Best 360 degree cameras for capturing movies . A buying guide to understand what the market offers today for these 360 cameras.
After the success of the best action cameras, 360 ° cameras are also gaining ground among consumers. They are easy to use, fun, and remarkably useful. Let’s see in detail their characteristics and above all which 360 ° camera to choose.
Index
- Which 360 rooms to choose
- Video quality
- Functionality
- Internal Memory
- Frame
- Autonomy
- Waterproofing
- Connectivity
- Other elements to consider
- Ranking best 360 degree cameras
- Insta360 ONE X2
- GoPro Max
- Insta360 Go 2
- Insta360 One R
- GoPro Fusion
- Ricoh THETA SC2
- Samsung Gear 360
- Ricoh Theta Z1
- Hellenhe
- Kandao QooCam 8K 360
- Insta360 Nano S
- Conclusions
Which 360 rooms to choose
There are 2 types of 360 cameras on the market: spherical action cameras for dangerous adventures and lifestyle cameras , small, cheap and easy to use.
Taking spherical photos or 360 degree pictures with the best 360 degree cameras will allow you to show someone everything about a certain location. They are perfect devices for real estate, views or the ability to show someone a place they otherwise couldn’t reach.
The cameras that take these photos typically use fish-eye lenses that can take images that cover half the sphere. These are two cameras combined into one, which snap two halves that will be stitched up. These cameras are more expensive than the standard models, but include special optics and software to connect the images in a smooth spherical rendering.
The results can be manipulated on social media, viewed with the best virtual reality headsets or simply run via the mouse or finger on a display. But the images typically show the distortion that extreme wide-angle lenses add.
The items to consider before buying the best 360-degree camera are:
Video quality
Check the resolution, image stabilization, and the possibility of live streaming carefully. The more pixels there are in the created image, the more engaging the final result will be. The most common solutions are: 4K video 360, 14 MP, 5 MP.
Functionality
To consider among the many features that of cropping to extract parts of the video, this is particularly useful for fast moving and therefore unpredictable subjects. The importance of the other features, such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and slow-motion mode, will depend on what and how you like to record.
Internal Memory
If you plan on making a lot of videos and taking photos, then I recommend you to buy a 360 camera with internal memory. The best 360 degree cameras support SD memory cards with capacities up to 64GB or even more. This way you can record on a second memory and download your videos or photos to your computer.
Frame
For this type of camera, 30 fps is ideal. The higher the frame rate per second, the smoother your videos will be without delays or pauses.
Autonomy
Check the battery life well. Recording videos and always having to think about having to recharge the camera could seem very annoying.
Waterproofing
If you play water sports and want a waterproof 360 camera then you will have to take this into account as well. The expense will be a little higher but the final result of videos and photos will be incredible.
Connectivity
A good option is Wi-Fi connection. Check if the 360 camera you want to buy has this element. This way you can download photos and videos without a cable anywhere and anytime.
Other elements to consider
Also not to be underestimated: the build quality, the presence of GPS, and compatibility with smartphones.
Ranking best 360 degree cameras
Now that you understand the potential of these 360 ° photo and video devices, here is a selection to help you find the best 360 ° camera .
Some models are newer and bigger, while others are a bit older but still have a very competitive price today.
1. Insta360 ONE X2
Significant improvement over previous versions.
Weight : 149 g | Waterproof : 10 m | Image Resolution : 18.5 MP | Video Resolution : 5.7K | Memory : MicroSD | Mounting : Tripod Mount | Battery life : 80 minutes.
Pro
- Create dynamic and good-looking clips
- Easy AI editing
- Excellent colors and details
- “SteadyCam” and “MultiView” mode
Against
- Requires the latest generation phones
- Editing takes time
- Complex functionality
Insta360 One X2 is a truly impressive action camera that uses its 360º lenses not only for virtual reality, but also for various creative editing modes for widescreen video. The One X2 produces exquisite videos and photos. To make the most of it you’ll need to arm yourself with time and patience, and its compute-intensive app requires the latest phones, but for filmmakers who want to try something different, the One X2 is definitely the ideal device.
It offers 4 shooting modes: 360, Steady Cam, InstaPano and MultiView. With Steady Cam you can record stabilized movies through the wide angle lens. Through InstaPano , sharp and technically perfect final shots are automatically made . With MultiView vlogs can record solo.
Insta360 ONE X2 – 5.7K Resolution 360 Camera with Stabilization, IPX8 Waterproof, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Touch Screen, AI Editing, Voice Control
489.99 EUR
Buy on Amazon
2. GoPro Max
The best waterproof 360 camera on the market.
Weight : 163 g | Waterproof : 5m | Video s ferric 5.6 K : up to 30 fps | 2D 1440p video : up to 60fps | Still Image Resolution : 16.6MP | Battery life : 108 minutes (1440p), 78 minutes (5.6K).
Pro
- The editing process is simple
- Waterproof without the need for a case
Against
- It has limitations in low light conditions
- Low resolution 2D movies
If you’re looking to shoot 360-degree videos of sporting adventures or outdoor adventures, GoPro Max is the best option out there. Unlike the Insta360 One X, it is waterproof to five meters without the need for a case, and the modification workflow is smooth and simple. If you want to turn your 360-degree video into a traditional 2D movie – which is one of the main advantages of 360 action cameras – the app’s OverCapture software allows you to do that easily, as long as you’re happy with the final Full HD footage. The GoPro Max also amplifies many of the features seen on GoPro Hero 8 Black , including HyperSmooth stabilizationand 360 degree TimeWarp sequences . The slightly lower 2D video footage indicates that Max isn’t the ultimate GoPro for both 360 and standard footage. But it’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants to shoot action sequences in any direction without the hassle of deciding where to point their action camera, then quickly tweak it later.
GoPro Max – Waterproof 360 digital camera with shatterproof stabilization, touch screen and voice control – HD live streaming
EUR 519.90
Buy on Amazon
3. Insta360 Go 2
Among the best 360 professional cameras.
Weight : 26.5 g | Maximum video resolution : 2560 x 1440 pixels at 50 fps | Still Image Resolution : 9MP | Battery life : 30 minutes.
Pro
- High resolution
- Waterproof up to 4 meters deep
- Battery capacity
- Charging times
Against
- Unresponsive user interface
- Internal memory
The Insta360 Go 2 is a small but powerful 360 camera. It weighs only 27 grams and uses a powerful 1 / 2.3 ″ image sensor to shoot videos with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels . You can mount it anywhere thanks to its supplied magnetic accessories and it guarantees water resistance up to 4 meters deep . The FlowState Image Stabilizer allows stable video for any type of action sport. Run time is 30 minutes with pocket charging case up to 150 minutes. It comes with a charger, remote control and tripod all in one.
Insta360 GO 2 – Small action camera, weighs 27g, waterproof, stabilization, POV capture, 1 / 2.3 “sensor, with charging case and camera accessories for travel, sport, vlog
319.99 EUR
Buy on Amazon
4. Insta360 One R
Best 360 camera with modular design.
Weight : 130.5 g | Maximum video resolution : 5760 x 2880 at 30 fps | Still Image Resolution : 18.5MP | Duration of the battery : 65/70 minutes.
Pro
- Extremely effective modular design
- Solid 360-degree image quality
Against
- Very small screen
- Sub-GoPro image processing
The main feature of the Insta360 One R is its modular design. Consisting of three blocks: battery, controls and camera, the lens section can be changed to suit your situation. In addition to a 1-inch sensor module, the dual-lens element is really exciting: Capable of capturing 360-degree footage in 5.7K at 30fps, it transforms the Insta360 One R from action camera to 360-degree camera. Stabilization is excellent and results in light conditions are sharpness drops to the edges of each lens, but results in light conditions are good, with decent detail and limited noise. The same cannot be said in low light conditions, where software processing problems arise, with blurred frames.
Insta360 ONE R Action Camera 4K HD WiFi Twin Edition Anti-Shake Waterproof 5M Body, with FlowState Stabilization Supports, Slow Motion Voice Control Night Shot HDR Photo Video
699.00 EUR
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Insta360 Multi-purpose tripod for ONE X & ONE & EVO
34,90 EUR
Buy on Amazon
5. GoPro Fusion
Best 360 degree camera.
Weight : 226 g | Maximum video resolution : 5228 x 2624 @ 30fps | Still Image Resolution : 18MP | Battery life : 70 minutes.
Pro
- 2K resolution
- Over-capture for standard video
Against
- High-end and expensive
- Overkill for most users
The GoPro Fusion can capture 360-degree video at a resolution of 5.2K at 30fps (or 3K at 60fps), which is great, but its real trick was the introduction of OverCapture mode . Like GoPro Max and Insta360 One X, this allows you to film in 360 degrees , then create a standard 16: 9 video from the footage. Add GPS, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3D audio, and compatibility with existing GoPro mounts. Not the best underwater camerabut it still offers good water resistance up to 5 meters deep. The latest Fusion software update was done over a year ago, but if that’s not an issue for you, it’s definitely worth considering, especially if you need a 360-degree waterproof camera.
GoPro Fusion 18MP Camera, 30fps, Waterproof up to 5m, Black
420.00 EUR
Buy on Amazon
6. Ricoh THETA SC2
Unique video modes help this 4K clip stand out.
Weight : 113.4 g | Maximum video resolution : 3840 x 1920 @ 30fps | Still Image Resolution : 12MP | Battery life: 32 minutes in 4K.
Pro
- It fits perfectly in your hand
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- High resolution
- Great for night visions
Against
- No iOS
The 360 Ricoh Theta SC2 camera features a high quality image stabilizer, fast data transfers, perfect night views and low noise shooting. It comes in 4 stylish colors and is designed to fit your hand. In fact, it has a thin and light body that optimizes the internal components thanks to a proprietary folded optical system. Still images and video are recorded with high resolution and precision. It offers a variety of settings: Face , Night Vision and Lens by Lens exposure modes to help you shoot in any weather. Videos are recorded in 4K with a resolution of3840 x 1920 pixels for 30 fps. Unfortunately, the transfer is not possible on iOS devices as they are not compatible with 4K videos.
OFFERING
Ricoh THETA SC2 BLUE 360 ° 4K Video Camera with Image Stabilization High Quality High Speed Data Transfer Beautiful Night Vision Shooting with Low Noise, Blue
EUR 299.99 −11.96 EUR EUR 288.03
Buy on Amazon
7. Samsung Gear 360
A 360 camera that is easy to use even if a little dated.
Weight : 130 g | Maximum video resolution : 4096 x 2048 at 24fps | Still Image Resolution : 8.4MP | Battery life : 130 minutes.
Pro
- Smooth and ergonomic design
- Works with iOS
Against
- Smaller battery than the old model
- Disappointing video quality
With a form factor similar to Ricoh’s Theta 360 cameras , this dual-lens pocket shooter has been downed by a point or two in terms of specs since Samsung decided it needed to help justify the existence of their Gear VR. For example, while the original Gear 2016 captured 15MP stills, this new version barely reaches half. It also has a smaller battery, which means you’ll need to carry a USB-C compatible portable charger with you. Has Samsung abandoned the idea of 360-degree cameras? Almost certainly, but the cute splash-proof Gear 360 is super easy to use, with free editing software, so if nothing else it helps make the new media accessible.
Samsung Gear 360 Action Sports Camera 4K Ultra HD CMOS 15 MP Wi-Fi 152g
298.00 EUR
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8. Ricoh Theta Z1
The best top-of-the-range 360 camera that captures in 4K and with an unbeatable form factor.
Weight : 182 g | Max. Video resolution : 6720 x 3360 @ 30fps | Still Image Resolution : 23MP | Battery life : 40 minutes in 4K.
Pro
- 4K video and live streaming
- Waterproof
- Internal memory
Against
- Very expensive
- No image stabilizer
360 camera Ricoh Theta Z1 is definitely a professional device with 23 MP sensor for photos with ultra-precise image stitching. The 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor delivers dramatic noise reduction with support for spherical, lifelike 4K resolution video and support for 360 ° live streaming. It mounts a 4-channel microphone to record audio independently and an internal memory of about 19 GB . It uses the USB Type C port and a new aperture mechanism (F2.1, F3.5 and F5.6) that increases the perceived resolution and reduces the overexposure of the lights. It features two proprietary apps “THETA +” and “THETA + Video”.
Ricoh Theta Z1 4K 360 ° camera 360 ° quality. The top-of-the-range model with the highest image quality of the THETA series.
980.00 EUR
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RICOH THETA Z1 51GB
EUR 1,099.00
Buy on Amazon
9. Hellenhe
Best low cost rugged 360 camera.
Weight : 500 g | Maximum video resolution : 2448 x 2448 pixels at 30fps | Image resolution : 8 MP | Battery life : -.
Pro
- Waterproof up to 30 meters deep
- Xdv360 app
- LCD screen
- 3d support
- Removable 1200 mAh battery
Against
- Not light
- Not handy
If you were looking for a cheap 360 ° camera then the Hellenhe might be for you. The only drawback is the cylindrical shape that cannot be adapted to one hand like the models described above. However, it mounts an 8 mega pixel CMOS sensor and allows 3D digital video recording of movement, Photo Shooting, audio recording, panoramic and much more. It has an integrated Wifi to connect the xdv360 app with which you can review photos or videos via Android or iOS smartphone. There is no shortage of G-Sensor support and loop recording, waterproof up to 30 meters underwater and removable battery. Provides several video recording formats:2448p, 2048p, 1440p, 1072p and photos with different shooting modes. The internal memory is up to 64 GB with microSD slot and the USB interface is 2.0.
Hellenhe 16MP 4K (2448 * 2448 / 30fps) 360 Degree Panoramic VR Camera Action, Spherical Lens, 3D, Waterproof, Wi-Fi, Free Support VR Headset Video Replay
65.00 EUR
Buy on Amazon
10. Kandao QooCam 8K 360
360 high resolution and quality camera.
Weight : 245 g | Dimensions : 145 x 57 x 33mm | Waterproof : no | Image Resolution : 29.5 MP | Video Resolution : 7.7K | Memory : Internal 64GB, SD Card Slot | Mounting : tripod | Battery life : 90 minutes.
Pro
- 4K 120 fps slow-motion
- SuperSteady
Against
- Costly
- Battery life
- Not waterproof
The QooCam 8K is the best 360 camera right now for image quality. It offers a huge 1 / 1.7-inch CMOS sensor (for standard 360), 10-bit color and, of course, 8K resolution. When it comes to the quality of its photos and videos, the QooCam 8K is very high-end. The photos have a lot of colors and contrast and there is no shortage: details, sharpness and fluidity of the videos – both in 360 ° and widescreen.
The QooCam 8K is perfect for creative filmmakers. Unfortunately it has some minor flaws, which are: slightly noisy fan, not great battery life, it is not waterproof without a housing and it is quite expensive.
KANDAO QooCam 8K Enterprise with HDMI full view pocket camera for live streaming, video vlogging and with 5G digital camera support, Skype compliant webcam, WebEx, Zoom.
1,999.00 EUR
Buy on Amazon
11. Insta360 Nano S
Compact 3D VR camera for 360-degree shooting with iPhone.
Weight : 70 g | Maximum video resolution : 3040 x 1520 pixels at 30fps | Image resolution : 20 MP | Battery life : 60 minutes.
Pro
- Compact
- It supports live streaming and chat
- FreeCapture and MultiView cropping options
- Economic
Against
- Only works with Apple devices
- 360-degree capture puts 4K resolution to the test
Insta360 Nano S is a compact 360 camera for iPhone for recording 4K video and taking 20MP still photos. Allows you to frame the video you just shot within a specific scene to select the best moments. It is able to transform your iPhone into a tool of the future to create videos in UHD 4K and capture, share and communicate in 360 degrees in live-streaming also on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter (via Periscope). The stabilization system is included giving access to the gyroscopes of your iPhone while implementing a new stabilization algorithm.
insta360 Nano S Compact 3D VR Camera, 4K 360 ° HD Camera, 20 Megapixel Photos, Compatible with iPhone X / 8/7/6 Series, Integrated Stabilization, Integrated Microphone, with Lightning, Silver
290.00 EUR
Buy on Amazon
Conclusions
As you have seen, 360 ° cameras are intended to capture users’ attention to record 360-degree videos or take 360-degree photos, and are increasingly used not only for social networks but also to be uploaded to YouTube. .
Advising you which 360 degree camera to buy is not easy, in this buying guide you can find all price ranges, the choice is yours to choose the one that best suits your pockets and needs.
