When many of you are considering getting a GO 3S, you are often confused about which capacity is the most suitable for you. In this review, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different capacities of GO 3S, so that you can quickly find the capacity that best meets your needs and make a decision easily👍.
Why Most Users Choose 128GB
| GO 3S | GO 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 32GB | – | HK$3,149 NT$13,999 |
| 64GB | HK$3,149 NT$14,999 | HK$3,149 NT$14,799 |
| 128GB | HK$3,459 NT$16,999 | HK$3,149 NT$15,999 |
The 128GB version is currently the most popular choice for the GO 3S.
The previous GO 3 offered 32GB/64GB/128GB options. Official data shows most users preferred 128GB even for 2.7K recording. With the new 4K-capable GO 3S, 128GB remains the most practical choice for most users.
DJI's Action series will introduce a 128GB version in 2024, confirming industry-wide recognition of high-capacity storage importance for action cameras.
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Insta360 GO 3S Product Information
Before discussing storage options, let's quickly understand the GO 3S:• Ultra-compact thumb-sized action camera • 4K video with FlowState stabilization • Magnetic mounting for creative angles • IPX8 waterproof (without case)
4K quality
Compared to the previous GO 3, the GO 3S has upgraded its resolution from 2.7K to 4K. Simply put, it's the GO 3 with 4K quality.
However, the maximum frame rate for 4K is only 30fps, which is actually lower than the memory consumption of recently released action cameras (Ace Pro 2, Hero 12).
For reference, both the GoPro HERO 12 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can shoot 4K footage at 120fps. The 4K120fps mode alone can consume up to four times the memory space. In comparison, the memory capacity of the GO 3S can be smaller and still be sufficient.
Ideal camera for everyone to enjoy vlogging
GO 3S features a unique thumb camera shape and easy magnetic mounting, making it a great camera for vlogging.
When it comes to sports cameras, many people may think that you can only take cool videos when you're doing extreme sports, but the GO 3S has the advantage of being able to record your travels easily and is both convenient and compact. Even if you're not a fan of extreme sports, the GO 3S is still the ideal camera for everyone to enjoy vlogging.
Reasons to recommend it over a sports camera
For many people, the GO 3S has more scenarios than a regular sports camera.
For someone like me, who isn't a professional and doesn't often try extreme sports, a camera like the GoPro, with its powerful sports performance, is a bit "too much". So when I was choosing between the 64GB or 128GB GO 3S, I was hesitant and couldn't help but ask myself: would I really use it for long term recording? But in the end, I chose to go for the largest capacity of 128GB, mainly because I can't expand the capacity of the camera via SD card after getting the GO 3S.
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GO 3S cannot expand its storage capacity
The GO 3S prioritizes ease of use, hence the inclusion of built-in memory . More precisely, considering the camera's waterproof and durable features, built-in memory is also a more suitable option.
Since there is no need to insert an additional SD memory card, transferring videos taken with the GO 3S through the Insta360 APP software is very easy and smooth. Personally, I don't find the built-in memory inconvenient.
If you want to expand the storage of your GO 3S with an external SD card or manage and transfer video files more conveniently, it's recommended to use or prepare the "GO 3S Quick Reader." You can simply connect it to your phone or computer, allowing you to transfer materials without needing to connect to Wi-Fi.
The difference between 64GB and 128GB
| GO 3S | GO 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 32GB | – | HK$3,149 NT$13,999 |
| 64GB | HK$3,149 NT$14,999 | HK$3,149 NT$14,799 |
| 128GB | HK$3,459 NT$16,999 | HK$3,149 NT$15,999 |
The GO 3 offered a 32GB capacity, but in the 4K-capable GO 3S this capacity has been removed, and shows that not many people actually choose the smaller capacity.
The price difference between the 64GB and 128GB versions of the GO 3S is NT$$2000 , while the previous generation GO 3 had a price difference of NT$$3000. Therefore, choosing the 128GB version of the GO 3S is actually more cost-effective than the GO 3.
The memory capacity of the GO 3S is 64GB/128GB. Since part of the space is used for system files, the remaining space available for file saving is approximately 59.6GB/119.2GB.
According to the official Insta360 website, although the GO 3S is labeled as having 64GB and 128GB storage options, some space is reserved for system files. The actual usable capacity is 59.6GB for the 64GB version and 119.2GB for the 128GB version. This means that if you choose 64GB, you only get about 59GB of usable storage. In this case, the larger 128GB model is definitely more worthwhile. With the launch of the GO Ultra, the GO 3S is now also available at a limited-time special discount—don’t miss the chance to grab it at the best price.
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
4K Recording Capacity
My 128GB GO 3S can record continuously for about 3 hours at 4K30fps settings.
Whether this 3 hours of shooting time is considered long or short depends on the individual's perspective. I used it on a 10-day trip, and I'll share my experience with the GO 3S from that journey.
How much footage can I record while traveling with my GO 3S for 10 days?
I traveled to Okinawa with my GO 3S for 10 days and took these photos.
Photos: 12
Timelapse videos: 5
Videos ranging from a few seconds to 30 minutes: 80
After shooting all that footage, my GO 3S could still record for about 38 minutes at 4K 30fps . The 128GB capacity was used up in dozens of videos shot over 10 days, roughly four-fifths of the storage. So for me, 128GB was just "enough."
I own over a dozen action cameras and have some experience in video production and editing. Therefore, I'm able to carefully select the footage I need and subconsciously avoid reshooting to save storage space. So, even after a ten-day trip, I didn't completely use up all the storage on my GO 3S. Considering this, for those less familiar with vlogging, 128GB of storage might be used up in a short 2-3 day trip .
With this in mind, I personally would also recommend the 128GB capacity over the 64GB.
Such photos ⬆️ are also cropped from the movie of GO 3S, if you are used to cropping photos from the movie, I recommend you to consider whether you will use GO 3S to store photos before you get GO 3S. From this point of view, I would recommend getting the 128GB GO 3S. I hope this review will help you before you get the GO 3S~!
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.