How To Use A 360 Camera

How a 360 caste camera works

In short, a 360 camera captures 2 images or video files from dual lenses with a 180-degree field of view and either automatically stitches them together in-camera, or offers free companion software with which you can run up the files together – often with ane click. In the post-obit guide nosotros'll demystify some of misconceptions around 360 imaging and explicate how 360 cameras work.

360 imaging was once the domain of either well-seasoned professionals working in the cinematic industry or gadget lovers, and few in bestween. Just in recent years the launch of 360 cameras like the GoPro Fusion, Garmin VIRB 360, Ricoh Theta V, 360Fly 4K, YI 360 VR and Insta360 Ane have helped bring immersive imaging into the mainstream.

Immersive content once required expensive camera rigs and hours upon hours of editing, just these new breed of 360 cameras brought with them automated in-camera stitching (autonomously from GoPro), simpler software and lightweight, portable designs.

And with YouTube and Facebook embracing 360-degree video and images, even more than people are starting time to realise the full potential of this recording format. Yet it also remains shrouded in mystery. Exactly how do 360 cameras work? Commencement, let's tackle that primary misconception…

What's the difference between 360 and VR?

This is probably the question nosotros hear most ofttimes. Are VR and 360 the same? How are they different? People often use the terms 360 and VR interchangeably, but in that location are a few important distinctions.

The commencement difference is in the proper noun. Virtual reality means just that: it isn't real. VR is computer generated content, while 360-degree videos are real life views filmed on wide-bending lenses and stitched together.

And while a 360-degree video is an immersive experience, yous are restricted to the camera's perspective, whether nether a waterfall or in the middle of a pizza. In truthful VR you are free to roam around these virtual environments.

The confusion betwixt 360 and VR comes from people uploading their 360 images and videos to VR headsets. To view 360 videos or images through a VR headset, the content will have been edited with a 3D effect to provide a truthful immersive experience. Some cameras similar the Vuze 3D 360 camera can optimise your content with this issue in-camera. Otherwise, you lot'll need 3D editing software.

Best 360 cameras in 2018

Setting up the GoPro Fusion to shoot 360 video

How a 360 camera works: stitching explained

For the purposes of this tutorial let'south talk about consumer 360 cameras similar the ones I listed at the starting time. A consumer 360 photographic camera typically has dual fisheye lenses on either side of the photographic camera's body. Each of these lenses will offer at least a 180-caste field of view. Typically, it's a fiddling more. You lot'll probably find each lens of your 360 camera captures closer to 200 degrees.

At 400 degrees combined, this, of class, creates some overlap in your footage. The camera (if information technology stitches in-photographic camera) and software utilize this overlap to help disguise the seam when stitching your content together.

In almost cases, the seam is quite subtle. Where information technology gets noticeable is when subjects are shut to the camera. For instance, if you're holding the 360 photographic camera on a grip, your paw will likely exist dissever in an awkward bending.

But because virtually 360 cameras are controlled by companion apps, information technology means you're never too far from the camera. This has been 1 of the Achilles Heels of this nascent technology.

Companies like Insta360, though, have been developing 'invisible selfie stick' technology, though, to help minimise these distortions.

360 camera sensors

Similar the lenses, 360 cameras use dual sensors, ane backside each lens. Most current models tin record at to the lowest degree 4K at 30p. Some 360 cameras, similar the Garmin VIRB 360 or YI 360 VR, can tape 5.7K footage.

The downside, of course, is that the sensors in 360 cameras are quite small-scale. Too, considering your field of view is and so wide, dynamic range and exposure can be a trouble. Highlights are easily over-exposed and shadow areas lacking in item. This is because the camera is struggling to create an average exposure from all of that low-cal and dark across the 360 degrees.

Luckily virtually companion apps offer a modicum of control, with exposure compensation and filters you lot tin utilize to better the exposures.

Recording from your 360 camera

There are typically at least two – and sometimes three, and fifty-fifty four – ways to tape video or take nonetheless images from your 360 camera. The camera'due south body volition ofttimes have a shutter button for manually taking an exposure. It's simple, but you'll probably detect that the seam is awkward around your mitt.

Well-nigh 360 cameras too have a gratuitous companion app, and this is where you will want to do the majority of your shooting. You'll observe all of your exposure controls and even a self-timer, allowing you lot time to become out of the scene if you wish. Here you'll also detect your options to share content or alive stream, if the camera allows it.

Some 360 cameras likewise offer voice control. The GoPro Fusion and Garmin VIRB 360 both offer this. You can too sometimes buy remote controls for your 360 camera. Others, like the Kodak PixPro 3604KVR include this in the kit.

GoPro Fusion vs Garmin VIRB 360: which 360 camera should you choose?

Framing your 360 shot

Capturing compelling 360 footage is actually downward to finding a dynamic perspective. While some 360 cameras are limited to mini tripods or plug into your phone, others – like the Garmin and GoPro – are compatible with a wide ecosystem of mounts.

This means you lot tin can attach your 360 camera to your bike, head, wrist, car and much more. Your camera'southward companion app should also offer a live preview of your scene where you can see what the camera sees and fine-tune accordingly.

The best companion apps will let you bandy betwixt lenses and modify the default indicate of view before (and after) recording a 360 video or epitome.

Other ways to record 360

Dedicated 360 cameras aren't the but way to create immersive content, merely they offer the best compromise between image quality and ease of utilize.

You can also record 360 videos and images on your smartphone. Your photographic camera app likely has a 360 effect you can utilise by pressing the shutter and manually moving the telephone around in a circle to capture the scene.

It's quite easy to practise, just it requires stable easily. And the image quality isn't the greatest. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends, though.

The other to record 360 content is to use your interchangeable lens camera. Ready your camera up on a tripod, ideally with a fisheye lens. Shoot a frame, rotate, shoot a frame, rotate and keep doing this in a 360-degree circle around your scene. Then tilt the camera up at angle and repeat the procedure capturing the heaven in a higher place, and and then downward to capture the ground.

You'll then demand to process your images which you can do in Photoshop, or via a dedicated panorama stitching software. Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera takes more time, but the level of detail and prototype quality you lot'll capture will be far superior.