View from the top of the hill or a the roof, a walk in the full splendor of nature, a bike ride or a dive under the sea… There are many situations where you may be interested in recording or immortalizing a complete scene, ie covering 360 degrees. And with this camera you can do it. this 360º Camera Buying Guide We tell you how they work, how to choose a model correctly and we offer a careful selection of candidates.
Contents
Our selection of 360 cameras, at a glance
What is a 360 camera and how does it work?
As their name suggests, these cameras are capable of recording or taking pictures covering 360 degrees. How do they do that? Thanks to the fact that they integrate several wide-angle lenses (at least two) and a processing system that interprets the images and combines them. Ideally, the “seam” should not be visible.. That is, each lens points at different angles, takes its own image, it is processed, and what you get is a single image of everything around you.
The Image quality and size may vary depending on the specifications and quantity of said sensors. The most ambitious will need more powerful processors, more angles and photo/video processing.
360º cameras are mainly divided into two types: Monoscopic and Stereoscopic. In the first type, the video is recorded and then the content of the field of view of several lenses is combined to form a complete image. The second uses two cameras, one for each eye, which allows creating a three-dimensional image. In this process, lower resolution images are produced compared to monoscopic images, which is why the former are the most attractive to content creators.
How to choose a 360º camera
Before choosing a 360 camera, consider the following features:
- In a 360 camera we will get at least two lenses, a wide-angle type with a field of view that is about 180 degrees. Correct lenses are one of the most important components: Check your shutter speed and ISO range.
- Picture quality in pictures and videos. The resolution the camera is capable of determines, 360 content requires an ambitious resolution to match normal video quality, so look for a higher resolution. To give you an idea, 3D video typically has half the resolution of a 2D camcorder. If we want a good level of detail and sharpness, it is better to exceed 10MP resolution in photos and at least Full HD (1920x1080p) in videos. However, a good 360 camera should be able to record 4K video and take at least 15MP photos.
- loss FPS. Although some advanced 360 cameras can capture more than 50 frames per second, 30fps is a good figure to ensure the same speed as a standard camcorder.
- If you are going to use your 360 camera on the moveThen you’ll want to have stabilization software to reduce the effects of vibrations, shocks and sudden changes.
- As we explained in its operation, 360 videos and photos are created by combining two or more images using multiple lenses. A good 360 camera should add these images either in-camera or from an app installed on your phone. Ideally, the seams in the image should be of quality.That is, as subtle and discreet as possible.
- Handling is easy. As this is a device we’re going to use on the go, it’s important that it’s manageable and intuitive. Also look at the interface, options and fluidity of the application
- storage. While the most affordable ones have an SD slot to expand your storage space, the most advanced ones have internal hard drives.
- Autonomy. Such cameras require a good battery, considering the processing power required to create 360° content. More than mAh, pay attention to average battery life (hours of recording/shooting). It’s worth investing in models that last about an hour rather than a few minutes, which is enough to make short videos of daily activities or travel. Another option: carry the charger or an extra battery with you.
- Dimensions and water resistance. Typically, this type of camera is used outdoors, but if you want it for sports as well, it’s essential that it has a robust, compact design that can withstand some exposure to liquids and dust.
360 Camera: Featured Models
Kodak PixPro Sp360 4K
If you’re looking for an affordable model to try the 360-degree photo and video experience, the Kodak Pixpro Sp360 (394.69 euros) is the one. A good candidate to start with.
Extremely compact, very easy to use and with a sports professionIt has three buttons for operation, an app to manage content from your mobile (Wi-FI/NFC) and be careful because it is resistant to water, shock (up to 2 meters), dust and freezing (-10 degrees). .
yes indeed Its features as a camera are rather modest, with a 16MP sensor, captures 10MP photos with 4K video recording and continuous shooting. It has a 1,250 mAh battery and an SD card slot for up to 128 GB.
*Some prices may have changed since last review
Ricoh Theta Sc2
The Ricoh Theta Sc2 (333 euros) is a very attractive 360 camera in terms of performance and cost this Compact and simple model allows you to record 4K video with stability and night mode. As for its photographic proposal, it has a double sensor with a total resolution of 14MP with an f/2.0 aperture.
one with It has a small and practical OLED screen to operate and an easy-to-use app, transfer content over Wi-Fi and manage via Bluetooth. With 14GB of storage, autonomy of about 260 photographs or 60 minutes of video.
If you want to use it underwater, an optional underwater housing is available for immersion.
*Some prices may have changed since last review
Insta360 One X2
Insta360 One X2 (551.88 euros) is One of the most attractive models in terms of quality and priceParticularly interesting for recording video is its 5.7K resolution, with 4 microphones for surround sound and mode. Steady cam, which provides additional stability without resorting to a gimbal. And if you want to record yourself in third person without the selfie stick being visible, you have the function The selfie stick is invisible.
Do you want a camera for water activities? So it is a good candidate, since it offers IPX8 resistance, i.e. submerged up to 10 meters.
Another strong point is that, with a fairly compact and intuitive color touch screen Up to 80 minutes of autonomy Uses the highest resolution. File transfer is done over Wi-Fi only.
Insta360 One X2 – Action Camera Kit
*Some prices may have changed since last review
GoPro Max
GoPros are therefore an authority on action cameras An amazing quality for how easy they are to operate, how compact and powerful they are, and how short their learning curve is.. And this GoPro Max (529 euros) repeats the formula, thanks to, among other things, how video editing is done.
This GoPro Max stands out for its ability to record video in 6K at 30fps, it is water resistant up to 5 meters, it has a touch screen and a removable 1,600 mAh battery with a USB-C port for very practical fast charging.
Another plus in its favor: in the pack you get the protective lens, cap, bag, tripod mount and case.
*Some prices may have changed since last review
Insta360 Twin Edition for Rs
Insta360 One Rupee Twin Edition (475 Euros) is one Both are very interesting cameras for the functions available and the possibility of lens exchange. The same body is available in three versions, each with different accessories and interchangeable lenses. So, this twin version has a 4K Boost lens and another 360 lens for getting wide-angle videos.
Its photo and video features suit all types of users, including 48MP photos, 6K videos and HDR to improve image quality. With stabilizer, night mode and functions The selfie stick is invisible So that the selfie stick is not visible.
Using the 360 lens, the 1445mAh battery provides 82 minutes of theoretical autonomy in 5.7K@30fps mode. With Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C and microSD card slot.
Insta360 One RS Twin Edition On Go Kit
*Some prices may have changed since last review
Ricoh Theta Z1
For ambitious, demanding users who can afford it, the Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB Edition (€1,307.50), a Compact and handy camera that stands out for its image quality Thanks to assets like its 4K recording with stabilization and 23 megapixel sensor.
Equipped with a four-channel microphone, which will allow you Record sound from multiple directions For more realistic and immersive videos. Its autonomy is about 60 minutes, a bit low for its cost.
*Some prices may have changed since last review
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Picture | Ricoh, GoPro, Insta360, Kodak
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