Tech

The best 360 cameras

360 Camera – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022

A 360 camera is a device that you cannot miss if you are a lover of new technologies, but it is important to take into account certain fundamental characteristics at the time of purchase, such as the number of lenses, resolution and storage options. In this sense, it is worth reviewing in depth some outstanding models. The Huawei EnVizion 360 camera offers 5K photos and 2K video, thanks to its dual 13 MP camera, and is also compatible with VR systems. For its part, the Insta360 Pro 2 has 6 fisheye lenses and has 4 built-in microphones so as not to miss any details.

Opinions on the best 360 cameras

Photography is rapidly evolving as technology advances, such is the case of the new 360 cameras, which offer two or more lenses to capture everything around them, whether in photography or video, in this way, you can have a most complete record of your adventures. For this reason, we have prepared a selection with the best 360 cameras of 2022 according to many users.

Huawei 360 Camera

Huawei EnVizion 360

This model is considered by some to be the best 360 camera, since it offers two 13 MP lenses, to record videos with 2K resolution and take 5K 360-degree photos, providing high-quality images in Planet, Panorama, Fisheye modes. and VR; In this way, you will have at your fingertips a new form of audiovisual recording.

This Huawei 360 camera is small and portable as it measures only 37 x 36.8 x 26mm and weighs 30g, for this reason it is especially suitable for Huawei Mate and P series mobile phones as well as Samsung Galaxy S8., among other smartphones with USB Type-C port and Android 6.0 or later operating system.

It is very easy to install, so you can use it right away as the phone app recognizes the device for you to make creative videos. The contents you make with the Huawei EnVizion 360 camera are compatible with Facebook, WeChat, YouTube, Line, Weibo, QQ and Twitter, so you can share them with your family and friends anywhere in the world.

This could be the best value for money 360 camera according to the opinion of some users. However, it is convenient to review its pros and cons in more detail:

Pros

Compatibility: It is compatible with a variety of devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Huawei Mate, among others.

Portable: It has dimensions of 37 x 36.8 x 26 mm and only 30 g of weight.

Resolution: Thanks to its 2K resolution for video and 5K for 360° photography, this camera allows you to capture all the events that occur around you.

Modes: It has four functions to record; VR, Fisheye, Planet and Panorama.

Cons

Aperture: Although it has an F1.8 focal aperture, images in low light conditions tend to lose quality.

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Professional 360 camera

Insta360 Pro 2

It is a professional 360 camera, since it incorporates 6 lenses to capture all angles at the same time. In addition, it offers very high quality images and is compatible with 3D technology at 8K resolution, for this reason, the recorded content can be enjoyed with VR headsets and viewers.

If you still do not know which is the best 360 camera, it is convenient to take into account that this model offers the new FarSight technology, which incorporates a receiver unit to visualize what you are recording in real time. To achieve this, it does not use unstable wireless network connections, but rather takes advantage of the 5.18 Ghz band and intelligent channel switching. In this sense, it allows you to broadcast live in 4K resolution while recording in 8K.

It has 4 strategically placed microphones for 360 audio, as well as USB Type-C and 3.5mm inputs. Also, it has seven slots, 6 for micro SD cards that store lens data and an additional one for SD, which stores proxy files and stabilization data.

Although it may not be among the cheapest on this list, the Insta360 Pro 2 is a high-end camera that offers enough benefits to consider it among the featured options. Let’s take a closer look at its pros and cons:

Pros

Lenses: Its 6 lenses allow you to obtain 360° images in photo and video, for an immersive experience. In addition, it is compatible with VR.

Formats: It is capable of transmitting live videos in 4K format, while recording in 8K and is compatible with 3D technology.

Stabilization: It has a system called FlowState, which stabilizes the video without reducing the quality.

Cons

Editing: This camera is currently compatible only with the Adobe Premier Pro editing program.

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360 car surveillance camera

Extrastar 360

The Extrastar 360 car surveillance camera allows users to protect their home or vehicle by offering the opportunity to see and hear everything that happens around them in real time thanks to the WiFi connection and its compatibility with iOS and Android devices. Android. The camera is small in size and light, which allows it to be hidden in any corner, making it almost invisible.

It can be configured very easily thanks to its application, available in the Android and Apple stores. It is capable of recording videos at 960P and in HD, both day and night. In addition, the camera is compatible with micro SD memory cards, so you can store images directly on them, to view them later.

The camera has a 360-degree viewing angle, which allows you to monitor all spaces to keep your home or vehicle safe and free from vandals and thieves.

Pros

360º vision: Thanks to the total viewing angle of 360 degrees, the camera is capable of recording the entire interior and exterior of a car.

Connectivity: The camera has WiFi that allows a real-time connection with mobile devices.

Size: Thanks to its small size, the camera is very easy to hide, either in the dashboard, in the headliner or behind the internal rear view mirror.

Cons

Night recording: Some users have pointed out that the camera, in low light conditions, loses some sharpness.

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Samsung 360 Camera

Samsung Gear 360

It is a Samsung 360 camera capable of recording in H.265 MP4 format with Full HD quality, in this way it offers you an immersive video that allows you to visualize in detail the entire environment where you are using it. Therefore, you must take into account its recording resolution, which offers 2560 x 1440 p and 3840 x 1920 p, which is why many consider it to be the best 360 camera.

On the other hand, it has an internal memory of 1 GB to remember the necessary settings for recording. In the same way, it is necessary to use an external microSD memory card for video storage and its correct operation.

As if that were not enough, this Samsung Gear 360 camera records images in low light, thanks to its F2.0 aperture lens, it also records at a maximum speed of 30 pps. Also, it includes a JPG photo mode for greater versatility.

If you want to buy a product from the best brand of 360 cameras, then you should first analyze this Samsung model. Therefore, we present some of its most prominent pros and cons:

Pros

Photography: It has a photography mode, appropriate to remember special moments with your family or friends.

Practicality: Its configuration and operation is simple for greater practicality.

Resolution: It offers a resolution of 3840 x 1920 p, which provides a good level of detail and image quality.

Cons

Compatibility: You may not be able to pair the camera with any smart device but some from Samsung.

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Xiaomi 360 Camera

Xiaomi Mi Sphere

This Xiaomi 360 camera incorporates 2 wide-angle 190° fisheye lenses, with a reflective prism to eliminate blind spots and F2.0 aperture. It also has a 6-axis electronic stabilizer and double image sensor, to obtain photos of up to 23.88 MP that provide a resolution of 6912 x 3456 pixels, as well as 3.5K videos of 3456 x 1728 pixels at 30 fps and 2304 x 1152 pixels at 60fps.

Also, it offers the possibility of connecting it with smart devices thanks to WiFi and Bluetooth technology, in this way, you can cut and edit photos and videos to create memories, which can be complemented by adding music.

On the other hand, it has the IP67 certification, which gives it resistance against dust, wind, water and temperature. Its battery is 1600 mAh and allows you to take up to 200 photos, as well as record up to 75 minutes with WiFi active and 90 minutes with WiFi inactive.

A good option to capture the best moments of your trips and walks is with a good quality 360 camera, so you should consider the pros and cons of the Xiaomi Mi Sphere:

Pros

Lens: Incorporates 2 wide-angle 190º fisheye lenses with F2.0 aperture and reflective prism to eliminate blind spots.

Image: Capable of capturing photos up to 6912 x 3456p and recording 3.5K videos at 3456 x 1728p at 30fps and 2304 x 1152p at 60fps.

Autonomy: With a single charge it allows you to capture up to 200 photos, 75 minutes of video and 90 minutes of video with WiFi turned off.

Connection: It has Bluetooth and WiFi technologies to facilitate its connection with smartphones through applications.

Cons

Lighting: The quality of images may decrease in low light conditions.

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VR 360 camera

Insta360 Bxinsairt Insta 360

This is a VR 360 camera capable of taking 360-degree images, with which videos and images can be created for interactive formats such as Virtual Reality. It is an ideal camera for YouTubers, audiovisual producers and photographers looking to create 360-degree images, very useful in some sectors such as real estate, where it allows the user to see a property in VR.

The Insta360 camera has a USB type C output, so you can connect it to a mobile device. It is compatible with Android and iOS and works through its own application. The images obtained with the camera have a resolution of 3008 x 1504 pixels and HD, so they will look sharp and full of details.

Thanks to its own application, users will be able to share the images taken with the camera on social networks with a single click.

Pros

Resolution: The images taken by the camera have a very high resolution, so you can take a picture or record what you want without losing detail.

Price: It is an affordable 360-degree camera, making it a great option for users who are just starting out.

Stabilizer: When connected to a mobile phone, it uses the internal gyroscope as a stabilizer, so the images will be sharper.

Cons

Application: The 360 ​​camera application is a bit heavy, takes up a lot of memory space and is a bit slow.

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Guide to buying a 360 camera

When it comes to saving the most important moments with our loved ones in photos and videos, it is important to have the right devices. Such is the case of 360 cameras, which allow us to capture everything that happens around us. For this reason, we have prepared this guide to buy the best 360 camera, so that you can choose one according to your needs.

Shopping guide

Glasses

If you are doing a 360 camera comparison, the first thing you should check is the number of lenses it has, as this directly influences how much space it covers and the quality of the final result. At this point it is important to clarify that in general, models with a single lens cannot offer a complete photosphere, while a greater number of objectives makes it possible to obtain a better quality and wider image.

Single lens 360 cameras are very useful in home surveillance systems as they work as security devices. In this case, they offer a fairly wide field of vision and may have Wi-Fi technology to control their functions from your mobile phone, in this way, you could see what is happening in your home without leaving the office or vice versa. However, these devices have limits when it comes to the angle of view, which leaves certain blind spots.

On the other hand, a 360 model with two lenses can be useful as an action camera for outdoor events, so they have greater resistance to water and dust, they are also commonly used to record or take photos indoors, for example. in very large buildings.

As for the cameras that have more than 2 lenses, they can be much more expensive than the previous ones, but they are indicated for a more professional use, for example, to make very high quality virtual reality videos, with a higher level of realism for a complete immersive experience. In addition, these usually have several built-in microphones to provide audio according to the image.

Resolution

If you want to have an idea of ​​how much a 360 camera costs, then it is convenient that you check the resolution, since it is fundamental for the final result of the images and it is related to the technologies and functions that the device offers, therefore, it influences the the final price.

From 720p we are already facing an HD image, which is good enough to see it on a mobile phone or on a medium TV screen. This resolution is convenient if it is a single lens camera to use at home as a security device, also this type of resolution can make the camera good and cheap.

However, the two-lens cameras can have 2K resolution in video and 4K in 360 ° photos, providing higher quality to view the content created even with virtual reality helmets and viewers. In this case, it is possible to have a full size photosphere, with an almost imperceptible dead spot. Generally, these types of devices offer more than 10 MP.

There are 360 ​​cameras that have up to 6 lenses, offer 8K resolution and are compatible with 3D technology, so they are capable of recording at 7680 x 7680p, which means that images can be projected on large screens without losing quality. In addition, they are compatible with very advanced VR devices.

Benefits

This feature has to do with the type of camera and the utility that we give it, for example, a 360 security camera should have a motion detection system, as well as the possibility of receiving a notification on the mobile to alert about a situation spotty inside the house. Also, you should have night vision.

Action cameras have the particularity that they are exposed to a lot of outdoor activity, therefore, it is good that they have a stabilization system that allows you to enjoy smoother movements when watching videos. Although there are external devices that allow you to stabilize the images of any camera, let’s remember that when recording in 360° we need to have the camera clear of surrounding objects.

The most advanced models allow a live transmission of what we are recording, to direct shots at a distance of up to 300 m on the ground and 1 km from ground to air, this is thanks to the use of a 5.18 Ghz receiver. Although these devices are larger and heavier, they can still be used with drones for the film industry.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: What to do with a 360 camera?

A 360 camera is a good complement for celebrations. Think of the cases where you have been at a large table with family and friends, but you have not been able to record everything they say and do, because conventional cameras record a single frame, so it is impossible to see what is happening from the opposite side. A smart idea is to place the camera in the center of the table, as this way you can capture everything that happens during the meal.

Another thing you can do is make 360 ​​videos of the places you visit on your travels, so that later you can relive the experience using a virtual reality viewer. Also, this is the best way to show your loved ones how you have been during the holidays.

Q2: How does a 360 camera record?

The main advantage of a 360 camera is that it can record spherical images, that is, once the recording is done, you can scroll through the entire space on the screen to see what was happening around you. To achieve this, the camera incorporates two or more lenses, which allow various angles to be taken and the system is responsible for stitching or joining the videos to give the impression of continuity. In this way, you can navigate on the streets of a city as in the case of Google Street View.

Q3: How to use Samsung 360 Camera?

The Samsung Gear 360 is a very easy to use compact camera, as it has a button on the side to turn it on, another for the menu and a larger button on the front to start recording. You can use it through an application on your mobile phone, but also independently. On the other hand, you can also use a tripod or some stabilizing device because it has a thread on the bottom. When the battery runs out, you can plug the USB cable into the corresponding port. It is important to note that to store photos and videos it is necessary to incorporate a micro SD card in the removable tray.

Q4: How does the 360 ​​car camera work?

The 360 ​​car security camera is a device that has a single wide angle lens, which you can place on the roof, just above the car, so that you have a complete view of your vehicle. In addition, this type of camera usually has a good resolution so that you do not lose details and is capable of recording in low-light spaces. If the camera detects any movement, it immediately sends you a message to your mobile so that you can check what is happening in real time. Generally, this device is also useful to keep an eye on pets and children when we leave the house.

Q5: Which phones have 360 ​​camera?

There is a Chinese company called Shenzhen Protruly Electronics, which manufactures and markets Protruly Darling phones, which have virtual reality cameras, so they can record 360 degrees, to enjoy content in VR headsets and headsets. In general, mobile phones in this line have a front and rear camera, which can be 8 MP and 13 MP respectively, but additionally incorporate a 26 MP double camera, with two sensors to capture still and moving images at 360 °. On the other hand, there are also very small and practical 360 cameras, which are specially designed to be connected to Huawei and Samsung mobile phones through a USB Type-C port.

Q6: Is it worth buying a 360 camera?

This depends on the activities you normally do. If you like to invite a lot of people to your house and record parties on video, then it is worth investing in one of these devices. Also, if you travel regularly and want to show other people places you know, this is also a good option. Also, if you have a VR headset you can relive the best moments over and over again. On the other hand, if you only want to take a few pictures every so often, a conventional camera may be better for you.

Q7: Which is better, a 360 camera or a sports camera?

The first thing to clarify is that some 360 ​​cameras are actually sports cameras, so there is no big difference. Generally, the action camera is more suitable for extreme sports and high-risk adventures, since it is prepared for that purpose. For their part, there are 360 ​​cameras that are resistant to water and dust, so they are also robust and withstand extreme conditions.

Q8: Which is better, a 360 camera or a wide angle camera?

A wide-angle camera allows you to take a wider frame, for example, if you need to take a photo of a large group of people or a large landscape. However, they are single-lens cameras, so you won’t be able to make immersive 360-degree videos. In this sense, it is not that one is better than the other, but it depends on the use you want to give the device.

How to use a 360 camera

The virtual reality experience in photos and video is no longer a matter of science fiction, but is a technology available to anyone. In this sense, the 360 ​​camera allows you to create audiovisual content with a unique experience, since the viewer can navigate the image and decide what to see at all times. However, it is still a novelty for many users, so it is worth providing some clues about its use.

Check the content of the package

Once you have received your new 360 camera, it is convenient to carefully check that the elements are complete according to the purchase you have made, taking into account the cables, connectors, the charger and the transport bag if applicable. If everything is correct, you can start by reading the user manual, so that you can identify the buttons that the device has and what each one is for.

In general, these cameras come with a partially charged battery, but it may happen that there is no charge at all, for this reason, there is nothing to worry about, since one of the first steps is to charge the device. If you are going to use the phone as a monitor, then you should also charge it so that it does not lack power when you take the first shots.

Record a video and take some test photos

We know that you can’t wait to make your first spherical recordings with the 360 ​​camera, so we invite you to take some videos of what is happening around you, both indoors and outdoors, so that you can later have a clearer idea of ​​the quality of the image in different light conditions. In addition, this will allow you to check how the audio reception is and evaluate the sound record that the device has. For this it is good that you speak near and far from the camera.

Also, it is good that you take some pictures in very open spaces, this way, once the images are processed, you can see the angular range and the presence or absence of dead spots.

Try the different options in the application

Most 360 cameras have a mobile application from where you can control their functions, so it is important to download the program and discover the different possibilities. There are four basic features which are VR, Planet, Fisheye and Panorama but it will depend on the end result you want to achieve.

Each camera has a specific application, which is responsible for joining the images made with the different lenses, to create the feeling of immersion. For this reason, it is very important that your mobile is compatible with said program, in this sense, it is good to check the compatibility even before buying the camera. However, the app is usually free to download.

Edit the 360 ​​videos

Although the mobile applications allow some editing, you can also download them on a computer and use Adobe Premier Pro, the program for professional video editing, which includes a preview of what the final result will look like. Furthermore, this software allows you to edit the audio to improve the quality by removing excess noise.

When exporting the project, it is important that you include the metadata, that is, the coordinates that will allow the player to project the plane on the sphere at 360 degrees. Fortunately, the latest versions of Premier Pro already offer this possibility, but also YouTube has its own free service so that you can immediately share the videos in this special format.

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