DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Insta360 GO 3: Which Portable Action Camera Should You Buy?
By Naila Syifa
Updated December 2023
Insta360 GO 3 is well-known to be the world's smallest action camera, making it highly portable to take anywhere you go. How does this popular model compare to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which is also portable with a range of distinctive features?
Let's compare both cameras across 5 important aspects to find out which one is the best fit for your needs!
Key Takeaways
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has better video quality and low-light performance than the Insta360 GO 3. However, the GO 3 is more versatile than the Pocket 3 when it comes to mounting options and different weather conditions.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Exceptional Gimbal Camera
✓ 4K Video, 9.4 MP Photo
✓ 1” CMOS Sensor
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Timecode Sync
Insta360 GO 3
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 2.7K Video, 6.6 MP Photo
✓ Compact, lightweight, magnetic
✓ FreeFrame mode
✓ Action Pod
#1 Price
Insta360 GO 3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 retails for around US$519. It is significantly more expensive than the Insta360 GO 3, which costs around US$379.99. However, the Insta360 GO 3 can still be considered a premium-priced action camera. To ensure that your investment is worthwhile, consider your needs and what features are most important to you before making a purchase.
#2 Design
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Known as the world's smallest action camera, the Insta360 GO 3 is very small at only 25.6 x 54.4 x 23.2 mm in size and 35 g in weight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. It also comes with a rectangular Action Pod featuring a 2.2" flip touchscreen, allowing you to remotely preview and control the camera.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is larger than the Insta360 GO 3, measuring 139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5 mm and weighing 179 g. However, it is still portable and small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The design is also ergonomic with a grip-like shape that makes it comfortable to hold and use. A rotatable 2" touchscreen also allows you to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting.
Insta360 GO 3
In terms of design, the Insta360 GO 3 has a few advantages over the Pocket 3. It is waterproof to 5m without the Action Pod and can withstand cold temperatures ranging from -20° to 40° C. It is an important point to consider as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is not waterproof and is not suitable for cold weather conditions below 0°C.
Additionally, the Insta360 GO 3 is magnetic, allowing you to easily attach it to various surfaces and objects for hands-free filming. With the 3 included accessories (Magnet Pendant, Easy Clip, and Pivot Stand), you can get creative with your filming angles and perspectives.
#3 Video Quality
Insta360 GO 3
When it comes to video quality, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the clear winner. It boasts a maximum resolution of 4K/60 fps for normal videos, 4K/120 fps for slow-motion videos, and 9.4 MP for photos. Its ultra-large 1" CMOS sensor, currently the largest in the industry, provides excellent detail even in low-light conditions.
Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, only provides a maximum video resolution of 2.7K/30 fps and a maximum photo resolution of 6.6 MP. It also has a smaller sensor of 1/2.3” in size, which means that the low-light performance may not be as good as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
However, the Insta360 GO 3 does support more aspect ratio options, including (16:9), (9:16), (1:1), and (2.7:1), while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 only supports the first three options. In addition, the Insta360 GO 3 offers FreeFrame Video mode, which allows you to shoot first and choose the aspect ratio later after recording. This provides more flexibility in post-production editing, allowing you to create multiple versions of the same footage with different aspect ratios.
#4 Features
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is equipped with 3-axis gimbal stabilization, which mechanically stabilizes your footage by allowing the camera to tilt, pan, and roll. Additionally, the ActiveTrack 6.0 enables the camera to follow specific subjects and keep them in the frame as they move.
The Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, features FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, which uses advanced algorithms to stabilize your footage. It is different from the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 as it does not have a gimbal, but both cameras equally deliver smooth and steady footage even when you're on the move.
Insta360 GO 3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has some other additional features that make it more feature-rich than the Insta360 GO 3, such as HD Livestream support, webcam, Timecode to easily synchronize footage from multiple cameras, and 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color modes for professional color grading.
The Insta360 GO 3 doesn't come with those professional features, but it comes with some unique features of its own, such as voice control that allows for hands-free operation, and QuickCapture that allows for instant recording just by pressing the button on the camera. Post-production editing is also made easier with the Insta360 GO 3's AI-powered editing app that automatically selects the best shots and creates a finished video for you.
#5 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is powered by a 1300 mAh battery that can last for up to 116 minutes when recording in 4K/60 fps and 166 minutes in 1080p/24 fps. It is quite long for an action camera, and it even supports fast charging, allowing you to charge 80% of the battery in only 16 minutes.
The Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, has a smaller battery capacity of 310 mAh with a shorter runtime of only 45 minutes. However, the Action Pod provides an additional 1270 mAh of battery power, which can extend the runtime to a total of 170 minutes. Charging the GO 3 is not as fast as the Pocket 3, but the charging time is still reasonable, allowing you to charge the camera to 80% in 23 minutes and the Action Pod to 80% in 47 minutes.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Insta360 GO 3
Final Thoughts
Magnet Pendant for Insta360 GO 3
Insta360 GO 3 has a magnetic and compact design that allows for better flexibility and versatility. You can use it underwater, in cold weather, and attach it to various surfaces and objects with the included mounts to support your creative filmmaking ideas.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers better video quality, better low-light performance, and has more professional features such as Timecode and color grading. It also has a long-lasting battery that charges up quickly.
In sum, the Insta360 GO 3 is more suitable for people who value flexibility and versatility, while the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is more suitable for people who prioritize video quality and professional features.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 Ace vs Ace Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Action 4
Insta360 Ace Pro vs Insta360 X3
Insta360 Ace Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Pocket 2
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs GoPro Hero 12
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Action 4
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Insta360 X3
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