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Best 360 Camera

Best 360 camera

Trying to shoot amazing panoramas on standard cameras or phones can be hard.

When you have an exciting or gorgeous view that you want to share, panorama pictures are great at capturing wide-format photos. However, panoramic photos on your phone often fail to capture the beauty of these pictures.

Also, you have to struggle to steady your camera as you take the photos, making this a far from ideal way to get a good 360 shot. Standard cameras are better but have similar issues to phone cameras.

Unless you are a highly skilled photographer, you will likely end up with an unstable-looking product. 

Luckily, 360-degree cameras are great options for filming panoramic photos or videos. They allow you to immerse others in your shots. Your viewers will be able to have a full view of your shots.

Of course, these 360 cameras are versatile and can be used for different kinds of photos. 

Finding an affordable 360 camera of good quality can be a demanding task.

They come with a diverse range of features that can be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, this guide has a wide variety of options and will help you to find the right 360 camera for you.

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Best 360 Camera – Comparison Table

Best 360 Camera – Reviews

Our Pick
Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera, 5.7K 360, Stabilization, Touch Screen, AI Editing, Live Streaming, Webcam, Voice Control
Our rating:

This Insta360 camera is a great product to own. With lots of different features contained in just one device, this camera has multiple uses.

This voice-controlled camera takes brilliant photos and videos. This means that you can still take extraordinary shots even when your hands are busy.

With its stabilization features, you will always be able to take steady pictures that will make everyone envious.

Pros
  • Selfie stick – this camera comes with an invisible selfie stick that will not appear while you are editing. This makes life easier when taking a selfie, particularly if you have a lot of people you want to fit into your shot! The selfie stick will give you shots that look as though they have been taken from a drone.
  • 5.7K 360 capture – you can take pictures in lots of different directions and decide which angle you prefer. This gives you lots of options if you are a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to taking stunning photos.
  • Waterproof – if you want to take some nice pictures in wet environments, this waterproof camera will be a good option for you.
  • Steady cam – the stabilization and horizon leveling on this device are incredible, allowing you to take shots that are perfectly steady. This is great for when you’re filming while on the go.
Cons
  •  Requires a phone – this camera needs to be connected to a phone. While this may be a positive for some, others will find this quality frustrating. This is particularly true if you are not very tech-savvy.

Ricoh Theta SC2 White 360° Camera 4K Video, White
Our rating:

This Ricoh camera comes in four different colors, namely white, blue, pink, and sand. This gives you the option to match your camera to your personal style.

This highly aesthetic camera not only looks stylish but takes high-quality pictures and videos.

As with other 360 cameras, you will never have to be concerned about getting everyone or everything into a photo again.

With a small and lightweight design, you can easily bring this camera with you wherever you go.

Pros
  • Night view mode – fed up with not being able to get the right lighting when you are taking photos at night or in the dark? Fortunately, this Rioch product comes with a night view mode that will make pictures taken in the dark still look clear and professional.
  • Share your pictures – this 360 camera connects to most Android and iOS smartphones, meaning you can share your photos on social media, as well as with your friends and family.
  • Dual lens exposure – the front and rear cameras are controlled by a newly integrated mode that controls differences in contrast. As a result, it will produce effective photos that are taken in indoor settings with external light, such as sunlight.
  • Theta Plus editing app – this app allows you to edit your photos so that they are the most beautiful they can be.
Cons
  • Quite large – It’s a little cumbersome so may not suit long expeditions when you need the lightest gear possible

GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
Our rating:

The GoPro Max is an incredible 360 camera.

Arguably the leading 360 camera, the GoPro Max offers brilliant features such as Max HyperSmooth,  Max TimeWarp, PowerPano, and digital lenses, this is one of the most versatile products on the market.

With its ability to live stream and record 360 audio, this camera is particularly perfect for videos.

Pros
  • Digital lenses – with four different lenses to choose from, this camera gives you a lot of different filming options. In the HERO mode, you can select from Wide, Narrow, Linear, and Max SuperView.
  • Max HyperSmooth – this feature ensures your shots are always stabilized. If you are filming on unstable terrain, this will be an excellent option for you.
  • Six mics – these mics will capture 360 audio and deliver amazing sound quality, making it great for filming.
  • 1080p live streaming – with the HERO mode, you can live stream on platforms such as Facebook Live and YouTube. This means you can record and share your videos as you go, giving your viewers a truly thrilling experience. This resolution will give your viewers high-quality videos.
  • Voice control – if your hands are busy, you can simply tell your camera what to do.
Cons
  • No editing app – unlike some of its competitors, this 360 camera is not associated with an editing app. If you are looking to edit your photos or videos, this might be somewhat disappointing.

Samsung Gear 360 (2017 Edition) Spherical Cam 360° 4K Camera ‎SM-R210
Our rating:

Samsung’s 2017 edition of the Gear 360 comes with new features and improved software. Consequently, it is a solid option if you want a 360 camera.

With two 180 degree lenses, this camera captures every perspective in one image. This device uploads your content to Samsung, enabling you to experience your creations in virtual reality.

Pros
  • 4K video and 15MP photos – with good quality photos and videos, this camera will create some truly stunning shots.
  • IP53 water-resistant rating – want to take some nice photos by the sea or a waterfall? Like many of its rival products, this camera is water-resistant. This makes it ideal for shots that take place near water.
  • Simple sharing – with a simple-to-use app, your photographic creations can be shared across the world.
  • Designed to fit in your pocket – the small and light design of this camera means it is completely portable. This makes it ideal for taking on holidays, road trips, or to festivals.
Cons
  • Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy and iPhone – this product is only compatible with these phones, meaning that if your phone is of a different brand this camera will not be able to connect to it.

GoPro Camera Fusion - 360 Waterproof Digital VR Camera with Spherical 5.2K HD Video 18MP Photos
Our rating:

Another GoPro product, this camera is another great 360 option to purchase. This is a more affordable camera than the GoPro Max, though it has fewer additional features.

The GoPro camera captures spherical photos and videos, creating some really striking images.

Like other products, it is waterproof, making it a good choice if you want to take some cool shots of yourself surfing, swimming or rowing.

Producing smooth videos without the need for a gimbal, this product can be used to make seamless films that look like they have been professionally made.

Pros
  • 5.2K videos and 18MP photos – produces photos and videos with high-quality images.
  • Ultra-smooth stabilization – want to avoid films and videos that look really unstable? Thankfully, this product comes with a smooth stabilization feature.
  • Fusion grip – this fusion grip was designed for taking shots at just the right angle. Coming with a tripod and extension pole, this product helps you set up the perfect shot.
  • GoPro app – enables you to preview shots and edit your videos.
Cons
  • Needs two microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards – two high-performance cards are required for this product.
  • Limited compatibility – though this device is compatible with models later than the iPhone 6s and iPad mini 4, its compatibility with earlier versions varies considerably. Meanwhile, it is also not compatible with all android phones.

Best 360 Camera – Buyers Guide

Now that we have gone over several different 360 cameras, the prospect of purchasing one might seem pretty easy.

The basic functions of most 360 cameras are fairly standard, meaning it should be pretty easy to find the one that best suits your needs. However, this buying process can be more complex than it seems at first. 

In fact, there are many different qualities to consider when browsing for a 360 camera. With their many specifications and tech-based jargon, it can be really difficult to find what you’re looking for.

Thankfully, below we have listed some of the most essential features that you should consider before purchasing a 360 camera. Please keep these tips in mind to ensure that you find the best camera for you. 

Price 

360 cameras are specialist pieces of equipment. As a result, they can be sold for quite expensive amounts. Therefore, you should consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend before purchasing a camera.

Typically, they range from about $200 to $550. However, more expensive models are still available. You should think about how much use you will get out of these cameras.

If you don’t think you will use it a lot, perhaps it is better to invest in a cheaper model.

If you know you will use a 360 camera regularly, such as because it is one of your main hobbies or you will use it for work, perhaps it is better to look at the higher end of the price range, since more expensive cameras are likely to have more specialist features. 

Image Quality

Arguably the main purpose of the 360 camera is to get a good quality image in your video/ photo.

Therefore, you should research the quality of the  image before buying a camera. If the image quality is criticized in product reviews, it might be best to stay away from these cameras. 

Look

When searching for a 360 camera, you might want to consider the look of the product. While some come with more stylish and aestheticized designs, others are more basic and functional.

If you are not bothered by the look of your camera, this is not something that you will need to spend a lot of time thinking about.

However, if you have a more specific look in mind for your camera, such as its color, you will need to spend more time researching.

For instance, the Ricoh camera comes in multiple colors. Many of its rivals come in fairly basic colors, such as black or white.  

Size

A lot of 360 cameras tend to be quite small, making them portable and easy to fit into your pocket.

This means that if you want to take videos or photos when you are on the go, such as traveling or on holiday, then these cameras are great for you.

If this is the case, it is better to avoid larger cameras that will be bulkier.

This will make them considerably harder to carry around. One of the many positives of having a smaller camera is that you can take spontaneous photos and videos, being able to take them with you wherever you go. 

Waterproof Capabilities

Some cameras offer protection from water, meaning they can be used in shots involving water.

These waterproof features will also protect the camera, meaning that if you accidentally drop it into water it will likely remain undamaged.

If you plan on using your 360 camera while you are traveling, it might be worth investing in one that is waterproof.

Moreover, if you like taking your camera to the beach, the sea, or water-based sport activities, its waterproof capabilities should be considered.

On the other hand, if you simply want to use your 360 camera indoors, perhaps this is unnecessary for you. 

Additional Features

Aside from having the ability to take stunning 360-degree photos and videos, these cameras often come with additional features to improve your photography.

These features can include stabilization, editing tools, voice control, and selfie sticks. These features can really improve a customer’s experience.

If it is key that your camera contains features such as these, then getting a more advanced camera will suit you. If you are not particularly bothered by these features and simply want a 360 camera, a more basic model may be of more interest to you. 

Sharing

Most 360 cameras have the ability to share content. If you are an avid social media user, this feature will likely be of incredible interest to you.

If so, it is probably worthwhile researching the ease with which a model can share content on social media or with other people, such as friends or family. Many come with apps that make sharing your panoramic content much simpler. 

Editing 

Want to edit your photo so that you can get the perfect shot? If your answer is yes, then perhaps you should consider the editing software that connects with your product.

While some are associated with editing software, others are not. If being able to easily edit your photos and videos is a priority, then you will have to investigate this quality when you are buying. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Use A 360 Camera?

More specific information will depend on the brand of the camera. However, more generally, 360 cameras are used by capturing a shot or video of a 360-degree space.

This enables creators to make more immersive content, in which the viewer can fully look around the space. This is often achieved by having more than one camera on a single device, allowing the cameras to pick up different angles. 

Is It Worth Getting A 360 Camera?

It is definitely worth investing in a 360 camera if you are passionate about photography.

If you find yourself unable to capture the grandeur of your pictures in simple shots, then looking into a 360 camera is a good choice.

Moreover, if you are someone who takes photos or videos for a living, it is worth getting one to improve your ability. If, however, you are not very interested in photography, perhaps you should look for a more general camera instead of this specialized device. 

How Expensive Is It To Rent A 360 Camera?

When renting a 360 camera, the cost will depend on the model you are borrowing. Furthermore, it will be impacted by how long you are planning to rent the camera.

Renting a 360 camera for a week could cost anywhere between $200 and $600 depending on what company you are renting from.

Renting for a longer period of time will cost considerably more and could become quite an expensive commitment.

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