The best 360 cameras are designed to capture environments, action sequences, and scenes in a way traditional cameras cannot. These devices are equipped with amazing editing choices and offer a myriad of shooting options.

As its name suggests, a 360 camera offers a 360-degree field of view to capture everything in the surrounding. These gadgets have large visual fields for panorama shooting. As AR/VR is rising in inclination in video games, the 360 cameras are gaining popularity and widely used. Some models will allow you to edit the footage right on the camera instead of installing external software footage.

There has been a wave of enthusiasm for drones and action cameras. However, the skyrocketing numbers of holidayers and vloggers have led to the popularity of 360 cameras. The shots with these devices can be discreetly shared with friends and family. People can use a touchscreen or mouse to move around inside the images. It's becoming a popular format for realtors and tourism sectors.

With the best 360 camera, you can make a tiny planet or photospheres. Although you can still capture this using a smartphone, a 360 camera makes the process seamless. The gadgets have also revolutionized the photography landscape for underwater recording. Thanks to waterproof camera design, you can now give clients and potential customers a more immersive underwater experience. Documentary makers can now find an easy time recording meetings. Businesses also use 360 cameras to record conferences. Here is a look at the best 360 cameras. Take your time reviewing the key features of the following products on this list. Once you're done, you'll be able to find one of the best 360 cameras around!

The Insta360 ONE X is a true definition of sophistication and indisputable quality. If you're looking for a 360-degree camera with a high resolution for crystal clear images, then you've hit your bet. The gadget has a leading image quality, thanks to the 5.7K resolution that makes your videos and images look sharp. The 18MP shot makes for beautiful photo quality. Make your video buttery smooth by turning on 50fps mode.

With Insta360 ONE X, you can control time and perspective. Highlight key moments with cinematic slow-mo, or choose to speed things up using a stabilized hyperlapse. The camera is designed with FlowState stabilization technology to ensure there is no gimbal. It renders traditional action cameras obsolete. Pair this camera with the invisible selfie stick to get a flying camera without noise.

The camera is designed to be simple and deliver stunning, cinematic editing. It allows you to reframe the best parts of your shot and connect them with incredibly smooth camera movements. They merge the favorite clips, add music and effects. The App is an editing room in your pocket which is compatible with iOS and Android gadgets.

Taking impossible shots has been made easy. Snap into the drifter accessory to allow your camera to take a flight. The Airborne slow-mo shoots in every direction at once, delivering angles you've never seen before.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: 4.53 x 1.77 x 1.18 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Connections: Wi-Fi, Micro-USB
  • Removable battery
  • 5.7K resolution
Pros
  • The camera boasts of stunning, cinematic editing experience
  • High resolution for crisp images
  • Highly stable to prevent blur images
  • Excellent camera for its price and purpose
  • Lightweight for easy transportation
Cons
  • Not waterproof
  • Battery life could be better
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Insta360 ONE X Action Camera 360

The Ricoh Theta Z1 is manufactured to capture high-definition 360-degree images in 23MP. The automatic DR compensation reduces blown-out highlights, even in the outdoors with various brightness levels. The camera achieves a slim body that's a mere 24mm in thickness by adopting the unique folded optics technology.

Additionally, Ricoh Theta Z1 is endowed with a 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with an output pixel of about 6720 x 3360 effective megapixels. The device achieves the highest ISO6400, and demonstrates high noise reduction performance, ideal for shooting in situations that need high sensitivity.

The Ricoh Theta Z1 records high-definition 360-degree video at 30 fps in 3840 x 1920 resolution. The three-axis rotational stabilization has been installed to provide excellent performance in-image stabilization when n action. Newly added exposure settings, Tv, ISO, Av, and M, give more detailed settings when shooting.

The camera is equipped with an organic EL panel on a compact, slim body. You can confirm shooting information at a glance, including the shooting mode, battery level, the remaining number of images that can be shot, and the ISO value. The lightweight, sturdy magnesium alloy is the external material, ideal for added durability. Besides, Ricoh THETA Z1 utilizes an Android-based operating system. You can expand functions by installing Ricoh original and partner-created plug-ins.

Key Features
  • 2 Spherical Lenses
  • 2, 1. 0 Inch back illuminated CMOS Image Sensor
  • High quality 4K 360 degree videos
  • Support for raw File Format
Pros
  • Support for raw file format makes it flexible to edit images
  • Low noise and high-resolution videos
  • Superior scalability
  • Powerful processor
  • High quality images
Cons
  • Battery life is not impressive
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Ricoh Theta Z1 360 Degree Spherical Camera

When it comes to quality, consistency, and reliability, Asteroom leads the pack. You already know what to expect from Asteroom 360. The gadget boasts of a state-of-art design that comes at a competitive price. Turn your smartphone into a 360-degree camera for creating 3D virtual tours with this smart 3D tour kit. In 15 minutes, with no training or special skills, you can quickly shoot, upload, and share 3D virtual tours anywhere online. It makes the device suitable for online entrepreneurs, vloggers, agents, and home sellers.

The smartphone mobile app is easy to download and use. And you'll only part with a few bucks to get started, and it includes lots of goodies such as a 3D Dollhouse to showcase the layout of your property, a 2nd-floor plan to get detailed, full dimensions, and image touch-up to sparkle your tours to professional image quality. Besides, there are HDR photo compatibility teaser videos, as well as viewership analytics.

Boosting your online tour marketing has never been this easy. With Asteroom 360, you'll manage to create high-quality 360 virtual tours using your smartphone. This allows you to take 360-degree panoramic images and videos. Photos can get converted into tours using the mobile phone in 24-48 hours. Your first premium tour will be free to allow you to handle the shooting professionally.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: 22 x 7 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 2.94 pounds
  • Hardware Interface: Bluetooth
  • Optical Zoom: 2x
  • HDR photo compatibility teaser videos
Pros
  • The cam creates high-quality images
  • Comes at a competitive price
  • It’s easy to assemble and use
  • Lightweight design for easy portability
  • Durable for your liking
Cons
  • It can only work with smartphones with less than 4.5 inches in depth
  • You're required to pay for the App to use the device
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Asteroom Camera Virtual Tour Estate 360 Camera

The GoPro MAX is a potent device that will deliver an exciting shooting experience. It's endowed with stellar features to make it one of the best 360 cameras on the market. Three cameras in one will maximize your creative freedom and help you explore more into your passion field. With MAX, you can quickly shoot traditional hero-style photos and videos or capture detailed and crisp 360 footage. Vlog exponentially with shotgun-mic performance and a front-facing screen.

The GoPro MAX delivers unbreakable stabilization by using 1800 captures as the ultimate buffer. You can, therefore, shoot videos and take crystal clear photos even on rugged terrain. In short, this is an all-ground camera. In HERO mode, horizon leveling gives you a silky-smooth cinematic look.

Take stunning 270-degrees distortion-free photos without scanning the horizon. You can also take PowerPano selfies, vertical pictures, and action shots. The camera comes in four digital lenses where you can capture photos and videos in linear, narrow, wide, and Max SuperView. The directional audio in HERO mode helps you prioritize sound from either side of the device, regardless of the lens you're using.

The GoPro MAX features six microphones to capture true-to-life 360 audios. This is to ensure the best stereo sound gets delivered. The TimeWrap automatically adjusts speed based on lighting, motion, and scene detection.

Key Features
  • Waterproof
  • 5.6K30 HD Video
  • Three Cameras in One
  • Live Streaming in 1080p
  • HERO Mode 1440p60 / 1080p60
Pros
  • The removable rechargeable battery ensures you don't run out of power while shooting
  • The microfiber bag protects the camera from dust and dirt.
  • Unbreakable stabilization suitable for any ground
  • Three Cameras in One:
  • Horizon Leveling
Cons
  • The camera lacks a night mode making it difficult to shoot at night
  • SD card not included
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GoPro MAX-Waterproof 360 Camera

Do you want to take your photography skills to the level? Make Ricoh THETA V 360 a priority. The model was released in 2013, and it's still one of the best 360 cameras on the market. The package comes with Ricoh THETA V 360 camera, selfie stick, 12-inch spider tripod, and Gems Bright 2000mah portable power bank.

With a portable power bank, your camera will not run out of power. The selfie stick enables you to take a group photo without leaving anyone out.

Watch as Ricoh THETA V 360 captures your adventures in the most stunning ways. It shoots high-definition smooth 360 degree videos at 30 fps at 4K resolution. This leaves behind crystal clear images and videos. The device supports the H.265 file format for video recording. It also records sound while recording videos.

The hi-resolution 360-degrees spherical stills and videos with enhancements to the image quality. The device is fitted with an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which enhances accuracy and white balance algorithm. The powerful processor also helps in shooting objects while at a distance of 10cm from the lens's front.

Ricoh THETA V 360 is engineered with a four-channel mic that supports 360-degree spatial audio recording. The built-in omnidirectional audio gets recorded in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Key Features
  • Works with iOS and Android
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Dimensions: 13.80 x 12.20 x 4.70 inches
  • Weight: 2.06 pounds
  • Display size: 12 inches
Pros
  • Works with iOS and Android
  • Slim design for the handheld form factor
  • Supports live streaming
  • 4K video capture
  • 4-channel microphone
Cons
  • The internal storage is non-expandable
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Ricoh Theta V 360-Degree Spherical 4K HD Digital Camera

If you're looking for a reliable way to shoot 360-degree videos, then Insta360 GO is the ultimate bet. The device is built for highlights, and it's ready to perform. The gadget shoots 30 seconds and 60-second clips at a single press of a button- anywhere, anytime. It uses AI technology to help you find and edit your best shots. It has a run time of 60 minutes for standard video. You can set the clip length at intervals of 15, 30, or 60 seconds.

Insta360 GO is described as the world's smallest stabilized camera. The camera uses FlowState stabilization to keep the footage as smooth as possible. No hassle or gear. Just buttery action that's always ready to share. And when it comes to speed, Insta360 GO always excites. Condense your next trip into stunning, extra-strength shots. The gadget shoots stabilized hyper lapses and recommends a playback speed for your image. No angle is out of reach. Ensure you find the perfect spot, set the shooting interval, and capture the flow of time.

The Insta360 GO features a slow-mo mode to shoot 100 frames per second to slow down the highlights, which is quite impressive. Even doing house chores looks better in a slow-mo. The camera utilizes AI-powered FlashCut to find the perfect shots and edit them together on beat.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: 1.94 x 0.59 x 0.84 inches
  • Weight: 0.71 ounces
  • Water-Resistant
  • Android and iOS compatibility
  • FlowState stabilization
Pros
  • You can mount the camera anywhere
  • Water-resistant to work in a snowy climate
  • Offers hands-free operation
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Convenient to carry around
Cons
  • It's not compatible with Google street view
  • The App is a bit slow
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Insta360 GO Stabilized Sports Action Camera

The Insta360 ONE is a robust and reliable camera that is designed with you in mind. The gadget features advanced super 5.7k resolution for crystal clear photos and videos. Coupled with the famous FlowState stabilization, the camera leverages the state-of-the-art H.265 encoding with an AI-driven image processing algorithm. This construction preserves details with the highest level of bit rate found in a 360 camera. Swap to the 4K WIDE camera module and take videos in 4K 60FPS resolution.

With 360-degrees preview and playback, the camera app is a game-changer. It delivers a full editing room to enable you to edit videos directly from the camera without the need to download footage to your phone. The AI-powered editing tools allow you to edit footage on your Android or iOS smartphone seamlessly. But be sure first to check the recommended list of phones compatible with the gadget.

The Insta360 ONE is engineered to be vlog-ready. Thanks to the three-mic stereo processing, which is integrated with wind noise reduction. Additionally, the camera is also compatible with any external mic using 3.5mm mic input. It can also be paired with ever-popular Apple AirPods for wireless audio input.

The Insts360 ONE is IPX8 waterproof. So whether you're out on a rainy-day ride or poolside, the camera can handle it.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: 78 x 48 x 43 inches
  • Weight: 1.33 pounds
  • Insta360 ONE R app
  • 1PX8 waterproof rate
  • 5.7K resolutions and 4K WIDE
Pros
  • The high waterproof rate for use even under rain
  • Powerful download free editing
  • It incorporates AI technology for precise results
  • It has the best quality audio
  • The free app download is available on Apple App Store and Google Play
Cons
  • The camera does not come with a lens guard
  • Difficult to set up
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1.Insta360 ONE Twin Dual Lens Camera

Capturing your life moments has never been this easy and exciting. The THETA SC2 is engineered to enable you to capture your entire surroundings in spherical 360-degrees video and photos. Want to have a group photo? Well, you don't have to worry about fitting everyone in. No one will be left out of the image again.

Not every day, you'll find a device that accentuates your style and fashion. Luckily, THETA SC2 is engineered with you in mind. It has a slim design that easily fits in your hand. A choice of four elegant colors helps you pick a shade that suits your style. The thin and lightweight body optimizes internal components using a folded optics system. As a result, this camera is portable and compact to fit in small compartments. You can, therefore, shoot videos and share them online, from practically anywhere.

The THETA SC2 features a night view mode that allows you to shoot stunning night scenes. You can also capture immersive portraits with the face detection function. This camera operates with low noise and a wider dynamic range. The camera can be linked to most of Android and iOS smartphones. It means you can share your 360-degree content with friends and family. Additionally, you can create amazing VR experiences. The LCD panel makes it easy for the entire family to use.

Key Features
  • Dual Lens Exposure:
  • Compatible with “THETA+” editing app
  • Records natural 360° still images and videos
  • Weight: 4 Ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.14 x 0.9 x 1.78 inches
Pros
  • High-Speed Data transfer
  • Beautiful night view shooting
  • Thin and lightweight For iPhone, Android
  • High-quality 4K 360-degree videos
  • Dual Lens Exposure:
Cons
  • Crashes with street view sometimes
  • Wi-Fi connection sometimes breaks off
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Ricoh Theta SC2 BLUE 360°Camera

The Insta360 ONE R is a powerful camera that opens up all sorts of possibilities. The body consists of three distinct pieces; the core module, the lens module, and the battery base. The lens module houses the sensors and lens. The core module is the oil engine of the camera. It features a touch screen for easy navigation. It also houses the micro SD slot and USB-C port. The core module can also get detached and replaced with a screen, making it suitable for vloggers. The overall build quality is solid and feels good.

The super 5.7K resolution delivers stunning captures. However, all pixels are not the same. The dual-lens 360 mod raises the bar with a 5.7K resolution. This is to leverage H.265 encoding and advance image processing. The AI-powered finishing algorithm preserves detail and makes your footage pop beautifully.

The Insta360 ONE R's invisible selfie stick feature allows you to capture easy aerial angles and third-person perspectives with a flick. The bullet-time shots put you at the heart of the action. The automatic horizon leveling and smart speed-ramping make it easy to use the camera.

The camera features a rugged design, which is always ready for any terrain. It's designed for safe and efficient shock absorption. The included lens guard protects the camera's vital regardless of what life throws at you.

Key Features
  • 5.7K resolution
  • Invisible Selfie Stick Function
  • H.265 encoding
  • Advanced image processing
  • AI-powered finishing algorithm to preserve detail and make your footage pop
Pros
  • Great 360 images and videos
  • Advanced image processing
  • AI-powered finishing algorithm to preserve detail and make your footage pop
  • Waterproof
  • Easy App integration
Cons
  • It does not come with a lens cover
  • Rugged design might appear ugly to some
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Insta360 ONE R Action Camera Lens Mod (360 Panoramic Dual Lens)

Surround yourself with a revolutionary camera that will deliver impeccable results. Take advantage of a powerful tool from a reliable brand known for its quality products. Are you always on the go, and you can't wait to share your content? KODAK got your back. You can now download the remote viewer app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices. This gives the camera the ability to upload 360-degrees photos and videos from anywhere.

The KODAK PixPro was designed to be a portable, compact powerhouse with three unique multi-vie angles in one modern design. It also features two unique lenses to give you the flexibility to capture, frame, and shoot your best moments, both big and small.

Having a myriad of options is a good thing. The KODAK PixPro allows you to take full control of your artistic passion and vision. Whether taking 360-degrees videos or photos, you can be sure to have several options to capture your adventures. The camera also features two photo modes and two movie modes to give you ample freedom to take your photography to the next level.

Whether you're using one of the Bluetooth remote controls, you always stay in control. Measuring 4.64 ounces, KODAK PixPro was designed to be lightweight to be your companion while on the go.

Key Features
  • 360 Degree VR camera
  • Two fixed focus lenses
  • Dual 20MP CMOS sensors
  • Three multi-view angles of 360 Degree Spherical VR Mode
  • 197 Degree 4K Ultra Wide Mode and 235 Degree Dome Mode
Pros
  • Compact and lightweight for portability
  • It records sound while recording the videos
  • Photos taken can be used in google street view
  • Excellent performance
  • Features bluetooth remote
Cons
  • The manual is challenging to use
  • The resolution is not as high for crystal clear images
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KODAK PIXPRO ORBIT360 4K 360° VR Camera Adventure Pack

Undoubtedly, 360 cameras have quickly become popular among filmmakers, vloggers, holidayers, hobbyists, and game designers. However, choosing the right device can be unnerving. But with the correct information, the process can be stress-free. You need to pay attention to essential factors, including:

Types Of Cameras

360 cameras are categorized into two; monoscopic and stereoscopic.

Monoscopic;  These cameras are popularly used for VR content. The content is captured using a single-lens camera. When viewed from a virtual reality headset, the photo or videos seems immersive but a bit flat.

Monoscopic VR is a powerful medium that comes with a reduced amount of production. It's cheaper than stereoscopic VR. Monoscopic cameras deliver unique shooting experiences without compromising quality.

These cameras are the most preferred since they produce crystal clear and sharp images. With a monoscopic 360 camera, production can be made easy, fast, and comfortable. You can capture shots containing several movements.

Stereoscopic – The stereoscopic 360 camera uses two cameras manufactured for each eye, leading to a 3-D experience. By utilizing depth perception, a stereoscopic camera provides you with a feeling of being there. The camera delivers a realistic experience to allow brands and companies to outshine competitors.

Stereoscopic 360 cameras need to minimize the resolution with the added required data for capturing 3-D images. The resolution is almost half that of monoscopic cameras. This is why most content creators prefer monoscopic cameras to stereoscopic ones.

Resolution

When it comes to 360 cameras, the resolution is not everything. However, it's a crucial aspect to consider. With the plethora of features and specs on 360 cameras, it's becoming exceedingly hard to pick a device.

It’s a common belief that a camera with a higher resolution delivers quality images. Well, it’s not necessarily true. It would be best if you considered other factors like a lens.

When you see a 4K or 8K, there refer to the horizontal pixel count of a 360 camera. For instance, 4K means approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels. But the 360 resolution is different from the frame resolution. This is because the 360 camera spreads those pixels in a complete sphere instead of a tiny, tidy rectangular frame.

This means the resolution is divided by field of view. You should also consider the resolution you may lose when stitching to stitch the footage effectively.

Capturing higher resolution is half a battle won. Manufacturers should focus more on better bandwidth, view-optimized streaming, and advanced compression methods. Additionally, enhanced HMDs with high screen resolutions and wider FOVs should be a target.

When it comes to 360 cameras, 4K resolution should be the lowest acceptable quality. Getting 6K or even 12K should be your aim. At least, you’ll manage to get high-quality images and videos for your content.

Now that you've reached the end of this guide, you can revisit our list of the best 360 cameras and find the perfect one for you!

FAQ

Q: What Is The Difference Between 360 and Virtual Reality(VR) Videos?

What differentiates virtual reality from 360-degree videos is that the VR videos are computer-generated. In contrast, the 360-degree videos are filmed in real-time on wide-angle lenses and later stitched together. Another aspect of 360-degree videos is that they provide an immersive experience. This means that you're restricted to your 360-degree camera's perspective. With virtual reality, you can roam around your virtual environment. Most people confuse VR and 360 when uploading 360 videos to virtual reality headsets. Before you can view 360 videos on a VR device, it needs to be edited with 3D effects for an immersive experience.

Q: How Do 360 Degree Cameras Operate?

Many 360 degree cameras have two lenses attached on opposite sides of your camera's body. They even have fisheye lenses that can capture 360-degree images. When these lenses are combined, they capture 400 degrees, including some overlap. When taking 360 degrees spherical images or videos, you should press the shutter button. You don't need to move or rotate the camera. After you're done taking photos or recording, your camera will automatically stitch the borders of the images that both lenses capture, creating 360-degree videos or photographs. Some cameras can't automatically stitch images together, and in such cases, you'll need to use 3D editing software.

Q: Is It Possible To Frame Your 3D Shots?

Taking 360-degree images and videos requires that you find a dynamic perspective. Some cameras may be limited to plug into your phone or mini tripods. They're also compatible with a diverse ecosystem of mounts. This means that you can attach your camera to your car, wrist, or bike. You can even use the companion app that comes with your phone to live preview your scenes then fine-tune them to your liking. With the companion application, you can change the default point of view and swap between lenses before and after recording your 360 images or video.

Q: What Quality of Video and Audio Can You Expect From 360 Camera?

When evaluating your camera's image and video quality, some of the important things to look out for include the number of frames per second and the maximum image resolution. Most of the models available in the market can record 4K. There are a few select cameras that can attain a 5.7K resolution. Remember that recording at high resolutions can result in a large file. This means that your camera needs to have large storage space, and your video processing will likely take more time. Bottom line, you'll get quality images and videos when using this camera.

Q: What's The Best Way To Use Your 360 Camera?

Before using your 360 camera, you should familiarize yourself with the camera's important aspects. For instance, you should know that your camera records your surroundings, so you don't need to rotate it. As you move, be sure to maintain a predictable trajectory to prevent excessive movements. It's also advisable that you connect your camera to your phone instead of using the camera on its own. Some cameras will require connecting them through your phone settings menu, while you may need to connect others via the app. If you have issues, "forget" the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings you were using and start a fresh.

Q: How Can You Pick The Right Camera For You?

360 cameras come in different styles, sizes, and shapes. They feature different camera modules at the back and front, which capture images you can edit into a spherical video or image. While reviewing different cameras, it's important to consider those that offer automatic stitching as they'll save you the need to align your captures manually. You may also want to consider cameras with cropping functionality to extract a "flat" video from your footage. This means that you can shoot everything that's going on around you then select the areas you can focus on after you've completed filming.