The Best Action Camera Just Got a New Prime Day Price (2025)
When I first got my hands on the Insta360 Go 3S, I was planning to do a lot of vlogging. That didn’t exactly pan out, but this super portable (and super affordable on Prime Day) action camera has been in my travel bag for a year. It’s currently 20% off for Amazon Prime Day, so read on to find out why I love this little camera.
Tiny Camera, Mighty Features (Overview)
The Go 3S has a clever design element that’s pretty unique for action cameras. It uses a two-part system: the camera is a small pill shaped object that can be removed from an “Action Pod” to be used on it’s own. That’s pretty different! The Action Pod has a front-facing 2.2-inch touchscreen (great for framing vlogs or selfies) and extends battery life significantly. With the Pod, you get up to 140 minutes of recording (at 1080p, but it records 4K) since the Pod acts as both a remote viewer and charger. The Pod also has all of the controls (record button, mode switch) and a tripod mount, essentially turning the Go 3S into a GoPro-style camera when needed. The camera itself is waterproof up to 33 ft (10 m) on its own. And it’s magnetic, sticking to objects in your house or on the street (lamp posts, for one). Just keep in mind the Pod is only splash-proof at best, so you wouldn’t take the Pod swimming.
The Insta360 Go 3S is truly one of the most fun and versatile cameras I’ve tried because it encourages creative shooting angles that you just can’t get with your phone or bulky action cams. Its build is incredibly small (roughly the size of a thumb) and light (about 1.38 oz / 39 g for the camera alone). The camera comes with a magnetic mendant that you can wear under your shirt and attach the camera to for hands-free POV footage.
Key features at a glance:
Ultra-Compact & Magnetic: The Go 3S is smaller than your palm and weighs under 40 g, making it one of the smallest action cameras available. A magnetic back lets you mount it anywhere (on a fridge, a car hood, or the included pendant for body-cam POVs) enabling “impossible” angles and true hands-free shooting. I’ve held it in my teeth.
Action Pod with Flip Screen: Included in the standard bundle, the Action Pod provides a flip-up touchscreen for live view and controls, plus works as a wireless remote. It pairs via Bluetooth for a seamless live feed (within a few meters range). Docking the camera in the Pod also charges it, boosting total shoot time up to around 2 hours. (The camera alone runs ~38 minutes per charge when filming continuously.)
Stabilization: Insta360’s FlowState stabilization is on board to smooth out shakes. While not quite as gimbal-like as a larger GoPro’s HyperSmooth, it keeps everyday jitters at bay reasonably well. For best results, mounting the Go 3S to a stable object (or using the built-in gyroscope data in post) yields impressively steady shots.
Intuitive Control: With just one button on the camera, operation is simple. You can also use voice commands and new gesture controls to start/stop recording – handy if the camera is mounted out of reach or if your hands are occupied A tiny front LED blinks red to confirm you’re recording, so you always know it’s capturing. One hangup is that it also glows red when the pill camera battery is charging and I’ve had someone ask me if I’m recording them when I truly wasn’t.
Audio and Storage: The Go 3S has a built-in microphone to capture decent audio for its size. It comes with internal storage only (choose 64 GB or 128 GB when buying) – there’s no microSD slot, so pick a capacity that suits your needs. The 64 GB may suffice for casual use, but if you plan to shoot lots of 4K, the 128 GB model is safer to avoid running out of space. I chose 64GB and have definitely had to offload videos pretty frequently, especially when shooting 4K.
In terms of build quality, both the camera and Pod feel solid and well-made. During testing, they withstood a few accidental drops and even a hit from a fast-moving soccer ball without damage. The camera locks firmly into the Pod with a latch, and the system overall has no real rival in this ultra-compact category. Insta360 basically created its own niche here. No other brand offers a modular, thumb-sized 4K cam like this right now.
Of course, there are inherent trade-offs for that tiny size. The Go 3S’s battery life (under 40 minutes standalone) and image quality can’t match bigger action cams, and the Action Pod’s wireless range is only a few meters. I’ll discuss performance more below, but it’s worth noting up front: if you need all-day battery or the absolute best low-light footage, a larger camera might still be your go-to. The Go 3S is about versatility and convenience first and foremost, and it delivers big on those fronts.
Performance and Image Quality
How does this mini-cam actually perform when capturing your adventures? In short: impressively for its size, with a few expected limitations. The jump to 4K video was absolutely worthwhile; footage from the Insta360 Go 3S is noticeably sharper and more detailed than its predecessor. Colors out of the camera are pleasing and fairly natural, and you can choose different field-of-view settings (like UltraWide or the new MegaView) depending on how much distortion vs. coverage you want. In well-lit conditions, the Go 3S produces video that could fool you into thinking it came from a much larger camera. It even has decent internal audio; voices at close range are clear enough for vlogs or narration, though in noisy environments you’ll hear the tiny mic’s limits.
In terms of pure image quality, the Go 3S makes the most of its small hardware. Insta360 claims a 50% boost in processing power and improved dynamic range thanks to new HDR tech. In real world use, we did see a bit more detail retained in highlights (bright skies, etc.) compared to the older model, and slightly better handling of mixed lighting. However, physics can’t be cheated – the Go 3S still has a much smaller image sensor than a GoPro Hero or DJI Osmo Action, so in low light or high-contrast scenes, the footage can’t quite match those larger cams. When lighting is less than ideal (dusk, indoors, or very harsh sun), the Go 3S video shows more noise reduction and less dynamic range, meaning dark areas can get grainy and bright areas can blow out faster. It’s best to treat this as a daylight and fair-weather camera for optimal results. The good news is that for those “impossible shots” it enables, the trade-off in ultimate image quality is usually worth it – you’re capturing angles or moments you’d miss otherwise, which is the whole point of the Go series.
Stills from the Go 3S (up to 12 MP) are respectable. They won’t rival a phone camera in most cases, but if you use the dedicated HDR photo mode, you can get some nice dynamic range for landscapes and bright scenes. The camera can also shoot RAW (DNG) photos, which is great for enthusiasts who want to edit images after; the RAW files preserve more fine detail, whereas the JPEGs apply aggressive noise reduction that can smear details in low light. For quick snaps of a hike or a day at the beach, it does the job. The ultra-wide lens means you won’t get any bokeh or background blur for portraits – everything is mostly in focus from a moderate distance out. (Very close objects, under a few inches away, will be out of focus due to the lens’ limitations.) But for group shots, landscapes, or POV scenes, the wide perspective is immersive.
Now about that stabilization: The Go 3S uses electronic stabilization (with FlowState), and it’s effective for smoothing out mild vibrations or hand-held wobble. If you’re walking or biking on relatively smooth ground, the footage comes out quite stable. When things get really bumpy (e.g. running, mountain biking on rocks), the tiny cam can struggle a bit – you might see more jitter than you would on a heavier camera with superior stabilization algorithms. One tip is to mount the Go 3S as securely as possible to reduce excessive movement, or use the Insta360 app’s “horizon lock” and gyro-powered stabilization in post-processing for best results. Overall, for casual use and creative shots, the stabilization is “good enough”. Just don’t expect GoPro-level HyperSmooth when you strap this 1-ounce cam to a motocross helmet; its strength is in versatility, not brute-force smoothing.
On the performance side, using the Go 3S is refreshingly straightforward. Both the camera and Action Pod power up fast and pair almost instantly when separated. The Pod’s live view is responsive with minimal lag, making it easy to frame shots remotely. We did experience the advertised range limit: beyond a few meters apart, the Pod loses the Bluetooth connection to the camera. This means you can’t wander too far with the camera and still expect the Pod to function as a viewfinder/remote. It’s fine if you’re shooting yourself (holding the Pod while the camera is on your body or nearby), but you can’t, say, leave the camera recording in one room and monitor it from 30 feet away in another. Underwater, the range drops even more (wireless signals don’t travel well through water) – so for any serious underwater filming, you’ll just start recording before submerging. The Insta360 smartphone app is another option for remote control if needed, but the whole point of the Pod is to avoid relying on a phone, and it succeeds at that within its range.
Battery life, as noted, is modest on the camera itself. About 35–40 minutes of continuous 1080p recording is what we observed, which aligns with Insta360’s specs (and it’s a bit shorter if you record in 4K or use WiFi frequently). Interestingly, testers found the Go 3S’s battery life is a few minutes less than the previous Go 3 in like-for-like tests. This isn’t surprising given the higher resolution strain. Insta360 did add some modes to mitigate this – for example, in TimeShift (hyperlapse) or Timelapse modes, the camera can auto-shutdown between shots to save power. And in typical real-world use, you’ll probably shoot short clips rather than one long half-hour take. The included Charge Case/Pod essentially triples your shooting endurance: you can pop the camera back in the Pod between shots to top it up, or just film while docked in the Pod which will draw from the Pod’s larger battery (good for about 140 minutes at 1080p30 total). For most uses – family outings, vlog segments, quick action bursts – the battery is sufficient, especially if you plan to edit down your footage into shorter highlights. But if you need to film continuously for an hour or more, you’d be better off with a different device or bringing a portable charger.
All in all, the Insta360 Go 3S’s performance is strong relative to its miniature stature. It delivers improved video quality, versatile shooting modes, and reliable operation, making it a tiny powerhouse for creative filmmakers. Just operate within its sweet spot (ample light, short bursts of recording) and it will reward you with unique shots that larger cams would have missed.
Prime Day Pricing and Where to Buy
Now for the big news that makes the Insta360 Go 3S especially appealing: Prime Day discounts. As of this Prime Day, the Go 3S has dropped to one of its lowest prices yet, making it a fantastic time to buy. Here are the current deals (for the standard kit which includes the Action Pod and accessories):
Insta360 Go 3S (64 GB model) – Prime Day Price: $319 (down from $399) at Amazon. This is roughly 20% off the regular price, a savings of $80. The 64 GB version is great for casual use, though remember the storage is built-in.
Insta360 Go 3S (128 GB model) – Prime Day Price: $344 (down from $429) at Amazon. That’s an $85 discount. If you plan to shoot a lot of 4K or just don’t want to worry about space, the 128 GB is the better bet; and at this price, it’s a steal.
Both White and Midnight Black color options are usually offered, but stock may vary. As Prime Day is a limited-time sale, act fast if you’re interested. The discounts might last only during the Prime event.
the Insta360 Go 3S Stands Out IN A CROWDED FIELD
The Insta360 Go 3S is a refreshing take on what an action camera can be. By prioritizing a compact form, clever design, and versatility, Insta360 created a gadget that isn’t just for adrenaline junkies – it’s for anyone who wants to capture life’s moments from a new perspective. Whether you’re strapping it to your dog, clipping it to your shirt on vacation, or sneaking it into a tight spot for a creative shot, the Go 3S empowers you to record angles and memories that larger cameras would miss. And now, with its upgraded 4K quality and features, you don’t have to sacrifice much in the way of clarity or performance to get those unique shots. It’s the best of both worlds – the “tiny mighty” camera that’s finally mighty enough for serious use.
This Prime Day, the Go 3S’s new lower price makes it even more compelling. It’s rare to see such a recent, innovative gadget at a solid discount, and it lowers the barrier to entry for trying out a totally different style of filming. If you’ve been on the fence about getting an action camera, the Go 3S is a fantastic choice – especially for everyday and creative uses where a GoPro might feel like overkill. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and travel-friendly. And if you are an action sports enthusiast, it can complement your kit by capturing B-roll or angles your main camera can’t (ever wonder what a cliff jump looks like from the jumper’s chest? This will show you!).
In summary, Insta360 Go 3S stands out right now as one of the most innovative action cameras on the market, not because it out-specs the giants, but because it offers something genuinely different. It proves that big adventure can come from a small camera. With the current Prime Day deal, it also happens to be a big bargain. For its creativity-unlocking potential, pocketable convenience, and now value for money, the Insta360 Go 3S earns our hearty recommendation. If you want to see the world from new angles and make memories in a fun, effortless way, now is the perfect time to GO for it. Happy shooting!
