Insta360
GO 3S
Thumb-sized 4K POV camera with magnetic mounting, Action Pod remote preview, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproof body.
$400
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Sony
ZV-1
The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.
$749
Launch priceReleased May 2020
GO 3S is 4.1 years newer.
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Wins
GO 3S
Wins
ZV-1
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZV-1 has higher AF points / zones (315 vs 0)
- BZV-1 has higher ISO max (native) (12,800 vs 3,200)
- BZV-1 has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 50 fps)
- AGO 3S has lower Weight (135.4 g vs 294 g)
- BZV-1 has higher Resolution (20.1 MP vs 12 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
GO 3S
54 × 25 × 26 mm
135.4 g (0.30 lb / 4.78 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
ZV-1
106 × 60 × 44 mm
294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)
GO 3S is 51mm narrower, 35mm shorter, and 18mm thinner than ZV-1.
GO 3S is 159 g lighter than ZV-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 26mm GO 3S · 44mm ZV-1
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
GO 3S
54 × 25 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 60 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
GO 3S
54 × 26 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
ZV-1
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GO 3S
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, Horizon Lock
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 54.4, 24.8, 25.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
135.4 g vs 294 g — lower is better
Weather sealing
Only GO 3S supports it
ISO min (native)
100 vs 125 — lower is better
Reasons to choose
ZV-1
AF points / zones
315 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I, Memory Stick Duo
ISO max (native)
12,800 vs 3,200 — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 50 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only ZV-1 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GO 3S
Pros
- ✓4K30 in a 39g body
- ✓Action Pod with 2.2-inch flip screen
- ✓FlowState + Horizon Lock
- ✓10m waterproof (camera only)
- ✓140 min runtime with Action Pod
Cons
- –Tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor
- –Fixed 16mm lens
- –Action Pod not waterproof
- –Built-in storage only (64/128GB)
ZV-1
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
- ✓24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
- ✓Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
- ✓Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
- ✓4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo
Cons
- –Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
- –No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
- –No EVF
- –Short battery life for long shoots
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GO 3S and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 GO 3S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, GO 3S or ZV-1?
ZV-1 scores 6.5/10 versus 4.0/10 for GO 3S — 24fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the GO 3S and ZV-1?
GO 3S is 12 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the ZV-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the GO 3S and ZV-1?
GO 3S does not have IBIS, while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).
What's the weight difference between the GO 3S and ZV-1?
GO 3S weighs 135.4 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the GO 3S is 159 g lighter.
Do the GO 3S and ZV-1 record 4K video?
GO 3S: 4K up to 30p. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.
Are the GO 3S and ZV-1 weather sealed?
GO 3S: Yes. ZV-1: No.
How much does each cost?
GO 3S launched at $400 and ZV-1 at $749. The GO 3S is $349 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GO 3S vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.