Insta360's Go series cameras have always been remarkably small, and the strong magnetic system makes it possible to put them in places and shoot from angles that other cameras can't match. They're tiny and fun, even if the video quality isn't quite as good as what you'd get from a standard action camera.
The latest Go series camera from Insta360, the Go Ultra, aims to change that by using a larger sensor, with higher-quality video, while retaining the detachable, pod-based design. The Go Ultra is bigger, but it's still pretty small and plenty of fun.
Biggie Smalls
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Go Ultra retains the same form factor as previous models, consisting of a camera pod that can be used on its own, and a base station-like housing that provides an additional battery and a 2.5-inch flip up touchscreen to change settings and even monitor your shot when the pod is detached.
The first thing any Insta360 Go fan will notice is that while the form factor is roughly the same, the camera pod portion of the Go Ultra is not only a different shape (square) but much larger than the pod portion of the Insta360 Go 3S. The good news is that Insta360 tells WIRED that Ultra is not going to replace the 3S, so if you like the form factor of the Go 3S, then stick with it.
I should probably say that I think the four most important elements of an action camera are portability, image quality, stabilization, and field of view.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
In the first case, the Go Ultra beats everything, allowing you to shoot with the camera element only, but there are some caveats. The pod potion of the camera is about 1 inch square and weighs just 53 grams. That's light enough to stick to your helmet and barely even notice it. Since it has a magnetic back you can mount it to anything metal with no need for any extra mounts, adapters, straps, or any of the gear you need to lug around to mount, say, a GoPro. That's really nice and cuts down on the clutter in your pack. The caveat is battery life.