The new Insta360 GO Ultra definitely looks good. It’s a different shape from the previous pill-shaped design – it’s square now – and because of that and other improvements, it might be a bit bigger than the GO 3. But in my opinion, it’s also a much better camera.
The video quality is significantly improved. It looks cleaner and sharper, especially in low-light and nighttime scenes. The battery life is longer, and the Action Pod now has a good grip on the side, so it’s easier to hold in your hand. Another huge win is the new microSD card support, up to a massive 2TB, which is a big deal for a tiny camera like this.
I also love the new recording button. The entire front of the GO 3 standalone camera was the button, so you could easily start recording by accident just by putting it in your pocket. That would lead to overheating and a dead battery. Now, with a single button in one spot, that’s not a problem anymore.
Of course, not everything is perfect. The new square shape of the standalone camera isn’t as good for every situation. The old shape was more suitable for attaching to a pet’s collar or a hat. Ultra still works in those places, but it just looks a bit bigger and more awkward.
The FreeFrame mode now only supports up to 30fps, which is a major downgrade from the 50-60fps of the previous model.
Some of the small design choices are also questionable. For example, the safety cord holes are at a 90-degree angle, which made threading the cord a nightmare until I figured out I had to bend it to 90 degrees to match the angle. Then there’s the microSD slot — it’s so tiny that my fingers can barely push the card in properly to make it click. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely frustrating.
Also, older pivot stands don’t work with the GO Ultra, which feels like a cheap move. To make things worse, the basic set doesn’t even include one anymore. If you want it, you have to pay extra or buy a more expensive bundle. Honestly, that’s just stupid.
Another major complaint is that you still can’t rename your custom presets. Come on, Insta360, this is a basic feature!
Then there’s the quick button menu: when you hold it, you only get one second to pick a preset before it disappears. One second! That’s nowhere near enough time, and you can’t adjust it. It’s annoying every single time I try to use it.
Another design flaw is that if your Action Pod runs out of battery, you suddenly lose access to the screen and most settings – even if the standalone camera is still fully charged. It makes no sense.
And of course, there’s the price. Compared to other action cameras on the market, I think it’s a bit too high, especially considering the missing accessories.
Overall, the Insta360 GO Ultra is a good camera with good video quality. Despite the issues, I would definitely suggest it to anyone looking for a new, tiny action camera. The upgrades are worth it, as long as you can live with the new design flaws.
