Hero 12 supports HDR mode for photos and videos, while GO 3 supports HDR for photos only. Hero 12 also offers much better resolution at 5.3K/27MP, compared to GO 3 with 2.7K/6.6MP resolution. However, GO 3 comes with an Action Pod which provides a longer runtime of 170 mins compared to Hero 12 with 90 mins of runtime.
GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 GO 3: Six Aspects
By Naila Syifa
Updated October 2023
GoPro has recently released its latest GoPro Hero 12, boasting many new and advanced features than its predecessors. How does this new model compare to the rising star in the market, the Insta360 GO 3? Let's compare the two cameras in six key aspects.
| Specs | GoPro Hero 12 Black | Insta360 GO 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $399.99 | $379.99 |
| Dimensions | 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm | 25.6 x 54.4 x 23.2 mm |
| Weight | 154 g | 35 + 96 g |
| Screen | Preview Front (1.4”), Rear Touch (2.27”) | Flip Touch (2.2”) |
| Max Video Resolution | 5.3K/60 fps | 2.7K/30 fps |
| Max Photo Resolution | 27 MP | 6.6 MP |
| Max Field of View | 156° | 134° |
| Image Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 | FlowState Stabilization |
| Audio | 3 microphones | 2 microphones |
| Wireless Microphone Support | Yes | No |
| Waterproof | Yes, 10m | Yes, 5m |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes | No |
| HindSight | Yes | Yes |
| Timecode Sync | Yes | No |
| Free Frame Mode | No | Yes |
| Battery | 1720 mAh | 310 + 1270 mAh |
| Operating Temperature | -10ºC to 35ºC | -20℃ to 40℃ |
Key Takeaways
One of the key differences is that the Hero 12 offers 5.3K video and 27MP photo resolution, while GO 3 offers 2.7K video and 6.6MP photo resolution. Hero 12 supports HDR mode for photos and videos, while GO 3 supports HDR for photos only. However, GO 3 comes with an Action Pod which provides a longer runtime of 170 mins compared to Hero 12 with 90 mins of runtime.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Powerful Action Camera
✓ 5.3K Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ HDR Mode for Photo and Video
✓ Wireless Audio Support
✓ 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
GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro Hero 12 is priced at US$399.99, while Insta360 GO 3 is priced more affordably at US$379.99. However, $20 is not a huge price difference, so it's important to consider the other key aspects to make sure your purchase will be worth the investment.
#2 Design
Insta360 GO 3
GoPro Hero 12 comes in a standard action camera design, with a rectangular shape and rugged exterior for protection against drops and damage. It has dimensions of 50.8 x 71.8 x 33.6 mm and a weight of 154 g. It features a rear touch display for easy control and a front color display for quick previewing of shots. The camera is waterproof to 10 m without protective housing and can withstand cold temperatures down to -10°C.
On the other hand, the Insta360 GO 3 boasts a more compact and lightweight design, weighing only 35 grams and measuring only 25.6 x 54.4 x 23.2 mm. It is waterproof to only 5 m but can operate in colder temperatures down to -20°C. The design is also magnetic, making it easier to attach to surfaces and capture unique perspectives.
Insta360 GO 3 comes with an Action Pod with a 2.2" flip touchscreen, allowing you to remotely preview and control the camera up to 5 m away. The Action Pod measures 63.5 x 47.6 x 29.5 mm and weighs 96 g, still smaller and lighter than the GoPro Hero 12. However, it is splash-proof only, so you'll need a separate GO 3 Dive Case if you want to take the Action Pod underwater.
#3 Image Quality
GoPro Hero 12 Black
When it comes to image quality, the GoPro Hero 12 is a clear winner. It boasts a maximum video resolution of 5.3K/60 fps, a maximum photo resolution of 27 MP, and an ultra-wide field of view of 156°. The Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, offers a maximum of 2.7K/30 fps video resolution, 6.6 MP photo resolution, and 134° field of view.
GoPro Hero 12 has another advantage in its HDR mode, which is available for both photos and videos, so you can capture more vivid and detailed footage even in challenging lighting conditions. Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, supports HDR mode only when taking photos.
When it comes to the aspect ratio, the GoPro Hero 12 offers several options to choose from, including 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, and 8:7. Meanwhile, the Insta360 GO 3 supports 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, and 2:7:1. One advantage is that the GO 3 features FreeFrame mode, which records video in a way that enables you to choose your aspect ratio after shooting, so you can use just one video to create 9:16 TikTok content and 16:9 YouTube content, for example.
#4 Features
Insta360 GO 3
Both cameras are equipped with stabilization technology with a built-in 360° horizon lock, meaning that your footage will be smooth, steady, and level even when the camera is tilted or rotated 360°. This makes both cameras perfect for capturing action shots and extreme sports like snowboarding, surfing, or motorcycling.
Both the Hero 12 and GO 3 also feature HindSight (known as the Pre-Recording mode in the GO 3), so you can capture a few seconds of footage before you even hit record, perfect for capturing unexpected moments like catching a fish or scoring a goal. Some other features that both cameras share include timelapse, interval photo, voice control, and a companion app that allows you to easily edit and share your footage.
However, the GoPro Hero 12 offers several advanced features that are not available on the Insta360 GO 3, such as live streaming, wireless audio support to connect to AirPods and other headphones to record sound or give voice commands, and Timecode Sync to wirelessly synchronize multiple Hero 12 cameras for multi-angle footage.
#5 Battery Life
GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro Hero 12 has a removable 1720 mAh lithium-ion battery that can last up to 1.5 hours of continuous recording at 5.3K/30 fps and over 2.5 hours at 1080p/30 fps.
Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, only has a 310 mAh battery with a short 45-minute runtime. However, the Action Pod provides an additional 1270 mAh battery, so you can get a total runtime of 170 minutes if you use the Action Pod.
#6 Accessories
Insta360 GO 3
One advantage of the Insta360 GO 3 is that it comes with 3 mounting accessories for versatile setup: the Pivot Stand to stick the camera anywhere, the Easy Clip to attach it to your cap, and the Magnet Pendant to wear as a necklace.
GoPro Hero 12 is also compatible with various mounting accessories for different setups and scenarios, including chest mount, head strap mount, suction cup mount, and many others. However, these accessories are not included in the box, so they will cost you extra money.
GoPro Hero 12 Black vs Insta360 GO 3
Final Thoughts
Insta360 GO 3
GoPro Hero 12 and Insta360 GO 3 offer unique features, advantages, and limitations that cater to different needs and preferences.
GoPro Hero 12 has a higher image resolution, wider field of view, HDR mode for photo and video, and more advanced features like wireless audio support and Timecode Sync.
Insta360 GO 3, on the other hand, stands out with its tiny and lightweight design, FreeFrame mode, longer runtime when used with the Action Pod, and mounting accessories included for versatile and creative setup.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
GoPro Hero 12 vs Hero 11
GoPro Hero 12 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition vs GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 11 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI Osmo Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 11 Black
Best Action Camera in 2023
Best GoPro Alternatives (GoPro CAN’T Do This)
4 Best GoPro for Fishing (2023)
Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling
4 Best Action Cameras for Motorcycle
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