone Camera: 500mAh
Action Pod: 1450mAh |
|
|
Charging Method |
Standalone Camera: via Action Pod
Action Pod: USB-C |
|
|
Charging Time |
Standalone Camera: 80% in 12 mins | 100% in 20 mins
Action Pod: 80% in 18 mins | 100% in 40 mins
*Standalone Camera: Tested in a 77°F (25°C) lab environment, using an Action Pod with sufficient power (≥70%) without connecting to an external power supply, and with the camera powered off. Action Pod: Tested in a 77°F (25°C) lab environment, camera powered off with a PD3.0 PPS certified 30W USB-C cable connected to an external power supply. Charging time may vary in different conditions.
|
|
|
Run Time |
Standalone Camera: 70 mins Standalone Camera + Action Pod: 200 mins
*Tested in 77°F (25°C) lab conditions at 1080p24fps in Video Mode, with Endurance Mode on and the screen and Wi-Fi off. Run time may vary in different conditions. |
|
|
Use Environment |
-4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C) |