Which panoramic camera is better to buy?
Almost the same rules apply here as when choosing conventional cameras. The larger the size and resolution of the matrix, the better the quality of the video. To shoot in low light, you need a matrix of at least 1/3″.
Not only is the video resolution important, but also the frame rate. The minimum acceptable indicator is 25 fps. When shooting at a frequency of 60 fps, the user will be able to slow down the video and create a slow-motion effect.
Many action cameras have blind spots at the bottom and top, so to shoot spherical video, you should choose models with a 360x360 shooting mode.
The footage can be stitched automatically or manually. Cameras with automatic processing allow live broadcasts; in the second case, the user must edit the material himself.
Unfortunately, not all cameras support VR devices. When buying a device, you need to pay attention to compatibility with a virtual reality headset.
For traveling, you should choose compact models, and for shooting stationary videos, any camera with a tripod connector is suitable. The main thing is not to forget about autonomy: a good battery provides at least 1 hour of continuous video recording if its capacity is 1200 mAh or more.
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Selection Basics
To buy the camera that is most suitable for yourself, you need to have a good understanding of what you want from it and what you are going to use it for. For amateur and professional photography and creating VR tours, for example, you will need completely different models.
What should you pay attention to when choosing?
- Number of lenses. Inexpensive amateur cameras use 2, less often 3 lenses. In professional cameras there can be many times more lenses. Each lens captures part of what is happening around, then the fragments are combined into one circular video. The more cameras, and the higher the resolution and viewing angle of each, the higher quality video you can create.
- Permission . The HD resolution we are used to for panoramic video will not be enough, since the pixels are divided into the entire spherical image. Budget cameras shoot in 2, 3, sometimes 4K resolution - this is enough for viewing on a smartphone screen. 4K resolution is suitable for watching videos on computer screens and large smartphone screens. For amateur photography you don't need more. For professionals, cameras with a resolution of more than 8K are suitable - a lower resolution will produce artifacts when viewed in VR and on large screens.
- Frame frequency . The gold standard is 25-30 frames/second (for 3K and 4K). The eye does not catch the transitions between frames. In almost all models, you can select a mode with a higher frame rate (convenient for shooting dynamic scenes), but you will have to sacrifice resolution. Professional cameras allow you to shoot in 4K at a speed of 60-120 frames/second.
- Viewing angle. Panoramic video is panoramic to capture absolutely everything that is around, i.e. shoot 360 degrees horizontally and 360 degrees vertically. Sometimes the manufacturer is tricked and passes off as panoramic cameras with a cropped vertical angle of view, for example 360*270 degrees. If it is important to shoot truly spherical video, then take a camera with a viewing angle of only 360*360.
- Sound quality . The more microphones pointing in different directions, the better the sound you can record.
- Battery . Ideally, the camera should last for at least 60 minutes of shooting.
- Video stitching. Some cameras do this themselves thanks to the capabilities of the processor. Otherwise, you will have to stitch using special software on a smartphone or computer. With automatic stitching, you can broadcast online .
- Dimensions . If you use a camera to photograph extreme entertainment, walks and trips, then take a compact model. For stationary shooting, any camera with a tripod connector will do.
- Specific cameras . There are cameras with protection from moisture and dust. With these you can safely dive under water. However, a special sealed case will help turn almost any camera into a protected one.
*when watching a video, you can look to the sides, under your feet and above you using the mouse cursor or tilting and rotating your smartphone
Panoramic cameras are used for different purposes, so for your convenience we decided to divide the rating into several categories. We will separately consider the best 360-degree cameras in the amateur and professional segments, and also mention a model designed for VR tours. Go!
The best premium panoramic cameras
These models are distinguished by maximum video quality, good stabilization and invisible image stitching. Also, premium gadgets have their own software that is convenient to work with.
Garmin Virb 360
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The camera comes complete with a lithium-ion battery, USB cable, tripod mount, and the tripod itself. The weight of the device with battery and tripod is 235 grams. The battery can withstand an hour of video shooting without the camera overheating.
The device supports additional accessories: heart rate monitor, heart rate monitor, speed and cadence sensor. It is capable of recording data from other sensors: GPS, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope and compass. The necessary indicators can be displayed on the screen when editing the video.
Virb 360 supports Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. The maximum shooting resolution is 5.7K. The user can choose which lens will shoot and also enable simultaneous recording.
Automatic gluing directly in the chamber is also available. Photos can be taken single frame or burst, with manual settings possible.
Advantages:
- Withstands immersion in water up to 10 m;
- Voice control;
- Supports memory cards up to 128 GB;
- High build quality;
- Surround sound recording;
- Lens protection lenses can be replaced.
Flaws:
- Unreasonably high price.
This is a camera for travel and extreme sports. It has clear and intuitive controls, despite the abundance of useful functions.
Insta360 Pro
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
The camera is equipped with a remote control system that operates at a distance of up to 300 m on the ground and 1000 m in the air. Thanks to innovative stabilization, the picture turns out smooth without the use of external correction devices.
The panoramic action camera is capable of broadcasting live in 4K, while video in 8K format is simultaneously recorded on the memory card.
Streaming is carried out both using a computer and without it, on any platform that supports 360°. You can control the camera via a PC or from buttons on the body. Native software allows you to work with photos and videos, edit footage without fine-tuning each lens. Recording is done on 7 memory cards.
Advantages:
- Innovative design;
- ¼″ thread on both sides;
- The removable battery lasts for 1 hour of recording;
- Built-in cooling system;
- GPS module.
Flaws:
- No protection against dust and moisture.
To record high-quality sound, it is recommended to use an external audio recorder. Otherwise, this is a camera of decent quality, semi-professional or close to professional level.
Kodak Pixpro 4KVR360
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
The viewing angle of this camera is 235°, but shooting can also be done in 360° and 197° formats. The kit includes a mount, a tripod, a charging cable, a case and lens covers with which the camera can withstand a fall of 2 meters.
Digital image stabilization prevents image shake. Thanks to the waterproof casing, you can shoot even in the rain. The informative display shows the necessary current information.
Advantages:
- Loop recording mode;
- Port for external microphone;
- NFC chip;
- Remote control;
- Shooting high-speed video 120 fps.
Flaws:
- The battery lasts for 50 minutes of video recording.
This is a high-quality device that allows you to shoot sharp and bright video without boundaries.
Ricoh Theta Z1
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The body of this model has a display and control buttons. For panoramic sound recording, the device is equipped with a four-channel microphone.
The bottom of the camera has a ¼″ thread for mounting on a tripod. The video is recorded in 4K format - the picture is smooth thanks to three-axis stabilization with rotation compensation.
The built-in battery lasts for 1 hour of video shooting or 300 photos in RAW format. The device has a built-in memory of 19 GB, which is enough to record a 40-minute video in 4K format. You can work with the camera without using a smartphone or PC, but the application simplifies this process.
Advantages:
- Programmable button on the body;
- Compactness;
- Professional processing of footage;
- Powered by Power Bank;
- Ease of Management;
- Surround sound.
Flaws:
- Non-removable battery;
- A splice area may be visible in the video.
This model will be useful not only for blogging, but can also be used for professional purposes, for example, by realtors. The device is also useful for recording concerts.
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In addition to a smartphone
socket.by
RUB 1,057.27
All stores (13)
Action camera Insta360 One
from 43.00 to 1,599.00 rub.
360° camera; video 3840×1920; operating time 70 min; USB, Bluetooth; weight 82 g.
Description Where to buy (13)
The camera is designed for use with the iPhone and is equipped with a Lightning plug, but can be used with Android smartphones via a proprietary adapter, and can be launched via Bluetooth. The strengths of the camera include 4K resolution, a 6-axis stabilization system, advanced photo and video settings (including an HDR mode) and the ability to conduct live broadcasts. You can create a video with a very slow motion effect (Bullet Time), like in expensive Hollywood action films. You can also turn a spherical video into a regular one, simulating shooting from different cameras.
A special mounting accessory becomes invisible to the camera. The set includes a hard case that can be used as a stand while shooting.
Best mid-budget 360° cameras
This category includes devices that can shoot in high quality and even conduct live broadcasts. They are compact and easy to use, and the best of them are not much inferior to more expensive devices.
GoPro Max
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
This compact 16.5-megapixel camera shoots 5.6K video and has the ability to broadcast live in Full HD. The device comes with a soft case and protective glass for the lens. The material is saved on one memory card, which greatly simplifies installation.
A special mode for the VR headset allows you to be completely immersed in what is happening on the screen. The stabilization system provides a smooth picture, levels the horizon and eliminates shaking. The device records realistic sound while suppressing noise. The device connects to the smartphone via Wi-Fi.
Advantages:
- Voice control;
- Responsive touch screen;
- Withstands immersion in water up to 5 meters;
- 6 microphones;
- There are protective caps for the lenses.
Flaws:
- In normal mode, video is recorded only at 1080p resolution.
This camera is compatible with accessories from previous GoPro models, so you don't have to update the entire fleet.
INSTA360 Evo
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
This camera allows you to view captured panoramic video without special glasses, using only a smartphone. She takes photos in 18 megapixel resolution, and videos in 5.7K.
The device can be switched to different modes: 180° hemisphere in 3D and 360° panorama. The blocks are secured with latches.
The lenses are at the same level, so blind spots increase when shooting 360°, but this is implemented for the purpose of shooting in VR 180 format. The camera comes with a USB charging cable, 3D glasses, tripod and case.
Advantages:
- Stylish design;
- High-quality stabilization;
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules;
- Taking a wide-format photo.
Flaws:
- The lenses are not offset relative to each other;
- Not the most ergonomic design.
INSTA360 Evo is two cameras in one, with which the user can feel the freedom and create as their imagination allows.
Samsung Gear 360
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
The camera has a futuristic design and is equipped with two lenses. The weight of the device is 153 grams, although the dimensions are quite compact, the gadget will not fit in a pocket. The case has a monochrome display with the most necessary information.
The device supports memory cards up to 128 GB, and the removable battery capacity is 1350 mAh (enough to record 4K video for an hour).
The moisture protection of the case does not allow the device to be immersed in water, but it will withstand accidental splashes. For underwater photography, you can additionally purchase a special case. The camera has its own application for Samsung smartphones, which allows you to see the image in real time, as well as edit the footage.
Advantages:
- Ergonomic tripod included;
- Can be used without a smartphone;
- Fast stitching of material;
- Loop recording.
Flaws:
- The gluing seam is visible in the video.
This is a trendy gadget that travel bloggers and ordinary tourists will appreciate.
360 Fly 4K
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The camera body is resistant to dust, water, sand and dirt. To dive into water to a depth of 30 meters, you do not need to use a special case, and it is not included in the kit. The device has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, which allows you to pair it with a smartphone.
Processing of the footage occurs in the “native” camera application or any other editor. Fly can be easily combined with any VR glasses.
Advantages:
- Stylish design;
- Compact dimensions;
- Resistant to any extreme conditions;
- Fits all GoPro mounts.
Flaws:
- Cannot charge while shooting;
- The application takes a long time to process the video.
This gadget is especially useful when diving or on extreme vacations, but it will allow you to record the most dizzying panoramas.
Xiaomi Mi 360° Panoramic Camera
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
The camera records panoramic video in 3K and 5K resolution at a frequency of 30 frames per second, which is enough to obtain a high-quality picture. You can also take beautiful panoramic photos using the device, which is very interesting for travelers.
Xiaomi Mi 360° has two microphones for recording stereo sound. The metal base of the case is complemented by textured plastic, which looks expensive and beautiful.
The device is protected from moisture and dust, which means it can be used in all weather conditions. It supports memory cards up to 128GB. The viewing angle of each lens is 190°. The camera communicates with the smartphone via Wi-Fi. The capacity of the built-in battery is 1600 mAh, which is enough for 1 hour of video shooting.
Advantages:
- Compactness and build quality;
- A light weight;
- Tripod monopod included;
- Decent video quality.
Flaws:
- In windy conditions, noise can be clearly heard in the video.
- Lack of proprietary software.
You will have to tinker with processing the footage, but this is compensated by the relatively affordable price of the device.
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These are the most primitive 360° cameras, the video from which has to be processed manually. They support small memory cards and are mainly used by beginners.
SJCAM SJ360
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
Although this camera is stated as 360°, but due to the presence of only one lens, such an angle in the video is filmed only in one plane.
The kit includes a set of various mounts, adapters, a charging cable and a soft case. The panoramic camera weighs 104 grams and is available in two colors: white and black.
A 1300 mAh battery allows you to work with Wi-Fi turned on for an hour and a half. The body has a display showing the shooting mode, resolution, remaining memory on the card and battery charge. The plastic case is made of very high quality, but does not have protection from dust and moisture.
Advantages:
- Rich scope of supply;
- HDMI connector;
- Convenient mobile application;
- Several shooting modes;
- Rich, clear video.
Flaws:
- During shooting, when the memory card is full, erases old videos.
This is an excellent panoramic action camera for the money, but the footage needs to be transferred to the computer in a timely manner.
