5 Top 360° Cameras for Creating Virtual Reality Videos

If you’re fascinated by the world of Virtual Reality (VR) videos, you’re not alone! These videos offer a first-person visual experience, making you feel like you’re actually part of the scene. What’s special about VR videos is the 360° perspective they provide, allowing you to look in any direction you want. However, creating VR videos is different from making traditional videos, especially regarding capturing techniques and camera placement.

In this article, we’ll explore how to capture the perfect VR video and highlight some of the best cameras that can help you create your first 360° video.

Capturing a VR Video

Whether you’re an experienced videographer or just starting out, here are some important tips to keep in mind when creating a VR video.

1. Field of View

Since a VR video uses a 360° camera, there’s no “behind the camera” area – everything surrounding the camera becomes part of the scene. This unique perspective allows for creativity, but also means you have to be careful about clutter. Before filming, clear unnecessary items from around the camera or make sure they naturally fit into the scene.

2. Where to Place the Camera

Deciding where to place your camera for a VR video largely depends on your story. Ask yourself, “Where do I want the viewer to be?” You can place the camera on the sidelines if you want the viewer to be an observer, or in the center of the action to make them feel like a participant.

Also, since VR videos aim to simulate an eye-level view, try positioning the camera around 6 feet high, which is the average human height. It’s important to ensure the viewer has something interesting to see in every direction.

3. How to Move the Camera

To give viewers a real sense of presence, the 360° camera should move in all possible directions. Ensure the movement is smooth and flowing. However, remember that whatever you use to move the camera – be it a drone, track, or person – will also appear in the video.

While there are ways to edit these objects out, I recommend beginners keep it simple and leave them in the footage.

5 VR Video Cameras to Buy:

Beyond the tips mentioned above, it’s essential to have the right equipment for making VR videos. Luckily, the market offers some really impressive cameras.

Next, I’ll provide brief yet detailed reviews of a few top-notch 360° cameras you might consider for your upcoming VR video project.

Insta360 X3

The Insta360 X3 takes action cameras to a new level. Imagine capturing every moment in stunning 5.7K 360° video and taking ultra-clear 72MP photos. It’s like having eyes in every direction, ensuring you never miss anything. The camera’s dual 48MP sensors deliver great results, even in low light, bringing your content to life with clarity and detail.

What’s really impressive about the X3 is its versatility. You can film first and choose the best angles later, thanks to its easy-to-use reframing tools. If you love smooth, cinematic shots, the camera’s top-notch stabilization and slow-motion features have got you covered. It’s durable, waterproof, and features a user-friendly touchscreen, making it perfect for normal daily outdoor use.

The price of the Insta360 X3 starts at $499.

Ricoh Theta

Compact, affordable, and high-quality, the Ricoh Theta is an excellent choice for capturing personal and professional 360° photos and VR videos. It offers 25 minutes of full HD recording at 30 frames per second and is easily portable. The camera is compatible with iPhones and Android phones.

With Ricoh Theta, you can transfer footage to your mobile or share it on social networks via Wi-Fi. Although it’s great for professional YouTube videos, it shines brightest when capturing personal memories. It can record up to 25 minutes of HD video footage or take 260 photos.

To see what this camera is capable of, check out the gallery for the 360° videos and photos it can capture.

Ricoh Theta comes in various models and bundles, with the cheapest one starting at $329. More info.

Kandao QooCam 3

The Kandao QooCam 3 offers an effortless way to capture your environment in full 360 degrees. It’s an ideal choice for those into panoramic photography, capable of recording 5.7K videos and snapping 62MP photos. This camera is designed to deliver clear and stable footage, even during movement, making it versatile for various uses. Its low-light performance is also commendable, ensuring clear images in evening or nighttime settings.

Beyond its visual prowess, the QooCam 3 records 360° audio, adding an immersive element to your videos. It’s robust, with waterproof and dustproof features, ready for different weather conditions. The camera is user-friendly, accompanied by an app that simplifies control, editing, and sharing. Compact and with a durable battery, the QooCam 3 is a practical option for those wanting to document their experiences panoramically.

Kandao QooCam 3’s price starts from $349, excluding accessories.

Giroptic 360cam

The Giroptic is an egg-shaped VR video camera packed with features, capable of 30 minutes of 360° recording. It boasts built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, along with several capturing modes that produce high-quality photos and videos.

Two features stand out to me personally. First, the light bulb adapter that allows you to mount the camera to the ceiling, enabling it to double as a surveillance or monitoring device. Second, the convenience of not needing specific software to edit or convert the footage.

With Giroptic, you can capture scenes and play them on any device. It’s compatible with iOS, or Android.

The Giroptic 360cam is priced at $249.

Check out our review of the 360cam.

GoPro Max

The GoPro Max is a cool camera for those who love capturing everything around them in 360 degrees. It’s a bit pricier at around $500, but it’s easier to use than its older sibling, the Fusion. This camera is not just about shooting wide views; it can also work as a regular camera. It’s pretty tough too, able to handle water and drops without a sweat. The touch screen makes changing settings a breeze, and it has some neat software for editing your videos on your phone or tablet. But remember, it’s best for those who really want to dive into 360-degree videos.

On the downside, the picture quality isn’t super high, topping out at 1080p, and if you’re using it as a regular camera, it can only go up to 60 frames per second. So, if you’re into slow-motion shots, this might not be the best pick. Also, be ready to spend some extra time editing to get those awesome spherical shots just right.

The GoPro Max is priced at 499.99, and the accessories bundle costs $549.

Conclusion

We’ve witnessed many impressive computer-generated worlds in animations and video games. However, creating real-life virtual reality videos with 360° viewing is the next frontier. People are already producing incredible personal and professional VR videos using various techniques and equipment.

For a glimpse of what’s possible, visit Egypt VR to experience the potential of VR videos.