The Insta360 Go Ultra: My New Favorite Action Camera (Despite Its Size)
▼ Summary
– The Insta360 Go Ultra offers a significant improvement in video quality with a larger sensor, enabling 4K 60fps recording and PureVideo mode for low light.
– It is larger and heavier than previous Go models but remains compact and wearable on items like hats or pendants, though not as small as its predecessors.
– The camera includes an Action Pod with a touchscreen for control and extra battery, but this pod is not fully waterproof and requires a case for submersion.
– Battery life is strong, with up to an hour of standalone recording and over 2.5 hours when docked, and it supports fast recharging.
– Despite lacking a flat log color profile and high-resolution slow motion, it delivers excellent image quality and stabilization, making it competitive with full-size action cameras.
The Insta360 Go Ultra represents a significant evolution in the world of compact action cameras, delivering professional-grade video performance in a remarkably wearable form. While it may not be as miniature as its predecessors, the trade-off in size brings substantial gains in image quality, versatility, and usability, making it a compelling choice for both casual users and serious content creators.
Previous models in the Go series prioritized portability above all else, often at the expense of visual fidelity. The Go Ultra changes that equation entirely. Equipped with a significantly larger sensor, it now captures 4K video at 60fps and introduces advanced features like PureVideo for low-light recording. Yes, it’s a bit bigger and heavier than the Go 3S, but it remains far more compact than traditional action cameras from brands like GoPro or DJI.
Weighing 53 grams and measuring 46 x 45.7 x 18.3mm, the Go Ultra is still small enough to mount on a hat brim, clip to a shirt, or wear around the neck using the included magnetic pendant. Its design is square and slightly curved, a departure from the earlier thumb-shaped models, but it retains a strong magnetic backing for easy attachment to metal surfaces or official mounts. A welcome upgrade is the inclusion of a microSD card slot, supporting up to 2TB of storage, no more relying solely on internal memory.
The camera comes with the Action Pod, a docking station that adds a flip-up touchscreen, physical controls, and extra battery life. It also serves as a wireless remote, allowing users to frame shots and adjust settings from a distance. While the main camera unit is waterproof down to 10 meters, the Action Pod is only water-resistant, so it’s best kept dry unless used with an optional dive case.
Battery performance is impressive. In endurance mode, the standalone camera recorded nearly an hour of 4K footage, while pairing it with the Action Pod extended that to over two and a half hours. Recharging is swift, just 12 minutes for an 80% top-up with a compatible charger. Audio quality is decent, though wind can be an issue; using an external mic is recommended for clear voice recording.
Where the Go Ultra truly shines is in its imaging capabilities. The new 1/1.28-inch sensor, paired with a dedicated AI chip, produces vibrant, detailed video with excellent dynamic range. Active HDR is available in 4K at lower frame rates, and the field of view is wider than before, especially at 30fps. Stabilization is robust, with horizon locking up to 360 degrees, ensuring smooth and level footage in motion.
It isn’t perfect, slow-motion capture maxes out at 2.7K, and the absence of a flat color profile may disappoint those who grade footage in post. Still, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an outstanding package. The camera also shoots 50MP still photos, a huge step up from earlier models, though smartphones will generally outperform it for photography.
In summary, the Insta360 Go Ultra successfully bridges the gap between ultra-compact wearables and full-featured action cameras. It offers superb image quality, great battery life, and a design that’s both practical and innovative. While it’s not as tiny as earlier Go models, its performance more than justifies the slight increase in size. For anyone seeking a highly portable yet capable action camera, the Go Ultra is an easy recommendation.
(Source: Stuff.tv)
