Insta360 has just made a significant impact on the action camera market with the launch of the Insta360 GO Ultra, the latest and most powerful iteration in its line of ultra-compact, hands-free cameras. Despite its incredibly small size, the GO Ultra offers professional-grade capabilities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a cinematic experience in a pocket-sized device.
For enthusiasts who love capturing life’s moments without the hassle of a bulky camera, the new model is an essential piece of wearable technology. It masterfully balances minimalist design with powerful processing capabilities. During a recent camping trip, I found the camera to be an effortless accessory for capturing the incredible wildlife in the area. Thanks to its detachable camera section and magnetic pendant, I was able to capture a kangaroo hopping past me in the water—a beautiful memory captured hands-free and organically.
Big Sensor, Tiny Body: 4K Is the New Standard
The most significant advancement of the GO Ultra is its dramatic improvement in imaging quality. The camera features a 1/1.28″ sensor, which is 221% larger than its predecessor, paired with a new 5nm AI chip. This combination delivers imaging capabilities previously unimaginable in a camera of this size.
The GO Ultra sets a new benchmark with ultra-smooth, ultra-crisp 4K60fps video. This upgrade is not just about higher resolution; the new hardware enables advanced features like Active HDR and PureVideo mode. PureVideo utilizes cutting-edge AI algorithms to significantly reduce visual noise and enhance brightness, ensuring high-quality footage even in low-light conditions, from the beach to the bonfire.
Wear It Anywhere, Go Everywhere
Portability has always been the GO series’ secret weapon, and the Ultra enhances this feature. Weighing just 53g, about the size of a smartwatch or, as Insta360 cheekily describes, an Oreo, the Standalone Camera is designed to seamlessly integrate into your life. Its built-in magnetic base allows for instant, hands-free mounting on any metallic surface, or it can be clipped onto the upgraded Magnet Pendant for effortless POV shots.
Activating the camera unattached to the hub is simple: a single press for video or a double tap for a photo on the camera unit’s front button. However, I learned that it’s crucial to move your fingers out of the way quickly to avoid obstructing the shot.
The accessory ecosystem opens up a world of creative possibilities. From the simple peel-and-use Sticky Tabs to the unique Toddler Titan Hat Clip, the GO Ultra is designed to capture the world from unique perspectives, making your content stand out.
The Action Pod, featuring a convenient 2.5″ flip touchscreen, connects via Bluetooth to broadcast a real-time feed from the Standalone Camera, making it easy to monitor and frame shots even when the main unit is out of reach. The screen remains clear even in bright sunlight and serves as a gateway to the device’s abundant features.
The GO Ultra is built for action. With IPX8 waterproofing, the Standalone Camera is ready for a dive up to 33ft (10m) underwater. This feature gave me peace of mind while paddleboarding, knowing that even if I fell in, I’d capture great shots of my fall and perhaps some fish.
Say Goodbye to Storage Woes and Hello to AI Editing
Insta360 has addressed a long-standing request from its users by offering storage flexibility. Unlike the GO 3S, the GO Ultra supports removable microSD cards up to 2TB, allowing users to quickly swap out full cards, instantly resolving storage issues.
The battery life also sees a welcome boost, with the Standalone Camera offering 70 minutes of runtime, extended to 200 minutes when paired with the Action Pod. The fast-charging system can recharge the Standalone Camera to 80% in just 12 minutes, essential for those living in the moment. However, having an external power bank might be handy for longer adventures.
The accompanying Insta360 app provides an intuitive experience, leveraging powerful AI to streamline the editing process. Users can quickly turn hours of footage into shareable content with Auto Edit or use the new AI Family Moments feature to compile loved ones’ milestones into a virtual album. For athletes, real-time data overlays from Strava or third-party devices can be synced directly to the footage, perfect for sharing personal bests.
As an editor, I prefer to do my own work, but I found the seamless transfer from the device to the app to be extremely reliable and fast. There’s nothing worse than waiting for footage to transfer, and the Insta360 excels in this aspect.
Viewers Won’t Forgive Poor Audio
For a camera this small, audio quality is often the biggest compromise. The Insta360 GO Ultra delivers surprisingly robust audio for its size, leveraging a sophisticated internal setup to capture clear vocals, making it highly usable for hands-free POV shooting. Its audio specs are strong, recording at 48 kHz, 32 bits, AAC. While the built-in mic captures sound in Mono, the camera’s processing modes are key. Users can select Voice Enhancement for clear speech or Auto Wind Noise Reduction when cycling or running in windy conditions.
For serious creators, the Action Pod includes a USB-C port that supports external microphones, allowing for true stereo audio recording. The seamless integration with the Insta360 Mic Air, designed to be as compact as a coin, is an ideal upgrade from the GO Ultra’s built-in mic. The Mic Air also functions as a remote control, allowing users to start and stop recordings or toggle noise cancellation directly from the transmitter.
The Insta360 GO Ultra’s blend of powerful capabilities, lightweight portability, and ease of use makes it a compelling choice for vloggers with active lifestyles or families wanting to capture memorable moments. The device comes with everything needed straight out of the box, but the Mic Air and the Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 Remote Kit make for excellent additions to complete the package. I often think back to that kangaroo moment and how I can now relive it under the stunning sky, highlighted by the impressive visuals thanks to this device.
