The Insta360 Go 3S, a 4K action camera launched in June 2024, now features a Retro Viewfinder accessory to enhance handheld use, priced at $47.99. This accessory is part of a new Go 3S Retro Bundle starting at $299.99, including a 64GB version of the camera. This is cheaper than the $349.99 Standard Bundle with the Action Pod dock.
Retro Shooting Experience
The Retro Viewfinder aims to repurpose the Go 3S by allowing users to frame shots like a classic camera. Unlike traditional viewfinders, it is held at chest level, and the camera is magnetically secured to the accessory. Insta360 describes this as offering a “vintage shooting experience inspired by classic film cameras.” Despite this, users report challenges with the accessory's limited viewing angle and the image being flipped horizontally, making framing difficult.
Challenges in Framing
Users attempting to capture scenes with the Go 3S often find the wide-angle lens incorporates unintended elements into photos, such as bystanders or surrounding objects. While the accompanying Insta360 app allows for post-capture cropping, the Retro Viewfinder's inaccuracy in previewing the final shot has been noted as a drawback, leading to a less intuitive shooting process.
Additional Features and Battery Life
The Go 3S lacks its own screen, requiring a smartphone app for live previews and settings adjustments. The Retro Viewfinder includes a hidden NFC tag to facilitate app connectivity, but it remains less convenient than Insta360's Action Pod with a built-in touchscreen. Additionally, the Go 3S battery life, even when extended with a clip-on battery pack, is limited. A full charge lasts for about 150 photos or significantly less when shooting 4K video.
Despite the Retro Viewfinder's nostalgic charm, professionals may find Insta360’s Action Pod a more practical investment for on-the-go shooting. The Action Pod offers easier access to settings with its touchscreen, making it a better choice for users seeking comprehensive control over their captures.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/929125/insta360-360-go-3s-retro-bundle-viewfinder-accessory
