GO Series: Issues Related to Poor Image Quality or Blurry Media

GO Series: Issues Related to Poor Image Quality or Blurry Media

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

Scenario 1: Preview is blurry, but exported footage is clear

Blurry preview on the camera

Preview images on the camera undergo quality compression to increase preview speed and ensure smooth playback. This does not affect the quality of actual recorded footage. Please refer to the final exported footage for true quality.

Blurry preview in the Insta360 app

Previews in the Insta360 app use compressed quality. In some modes, the preview uses a sub-stream file. In this case, you can tap the icon in the top left of the Insta360 app and switch the preview mode to "Original Mode".

Blurry preview in Insta360 Studio

Insta360 Studio uses single-frame noise reduction for previews, but applies multi-frame noise reduction during export based on parameters like ISO. This also does not affect the quality of final recorded footage. Please refer to the final exported footage for true quality.

Scenario 2: Motion blur or trailing in the final footage

In low-light conditions, if the camera shakes or the subject moves quickly, and the shutter speed is too slow, the exposure time lengthens. This may cause blurring or trailing in the image, similar to the human eye struggling to see fast-moving objects clearly. This is a motion blur phenomenon.

Improvement suggestions:

1. Prioritize the Auto Exposure mode

• Insufficient light: Use the Auto Exposure mode and enable the "Low Light Stabilization / Jitter Blur Reduction" feature to improve stability.
• Sufficient light: Use the Video mode with Auto Exposure enabled.

Please note: Brightness might be reduced in extremely dark conditions.

2. If using the Manual Exposure mode

• Keep the camera stable; avoid significant shaking or rotation of the camera.
• Adjust parameter settings:
  • Shutter Speed: Set it faster (recommended: less than 1/100) to shorten exposure time and reduce trailing.
  • ISO: Increase light sensitivity appropriately (recommended: less than 800) to maintain correct exposure. Test the adjusted settings by recording a few seconds first.

3. Noise reduction in Insta360 Studio

During export, select "AI Effects" > "Remove Grain" to further reduce visual noise.

Scenario 3: Excessive noise in footage recorded in night or low-light environments

Adjust exposure parameters

• It is recommended to use the Auto Exposure mode, and set Sharpness to "Medium / Low".
• If using the Manual Exposure mode, manually lower the ISO value (optimal range: 100-800) based on the scene while keeping the camera stable.

Use the PureVideo mode

Enable the PureVideo mode. The camera will automatically optimize image quality for night scenes.

Scenario 4: Hazy footage with light-colored spots

• Dirt: Gently clean the camera lens, lens guard, or ND filter (if attached) with a soft cloth.
• Wear and tear: We recommend you apply for Insta360 Repair Service for professional diagnostics.

Scenario 5: Reduced image quality after zooming

The causes of image quality changes vary with different zoom types. Please refer to the corresponding solutions below:

Digital zoom (GO 3S)

The camera uses digital zoom, which crops and enlarges images through software. Some detail and pixel data are inevitably lost in the process, so the images may appear grainier — this is the expected behavior of digital zoom.

Clarity zoom (some modes of GO Ultra)

The camera adjusts its sensor pixel pattern to achieve Clarity Zoom. In low-light conditions, insufficient light capture might cause slight blurriness of images when zooming. It's recommended to use this feature in well-lit environments.

Scenario 6: Inability to capture clear close-up details

This is likely due to the subject being too close. The camera lens has a "minimum focusing distance" — the shortest distance at which it can focus clearly. If the subject is closer than this distance, the lens cannot focus correctly, resulting in blur, as the human eye cannot focus on objects held too close. It is recommended to maintain a sufficient distance between the camera and the subject when shooting.

Scenario 7: Distortion or poor edge quality

This is a normal phenomenon caused by optical properties. Optically, barrel distortion can occur, causing a stretching effect at the edges, which distorts details and introduces some blur (more noticeable at the edges compared to the center). Furthermore, for the camera focusing, a wide-angle lens is typically calibrated for optimal sharpness in the center, so edge areas might not maintain perfect sharpness. Combined with focus considerations, edge resolution can also be affected, leading to some blur.

Scenario 8: All media is blurry

If all media appears blurry and out of focus, it might be due to a damaged lens. We recommend you apply for Insta360 Repair Service for professional diagnostics.

Scenario 9: Blurry underwater media when using a Lens Guard

This is generally caused by underwater refraction. The curved design of the lens guard causes additional light refraction effects underwater, potentially leading to blur, especially at the edges. You can refer to the following instructions corresponding to specific models:

GO Ultra

If you want to further improve underwater image quality, it is recommended to use the original AquaLens or Dive Case.

GO 3 and GO 3S

• Before underwater shooting, clean the lens and lens guard thoroughly to avoid dirt and water stains.
• It's recommended to use a dedicated Dive Case for underwater shooting. Its superior waterproofing and optical properties can effectively reduce blur.

If you have any other questions, please contact Insta360 Customer Support for assistance.