Love a panorama? 360-degree cameras go one better by capturing everything around you, in every direction. Recording a sunset with a wide-angle lens is one thing, but 360 cameras get the entire view — letting you rewatch it from any angle. Sounds good, right? Let’s break down the basics…
What can you do with a 360 camera?
Well, much the same as you would with any other camera — except the result of what you capture will be way more immersive. To inspire you, check out existing 360-degree footage on YouTube — there’s everything from music videos and game streams to extreme sports and walking tours of cities. Exploring Venice without leaving home? Sign us up!
But what actually is a 360 camera?
A 360 camera captures video and photo in (you guessed it) 360 degrees. This means the camera records video from up and down and left and right, so when you rewatch 360-degree footage, you can turn or move your phone or VR headset to see different angles of the recording. And if you want to record more from above, drones are a great way to see the whole picture in a different way.
How do 360 cameras work?
These eyeball-shaped cameras record all 360 degrees of a scene thanks to their multiple lenses — often two wide angle lenses working together. The camera will then automatically stitch the two shots together to bring you one spherical image.
What are the main uses for a 360 camera?
Your imagination really is your only limit here. With a 360 action camera, you can film your latest ski trip or take your camera up in a hot air balloon. Or just set it up to capture a special birthday or family moment. 360 cameras are also perfect for capturing things to share when others can’t be with you, like if you just moved house and want to give everyone a 360 tour from afar.
How to connect a 360 camera to a phone
Connecting your 360 cam to your phone is really straightforward, but it does depend on the camera you have. Some, like Insta360 cameras, connect to your phone with a 360 camera app so you can view and edit your footage. You can even connect to smart watches and control your filming with a single tap!
Not all cameras have an app though. Some just connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your phone, then you can edit from there or export to your laptop if you want to get fancy with your finishing touches.
360 cameras are built for YouTube and Facebook
YouTube and Facebook are the number one destinations for 360 video, and uploading your creations to these sites is super-easy. If you’re looking to find other people’s 360 footage, they’ll be tagged with a 360 logo and simple instructions for how to view the film. If you’re on your phone, it’s as simple as moving the screen to look in different directions.
Can you use a 360 camera for VR?
The best way to view 360 video is through a virtual reality headset — you’ll be literally right in the centre of the action. Using VR headsets also lets you turn and move around naturally, so instead of having to look at a TV or your phone, the VR lenses let you really make the most of the 360 footage. But don’t worry, you don’t need a specific 360 VR camera — you can turn your 360 footage from any camera into an amazing virtual reality experience.
Not got a VR headset?
Don’t worry. The videos still look really cool. On your laptop, you can see things from different perspectives, say from above, by dragging the screen with your mouse or trackpad. On your smartphone it’s even easier. Tilt your phone one way and then the other, and the footage will move accordingly.
What makes a 360 camera fun to use?
360-degree cameras capture panoramic videos and photos in a way that traditional cameras just can’t. Here are a few things that make them so fun to use, whether you're an adventure seeker, content creator, or just looking for a new way to capture your memories:
Immersive experience: You can record the entire scene around you for people to watch back like they’re part of it.
Unique perspectives: Place a 360 camera in the middle of a busy street or on the top of a mountain and capture the entire scene in a single shot.
Easy to use: Most 360 cameras you can buy are lightweight and compact, making them easy for quickly capturing everyday moments and adventures.
Sharing is simple: Platforms like Facebook and YouTube support 360-degree video, making sharing your inspiring 360 content with others a breeze.
Disadvantages of a 360 camera
While 360 cameras are incredible, they do come with some drawbacks that might not make them the ideal choice for everyone:
Limited resolution: In order to capture a full 360-degree image or video, some 360 cameras will sacrifice resolution. This means that the quality might not be as high as that of a traditional camera.
Limited low light performance: The small image sensors found in many 360 cameras can struggle to capture good quality images in low light conditions, making them appear grainy.
Lack of flexibility: 360 cameras are perfect for capturing immersive panoramas, but not as useful for other types of images like portraits.
Tips for choosing a 360 camera
If you’re ready to dive into the world of 360 photography and video, here are some things to consider when choosing a 360-degree camera:
Resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. Look for at least 4K resolution for video and 15-20MP for photos.
Compatibility: Make sure the camera is compatible with your device or editing software. Some cameras may not work with certain operating systems.
Stitching: Some cameras require stitching software to combine the images from multiple lenses into a single 360 image. Think about whether you’re willing to spend time on this or if you’d prefer a camera that does this automatically.
Portability: Do you want a camera that’s easy to take on the go, or are you willing to sacrifice portability for better quality images?
Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the camera and whether you need extra batteries for longer shoots.
Any more questions?
Need a bit more help? Check out our camera buying guide. But if you’d prefer to talk to someone — chat to one of our tech experts on ShopLive or pop into your nearest Currys using our store finder.
