Insta360 Go Ultra Camera: The New Generation of Action Cameras

Overview and Pricing

Insta360 has redesigned its compact action camera, introducing the new version named Go Ultra. This release marks a departure from the numerical naming conventions of previous generations, as the company abandoned the capsule-like camera design in favor of a square design with rounded edges and a side lens.

The camera Go Ultra is priced at $449.99, a $50 increase from its predecessor Go 3S, which was launched last year. The camera is available in Charcoal Black and Arctic White. A Creator Bundle is also available for $499.99, which includes additional accessories such as a mini tripod and a quick-release mount.

The Insta360 Go Ultra measures 1.8 inches on each side and is approximately 14 grams heavier than the Go 3S, yet it remains significantly smaller than other alternatives like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and even Insta360's own Insta360 Ace Pro 2 camera.

Enhanced Sensor and Performance Features

The camera features a new 1/1.28-inch sensor, which is significantly larger than the sensor used in the Go 3S, and the same size as the sensor found in the Insta360 X5 360-degree camera. This new sensor, along with an ambient light sensor, is expected to improve the quality of footage captured in low-light conditions. The camera also supports advanced stabilization features such as FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock, ensuring smooth and stable footage even during fast movement, in addition to supporting fast charging to minimize waiting time and maximize shooting time. (Source: The Verge, Source: Android Headlines)

Video Capabilities and Battery Life

The video capabilities of the Go Ultra remain at 4K resolution, but at 60 frames per second, which is double the maximum frame rate of the Go 3S. Reducing the frame rate to 4K/30fps enables "Active HDR" mode, while lowering the resolution to 1080p increases frame rates to 240 frames per second for slow-motion capture.

Despite the lens's corner position, the square design of the Go Ultra may make determining horizontal or vertical shooting orientation more difficult compared to the previous oval shape, which made it easier. However, the new design made room for a larger 500mAh battery, which Insta360 claims is sufficient for up to 70 minutes of recording, or up to 200 minutes when paired with the Action Pod (when shooting at 1080p/24fps with the screen off). Recording times at 4K/60fps are likely to be shorter.

Water Resistance, Storage, and Accessories

Instead of built-in storage, the Go Ultra now features a memory card slot that supports microSD cards up to 2TB, allowing cards to be swapped when full. It also remains waterproof up to 33 feet. Accessories include an improved magnetic pendant for wearing the camera at chest level and a specially designed hat clip. Additionally, the back of the Go Ultra is magnetic, meaning it can be directly attached to many metal surfaces.