virtual tour camera 360

The best 360 cameras in 2024: shoot panoramas, 360 video, selfies and more

The best 360 cameras have dropped massively in price, are fun to use and create amazing content for social media

Best 360 camera: our top picks

Best overall, best budget, best for stills, best for beginners, best gopro for 360, best for sensor size, best single-lens, 8k alternative, how we test cameras.

With the best 360 cameras, you can capture images and videos that are quite unlike anything else. You can capture video which can be explored edited down to "flat" 2D or explored in full by dragging on a screen or deep-diving using AR glasses. Understanding it fully can be a little technical, but you probably won't need to – the best cameras have apps which help you side-step this.

Top Picks 1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best for stills 4. Best for beginners 5. Best 360 GoPro 6. Best for sensor size 7. Best single lens 360 8. 8K alternative How we test cameras FAQs

The files created by 360-degree cameras record the whole scene, so it's the camera's job to see everything and, ideally, ignore you and any device you use to hold the camera – this is why selfie sticks are common.

It is also why the positioning of the lenses opposite each other matters in the design, and the camera software's ability to both stitch the image from the two together and, ideally, to compensate for the camera's movement – stabilization, just like other action cameras. This is less relevant in stills, of course!

Atop that there are a lot of cool effects you can apply by changing the framing; zooming in and out beyond common sense to create 'tiny planets' and the like. This is where a good ecosystem – and good apps with AI subject tracking – put some cameras ahead of others. Plugins for leading editing programs can do this too, or separate apps. Ultimately you have tremendous versatility with a 360-degree camera; it almost doesn't matter where you point it. 

If you're feeling lost, don't worry – jump to our section on how 360 imaging works , where we've given you the information you need to get your head around the basics, but thankfully several of the cameras have helped out here a lot too, as you'll see. The cost of entry is a lot less than you might expect, too. And on that note, let's dive in and count off the best 360 cameras you can buy right now. 

Adam has been obsessed with looking at cameras and gadgets for his whole life, and has written several bestselling books including The Drone Pilot's Handbook (he is our resident drone expert too). He owns and travels with a 360-degree camera, and tests as many as he can get his hands on.

The Insta360 'X' series has been refined over several generations, and now is sharp with 8K resolution, snappy and responsive, plus – crucially – easy to use with excellent software that'll suit fun users and serious creators. Read more below...

With impressive hardware specs and especially good low-light performance, this is a great choice at a relatively low cost. The software offers fewer choices, but enough possibilities for exploration. Read more below...

With high-res 60.5MP still images, a 1/2-inch sensor, and 5.7K 360º video, the Ricoh Theta X's specs are up there, but the auto HDR feature makes it ideal for virtual tour photos. Read more below...

The Insta360 X3 dropped in price when my new favourite the X4 came out, but this is still a very powerful device with great features and the benefits of Insta360's class-leading apps. Read more below...

The GoPro Max 360 camera set an exciting simplistic standard for 360-degree cameras in 2020, and while newer cameras offer more, it still has charms and GoPro's robust design. Read more below...

If you're looking to work in low light, or just need better specs, then this is the more serious contender that you need, backed up by the quality software of Insta360. Read more below...

The best 360 camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. Insta360 X4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want sharp 360 video: The 8K makes for much more flexibility than most other ✅ You want a great all-rounder:  The camera is powerful enough to turn itself to nearly any task, including one-camera action camera modes.

❌ You are on a tight budget: There are cheaper options (including the previous generation X3) which still provide a lot of quality. ❌ You want top-notch low-light: With 1/2-inch sensors the HDR is good, but low-light performance is only so-so.

When I tried this camera, I knew immediately it would find itself at the top of this buyer's guide. It's a great choice for people like me (owners of the X3 looking for more resolution and processor power) and an equally sensible choice for anyone getting into 360-degree photography for the first time, whether their goals are serious content creation or fun.

A couple of things set the camera apart. A big one is the Insta360 software, which is comfortably ahead of the offerings from others at the moment. As well as an excellent phone app (iOS/ Android ), there is an Insta360 Studio for Mac/PC and plugins for Premiere and Final Cut Pro so creating content can happen almost immediately for social, or in careful detail later. The AI subject tracking is excellent too, saving hours in manual keyframing compared to GoPro 's offering.

That, though, is available with the X3 too. The headline feature here is the 8K resolution, and the processing power which delivers it. The boost makes for significantly better quality, especially when zooming into video in the edit. It also provides a lot of other upgraded resolutions, like single action camera mode at the crucial 4K60fps threshold, as well as features like bullet time now at 5.7k/120fps.

Other refinements exist too, like the removable lens covers which make the device extra rugged and the ability to connect microphones. All seem to result from a company listening to its customers and making improvements over generations. Whenever improvements suit the users like that things are good (and a word to the wise – this camera's 5-star review was earned in 2024, not 2020).

See my full review of the Insta360 X4

2. Kandao QooCam 3

✅ You want to try 360-degree photography: With a low cost of entry the QooCam is a great way to experience 360-degree video. ✅ You want decent low-light performance:  The wide aperture sensors don't do a bad job at all.

❌ You want to transfer beyond your phone: No Mac/PC apps were on offer when I tested it. ❌ You want a long battery life: I found the battery didn't manage half an hour.

I'm still working on our full review, but this simplistic-looking 360-degree camera is very appealing because of it's price. The dual 1/1.55-inch sensors and ƒ/1.6 apertures collects a good amount of light and not only captures good-looking 5.7K video but up to 62-megapixel stills, putting it close to the Insta360 X3 or the GoPro Max it seems to draw some appearance cues from.

It looks and feels good, and can be held on a selfie stick for vlogging or capturing immersive panoramas. Hardware quality extends inside too – I have found no issues like early overheating, though admittedly the battery life is surprisingly short, at about 30 minutes.

Compared to the leading brands, though we've not had time to be sure whether Kandao 's new software suite quite matches up to the others. There certainly isn't the same level of support – no Mac/PC app – but the phone app connects to the device and allows transfer to social in a way which means you can have fun experiencing 360-degree.

Kandao is clearly on a good trajectory, and it also owns a good chunk of the 360-degree conference room camera market too, so it should not be discounted. Pricing, though, is where this camera really shines. An interesting note for the future is that at CES 2024 Kandao showed the QooCam 3 Ultra , an 8K camera with a similar looking but bigger housing. This suggests a decent level of confidence in the series.

3. Ricoh Theta X

✅ You want to shoot for virtual tours: The auto HDR and built-in GPS features are ideal for this ✅ You want good low-light performance:  Again by automating the shooting of HDR images, good resolution is achieved in low light

❌ You want to shoot action: Frankly the insta360 X4 is better and cheaper. ❌ You're looking to keep costs down: The price is definitely high looking at the spec sheet alone.

I've got to be clear straight away – this is very much a niche choice, but 360-degree photography serves niches, and virtual tours is an important one.

Whether the Ricoh Theta X is going to appeal to you will depend on what kind of content creator you are. If you're looking at this 360° camera as an alternative to an action camera like the Insta360 X series, then bear in mind that its image stabilization just isn’t as good. Vloggers should also look at the Theta X with suspicion purely because you can’t use an external microphone with it. 

So who is the Theta X actually for? It's for people who need to shoot a virtual tours fast. It can be placed on a monopod with tripod feet in its automated HDR mode and capture a 62 megapixel image which can be placed into a tool like Matterport to create a virtual tour – handy for realtors.

This is a feature that put it along way ahead of the competition when it launched, but to be fair its pricing and limited powers in the broader feature scope do put it at a bit of a disadvantage; for many virtual tours it is possible to use the technically slightly higher resolution images from an Insta360 X3 or X4.

When combined with its excellent coloring and low-light abilities, though, the Theta X’s abilities do look good even in average looking appartments. Its lack of RAW capture slightly undermines that option for some, but the realtor on the go may feel this is a wise choice.

Read our full Ricoh Theta X review for more details

4. Insta360 X3

✅ You want a good all-rounder: The Insta360 X3 still has great software and good features despite a few extra months! ✅ You want to save a bit of cash:  This might not be the cheapest option here, but it's great value because of the apps and quality.

❌ You want the latest and greatest: The newer X4 has 8K resolution and an improved battery. ❌ You want the most rugged option: If you need lens guards for the X3, they need to be stuck on.

The Insta360 X3 was the ultimate immersive and versatile video camera until the X4 came out, trumping the X3's 5.7K capture with 8K. Nevertheless the camera still captures everything around you, enabling you to create 3D VR content easily or use its software-based reframing tools to edit your scenes as regular ‘flat’ video, where you can track subjects, create panning shots, and basically point the camera where you like AFTER you’ve shot your video, albeit at slightly lower resolution.

For most quick action shots, and things you throw onto social, you will likely find the extra resolution isn't essential, while the lower price of this now older model is appealing – and it's still newer and more powerful than the GoPro Max!

The Insta360 X3 itself was an evolution of the concept (yep, it was called the X2) rather than a giant leap forward, so it already has some improvements that makes it user friendly. It can be held in one hand, though I usually prefer to user it on a selfie stick – which becomes an 'invisible selfie stick'. thanks to the device. All the key features are available via the touchscreen, and the device is waterproof for a few meters even without a housing. 

At the moment, Insta360 seems to be leading the game, and that is evidenced by their software – just about the best, friendliest, and most exciting on the market, and the software tools on phone, Mac & PC (as well as plugins for the likes of FCPX and Premier Pro) have come a long way. 

I tried the X3 on a real vacation successfully, and another benefit of this camera's dominance is the range of accessories, including dive cases and more.

Read our full Insta360 X3 review

5. GoPro Max

✅ You love the GoPro ecosystem: The Insta360 X3 still has great software and good features despite a few extra months!

❌ You want the latest and greatest: GoPro are way behind now — and there are rumors of a new model. ❌ You want the best resolution: The Insta360 X3 comfortably surpassed this; now the X4 has 8K.

There's no denying that my colleague who reviewed the this 360-degree action camera was impressed – rightly given the fact it harks from 2019 and remains an impressive piece of hardware. The image and video quality of the GoPro Max are good enough to make this list, and in some aspects can compete with the Insta360 X3 even now, though that device (let alone the X4) are definitely more advanced in many respects. 

GoPro fans, however, can still enjoy the swathe of intuitive features that mean pretty much anyone can gets loads out of it, even if they have little interest in 360-degree imaging. GoPro have also gone to a good deal of effort to create an editing app to allow easy "Shoot first, frame later" editing, but it relys on keyframing rather than automated subject tracking. 

The Max does boast an excellent six-mic setup, making it a highly credible vlogging camera, and the 1600mAh battery means you'll have enough charge for a day's shooting.

On the other hand, it's a fairly pricey option and lacks a dedicated 4K video capture that you'll find on some rivals like those from Insta360. If you like the GoPro 'feel' then while I'd still urge you to try Insta360 Studio before you make your mind up, you'll certainly find the polish you like here.

Our advice, though, for devoted GoPro fans unable to convert to the clearly better alternatives on this list is to wait a little longer – there have been rumors of a Max 2. 

Read our full GoPro Max review for more details

6. Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition

✅ You want good low-light: The large image sensors offer impressive low-light abilities even now ✅ You love Leica:  The co-engineering with Leica on the lenses seems to pay off!

❌ You want to keep the cost down: Expect to pay more then even the higher-res X4 ❌ You want good battery life: The battery block of the system is only 1350mAh

The Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 edition is aimed at the serious filmmaker who is after the best image quality and low-light performance. It might be twice the price of the regular Insta360 One X2 but we think considering how much better it is in terms of low-light performance, dynamic range, and clarity it's definitely worth it. 

As we noted in our hands-on review, It feels very well made, uses a 6-gyro FlowState stabilization for super-smooth video, and has a touchscreen which is great for previewing footage but not so easy to use if you have big hands. It's considerably cheaper than the Ricoh Theta Z1 and offers a big step-up in quality so perfect for those needing really professional-looking content.

When I got to grips with it myself, what I noticed was that it still feels like a consumer product, but there is something magical about the size of the image sensors. Having more recently reviewed the X4, I do realise that this camera is now in a very small niche; you need to want less noise in lower light or the X4 will seem a more obvious choice.

To be honest I also found the 1-inch display a little compact compared with newer devices like the X3 and X4.

Read our hands-on Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition review for more details

7. Trisio Lite2

✅ You want to shoot stills: This is all about shooting detailed images, perhaps for virtual tours ✅ You need to avoid stitching marks:  By rotating the camera, there aren't two images to stitch

❌ You want video: The technology prevents it ❌ You want to shoot fast: You need to wait while the motor turns the camera

Designed for businesses that have a need to produce a lot of static virtual tours, the Trisio Lite2 is a very simple device that’s incredibly easy to use. Its 360º photos are excellent and easily good enough for use on virtual tours and for showing off event spaces and hotel rooms online. 

The 8K boast is less impressive than its ability with HDR, which helps create vibrant and dynamic spherical images that excel in high contrast environments, but also in low light. 

It’s no 360º action camera, with VR-style video off the table. Patience is required, too, since it takes the Trisio Lite2 30 seconds just to light-meter and take a single 360º photo. However, used slowly and carefully the Trisio Lite2 is one of the most limited, and yet the most capable, 360º cameras around that does one thing very well indeed. 

Read our full Trisio Lite2 review for more details

8. Kandao QooCam 8K 360

✅ You want resolution: 8K is still rare, so this is an opportunity for sharpness.

❌ You want to capture audio: The built-in fan can be an issue. ❌ Battery life is important to you: Frankly, it's not great.

The QooCam 8K is one of the best 360 cameras right now for image quality. A massive (by 360 standards) 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 10-bit color, and, of course, that 8K resolution makes sure of that. Photos have plenty of colors and contrast – it was like nothing we’ve seen before from a camera like this when the camera was launched.

The ability to spit out a great-looking photo from a 360º video is welcome, while the detail, sharpness, and smoothness of video – whether in 360º or cut down to widescreen – itself makes the QooCam 8K a giant leap forward for creative filmmakers. We did list some negative points in our review, most notably that it does have an audible fan, however, the battery life isn't great and it's not waterproof without a housing. It was also pretty expensive, and we'd suggest that this probably isn't the right device to buy if you can wait until the QooCam 3 Ultra (see QooCam 3) starts shipping.

Read our full Kandao QooCam 8K 360 camera review for more details

How we test 360-degree cameras

We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. 

Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts and quoted in line widths/picture height, which is independent of sensor size. Dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and the results are expressed as EV values. DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range, with results quoted as a signal-to-noise ratio. We typically choose three competing cameras to offer a performance comparison and some context.

More importantly, we get out there in the world and shoot some 360-degree video. This gives us the opportunity to experience the stitching – do the lenses line up and create a spherical view, or are there lens problems? Is it easy to manipulate the preview? 

It is also the only way to experience a type of cameras which depend, as 360-degree photography does, so heavily on software to offer the best feature set. Effects which might seem a novelty can actually be the basis of great social video (not to mention the beginning of a whole world of goggles-friendly AR content.

We also test significant accessories – for example 360-degree cameras require special cases for underwater photography, so we did a full real-world review on the Insta360 X3 Insvisible Dive Case .

How 360 imaging works

When visualizing how 360-degree images are captured, imagine someone photographing a sphere from the inside, making sure they get every contour of its inner surface. That’s essentially what 360-degree cameras do – place you in the centre of a sphere, and use extremely wide-angle lenses to capture everything around that point. 

The sensors are ordinary ‘flat’ types, but the key is in the lenses, which are extreme fisheyes capable of capturing a 180-degree view, placed back to back. This captures two hemispherical images, which are then merged to produce the final 360-degree image. A viewer can then explore this image with a mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, or VR headset , depending on how they’re viewing the image. 

Taking 360-degree videos is, naturally, more complex than stills, as the action all around the viewer will continue even if they’re not looking at the portion of the image where it’s happening. As streaming platforms get more sophisticated, live 360-degree broadcasts are also becoming more common, which is an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in an unfolding event (short of, y’know, actually being there).

Editing 360-degree imagery can be a daunting task, though it is possible to divide them up into smaller ‘windows’ to handle individually, giving yourself a bit more control. In stills, you can crop out one of these windows entirely and export it as a ‘flat’ image. In the video, this flexibility allows you to essentially simulate camera movements like tracking, panning, and zooming, even though your shot was captured from a fixed position. Handy!

There is one thing to be aware of when dealing with 360-degree imagery, which specifically is resolution. As the surface area of a 360 image is much larger than a conventional one, 12MP on a 360-degree camera means something pretty different than 12MP does on a DSLR, and you can’t crop in as close expecting the same level of detail.

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With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones , The Smart Smart Home Handbook , 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook . 

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THE BEST 360 CAMERAS FOR VIRTUAL TOURS

The best 360 degrees cameras for virtual tours are designed to capture the entire scenery surrounding it. At one time, they were hot products, and even till now, they remain a must-have for many virtual home tours creators with a wide variety of models. Additionally, many trendy smartphones manufacturers have featured them in smartphones. In recent times, the hype about 360-degree cameras has slightly waned. Nonetheless, you can still find various quality options to create great virtual tours.

Initially, the focus was more on the gaming niche rather than media use; it prioritized producing spherical videos that can be viewed on VR headsets. In recent years, the 360-degree camera allowed creators to take shots that would ordinarily not be possible with a single-lens camera. It can be captured with 16:9 footage with reframed dual lens. If you’re ready for your real estate virtual tour, there are a variety of quality 360-degree cameras available. However the plethora of 360-degree cameras, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. So we’ve created a list of the best 360 cameras for virtual tours; check them out! Once you do have your camera you can create virtual tours easily and for free on threesixty.tours .

The Top Cameras for panoramic Images

The GoPro Max 360 degree camera is niche focused camera that helps to facilitate your workflow. Compared to last year’s Fusion, the GoProMax makes you approach your project more easily. Although the GoPro Max has some advanced technology, it is essentially a 360 camera that anyone can operate. The biggest feature is that it’s also a working action camera, equipped with waterproofing and a robust casing specifically designed for use in severe conditions.

The GoPro Max’s video and image capture are exceptional. It can function as a multipurpose vlogging camera thanks to the high-quality microphones. Although it lacks a 4K standard capture, most people will still benefit from the many features it offers.

Price : $499 at Amazon

• Dimensions: 64 x 69 x 40mm
• Weight: 163g
• Waterproof: 5m
• Stills resolution: 16.6MP
• Video resolution: 6K/5.6K
• Memory: MicroSD
• Battery: 5.6K
• Multi-functionality camera
• Produces lively, well-looking videos.
• Offers excellent app experience
• The traditional 4K video capture is not available
• There is no editing software for PCs
• The app experience may need to be improved.

Insta360 One X2

Insta360 One X2 is a convertible camera with a dual lens. It features 5.7K HEVC video recording and allows you to stitch videos automatically. You can use the Insta360 One X2 for up to 33-foot dives as it’s waterproof. Its bullet-time functionality comes in handy for people who create Matrix-style videos.

The One X2 is an incredibly impressive action camera that uses its 360-degree lenses for virtual tours as well as a variety of creative editing modes. It consistently produces stunning videos and photos. Although It requires time and dedication to understand, the One X2 is a must-have for content creators looking to explore other options.

Price : $469.99 at Amazon

• Weight: 149g
• Dimensions: 462x113x29.8mm
• Waterproof: 10m
• Stills resolution: 18.5MP
• Video resolution: 5.7K
• Battery life: 80 minutes
• Produces vibrant, dynamic videos.
• Offers unlimited creativeness,
• Promotes simple AI editing
• Offers “SteadyCam” and “MultiView” functionalities.
• Provides actual color and accurate detail.
• Requires the using updated phones
• Editing can be time-consuming

The convertible-designed Vuze XR camera features lenses great for making spherical 360-degree videos.  You can shoot videos in 180-degree footage and view them in VR goggles. However, to be able to shoot with a full-quality display, stitching software is required. The Vuze XR is basically two cameras for the price of one, as it is designed to create 360-degree and 180-degree photographs while making videos simple and intuitive. You can toggle between 360-degree (2D) and 180-degree (3D) modes with one single button and record half-sphere or full-sphere VR film as desired.

Image stitching and live streaming are also possible with the XR, as you expand your creative possibilities even further. Plus, there’s an available smartphone app that helps you track and manage your virtual tour. It’s great for casual day-to-day use because of the inbuilt hand grip, but it’s not a waterproof camera. The Vuze XR is a wonderful tool for 360-degree photography, with a stylish design and remarkable filming alongside, although it may be a little clunky and offbeat for general consumers.

Price: $1,012.42 on Amazon

• Weight: 212g
• Dimensions: 152 x 56 x 39mm
• Stills resolution: 18MP
• Battery life: 60mins
• You can easily switch between modes quickly.
• The video quality is outstanding.
• The battery life is average.
• The app has a simple interface.

Ricoh Theta Z1

The old Ricoh Theta Z1 was introduced and launched in 2019- a period when a 360-degree camera was still considered innovative to many people. Little has changed ever since, with the exception of a recently released slightly redesigned version with 51GB of storage instead of the very limited 19GB of the first model. Before buying this camera, make sure you know which one you’re ordering. The Ricoh Theta Z1 is quite pricey but offers excellent options for image creators.

The 360-degree camera offers bright 23-megapixel photos; it has dual lenses supported with the big 1-inch sensor size. With the high price, you’d expect the Ricoh Theta Z1 to deliver remarkably high 360-degree footage. Its lenses are a little bigger than those available on most cameras of this type, which enhances dynamic range. It isn’t as versatile as other cameras on this list, as it lacks a waterproofing feature; however, it has a sleek design and is easy to handle.

Price: $1,046 at Amazon

• Weight: 182g
• Dimensions: 48 × 132.5 × 29.7mm
• Stills resolution: 23MP
• Video resolution: 4K
• Memory: 51/19GB internal
• Provides exceptional 360-degree quality
• Simple to use
• The battery can drain quickly
• It’s pricey

Creating Your Virtual Tour

Whether it’s for capturing panoramic pictures or making real estate virtual tours, 360 cameras are one of the vital tools that can help get the job done efficiently. These 360 degrees cameras can capture wonderful panoramic pictures and 360 photos and deliver outstanding results. However, before your choose one, ensure that it offers all the benefits you need. We hope this guide will help you make informed decision when purchasing your next 360 degrees camera for virtual tours. Get started with your tour on threesixty.tours

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EyeSpy360 has been a game changer for my business! It is by far the best service and the best value of any 3D Virtual tour company!

We use 360 Tours on the majority of our listings! It is easy, and our customers really like them.

I have been using Eyespy 360 for nearly 12 months and love the tours. You can add some really good features to make the tours bespoke and the virtual viewings have been brilliant. I have found the staff to always be extremely helpful and go that extra mile. I have been to quite a few of the training sessions to learn how to get the most out of my tours and I have found this really invaluable. I highly recommend Eyespy 360 and more importantly my clients also think they are brilliant too.

I have used EyeSpy360 for interior photos, aerial shots, a 3D tour, the 3D Model, and a video walkthrough. Everything was amazing, high-end quality. As a top 5% realtor in the US, I am extremely picky about my photography, especially making sure that the lighting, resolution, angles of the shots, and light through the windows are all appropriate for luxury photography. EyeSpy360 has become my new go-to, especially since I serve an entire state and they’re available wherever I go. I would highly recommend them.

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You won’t find better value anywhere else, all tours include 3d model, floor plan, teaser video, unlimited video calls & all features , pay as you go, $15 only  $1--> per tour one off processing fee, minimum spend $15. $1 per 360 image thereafter . no subscription required . includes : - 12 months hosting - unlimited tour archiving - 1 user account - 1 brand profile ( add logos and customise url ) - unlimited use of all features, introductory free tour.

360° Panoramic Creations:

We create high-quality stabilized video having 8k and 4k resolution, 48 or 24 frames per second together with high-quality post-processing. Videos are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 8k.

360° PHOTOGRAPHY

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with 35000x17500 pixels resolution (in the equidistant projection) and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR).

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with the fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Ready 360° photo-panoramas cover up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the virtual tour.

360° GIGAPANORAMA

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with resolution from 1 to 3 gigapixel and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR).

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the ready virtual tour.

360° TIMELAPSE

We can make panoramic timelapses with the given viewing angle and resolution up to 12k with professional post-processing and without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle. 360° timelapses are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

360° timelapses are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the timelapses are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 12K.

Content sales:

VIRTUAL TOURS

On the basis of 360° panoramas we create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

Our clients receive a fully functional virtual tour developed in HTML5 and supported by any computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows Phone).

360° Photo    Price List

STOCK PHOTOS

For almost 10 years of travelling around the world our team has gathered an extensive stock of pictures, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any picture presented at our stock can be licensed for any kind of possible use. We can also offer the photos of ultra-high quality (the longer side up to 103,000 pixels).

You can also take a look at the spherical panoramas published on the website www.airpano.ru . Any of the 360° panoramas represented on the website can be converted into a printed image of very high quality.

Photogallery    Price List

STOCK 360° VIDEOS

By filming 360° video since 2011, our team has gathered an extensive stock of clips, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any video presented on our website can be licensed for any kind of possible use.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate.

360° Video    Price List

APPLICATIONS

We are one of the software developers of applications based on 360° photos and videos. Currently, there are 7 applications in our portfolio. One of them was top-rated in 84 countries and listed among the best applications of the year 2014 according to App Store.

These applications can also be used for demonstration of panoramic content with the help of virtual reality devices, such as Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and analogues.

Exhibition installations:

EXHIBITION INSTALLATIONS

AirPano team has the experience of creating panoramic cinemas and video-walls, making it possible to demonstrate our panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. The size is only defined by the premises, the quality of projector and the dimensions of plasma screens. Such solutions usually make a deep impression on visitors.

The control is carried out by a tablet or Kinect devices.

TOUCH SCREENS

We are ready to create applications with panoramic content working on touch screens of any size. Both AirPano panoramas and the client’s material can be the basis for this kind of software.

We create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

VR HEADSETS

Our virtual tours and 360° videos are supported by all the types of virtual reality headsets (VR): Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Sony Morpheus and others.

We can also develop special software for operating on Samsung Gear VR, if required.

AirPano in cooperation with Polden Studio carries out the installation of the binocular usage of the client’s or our own content. With the help of binoculars, the client can present the panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. This kind of devices usually attract a lot of visitors and leave a deep impression on them.

Best 360 camera 2024: the finest choices for capturing every angle

The best 360 cameras for capturing everything around you

• Best overall
• Best stabilization
• Best 8K detail
• Best waterproof

How to choose

• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best stabilization 4. Best detail 5. Best 3D VR 6. Best value 7. Best waterproof 8. How to choose 9. How we test

With an increasing number of 360 degree cameras entering the market, it can be a challenge to decide which one is best for you. Most adopt the simple idea of combining two ultra wide-angle lenses back-to-back. The captured footage is then digitally combined into a fully spherical video or, more usefully, into a standard two-dimensional video weaved together from frames that you've chosen after the fact.

The best 360 cameras include features like automatic stitching (which saves you the hassle of manually aligning multiple captures), image stabilization, live-streaming and resolution, which in some cases goes up to 8K . It's also worth looking at cropping functionality, which allows you to extract a standard ‘flat’ video from the 360 degree footage you’ve captured. This means you can shoot everything that’s going on and select your area of focus when you're back home

With many features that go beyond simple 360 degree coverage, it's no wonder comparing like-for-like isn't the easiest. We've curated a list of all the best options, along with reasons to buy and not buy each one. Some are the latest and greatest models, while others are a little older but priced very competitively. And don’t forget that we always display the latest and best deals, too.

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes; "Smartphones may have taken a huge bite out of the point-and-shoot camera market, but 360 degree cameras offer unique photo and video features that help them continue to standout in 2024."

The quick list

If you want a shortcut to the best 360 degree cameras, the round-up below will give you an instant overview of our favorite options. When you find one that fits your requirements, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full summaries.

The best 360 degree camera overall

Industry-leading 8K 360 degree footage, superb  4K singel camera mode and improved battery life, the X4 is the best 360-degree camera available.

Read more below

The best 360 degree camera for stabilization

GoPro's superior HyperSmooth stabilization works a treat when capturing fast moving action such as sports and outdoor escapades.

The best 360 degree camera for detail

Dual 20MP CMOS sensors are paired together to capture incredible 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at up to 200fps. Best in class for resolution.

The best 360 degree camera for 3D VR

Thanks to its hinged design, the Insta360 Evo can capture 3D VR content across an 180 degree field of view. A perfect solution when paired with a VR headset.

With incredible 5.7K 360 degree footage, Active HDR for retaining highlights, and great image stabilization, there is no better choice.

The best waterproof 360 degree camera

With waterproof capabilities down to 5m (16') this is a great option if you're regularly shooting around water.

• ^ Back to the top

The best 360 degree cameras for 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best 360 degree cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

1. Insta360 X4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a multi-purpose 360-degree camera: 8K 360-degrees, 4K 60p single camera, waterproof – the X4 can be many things. ✅ You need decent battery life: Upped to 135-minutes, the X4 battery life is unmatched.

❌ You don't need 8K: 8K resolution is super handy for 360-degree video, but not everyone needs that degree of detail. ❌  You're on a budget: It's excellent value considering what it can do, but the X4 is pricier than alternatives.

An upgrade to our previous favorite, the Insta360 X4 is a worthy successor and a super versatile pocket camera. It can shoot 8K 360-degree video, packs a powerful single camera 4K 60p mode, plus it's waterproof up to 10m. You also get decent Bluetooth connectivity which means you can pair mics external mics such as the DJI Mic 2 for improved audio, even though the improved in-camera mics are already decent. All those factors considered, the X4 can be your 360-degree, action and vlogging camera all rolled into one, able to create video content that your smartphone simply can't do. 

Improvements over the X3 include a larger 2.5-inch touchscreen with super user-friendly control, a larger capacity 2290mAh battery that ups battery life to 135-minutes from a full charge, plus the lens protectors can now screw in and out of place. There's all the best bits from before too, such as Active HDR which works a treat for retaining detail in highlights, superb FlowState image stabilization and Horizon Lock. The editing experience is always improving too, making quick edits of your 360-degree content a breeze, including those fun shooting modes such as hyperlapse and bullet time. All things considered, the X4 has become our favorite additional camera to a smartphone. 

Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 review

2. GoPro Max

✅ You want video reframing: Editing and reframing tools in the GoPro smartphone app makes it possible to crop footage after shooting. ✅ You need image stabilization: Fast moving action can be stabilized with great in-camera technology.

❌ You are shooting in low-light: The sensor size and technology results in a disappointing level of noise in the shadows. ❌  You need shooting mode variety: The lack of shooting modes is a real limitation that restricts the type of footage that can be captured.

If you're looking to shoot immersive videos of sporting escapades or outdoor adventures, then the GoPro Max is a good alternative to the Insta360 One X2 close. It's waterproof down to five meters without needing a case, and the editing workflow is slick and simple. If you want to turn your 360-degree video into a traditional 2D film – which is one of the main benefits of 360 cams – the app's OverCapture software lets you do this easily, as long as your happy with the final footage being in Full HD. 

The Max also amps up many of the features seen on the GoPro's Hero action cams, including superior HyperSmooth stabilization and 360-degree TimeWarp sequences. The slightly sub-par 2D video footage (which is the result of it being converted from a fish-eye images) means the Max falls short of being the ultimate GoPro for both 360 and standard footage. But it's a fantastic option for anyone who wants to shoot action sequences in every direction without the hassle of deciding where to point their action camera, then edit it together quickly later.

Read our in-depth GoPro Max review

3. Kandao QooCam 8K

✅ You need high resolution: 8K capabilities allow for maximum flexibility when cropping shots. ✅ You want great slow-mo: Footage can be captured at 120fps using 4K to allow for footage to be slowed down.

❌ You need waterproofing: You'll need to keep this 360 degree camera well away from water. ❌  You want lightweight: At 9.7 oz / 275 g this is far from the lightest option available.

Numbers never tell the whole story, but 8K is a seriously impressive figure in a consumer 360 camera's spec sheet. Qoocam’s 360 heavyweight outguns all of the competition on resolution, with a pair of 20MP CMOS sensors that work together to capture 8K footage at 30fps and 4K video at up to 200fps. 

Not only can it create VR-grade video out of the box, but it’s also the first non-pro model from which 360 footage can be cropped down to widescreen format without a big drop in resolution. It packs impressive SuperSteady image stabilization, too, as well as a class-leading 2.4-inch OLED touchscreen for easy control and framing. For both stills and video, dynamic range is excellent, as is color and contrast. 

Downsides? There are limited video modes and the partner app is pretty basic, though there’s a handy express mode which downscales footage for mobile editing. There’s also no escaping the relative heft of the Qoocam 8K, or its lack of waterproofing. All the same, provided you can stomach its price tag, its video quality is unrivaled in the 360 market. Once you try 8K, there’s no going back.

Read our in-depth Kandao QooCam 8K review

4. Insta360 Evo

✅ You want 3D VR footage: Side-by-side cameras capture VR footage that can be viewed with a VR headset. ✅ You need high dynamic range: Low light performance is far from ideal due to the noise levels.

❌ You want elegant design: With average build quality and  larger format this isn't very pocket friendly. ❌  Additional headset required: If you want to view 3D VR footage then you'll also need a VR headset.

It might not have the elegant, pocket-friendly design of Insta360’s One X, but the Evo is a more flexible form of 360-degree camera. One minute it can function as a standard 360-degree camera with back-to-back fisheye lenses, capturing everything around it in decent 5.7K resolution. The next moment, thanks to its hinged design, both lenses will be sitting side by side facing the same direction, allowing them to capture 3D VR content with a 180-degree field-of-view. You’ll really need an Oculus or similar VR headset to appreciate the latter, however – and for most people the One X probably makes more sense.

FlowState Stabilization keeps video shake-free, enabling users to capture footage that’s both smooth and steady. The Insta360 Evo also benefits from high dynamic range capabilities, which make it ideal for shooting scenes that have extreme highlights and shadows. To top it all off, you can create cinematic sequences by slowing down or speeding up footage, all in the Insta360 app.

The best value 360 degree camera

5. Insta360 X3

✅ You want a big screen: With a 2.29-inch touchscreen you'll be able to interact with menus and footage easily. ✅ You need high dynamic range: Active HDR mode works its magic at ensuring that all the necessary detail is retained in the highlights and shadows.

❌ You want natural footage: A times, the camera over processes footage and results in an overly synthetic look. ❌  You need ultra-sharpness: 4K videos do appear a little soft which means a lack of overall clarity.

The Insta360 X3 has been updated with the best 360-degree camera overall, the Insta360 X4, but it remains on sale and now represents a good value alternative if you don't need the later model's new features that include 8K video recording and improved battery life. 

At the time of launch, the X3 beat the GoPro Max (yet to be updated) for single-lens 4K clarity, and it excelled when it comes to shooting 5.7K 360-degree footage. While some processing elements can appear more synthetic than a GoPro, we found its Active HDR mode was brilliant at retaining detail in highlights. The continued effectiveness of FlowState image stabilization also impressed in testing.

We felt its significantly larger 2.29-inch touchscreen made the Insta360 X3 a much easier camera to use handheld, even if there remain a few software quirks to be ironed out. Once you’re familiar with the interface, though, it’s largely a breeze. Insta360’s editing workflow also proved seamless in testing, with diverse and intuitive tools complementing the experience. Our review time revealed the claimed 81-minute battery life to be realistic, too. Add in 10m water resistance – twice that of the GoPro Max – and the Insta360 wins out in the battle of the best X4 alternatives.

Read our in-depth Insta360 X3 review

6. GoPro Fusion

✅ You want durability: The rubber casing provides a durable design that is ideal for knocks and scapes. ✅ You want a waterproof solution: At 5m you'll be able to use this 360 degree camera even when there's water around.

❌ You need to live stream: With nothing to support this you'll need to look elsewhere. ❌ You want fast processing: Downloading of video takes an age and really removes the joy out of the creative process.

GoPro’s highly innovative camera has enjoyed a significant price drop since its launch, making it worth considering if you can't stretch to the newer GoPro Max. The Fusion can capture 360-degree video in 5.2K resolution at 30fps (or 3K at 60fps) which is great, but its real trick was the introduction of the OverCapture mode. Like the GoPro Max and Insta360 One X, this lets you film in 360 degrees then create a standard 16:9 video from the footage. 

Add GPS, a compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3D audio, and compatibility with existing GoPro mounts, and the waterproof (to a depth of 5m) Fusion is a powerful camera for the price. The newer GoPro Max brings a front-facing screen, a more compact design, six microphones (rather than four) and better image stabilization. The Fusion's last software update was also over a year ago, if these issues don't bother you then it's definitely worth considering if you need a waterproof 360-degree camera.

Read our in-depth GoPro Fusion review

How do I choose the best 360 degree camera?

The best 360 cameras come in a range of shapes, sizes and styles. That said, most models work in a similar way: they use multiple camera modules (usually two wide-angle lenses placed back-to-back) to capture footage which can then be digitally combined to create a fully spherical video.

But there are also plenty of differences between the 360 cameras in the list above. Many 360 cameras include features such as automatic stitching (which saves you the hassle of manually aligning multiple captures) and image stabilization for steady shots. The top options, including the Insta360 One X2 and GoPro Max, can also use software trickery to digitally erase compatible hand grips from the frame, so you can record yourself without a big boom  arm  blocking your shot.

Resolution varies from camera to camera. The highest resolution consumer 360 camera in 2021 is the Kandao QooCam 8K, which can shoot 360 video at 8K. More affordable options like the GoPro Max and Insta360 One X2 shoot at 5.6K and 5.7K resolutions respectively. But it’s important to remember that those numbers refer to the full 360 resolution; if you crop down to a flat frame, the resolution will be much lower (normally 1080p or less).

This cropping functionality allows you to extract a standard ‘flat’ video from the 360-degree footage. This means you can shoot everything that’s going on around you, then select an area of focus when you’re back home. This is particularly useful for fast-moving and unpredictable subjects, such as safari animals or extreme sports enthusiasts.

The relevance of other features, such as GPS, Wi-Fi and slow-mo modes, will depend on what and how you like to record. Many of the best 360 cameras feature creative shooting tools and handy connectivity features, plus smartphone apps which make editing and sharing easier.

What’s the best 360 camera for virtual tours?

360 cameras are a great choice for shooting immersive virtual tours. Upload 360 images or video to a compatible hosting platform (such as Facebook or CloudPano) and visitors will be able to explore a location in full 360 degrees from the comfort of their home. This is particularly useful for venues such as a hotels and museums, as well as real estate listings.

The right 360 camera for your virtual tour will depend primarily on whether you plan to shoot a video tour or a static photo tour. 

It’s possible to create a virtual tour simply by walking around a location while recording video. If this will be your approach, any of the top cameras in the list above should produce smooth, sharp 360-degree footage. The Kandao QooCam 8K in particular can capture detailed 8K video and benefits from SuperSteady stabilization smarts (although file sizes for 8K video are much larger and may be compressed by certain platforms).

Most virtual tours use 360-degree stills shot by a tripod-mounted camera. The best 360 cameras in 2021 can capture sharp, immersive images which are perfect for virtual tours. The Kandao QooCam 8K is again a great option here: it shoots dynamic still images at a resolution of 29.4MP (the highest of any camera in our list), allowing viewers to pan around sharp virtual scenes. It also features a tripod mount on its base for easy positioning.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, our favorite 360 camera – the Insta360 X3 – is an affordable way to shoot 360 stills for virtual tours. It also features a tripod mount and captures 360 stills at a respectable 18MP.

How we test 360 degree cameras

Our reviews are always hands on and actively compare cameras to previous versions or alternative models. We look at various elements, including design, features, performance, and image and video quality.

First up is the camera's design. During this step, we're wanting to get an idea of how the camera handles. Is it small or big, light or heavy, and is that positive or negative for the target audience? We'll put the user interface through its paces and decide how user-friendly and intuitive the workflows are. All of this will be done utilising the built-in touchscreen, which will be assessed for size, quality, and responsiveness.

360 degree cameras are well known for having various modes and feature sets that complement the core 360 degree filming functionality. We test all of these features to see how good they are and whether they are usable in a production context. While doing this, we'll use a formatted SD card to capture both video and photos to enable us to comment on the performance as it relates to quality, low-light performance, and battery life.

These types of cameras rely heavily on the use of a companion app, which we also download and test. If the app unlocks specific features or enables a live-feed view, then we'll comment on that too.

After all our testing is complete, we take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers before reaching our final verdict.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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Official virtual tour software from RICOH

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Our virtual tours are the secret weapon you need to close deals faster and attract engagement. Capture instantly professional-quality virtual tours with the mobile application, or for more control, edit with the web application.

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With the RICOH platform, patented AI technology creates a variety of contents to the highest quality. All you have to do is take a photo with the RICOH360 Tours app and you can focus on the important work.

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It allows AI to automatically generate print-quality photographs from 360-degree images captured with RICOH360 Tours.

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Estate Media Services

Customer Voice #2

I spent a lot of time doing my research, and compared every option out there, from Matterport to Insta360 and others, and in every category, RICOH360 Tours edged out its competition. I am extremely impressed with how simple it is to deploy the camera on site. I am able to set up, shoot a tour for a 2500 square foot home, pack up the camera and be on my way in about 20 minutes.

Jason Shanahan

Wandering Surfer Photography

Customer Voice #3

I was pleasantly surprised how affordable with just $45/month for unlimited listing compared to the over $1k monthly expense I had with Matterport. We were in the field inspecting roughly 20 houses per day and capturing everything on our RICOH camera in less than 10 min per home. I am extremely grateful to the RICOH360 Tours team.

Red Summit Partners

Customer Voice #4

Real estate rental brokerage and management

Since we handle about 90,000 * real estate brokerage properties annually, we decided to introduce RICOH360 Tours because we were attracted to the fact that 360 ° panoramic tours can be released unlimitedly and AI video generation that automatically generates videos from panoramic images. I did. We are creating videos to be selected as a representative property of the portal, but by using RICOH360 Tours, we can make videos from panoramic photos, which has improved work efficiency and reduced variations in video quality. * As of January 2022

Relife Co., Ltd.

Customer Voice #5

The 360 ​​° panoramic tour is used to post on the company's website and to narrow down the property with customers when serving customers at the store. I used to use another company's panoramic tour production service, but I switched to RICOH360 Tours. The deciding factor for the introduction was that it was easy to create a tour, it was open to the public unlimitedly, and it was reasonably priced.

Kansai Home Service Co., Ltd.

Customer Voice #6

Camper sales

The interior of the camper is posted on our website. By showing the part where the image is difficult to convey in the two-dimensional photograph on the panoramic tour, you can see 360 ​​° as if you were inside the car on the HP before coming to the store, so the gap when actually observing Can be filled in, contributing to smooth contracts.

Annex Co., Ltd. Camping Car Plaza Osaka

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Best virtual tour camera 2021 (plus: XPhase X2 review)

What is the best virtual tour camera? Do you need to get a new one or is your 360 camera good enough for virtual tours? How do you get better photo quality from your 360 camera? We’ll cover all of them in this video, plus the review of the XPhase Pro X2.

Here is the video:

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1:48 Ricoh Theta SC2 2:55 Kandao Qoocam 8K 4:42 Insta360 One X2 (similar to One R and One X) 5:57 Mi Sphere / Madventure 360 7:28 Theta Z1 8:44 HQ Method 2 Signature Look for 360 cameras 10:14 XPhase S2 vs XPhase X2 12:55 XPhase X2 problem 15:00 DSLR or mirrorless camera for virtual tour

If you want to compare the photos side by side, you can do so with the 360 camera comparison tool.

Compared to my virtual tour camera comparison last year , some 360 cameras are no longer available, such as the Ricoh Theta V.  However, there are new 360 cameras in this comparison, including Theta SC2 and XPhase Pro X2.

SIGNATURE LOOK FOR 360 CAMERAS

What if you have a limited budget but you want the best image quality?  In my opinion, the right shooting and editing technique can make a 360 photo look arguably as good as, or possibly better than a standard photo from a DSLR.  Here is a sample with the Signature Look for 360 cameras:

The Signature Look for 360 cameras can be used with any 360 camera that has manual exposure.  It requires special shooting techniques as well as equipment.  It will take more time to shoot.  In this case, it took me 10 minutes.  The Signature Look for 360 cameras will also require more time to edit.  Not including batch processing, this one required 15 minutes of editing.  The complete tutorial will be included in the HQ Method.

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Hi Mic, what Sony camera are you using?

Hi Sandra. For the DSLR/mirrorless photos in this comparison, I used Sony a6300. In the VTE2 sample, I used Sony a7R4 iirc.

Best regards, Mic

Hi Mic. Is there any news or rumors about an update to the misphere? It was a great entry level 360 camera.

Sorry, the madv team behind the mi sphere has now switched to an entirely different industry… there will be no Mi Sphere 2.

Yeah, it’s sad that they pivoted to video doorbells.

Some of the best optics in the industry to this day, not many cameras in the sub-$1000 price range beat it

Just adding enough RAM to burst 3 bracketed shots to RAM before saving the DNGs out to SD card alone would have been a game changer for the Sphere.

Heck, even just adding raw bracketing with the existing slow shoot/save/shoot/save would be a massive improvement. But we haven’t seen a firmware update since the expired SSL certificate fix and almost surely won’t again. 🙁

Could you please advise me for the best lens for Sony Riv for 360 (i want something can take the place in 3-4 photos max) thank you

Hi, Whats the result in night because i was thinking to buy but I work mostly in night

Hi Elia. Shooting virtual tours at night will be tricky because usually you will see different sources of light. For example, tungsten, fluorescent, and LED all have different colors. Because you will be doing a lot of color adjustment, the ideal camera would be a DSLR / mirrorless. https://360rumors.com/dslr-virtual-tour-faq-camera-lens-guide-virtual-tour-edge/ But if you want to use a 360 camera, then I would recommend Theta Z1, which has the most accurate colors and best latitude for adjustments. https://amzn.to/3yqP1Vw

Which 360 Camera is Best for Real Estate Virtual Tours (2023)?

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a 360 photo is the whole book. There is no better way to visualise the internal area of any real estate than with an interactive 360 photo, and now it’s possible for anyone to shoot super-high quality 360 photos for real estate. Virtual tours are becoming an increasingly popular tool for realtors to show off their most impressive listings, but how easy is it to create these VR tours and what camera should you use?

There are now dozens of all-in-one 360 cameras that make shooting 360 photo and video extremely simple, but if you’re not familiar with the product category you may find it hard to choose the right one. Thankfully I’ve used an tested pretty much all 360 cameras and I can tell you now that you only need to choose between two.

The 360 Cameras Most Suitable for Real Estate Virtual Tours (Updated April 2023):

Best Quality: Insta360 1 Inch 360-Edition

Sharpest  Images: Ricoh Theta X

1/2 Inch Sensors | 60MP Photos | HDR auto Bracketing | Easy to Use

Cheaper Option: Trisio Lite 2

Why these cameras you ask? They each have specific features that make them excellent for taking photos and a few others that make creating virtual tours easier too. Most other 360 cameras focus heavily on video , which is great, but not really important when creating virtual tours for real estate.

In this post you’ll see example images shot with a variety of cameras; this will allow you to see the quality you can expect from them. You can also improve photo quality if you are proficient at editing.

At the end of this post you’ll see an example shot with a DSLR 360 panorama rig. DSLR panoramic rigs were traditionally how 360 photos were created prior to the all-in-one devices. These rigs are quite expensive, require a lot of shooting and editing time and need specialist software, however the quality is excellent if you get it right.

Can the all-in-one cameras like the Insta360 1 Inch 360 Edition match up to the DSRL panoramic rig in terms of quality? Probably not, but creating a virtual tour with one takes far, far less time and is do-able for anyone who knows how to work a smartphone. Let’s have a look at those comparisons between the different systems, their positives, negatives and total cost.

Insta360 1 Inch 360 Edition

Difficult: Medium

Price : $$$$

Time for Each Panorama: 15 Mins

Equipment Required: Camera, Tripod

Software Required: Adobe Lightroom, Insta360 Studio

Example 360 Photo: 

Analysis 

The Insta360 1 Inch 360 Edition is only the second all-in-one 360 camera to feature dual 1-Inch sensors, which make it far more suited to photography than other 360 cameras. Not only this, but the Insta360 can shoot DNG RAW images, features an AI photo enhancer and a workflow that’s reasonably simple to pick up.

The 1 Inch 360 Edition can shoot higher resolution 360 images than it’s closest competitor and features a touch screen for easy manual control. This is a very easy to use camera and anyone who has a modern phone should be able to master all its functions. 

To get the absolute best quality out of this camera you will need to shoot in the DNG RAW mode with HDR also activated. This will allow you to edit your images in Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to massively improve dynamic range, colour, contrast and noise.

But if you are not keen on subscribing to those apps, then the Free Insta360 Studio is able to automatically apply these improvements with the Pureshot feature, however you won’t be able to adjust any individual settings. 

The image quality is second to none with the Insta360 1-Inch Edition and is pretty much the best you are going to get out of an all-in-one 360 camera right now. 

• High Quality 360 Photos
• Easy to Use
• Pureshot Mode
• One Inch Sensors 
• Free Software
• High Quality Video
• Can Overheat 

What about the Ricoh Theta Z1

Equipment Required: Ricoh Theta Z1 Camera, Tripod

Software Required: Adobe Lightroom

The Ricoh Theta Z1 was for a long time the perfect all in one 360 camera for shooting virtual tours. It also features two 1 inch sensors and can shoot RAW DNG allowing for greater editing potential, Ricoh have even developed a plugin for Lightroom to allow you to stitch and edit in one program. You also also have the option of automatic HDR which requires even less editing but still produces great results.

However compared to the Insta360 1 Inch 360 Edition the Theta Z1 has a poor design with no Micro-SD Card slot, no touch screen and lower resolution images. 

It’s certainly true that the Theta Z1 is powerful enough to be used to create very high quality virtual tours, and the results rival that of some DSLR’s. But the camera is fairly old now and you still have to pay a premium price. I’m still including it in this line-up as some people may prefer Ricoh products and I want to be clear that it’s still a decent option. 

• Auto HDR Mode
• One Inch Sensors Superior
• Lighroom Plugin
• Lower Resolution than Competitors
• No MicroSD Slot

Ricoh Theta X

Difficult: Easy

Price : $$$

Time for Each Panorama: 2 Mins

Equipment Required: Ricoh Theta X Camera, Tripod

Software Required: None

The Theta X is literally designed to be the perfect workhorse virtual tour camera. It lacks the higher quality sensors of the Z1 but adds so many user friendly options. The large touch screen, MicroSD slot and removable battery make this a very easy to use camera.

The Theta X can shoot very large 60MP images, the highest of any consumer 360 camera. Using the auto HDR mode results in great looking, sharp images that captures a lot of details. The smaller sensors means the images aren’t as attractive as the Z1 however the Theta X can capture more detail, which might be more important in some situations.

The Theta X has been marketed as a high quality virtual tour camera that’s as east to use as your iPhone and for the most part it achieves this.

• Highest Resolution Images
• Very User Friendly
• No Software Required
• Lots of Memory
• Smaller Sensor Size

Trisio Lite 2

Time for Each Panorama: 4 Mins

Equipment Required: Trisio Lite 2, Tripod

Software Required: Trisio App

Example 360 Photos

The Trisio Lite 2 camera is slightly different than the other camera on this list. The camera features just one lens compared to others that include two. The Trisio works by turning on its axis, shooting images as it goes along and then stitching them together automatically.

This ingenious design allows the camera to be cheaper than its competitors while retaining high quality images. The max resolution is 32MP which is enough to capture plenty of details, there is also an auto HDR mode which boosts the dynamic range of your images.

On the downside there is no option for shooting video and very limited photo options too. You won’t have much control over how your images look.

• High Resolution Images
• Cheaper Option
• No Video Mode
• Limited Options

The above options are probably the three to choose from as of 2022. Depending on your budget and why you need to shoot Virtual Tours you could happily use either of these three. For high quality VR tours for larger houses then the Z1 is still the best.

For other professions, like the construction industry for example, or real estate for smaller units, the Theta X is the best option and it’s by far the easiest to use. The budget option is the Tiriso Lite.

Other Options

Time for Each Panorama: 5 Mins

Equipment Required: QooCam 8K, Tripod

Software Required: QooCam Studio, Kandao Raw +, Photoshop/Lightroom 

The QooCam 8K is the first consumer 360 camera that can shoot 8K resolution video. While this is impressive it doesn’t help those who want to create virtual tours with 360 photos. Thankfully the QooCam is also a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to shooting photos.

The QooCam 8K can shoot DNG 8 photos with excellent results. This mode stacks 8 DNG photos together to create very high dynamic range images that look great in virtually all types of lighting. This mode will allow you to capture more detail than ever and avoid over exposed light areas.

Working with these file types can be a bit tricky and you’ll need to download a special desktop program to combine all the images together. You may also need a program like Photoshop of Lightroom for the finishing touches, but within a few minutes your 360 images should be ready for uploading to a virtual tour.

The QooCam features larger sensors than most consumer 360 cameras which allows it to capture more detail and avoid blurred images. Compared to the Theta Z1 the QooCam doesn’t match up in terms of hardware but it does have more shooting options and an easier workflow.

Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere

Equipment Required: Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere Camera, Tripod

Analysis: 

The Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere is a fairly cheap 360 camera that can shoot impressive 24 megapixel images. The camera has been widely praised for its photo taking abilities which is why it’s one of the two options for shooting real estate virtual tours. The Mi Sphere shoots 360 photos with just the tap of a button and no manual stitching is required.

The above photo was created using three separate images, shot with the bracketing mode feature on the camera. This mode forces the Mi Sphere to shoot a dark, normal and bright image, you then combine them to create an overall superior quality panorama. Unfortunately the camera itself can’t combine the images together, so you’ll need to do this manually with a program like lightroom.

The quality of the image is a downgrade from the DSLR rig and there is some blurriness in the background, but overall it does a decent job and someone who is a better editor than me could easily make this a much more dynamic image, but again this is more editing time.  For just over $200 the Mi Sphere is certainly the most cost effective way to create indoor virtual tours.

• Bracketing Option
• High Resolution Image
• Some Blurriness
• Less Dynamic
• Merging of Photos Needs External Software

DSLR Panorama Rig

Difficult: Hard

Price : $$$$$

Time for Each Panorama: 30 mins +

Equipment Required: DSLR, Wide Angel Lens, Tripod, Panoramic Tripod Head

Software Required: Adobe Lightroom, Stitching Program (PTGui) 

The quality of the image is undoubted, not to mention the brightness and colour accuracy. DLSR rigs allow you to create such high quality panoramas because the lenses are very good at capturing light and detail. You are also taking 8-10 separate photos and manually stitching them into a single one, which means there is no loss of quality.

Some drawbacks to this, apart from the large amount of time it takes, is that there can be stitching errors visible in the image. You can spot a few here if you look carefully, for example at the bottom of the door. These errors are caused when you haven’t quite lined up two images properly, most of the time they can be fixed but require you to spend more time in editing. If you have a lot of photos to take in your tour, you could find yourself spending hours editing and stitching images together.

To achieve this you’ll need to invest in some software packages, particularly a stitching program such as PTGui. This along with the price of the equipment makes this an expensive as well as time consuming way to shoot real estate virtual tours, but certainly produces the best results. For this shot I used a Samyang Fish Eye Lens , which is actually one of the cheaper fish eye lenses suitable for 360 photography.

• Highest Quality Image
• Not Overexposed or blurred
• Time Intensive
• Requires Skill to Get Right
• Tripod More Visible
• No Video Option

So which 360 camera is the best for real estate virtual tours? It depends what you want to achieve. If you need to absolute best quality then you’ll still need to use a DLSR rig. If you can sacrifice a bit of quality, then the Ricoh Theta V is an excellent option that will save you a huge amount of time. If cost is an issue then the Mi Sphere will do a decent job for a very low price.

If I had to choose, I’d pick the Ricoh Theta V as an excellent compromise between quality, time taken and price. You can get the Theta V from Amazon for around $429 and it can also shoot 4K 360 video.

No matter which camera you choose, the investment will be worth it. I’ve had countless enquiries from real estate agents asking about 360 photo, video and virtual tours and I think it’s going to become a standard part of the industry within the next few years.

See Also: How to Start a Virtual Tour Business 

Which is the Best 360 Camera to Take Skiing & Snowboarding

These Are The Best 360 Cameras in 2023: Every Camera Compared

Tags: Real estate Virtual Reality

The 360 Guy

Owner of threesixtycameras.com. Writer, photographer and videographer. You can see my YouTube channel for guides of how to shoot 360 video. I've written for The Times, Digital Photography School and Sunday Express. 

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Hey 360guy, sooo looking at the Mi vs the Ricoh, im surprised to see the Mi’s spherical being softer than the Theta?

But if one want to take the next step up. whats the most impressive 1-click spherical files?

What would be the best camara for 360 videos??

I got into real estate 360 virtual tour thanks to you, since I am on the budget I was lucky to get me a Ricoh Theta S (older model) for $150.00, for pictures still good. Now i need more clients to save some bucks to get a better camera that can take 360 videos for indoor low lights and outdoor sports such as biking.

Thanks looking forward to hear from you soon.

Keep the good work.

Which program can I use to make a final virtual tour with Ricoh Theta V?

Stitch with PTGUI and upload to Kuula for simple tour!

Awesome article, thank you for taking the time. I’m getting ready to enter the real estate market in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island and want a way to make my future clients listings really stand out. With my technical background and the affordable cost of these 360 cameras it seems like a good move. The Ricoh Theta V seems like a good bet for my needs. Do you have any better recommendations now that this article is several months old?

Hi, what about Matterport camera? What is your opinion? I am interested in buying it. Thanks

I’m looking at the Matterport samples. They allow you to travel/surf through a building or apartment to view the entire building instead of just doing a 360 view. Are the cameras you review on this post able to do the same thing? If so is it a lot more work than if I just purchased a Matterport?

The Ricoh Theta V is discontinued. It appears the SC2 has replaced it. Is the SC2 comparable to the V and would you recommend it for real estate tours?

I’m a big fan of 360 cameras for real estate tours. I’ve tried a few different models and the one I like the best is the Ricoh Theta S. It’s easy to use and has great resolution.

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Virtual Tours made easy. Create, edit, share.

Kuula is the most popular , award winning software that makes it easy to create 3d 360 virtual tours for any business., kuula is the most popular virtual tour software to create 3d 360 tours for real estate, architecture, construction, art galleries, education and more..

It takes less than 30 seconds!

• Photo of the day by Click and drag to look around

Create Virtual Tours that engage your audience

Our editor is simple but packed with powerful features. With the PRO and Business plans you can create unlimited tours, add labels, custom hotspots, nadir and zenith patches, background audio, interactive cards and floor plans. Create beautiful 3D 360 tours that your users won't easily forget!

The smoothest and most efficient 3D 360 Virtual Tour player on the web

Don't just show images to your clients - give them an experience! Kuula offers the smoothest and most efficient 3D 360 Virtual Tour player on the web. Perfect to the last detail.

Easily share, embed and add to listings

Virtual Tours are a great way to increase user engagement. Thanks to Kuula, you can easily add 3D 360 content to your website. Our feature-rich Export Editor allows you to adjust the player settings the way you want. With Kuula PRO , you can add custom branding and with BUSINESS - you can use your own domain!

Let your virtual tours shine on mobile

Over 50% of your users are on mobile. Give them the best experience! With Kuula, you get virtual tour experience optimized for mobile devices. Viewers will enjoy your 360 content on a small screen as much as they do on a large one.

Enter the world of Virtual Reality

Letting clients view your content in VR has never been easier! Thanks to Kuula WebXR support, users can explore your 3D 360 tours on a variety of Virtual Reality headsets. No need to install any apps, no barriers.

Reach anyone, anywhere

Easy sharing is at the core of Kuula. We want to help you share your Virtual Tours with everyone on the web. Whether you want to share a tour in a real estate listing, embed on a website or simply share a link via email - Kuula makes it easy to reach your audience, wherever they are.

All cameras supported!

Kuula supports all panoramic images. Whether you shoot with a 360 camera such as Ricoh Theta, Labpano or Insta360, use a DSLR or render your images with 3D software - they can all be uploaded and shared on Kuula. Even non-panoramic images are supported!

A worldwide community

Kuula is used by companies and photographers all over the world. Our dedication to quality and usability has made Kuula the leading 3D 360 Virtual Tour platform. Join today and try it for free!

What users say about Kuula

Kuula stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s a perfect mix of professional features, a super easy to use interface and the price is one of the best of all the paid platforms. It’s my software of choice! Ben Claremont VirtualTourPro

Kuula is one of the most popular 360 photo sharing platforms. They have distinguished themselves from other photo sharing sites by constantly adding new features. Michael Ty 360rumors

Kuula provides high picture quality in user friendly interface for my 360 panoramas. It's improving in time - new features are added regularly. Sharing your 360 panoramas on Kuula will be a long term relationship! Martin Kulhavy www.martin.kulhavy.info

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About kuula.

Kuula is the most popular, award winning 3D 360 virtual tour software that makes it easy to create virtual tours for any business.

It is used by over 350,000 of professionals, artists and companies from all over the world. Our users have uploaded over 10,000,000 panoramic photos that were viewed over 1 billion times!

Kuula was founded in 2016 in Los Angeles, California ☀️

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We distilled years of experience with 360 photography into a concise introduction. Read our guide

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Kuula Pro offers interactive hotspots, virtual tours, branded embeds, batch uploads, private posts and premium support. See features and pricing

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Create And Display Virtual Tours In 360º and VR

CloudPano 360° virtual tour software empowers you to create 360° virtual tours. With a few clicks, you can upload, connect, and publish a 360° immersive experience and host a 360º video chat call. No coding required. Get started today, its free. Sign Up Now.

How CloudPano Works

Create a 360° virtual tour with our easy three-step process.

Use any 360º camera, video or the CloudPano mobile app

Upload to CloudPano.com and create your tour

Share your tour with the world

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Getting Started

What is a 360º virtual tour.

A 360º virtual tour on CloudPano is a marketing and sales tool to view and share a space in an immersive 360º environment. With a smartphone, the CloudPano viewer responds to your movement. This creates a responsive and immersive view of the property or interior space. Create your first 360º virtual tour in 5 minutes or less.

Add or Embed 360º Virtual Tours on any Website

(no app or plugin required).

When you publish a 360º virtual tour on CloudPano.com, you will automatically receive a code based link. You can embed your tour right onto your website. We host the tour, you show it off to the world.

Check out a live example

Cloudpano 360º virtual tour examples.

Explore some of our featured 360º tours from the CloudPano community

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Boosted listing exposure with our exclusive 3rd party integration network

Your CloudPano 360º tours automatically integrate with realtor.com, Zillow, Apartments.com, Zumper, Hotpads, Trulia, Dealer.com and more!

If you are marketing real estate, you can embed your 360º tours on 3rd party listings and your website.

The CloudPano team is constantly innovating with industry leaders.

Simple 3D Tour Creation

Create your first tour in under five minutes.

Upload photos using a drag-and-drop interface. Click a single button to set an initial view for each scene. Add hotspots to navigate your tour.

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Customize your logo

Set initial view

Re-order scenes

Share In Full 360º and VR

Share and display on any smart device out of the box.

Give meaningful experiences to your viewers. Built-in motion sensing capabilities and VR-goggle modes work right in the mobile browser. Reach your customer on any platform. Simply share your virtual tour with a single URL link.

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No app to download

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Customize Your Tour Branding

Add logos, embedded media, google analytics, and more.

Use linked hotspots to teleport between scenes. Add your logo and establish your brand. Embed video, raw HTML, chat bots - anything.

Customize Your Logo

Contact Information

Share on social media

Keep Your Custom URL

White-label your virtual tour

Use your own website domain.

Remove all references of CloudPano.com. Use your own logo and keep your website domain. Easily use your own URL. Add 360º virtual tours into your business and keep our name hidden.

Customize Your URL

Remove CloudPano Branding

Create Google Street View Virtual Tours

Business owners can upload 360º photos directly to Google Street View and keep their Google My Business listing up-to-date. When you create a Google Street View virtual tour on CloudPano, you integrate your 360º virtual tour with Google Maps. ‍ Boost local SEO and create a walkthrough experience inside your Google Maps and Google My Business listing.

Live 360º Video Chat

Our market-leading 360º video chat lets you hop into a 360º sales environment with one click. Share your screen and guide your participants through the CloudPano virtual tour. Quickly turn a 360º virtual tour prospect into an active and engaged lead thats ready to buy now .

No app download required

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Join from any device

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With one click jump into a video call and start closing in 360º.

3D Dollhouse Floor Plans

Add immersive 3D dollhouse floor plans to your virtual tours. With a few clicksyou can create and customize 3D floor plans that connect and engage inside yourvirtual tour experience. If you are looking for 3D floor plan software, CloudPano is the perfectvirtual tour solution.

Add 3D floor plans to your virtual tours

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Order floor plans done for you!

CloudPano is the only 3D floor plan and dollhouse software you need.

The Perfect Software Toolkit For Virtual Tour Entrepreneurs

Start a local 360º virtual tour business, add virtual reality marketing to current business.

A Robust Software Solution To Power Your Virtual Tour Revenue

Private Label / White Label - Keep Your Website Domain Name and Protect Your Brand

Add or Embed Your Published 360º Virtual Tours Directly To Your Website or Blog (Wordpress Compatible)

Present Your 360º Tours In A Virtual Reality Headset

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CloudPano.com is a Virtual Tour Software built for entrepreneurs, photographers and real estate agents, brokers, car dealers, RV dealers, manufacturers and sales teams. You will be empowered to create world class 360º/VR virtual tours quickly, market at a high level AND keep your brand on the front of tour. If you are looking for a 360º virtual tour software built for the business owner - you are in the right place.

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User testimonials.

"The technology is pretty amazing and the finished 3D tour is high definition. The tours played well on everything from a desktop to a cellphone. Highly recommended."

Donald Pierce

“ It's marketing like that this that makes you stick out amongst your competition ... and ultimately this moves property at a high level."

Carmello Pronesti

“ This technology changes the game. My customers are very excited about it. And I know when my customers are excited about it, I am going to make some more money . ”

Mark Mckinney

"360 tours are an easy way to upsell my clients on location. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to create a virtual tour on CloudPano.com."

Brian Berkowitz

“ CloudPano has a crisp and clean design . Plus the platform hosts the 360 virtual tours for me, so I can create tours quickly and get back to shooting."

Tony Thagard

I appreciate your team helping me out along the way and answering all questions that I have had so far. I am excited to continue to grow my business with the help of you and your team."

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360 Camera 3D Virtual Tour Real Estate Kit - Gear Includes: Tripod, Digital Camera Rotator, Fisheye Cam Lens (Asteroom iPhone/Samsung Phone Case Not Included, Purchased Separately on Amazon)

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• 📷 Turn your smartphone into a 360 degree camera to create 3D virtual tours with this 3D Tour Kit. In 15 minutes (1 minute per photo) with no training, you can shoot, upload and share your 3D virtual tours anywhere online.
• Create high-quality 360 virtual tours using smartphones by taking 360-degree panoramic images. Photos are converted into tours in our iOS and Android app in 24-48 hours.
• Creating a tour starts at $59 per tour in our mobile app and includes all of the following with each tour: 3D Dollhouse to showcase the layout of your property, and image touch up to polish your tours to professional image quality, and 2d floor plan to get full dimensions. HDR photo compatibility, teaser videos, viewership analytics, and much more.
• RECOMMENDED FOR BETTER QUALITY. Asteroom Phone Cases are available for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. These allow for the highest image quality. Mobile app compatible with 360 Ricoh V camera, Gopro, and insta 360 cameras but phones provide higher resolutions and are recommended.
• No monthly subscription. $59 per active tour. Create your first 3D tour for FREE. Find the redeem voucher in the box to activate this promotion.

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Customers like the quality, ease of use, value, and resolution of the camera. They mention that it produces stunning results, is very easy to setup, and that the software is incredibly user-friendly. They appreciate the high quality resolution and the fact that it allows them to create stunning virtual tours of homes.

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Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They mention that it is affordable, easy to use, and produces stunning results. Some say that the app does an amazing job of putting a 3D tour together. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it as a great tool for real estate agents.

"...It's affordable, easy to use, and produces stunning results .Thank you for providing such an excellent product." Read more

"...This camera was quick and easy to setup, and the app did an amazing job of putting a 3D tour together in high quality resolution...." Read more

"I love this thing. As a new agent, this is a great tool . It adds value to your listings and the clients love it...." Read more

"... Worked perfectly , didn't have the problems with the app crashing others have noted...." Read more

Customers find the camera and software easy to use. They say the software is incredibly user-friendly and straightforward. Customers also say the camera is quick and easy to setup.

"...It's affordable, easy to use , and produces stunning results.Thank you for providing such an excellent product." Read more

"...They made it so easy to use the software all they would need to do is host the data...." Read more

"Customer service is awesome, very friendly . I would recommend this product" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the value of the camera film. They mention that it is very affordable, saves them money in their business, and makes homes easier to sell.

"...I can use it with any smartphone, making it an affordable option for realtors who don't want to invest in expensive camera equipment...." Read more

"...Homes are much easier to sell with a 3D tour, and you get less “tire kickers “ stopping by if they have already walked through the home virtually…...." Read more

"...recommend the kit and I think the service @ $59 per tour is a really good value ." Read more

"...There are a few extra things you do need to buy but not super expensive ... It literally walks you through the entire thing on the app. Super easy...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the resolution of the camera. They mention that the pictures are crisp and clear, and it takes good panoramic 360 pictures. The high-quality resolution allows them to create stunning virtual tours of homes. The kit includes software that allows them create multiple floor views.

"...The kit includes software that allows me to create stunning virtual tours of homes using just my smartphone camera...." Read more

"...the app did an amazing job of putting a 3D tour together in high quality resolution ...." Read more

"This device will take good panoramic 360 pictures . But you cannot create a 3D floor plans unless you pay additional $59 dollars for every use...." Read more

"...carry, to do a job takes 15 to 30 min so I'm in and out pictures are very crisp and clear all this with just using my cellphone I'm using a Samsung..." Read more

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New NASA Black Hole Visualization Takes Viewers Beyond the Brink

Ever wonder what happens when you fall into a black hole? Now, thanks to a new, immersive visualization produced on a NASA supercomputer, viewers can plunge into the event horizon, a black hole’s point of no return.

“People often ask about this, and simulating these difficult-to-imagine processes helps me connect the mathematics of relativity to actual consequences in the real universe,” said Jeremy Schnittman, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who created the visualizations. “So I simulated two different scenarios, one where a camera — a stand-in for a daring astronaut — just misses the event horizon and slingshots back out, and one where it crosses the boundary, sealing its fate.”

The visualizations are available in multiple forms. Explainer videos act as sightseeing guides, illuminating the bizarre effects of Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Versions rendered as 360-degree videos let viewers look all around during the trip, while others play as flat all-sky maps.

To create the visualizations, Schnittman teamed up with fellow Goddard scientist Brian Powell and used the Discover supercomputer at the NASA Center for Climate Simulation . The project generated about 10 terabytes of data — equivalent to roughly half of the estimated text content in the Library of Congress — and took about 5 days running on just 0.3% of Discover’s 129,000 processors. The same feat would take more than a decade on a typical laptop.

The destination is a supermassive black hole with 4.3 million times the mass of our Sun, equivalent to the monster located at the center of our Milky Way galaxy.

“If you have the choice, you want to fall into a supermassive black hole,” Schnittman explained. “Stellar-mass black holes, which contain up to about 30 solar masses,  possess much smaller event horizons and stronger tidal forces, which can rip apart approaching objects before they get to the horizon.”

This occurs because the gravitational pull on the end of an object nearer the black hole is much stronger than that on the other end. Infalling objects stretch out like noodles, a process astrophysicists call spaghettification .

The simulated black hole’s event horizon spans about 16 million miles (25 million kilometers), or about 17% of the distance from Earth to the Sun. A flat, swirling cloud of hot, glowing gas called an accretion disk surrounds it and serves as a visual reference during the fall. So do glowing structures called photon rings, which form closer to the black hole from light that has orbited it one or more times. A backdrop of the starry sky as seen from Earth completes the scene.

As the camera approaches the black hole, reaching speeds ever closer to that of light itself, the glow from the accretion disk and background stars becomes amplified in much the same way as the sound of an oncoming racecar rises in pitch. Their light appears brighter and whiter when looking into the direction of travel.

The movies begin with the camera located nearly 400 million miles (640 million kilometers) away, with the black hole quickly filling the view. Along the way, the black hole’s disk, photon rings, and the night sky become increasingly distorted — and even form multiple images as their light traverses the increasingly warped space-time.

In real time, the camera takes about 3 hours to fall to the event horizon, executing almost two complete 30-minute orbits along the way. But to anyone observing from afar, it would never quite get there. As space-time becomes ever more distorted closer to the horizon, the image of the camera would slow and then seem to freeze just shy of it. This is why astronomers originally referred to black holes as “frozen stars.”

At the event horizon, even space-time itself flows inward at the speed of light, the cosmic speed limit. Once inside it, both the camera and the space-time in which it's moving rush toward the black hole's center — a one-dimensional point called a singularity , where the laws of physics as we know them cease to operate.

“Once the camera crosses the horizon, its destruction by spaghettification is just 12.8 seconds away,” Schnittman said. From there, it’s only 79,500 miles (128,000 kilometers) to the singularity. This final leg of the voyage is over in the blink of an eye.

In the alternative scenario, the camera orbits close to the event horizon but it never crosses over and escapes to safety. If an astronaut flew a spacecraft on this 6-hour round trip while her colleagues on a mothership remained far from the black hole, she’d return 36 minutes younger than her colleagues. That’s because time passes more slowly near a strong gravitational source and when moving near the speed of light.

“This situation can be even more extreme,” Schnittman noted. “If the black hole were rapidly rotating, like the one shown in the 2014 movie ‘Interstellar,’ she would return many years younger than her shipmates.”

By Francis Reddy NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center , Greenbelt, Md. Media Contact: Claire Andreoli 301-286-1940 [email protected] NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Related Terms

• Astrophysics
• Black Holes
• Galaxies, Stars, & Black Holes
• Galaxies, Stars, & Black Holes Research
• Goddard Space Flight Center
• Supermassive Black Holes
• The Universe

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At PGA Championship, CBS Sports Bolsters Aerial, Bunker Camera Lineup; Takes Viewers Deeper with Optimotion Swing Tech

Operational effort features more than 125 cameras, 150 microphones, and robust real-time graphics.

By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 2:28 pm Print This Story | Subscribe

Story Highlights

Golf’s second major of the year is underway and CBS Sports is bringing one of its biggest live production efforts ever this week to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville for the 106th PGA Championship.

“I’m so proud of our golf team. They truly think they set the standard in the industry,” says David Berson , the newly-minted President and CEO of CBS Sports (he takes over following the retirement of Sean McManus at The Masters). “I don’t think that our golf coverage has ever been better than it is today. I’m just really thrilled with the coverage we have.”

Graphics Put the Viewer First

While ESPN broadcasts and streams coverage on the first two days of the tournament, coverage shifts over to CBS Television Network and Paramount+ for the push to finish on Saturday and Sunday. On the linear broadcast, data-filled real-time graphics continue to revolutionize coverage of live golf.

An example of CBS Sports’ work in implementing OptiMotion technology into the broadcast from earlier this year.

One of the new highlights for this PGA Championship is the use of GOLFTEC OptiMotion Swing Analysis Technology. First implemented by CBS Sports during its PGA Tour West Coast Swing earlier this year, the visual breaks down swing dynamics for the viewer. Lead analyst Trevor Immelman presents biomechanical swing data on elements like hip turn and shoulder tilt. It also helps comparing and contrasting between golfers.

CBS loves the technology as it allows its coverage to lean into the educational aspect of viewers looking to improve their own golf swing.

“We haven’t even scratched the surface on the data, and so the old line of ‘the sky’s the limit’ applies in this case,” says CBS Sports lead golf producer   Sellers Shy . “It not only helps the viewer understand the player’s swing, but Trevor is also working very hard in having it relate to the viewer at home. That’s what their goal is: to help the casual fan and the extreme golfer; both ends of the handicap spectrum. [We are] trying to help their swings out. Trevor really adds to the data that we’ve seen because it can be a challenge to put in layman’s terms.”

Mike Francis, VP, Engineering and Technology, CBS Sports noted that the operations team used GOLFTEC OptiMotion Swing Analysis on the driving range during coverage of The Masters last month. It’s also been utilized across significant PGA Tour events this season.

That’s just the new star in a robust graphics effort designed to better tell the story of live golf. The modern mainstay, TopTracer, is at Valhalla on all 18 holes and even the practice facility. The 3D radar tracking system provides viewer with an accurate visual representation of distance, height, and curvature of a shot in realtime. Additionally, Toptracer is outfitted on four RF mini cameras to add versatility to ball tracking graphics. These allow for the show to get select TopTracer graphics on second and third shots from the fairway.

Additionally, CBS Sports is deploying ARL Virtual Eye Side Slab Flight Track. This virtual eye technology leverages Toptracer ball tracking on tee shots to provide an overhead slab view of the hole. Available on all 18 holes, the offering also brings back full page displays detailing how golfers played certain holes during previous rounds with virtual flyover animations.

Over the past decade, these graphical enhancements have proven to be critical storytelling tools for CBS Sports’ Executive Producer and EVP, Production Harold Bryant , Shy and fellow producer Jim Rikhoff , and directors Steve Milton and Rob Matina .

Aerial, Bunker, Cinematic Cameras Deliver the Images

The last time this major visited Valhalla was in 2014 and since then the course has undergone a significant renovation. That offers some new visual storytelling opportunities for CBS Sports. The back nine will surely become a star of the show, most notably the par-5 18th hole. CBS Sports has run one of its FlyCams along the green area at 18, as well as laying BunkerCams in the sand.

The end of a FlyCam run at Valhalla Golf Club for this weekend’s PGA Championship. (Photo Courtesy CBS Sports)

“They redid it through and through,” says Shy. “It has a gorgeous new, fresh appearance. We also are taking what we learned from the previous championships there, specifically in 2014, and enhancing those areas. You’re going to see a lot of activity around 13, 14, and 18 because it’s going to be a popular place. 13 is in our logo. 14 is an incredible par three with bunkers all the way around. Then 18 is a par-five finish, which you don’t normally see. There’s been extreme preparation put into this week and we’re ready.”

Aerial coverage will inevitably shine at a golf event like this. FlyCam has also been rigged above the 13th green and 14th tee. There will also be live drones (from Kaze Aerial Production) and the iconic Goodyear Blimp taking the skies.

Shallow depth-of-field “cinematic” looks also continue to grow in popularity as part of the CBS Sports golf production plan. A full Steadicam will shoot in the mode while two of the network’s Atlas cameras (smaller handheld devices) will also roam the course on RF.

Down in the dirt, BunkerCams continue to improve and expand. The 360-degree cameras offer unique vantage points from the 14th and 18th holes.

For scenic and establishing shots, CBS has put out what it is calling Falcon 360 , an immersive 360-degree camera offering panoramic views of Valhalla.

“Our coverage here has evolved quite a bit since that last time 10 years ago,” says Francis. “We’ve basically approached this with a fresh set of eyes. We have new technical leadership, we have new production leadership since we’ve been here last, so this really is a first look for us.”

Francis helps run operations alongside CBS Sports’ EVP, Operations & Engineering Patty Power ; SVP, Remote Technical Operations Jason Cohen ; VP, Remote Operations Kristen Florian ; VP, Broadcast Operations Scott Davis ; and VPs of Engineering Greg Coppa and Dan LaTerra .

BSI and Fletcher are delivering specialty cameras and RF technologies to cover the action more effectively.

Walk-and-Talks Highlight Audio Plan

For a big broadcast weekend, CBS Sports is bringing in the big guns at the audio front. One of the industry’s all-time greats, Joe Carpenter , is the lead audio engineer on this weekend’s operation.

While elements like the strike of the ball and the roar of the crowd are the basic goals of the 150 plus microphones strewn about the course, increasingly, on-course conversation has become a focus of live coverage. Extra stationary parabolic microphones have been strategically around the grounds to capture golfer-caddie conversations. Additionally, CBS will again implement its popular earbud-based “Walk and Talk” segment that allows golfers to participate in live interviews with the announce team as they walk to their next shot.

“[Joe] is always trying to find the perfect placement to not only pick up the effects sounds, but also get in there with a really good player and caddy audio,” says Francis. “We find that a lot of the compelling stuff is the back and forth that goes on when guys are trying to work out a shot or how they’re going to play something.”

5G Makes PGA Championship Debut

An exciting addition to this year’s plan includes the deployment of private 5G for broadcast. It’s a bit of history as T-Mobile debuts its 5G Advanced Network Solutions (ANS) with PGA of America to leverage golf’s first 5G private network in the U.S. At the 13th hole, CBS Sports will take advantage of fiber-like data transmission speeds for broadcast quality video.

T-Mobile is also working directly with the PGA of America on a new pre-championship show called T5G Range . T-Mobile’s 5G private network and 5G cameras will be used to produce an up-close look at golfers on the practice range.

Experience on the Course and In the Compound

While there are plenty of new elements to the course, there are plenty of familiar faces and vendors at Valhalla for this production. One of the key golf storylines entering this weekend is Rory McIlroy. The last time the popular golfer won a major was in the PGA Championship when it was here at Valhalla in 2014. Many members of the crew this weekend where there for that. In fact, the institutional knowledge of this crew is a significant strength in the eyes of Shy.

Aerial shots from FlyCam, drones, and the Goodyear Blimp will play critical roles in CBS Sports’ coverage of the PGA Championship. (Photo Courtesy of CBS Sports)

“There are a lot of people, including in our production and ops teams, that covered ’96 and also covered Tiger in 2000 and Roaring in 2014,” he says. “I think experience, number one, is what helps us go into a Major Championship right in the middle of our extensive run and succeed.

That experienced group includes a strong operations unit featuring Senior Director, Remote Engineering & Planning Craig Stevens , Senior Director, Venue Engineering & Planning Evelyn Jackson , Senior Director, Remote Technical Operations Adam Stouter , Senior Director, Broadcast Operations Alyssa Blake , Senior Director, Remote Operations Crewing and Planning Sue Brown , Director, Broadcast Operations George Dimotheris , and Director, Production Management Daniel Kopilnick . Chris Svendsen  and  Bryan Kosowski serve as replay producers.

The big production compound at Valhalla is anchored by mobile facilities from Game Creek Video, NEP Group, and F&F Productions. Game Creek’s Prime A, B, C, and D units are supporting the primary linear broadcast, particularly supporting television coverage of the back nine over the weekend. NEP Group is also here with Supershooter CBS A, B, C, D, and CT1. TFC and TFC Compound Connect are being used here, as well.

The crew is also fueled by a team of Field Technical Managers in Michael Aagaard , Dan Beard , Nicolas Cap , Russel Cunningham , DJ Driscoll , Rick Godwin , Scott Gorsuch , Sarah Hammond , Shane Hibbs , David Husney , Pete Kallander , Kevin Manual , Warren Palmer , Amanda Rikard , Kevin Wang , Gary Weiss , and Jerry Wetzel .

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