This Camera (GO2) vs the GO:
This is a HUGE step up from the older version. If you're familiar with Insta360 cameras they all use one app. The older model had its own separate app. What really stood out to me about this camera is the longer video it could capture. I think with the old GO it would shoot only 15-30 sec clips, but this one can shoot clips to 30 mins. (15sec, 30sec, 1min, 5min, 10min, 15min, or 30min)
A few other things that was nice about this version is it's WaterProof. I went snorkeling in the Bahamas and it worked well. I didn't go super deep, but I'm pretty sure you can't be like deep sea diving with it. It has the lens already attached so it was a turn on and jump in kind of test!
The attachments it comes with are nice as well. Specifically the head mount. Vs the older model, this head mount/CLIP can be angled up and down which is needed for a tall guy like me.
What I think this Camera is best used for:
Quick clips hands down. Similar to the older model, I really like the quick access and small size of the camera to capture clips to make montage like videos. I think it could work for some form of vlogging. It's super easy to use the case as a grip and flip it around to talk to it. Also there's a tool it comes with that can do the same. Both case and grip work for facing yourself and a target.
I had used this camera for a Volleyball tournament and on a holiday. For the volleyball tournament it was nice it could shoot longer video for those plays that would go over 30 secs. The record and stop button is way more notable in my opinion, giving a short vibration to start and a long to stop.
When I used it on holiday, I shot like I was vlogging but mainly to capture cute couple content. The use of the case helps clarify it's rolling and what mode you're on. Again, was perfect to make a montage video
I didn't get a chance to try all the features but they have slo mo and timelapses as well which are cool touches. And as it's an Insta360 camera, you know their app has a bunch of AI and toys to try.
Video:
So this thing can shoot up to 1440p, but for social you'd probably just need to use 1080p or else the social apps might compress it. Also a good note is that it can shoot in both landscape and vertical. I made the mistake when I first used it and shot landscape 16:9 which is the video attached. You can change this pretty easily to vertical, OR shoot in PRO video mode. Pro Video mode let's you shoot both landscape and vertical so when editing you can choose. I noticed sometimes when you start the camera it start at the default of regular video which was annoying but with practice and attention, you'll see that you may need toggle Pro video (if you that's what you're trying to shoot with/I'd recommend). Also that way I shoot content is vertical so you could have a different preference too.
Connection:
Yes connection can be difficult sometimes, but I kinda see this as a given after using so many Insta360 cameras. I'd suggest a few things. Don't trying to work with multiple videos at once. If you're going to edit, try downloading the video to the app so you don't have to be connected to the phone the whole time. Hard close the app and try again. I think with practice you'll find some of these quick fixers, but I think alot of the time this happened was when I was trying to work with alot of video over a long period of time. Make it easier for the tech as it's pretty powerful! Also a random thing I noticed, but when I was using this when my phone was on Airplane mode, I had no issues... so maybe that's a pro tip?
Portability/battery:
This thing is so fun to whip out and it's easy to capture moments. The case it like the size of an airpods case just a tad bigger. As I mentioned earlier it's like a grip too so it can be used pretty quickly once you get a hang of it. For battery life, I haven't had any issues with it. But keep in mind I'm not like shooting a movie with this, just getting clips I know I can use for future edits!
Overall I'd recommend this camera. I personally think it's great for many occasions and with practice you'll find the best way to optimize and use it!
| Brand Name | Insta360 |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 0.917 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.08 x 0.93 x 0.81 inches |
| Item model number | CING2XX/A |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Color Name | White |
| Special Features | Anti-Shake, Time Lapse |