The Best 360 Camera of 2017; The First Wave of 360-Degree Cameras has Arrived

The Best 360 Camera of 2017

The First Wave of 360-Degree Cameras has Arrived

 

Offline Mobile Appreneur

As the name implies, a 360-degree camera captures the entire world around it. The space has grown by leaps and bounds in the past year, with cameras coming in several shapes in sizes, and prices starting in the budget range and going all the way up to several thousands of dollars for pro-grade models.

If you're thinking about buying a 360-degree camera, you should first think about what you're going to use it for. Some models feature rugged, all-weather designs and also fit solidly in the action cam category. They're designed to be mounted on the top of a helmet, the front of a kayak, or the like.

If your needs aren't so outdoorsy, you can opt for a model that isn't rugged and likely save some money. The least expensive models we've tested are very small and plug directly into a smartphone, but quality isn't on the same level as cameras with large lenses and image sensors.

1.Samsung Gear 360

This High Resolution option by Samsung is lightweight, durable, and offers an alternate operating option which allows you to catch 180-degree video with its wide-angle lens. Geared toward Samung using consumers, Samsung’s Gear 360 creates an experience that is easy to interact with, the interface simplifies the process of shooting, editing, and sharing your experiences. Videos can be instantly shared on Youtube, Facebook, and Samsung VR.

The 25.9 MP photos make this a standout option, and the video is captured in a vivid 3840 x 1920 resolution. It is also waterproof; not to be submerged, but it can certainly withstand the wind and the rain. Also available for $300-350, this delivers a lot of value if you are looking for resolution that is among the best.

2. Insta360 Air

This ping pong-ball-sized camera attaches to the USB Type-C port on an Android phone (a microUSB version is also available), and captures very good video at a resolution of 2560 x 1280 pixels, and stills at a resolution of 3008 x 1504 (3K). It has no internal storage, nor a battery, so you'll have to connect it to your phone in order for it to work. Oh, and you'll have to hold your phone upside-down, too. But, Insta360's app offers a plethora of ways to share your photos and videos online, making this a very good, and very inexpensive option for Android owners.

3. Ricoh Theta S

Up until the release of the Giroptic IO, Ricoh Theta S could very well deliver the best value for your dollar out of any 360 camera on the list. This camera has an impressive still resolution of 14 MP, and also delivers with fantastic, full HD, 360 degree spherical video, which is supported by Youtube and comes through at 30fps.

The videos and photos you take on your Theta S can be transferred directly to your mobile device, too. Typically available for $300-$350, this is perfect for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals who are making their first foray into the world of VR.

4.  Kodak PixPro Orbit 360 4K

Kodak is adding to its lineup of 360-degree cameras with the Orbit360 4K; unlike the PixPro 360 4K, the Orbit has two cameras, one on each side, to capture a full 360 degrees of video. It has two 20MP sensors, and each lens can capture up to a 207-degree field of view, at up to f/2.4, which should help in low-light conditions. It can also stream to YouTube and Facebook through your smartphone, using Wi-Fi.

5. Giroptic iO 360-Degree 

The Giroptic iO 360-degree camera is an excellent compact pick that works by attaching to your smartphone. It's available with an iPhone- and iPad-friendly Lightning connector, as well as USB-C or microUSB connectivity. The gadget can capture 2K video at 30 fps via a duo of sensors, sitting behind ultra wide, 195-degree lenses with bright f/1.8 aperture. There's also the option to take 4K photos, as well as stream content to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

6. Nikon KeyMission 360

Nikon takes their attempt at a 360 device with their KeyMission. This is shockproof, freezeproof and waterproof device that comes equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth. The resolution is certainly impressive, as this camera boasts 4K Ultra HD video and shoots still photographs at 23.9 megapixels. It is lightweight and wearable, and perfectly suited for the outdoor adventurer.

Bearing some impressive features, this $500 option is good, but not quite as cost-efficient as its competitors. There are less expensive options that deliver better results; shareability, desktop software, and general performance should all be improved in Nikon’s future attempts.

7. 360fly 4K

This 4K rendition is very similar to the normal version of the 360fly, but with a few boosted features. Equipped with a 16 megapixel image sensor, the video resolution is nearly doubled (2800 x 2800).

The price, too, is basically doubled, as this camera costs roughly $400-500. Speaking of doubled, the camera also has 64 GB of storage space. Extra features include the ability to add data to videos, e-compass, gyroscope, and non-assisted GPS.

8. Insta360 Nano

One of the most compact 360-degree cameras, the Insta360 Nano connects to your iPhone's Lightning port, and uses the phone's screen as your viewfinder (the Insta360 Nano can also be used separately). Two 210-degree lenses capture nearly everything up, down, and around, and stores the images and video on an SD card in the camera. While its resolution isn't 4K, it was great for casual use. An 800 mAh battery lasts about an hour per charge. And, the camera comes with a pair of VR goggles, so you can see how well your shots turned out.