GO Series: Memory Card & Storage Usage FAQ

GO Series: Memory Card & Storage Usage FAQ

Applicable Models: GO 3, GO 3S, and GO Ultra

This article compiles common questions about the camera's memory card and storage to help you plan capacity and choose compatible accessories.

1. How much storage space does one minute of video use?

The storage space per minute of video varies by camera model and parameter settings; see the table below.

Table 1. Storage Space per Minute of Video for GO Series Cameras

*The actual file size is subject to bitrate variations based on the shooting subject. The above data is for reference only.

2. How long can the camera record when using its built-in storage or memory cards of different capacities?

Recording duration varies with shooting mode and settings; the remaining time for the current configuration is shown in the upper-left corner of the Action Pod's screen.

3. How much storage space does a single photo use?

The file size of a single photo varies between different camera models, depending on their aspect ratio and resolution settings. Specific data are shown in the table below.

Table 2. Storage Space per Photo for GO Series Cameras

*The actual photo file size can vary depending on the shooting scene. The above data is for reference only.

4. What logic does the camera use to save footage in separate clips?

To ensure file compatibility and stability, the camera automatically saves footage in separate clips whenever the continuous recording exceeds 30 minutes without dropping any frames. The details of clips for different models are shown below:

• GO 3: There is an interval of approximately 2–7 seconds between clips. These clips need to be manually stitched during post-editing.
• GO 3S and GO Ultra: Automatic segmentation happens at millisecond precision and is virtually imperceptible. While previewing on the camera, in the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio, the clips are seamlessly joined into one continuous video; when the camera is connected directly to a computer, they appear as two separate files.

5. Can the camera use an external memory card?

• GO 3 and GO 3S: Built-in storage only—no memory card slot. After shooting, use the Quick Reader to copy footage to an SD card and free up space.
• GO Ultra: No internal storage. Insert a Micro SD/TF card up to 2TB that meets the UHS-I, V30 or higher speed class specification and is formatted as exFAT.

Please note: For memory card installation instructions, refer to the GO Ultra Memory Card Installation Tutorial.

6. Can accidentally deleted footage be recovered?

File recovery is not currently supported.

7. Will the camera automatically save the footage being recorded when it shuts down due to low battery?

Yes, the footage will be saved automatically.

8. Will the file be automatically saved if the camera is still recording when the memory card is full?

When storage space is exhausted, the camera will automatically save the recorded footage.

9. Can the camera connect directly to an external hard drive?

No.

10. Why is the actual available memory less than the nominal capacity/memory card size? (For instance, both built-in storage and memory cards show less usable space than their nominal 64GB or 128GB rating—typically 59.6GB or 119GB respectively.)

The camera's operating system takes up some space, much like a phone's OS and pre-installed apps, so the actual available memory is less than the rated capacity.