Insta360’s upgraded Go 2 action camera has a ‘Minions Edition’

After some solid 360 cameras, Insta360 is back in the action room space with another “world’s smallest action camera”, the Go 2. Although this inch-sized magnetic camera has a strong resemblance to its predecessor, it is actually a slightly larger and has very handy upgrades. The camera now supports much longer clip lengths – up to 10 minutes with FlowState stabilization or up to 15 minutes with basic stabilization. This is a very welcome change, as the original Go had a meager limit of 30 seconds per track at launch, assuming people only have to take track of a bite (a 60-second mode was added later ). Now that the time limit is virtually over on Go 2, users naturally have more creative freedom.

Other notable changes include a much-improved click button now placed at the front, along with a standalone runtime that has been increased from the old 20 minutes to 30 minutes (basic stabilization video of 1440p30). And instead of just being splash-proof (IPX4), the Insta360 Go 2 has a waterproof IPX8 rating, which means you can reach it up to 4 meters deep.

As before, the Go 2 has a handful of accessories that make different scenarios possible. The package includes a redesigned swivel stand with a reusable adhesive pad (ideal for holding on to car windows), an easy clamp with which you can finally adjust the angle (especially if you use it on a cap or headband), a magnetic pendant to carry the camera to your chest and a replaceable lens protector pre-installed on the camera. If needed, there is the optional magnetic tooth support available with other action-cam accessories, as well as the Action Mount if you need to clamp the camera tightly for more hardcore sports. You can also turn off the lens protector with an optional ND filter.

The complaint case has undergone a major redesign to serve as a Bluetooth remote and a kickstand – very handy for timelapse or just quick selfie videos. The built-in LED screen helps you to identify the current recording mode, resolution, field of view, storage capacity and recording time of the camera. The lightning plug is gone (WiFi transfer is faster anyway), but it got a 1/4-inch mounting point to go with your selfie stick or tripod, so it offers an extra utility box. It is surprising that the old micro-USB port is now being replaced by a USB-C connector.

Of course, the boot still offers extra time, which pushes it from the old 60 minutes to a total of 150 minutes (1080p30 basic stabilization video) when the camera is used while attached. By comparison, this is a little more than the 130 minute duration we got from the GoPro Hero 9’s 1080p mode. When exhausted, the Go 2 itself takes about 35 minutes to fully charge, while the charging tray takes about 65 minutes (battery capacity is 210 mAh and 1100 mAh respectively).

Thanks to the new 1 / 2.3-inch image sensor and a new processor, the Insta360 Go 2 can take stabilized videos at 2,560 x 1,440 sharper at 50 fps or 30 fps (25 fps or 24 fps in HDR), and also for lapse of time or hyperlaps (up to 6x) videos, but with only 30 fps. To support these larger video files, the Go 2 has 32 GB of storage (of which 28 GB is usable), which is a big jump from the original Go’s 8 GB. If you insist on shooting at 1440p at 50 fps, the 28 GB space should be good for about 47 minutes of footage. Slow motion is also supported, but only in 1080p at 120 fps.

The Go 2 still offers short or double pressure shortcuts to start shooting instantly in different modes. Once turned off, by default, it turns on the basic stabilized video recording, while double-clicking takes a photo (2,000 x 2,000). Press and hold the camera once, turn on the camera, and from here, a single press activates a FlowState-stabilized video recording, and a double-tap starts a hyperlaps video recording. It requires you to start learning first, but if necessary, you can customize the app’s shortcuts. Or just use the Bluetooth remote control feature of the boot, if not the app.

Speaking of the Insta360 app, it offers a variety of “FlashCut 2.0” templates that AI uses to merge your tracks with matching music, while still offering the option to select the desired part of each track. It’s usually only 13 to 15 seconds long, but I find it about the right length for my attention after a day trip. If you need more time, you need to think more, not to mention the longer waiting time for video streaming. That said, you do have the option to expand your stories based on these templates. I’ve included two examples above to give you a taste of what the template library has to offer (select 1440p resolution in the video player).

It goes without saying that the Insta360 Go 2 is a more compelling case for small action cameras than its predecessor did. There are far fewer limitations this time around, not to mention the improved video quality, and how some of the accessories make the camera more versatile this time around. But if you need more conviction, the Go 2 gets a cute Minions Edition – a very fitting match, given the camera’s design – this summer. It is available exclusively on Insta360’s website for $ 329.99 (US, Canada, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan only).

If you’d rather not wait, the regular Insta360 Go 2 is already available on the official website, starting at $ 299.99 (or £ 294.99 for UK people). You also have the option to design your own “skin” for the device on the site.