Photos: The many angles of 360 cameras
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360 Fly
360 Fly
360 Fly has one lens with a 240 degree field of view, and is built to endure action, much like a GoPro or the Kodak PixPro. Its app lets users preview live video and edit it. Users can also look back at what they shot and use the touch screen on their mobile device to manipulate the image. It’s available for pre-order for $399.
Bublcam
Bublcam
Bublcam‘s big talking point is its lack of blind spots. Its four lenses cover a 190 degree field of view and it can shoot both photos and video. Bublcam also includes functionality for viewing and sharing what you shoot. Users can also download the mobile app and view content using Google Cardboard. It’s in backorder for $799.
Panono
Panono
Panono got its start on Indiegogo, with a campaign that closed in January 2014. The Panono only takes panoramic photos. It has 36 cameras embedded into a ball shape. Users can store up to 400 panoramas at a time. Its estimated shipping date is September 2015.
Giroptic
Giroptic
If you’ve had it with ball shaped cameras, Giroptic looks quite a bit different. It has three optics, three sensors, and three microphones that record in full HD. Images require no stitching. It also has a mobile app. Users can use WiFi to live stream 360 content. It’s available for preorder for $499.
Kodak Pixpro 360 Action Camera
Kodak Pixpro 360 Action Camera
The Pixpro is Kodak’s offering in terms of a 360 camera that’s small, rugged, and relatively easy to use. This is a case where 360 really means 360 on a horizontal degree plane. For a more in-depth look at the Pixpro, check out our review on TechRepublic.
Panocam 3D
Panocam 3D
Panocam 3D offers a few cameras for VR production, including a head mounted camera. Using 24 cameras, it shoots in ultra HD at 120 frames per second. Their website does not list availability.
Ricoh Theta
Ricoh Theta
The Ricoh Theta has two fish eye lenses with 180 degree fields of view. The images require no stitching. It does photos and videos, though the videos are limited to 5 minutes in length. The Theta works with a mobile app and is available for $299.95.
V.360
V.360
Here’s another HD sport action cam. The V.360 also captures stereo sound. It has Bluetooth capability and is also one of the 360 cameras compatible with Youtube’s new 360 capabilities. It offers a VR mode and they make their own VR goggles. It’s available for $449.
Camera arrays
Camera arrays
The other option, beyond purchasing one 360 camera, is a camera array — a rig that accommodates multiple cameras, usually models like the GoPro. Obviously, this falls on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of cost and commitment. Google announced its partnership with GoPro to make the Google Jump camera array. 360Heros also makes holders for cameras, to name a few.
