Insta360 GO 2 test: a playful and effective mini action-cam to slide everywhere – Les Numériques

The Insta360 GO 2 uses a 1 / 2.3-inch 9-megapixel sensor with sensitivity ranging from ISO 100 to 3200. By default, images are captured in a square format of 3040 x 3040 px and exported via the mobile app (or software) at a 16: 9 ratio at 2560 x 1440 px. The same goes for videos captured in a slightly lower definition (2880 x 2880 px), but exported in 1440p or 1080p.

It is possible to opt for a frame rate of 24, 25, 30 or 50 fps and even 120 fps, but only in Full HD. Recording is done on the internal memory of the GO 2; we have about 28 GB of the 32 GB of the camera.

Aggressive photo processing

The GO 2 allows the capture of RAW snapshots in .DNG format, a format recommended for retouching enthusiasts. The quality offered is proportional to the size of the sensor and, unfortunately, to its low definition. In photos, the processing applied to the jpegs is quite aggressive and it will hardly be necessary to try to use the camera in low light. Beyond 400 ISO, the smoothing becomes too pronounced and this makes the photos difficult to use.

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Those who would like to take the experience further can shoot in raw. It should be taken into account that with this format, the optical corrections no longer apply and that you obtain a rather particular file, at the limit of the fish-eye. As for the jpegs, the ISO 400 really represent a big limit for the GO 2. After this level, the digital noise is too present.

Interesting video rendering

As explained above, the GO 2 only has two video definitions (1080p and 1440p). It is also possible to play with the colorimetry and to choose a mode among Standard, Vivid and even a Log mode for the calibration fades.

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Regarding the video quality, like the photo component, the processing is quite aggressive and distorts the sequences a little. Smoothing also loses detail. The Vivid mode, active by default, flatters the colors, which become almost garish. For better fidelity, do not hesitate to switch to Standard mode.

A mode for diving

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HDR is also part of the game, as is an AquaVision 2.0 mode supposed to magnify the sequences recorded underwater. Note that the latter can only be applied in post-production from a computer.

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However, it should be put in perspective: the sequences from the GO 2 are more intended to be watched on a smartphone screen and in square format than on a 65-inch 4K television. Users should therefore not be too disappointed with the rendering of the mini action cam.

Finally, a word on Flowstate stabilization. The latter is enabled by default and does a fairly decent job, without reaching the heights of the GoPro Hero10 Black. It is also possible to deactivate this stabilization in post-production, or even to opt for a stabilization more adapted to the practice of the drone.