The best 360 cameras you can buy (2024)

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The Insider Pick: 360 cameras give you a full view of the scene to help you create immersive photos and videos for virtualreality and other applications. Of all the 360 cameras on the market, the Ricoh Theta S stands out because of its easy-to-use features and superb video and photo quality. Althoughthe Ricoh Theta S is our top 360 camera choice, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K, the Garmin VIRB 360, the 360 fly 4K, and the LG 360 Cam. The best 360 camera overall Why you'll love it:If you’re a little intimidated by a 360 camera, the Ricoh Theta S is the easiest to use and it produces great images and video. Buythe Ricoh Theta S on Amazon for $329.99 The best advanced 360 camera Why you'll love it:The Kodak PixPro SP360 4K creates amazing full 360-degree videos with a two-camera setup. Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Premier Pack) on Amazon for $417.51 Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Aerial Pack) on Amazon for $949.99 Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Dual Pro Pack) on Amazon for $632.89 Buy a microSD card from our guide The best waterproof 360 camera Why you'll love it:What’s cooler than shooting 360-degree video in your backyard? Shooting that same video under the water with the Garmin VIRB 360. Buythe Garmin VIRB 360 on Amazon for $799.99 Buy a microSD card from our guide The best versatile 360 camera Why you'll love it:It may look a bit like a Magic 8-Ball, but the versatile 360fly 4K camera successfully answers all of your questions about shooting 360-degree 4K video. Buy the 360fly 4K Camera on Amazon for $294 The best affordable 360 camera Why you'll love it:If you’re looking to jump into the world of 360 cameras without spending a lot of money, the LG 360 Cam is the best option. Buythe LG 360 Cam on Amazon for $124.82 Buy a microSD card from our guide FAQs References

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Written by Kyle Schurman,

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The best 360 cameras you can buy (2)

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The Insider Pick:

  • 360 cameras give you a full view of the scene to help you create immersive photos and videos for virtualreality and other applications. Of all the 360 cameras on the market, the Ricoh Theta S stands out because of its easy-to-use features and superb video and photo quality.

Digital cameras create beautiful rectangular shaped photographs and videos. Not surprisingly, most people are more than satisfied with those types of images.

Then there are those people who always wonder how to make something better. For them, the goal is to make digital camera video and photos more closely resemble actual human vision. Several decades ago, cameras went from recording in black and white to full color. More recently, we’ve seen 3D movies, as well as panoramic photos that provide a wider view than normal.

The next step forward is the 360 camera, which creates still images and videos that even outdo a human's 120-degree peripheral vision, offering a 360-degree view. Call it surround sound for the eyes, if you will.

Modern 360 cameras are extremely cool pieces of gear that take some amazing photographs and videos. The footage can even be used in virtualreality applications. These new cameras are easier to use than ever, too, so even photography novices can create these attention-grabbing 360-degree images and video.

How 360 cameras work

A 360 camera often contains two individual lenses and/or image sensors, using software to stitch the images together. Or a fish-eye lens can pair with one image sensor to create the 360-degree photos and video.

  • 360-degree photographs: Shooting a 360-degree still image shares some properties with panoramic photography. The camera may shoot a series of photos, where you move the lens slightly every time to account for each segment of the scene. Some 360-degree cameras make use of multiple image sensors or multiple lenses to record the photographs faster. Others use a fish-eye lens that has a 360-degree view naturally.
  • 360-degree video: When shooting 360-degree movies, a 360-degree camera usually contains two different lenses inside, paired with two image sensors. Each of these cameras records one slice of the 360-degree scene. With two cameras, each camera would shoot a 180-plus degree video, for example. There’s a slight overlap to allow the software to piece the videos together seamlessly. Some cameras rely on a single fish-eye lens to shoot 360-degree video.

With both 360 photos and 360 videos, software inside the camera stitches all of the images or videos together to create the final product. The software also compares the exposure levels and color saturation within each segment and adjusts the individual segments to ensure they all match.

Uses for 360 cameras

The best 360 cameras you can buy (3)

Steve Johnson, Business Insider

If you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to take advantage of a 360 camera’s features, read through the list of our favorite reasons to shoot photos and video with a 360 camera.

  • Show it all: When shooting standard photos and videos on vacation, you’re able to show a small slice of what you experienced. With a 360-degree image, you can show off the entire scene, giving others the chance to experience it however they want. Viewers are completely engrossed with the 360-degree images, as USA Today discussed in an article.
  • To use with VR: As explained by The Wirecutter, shooting 360-degree photos and videos to use with virtual reality gear provides an immersive experience.
  • For action: We already provided our list of the best action cameras, which are made for first-person video while performing activities. When using a 360 camera to create action photos and videos, you’ll create some even crazier looks.
  • Be in the photo: No longer will you have to embarrass yourself by carrying around a selfie stick, earning the scorn of those near you! With a 360 photograph or video, it’s easy for you to be in the scene.
  • Security: Some 360 cameras work great as a security camera, giving you a full view of your property, as discussed by Android Central.

Best of all, this product category is new enough that additional uses for 360 cameras are sure to develop over the next couple of years. Maybe you’ll even create one of those uses that becomes popular, making you Internet famous!

If you're interested in 360 cameras, you should also check out our other great camera buying guides, including the best action cameras, the best DSLR cameras, the best point-and-shoot cameras, the best SD cards, and the best microSD cards.

Althoughthe Ricoh Theta S is our top 360 camera choice, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K, the Garmin VIRB 360, the 360 fly 4K, and the LG 360 Cam.

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The best 360 camera overall

The best 360 cameras you can buy (4)

Ricoh/Facebook

Why you'll love it:If you’re a little intimidated by a 360 camera, the Ricoh Theta S is the easiest to use and it produces great images and video.

The Theta S from Ricoh makes use of two 190-degree lenses, each of which pairs with a 12-megapixel image sensor. The camera’s software stitches the images and videos together to create a 360-degree view. The image and video quality are excellent and the Theta S is remarkably simple to use, making it the best 360 camera for most people.

The Ricoh Theta S has a thin and lengthy design, almost like a TV remote. This allows the 360 camera to fit inside a pocket, which is convenient. However, one Amazon customer reviewer said the Theta S is not verydurable, so you may want to carry it in a case.

The Ricoh Theta S impressed the well-known camera reviewerKen Rockwell with its ability to create accurate exposures consistently, no matter what kind of photo or video scene he encountered. Additionally, one Amazon customer highlighted the ease with which you can shoot group photos with this camera.

Digital Trends appreciates the simplicity with which even novices can operate the Theta S.Anyone can use this camera without too much practice or previous knowledge of 360 photography and video.CNETalso points out that the easy-to-use mobile app for the Theta S makes it incredibly intuitive for beginners and further simplifies the camera’s operation.

One drawback to the Ricoh Theta S is you’re limited to 8GB of internal storage space, and the 360-degree camera has no way to increase its storage space. The space will fill up quickly, soyou'll have to download your footage regularly.

Overall, the Theta S is the easiest 360-degree camera to use for people who are just starting out, and it provides more than enough features for photography buffs who are serious about creating 360-degree photos and video.

Pros: One of easiest 360 cameras to use, thin camera design makes it easy to hold, accurate exposures in many different lighting conditions, may use mobile apps to operate the Theta S

Cons: Durability is a question mark, limited to 8GB of storage space

Buythe Ricoh Theta S on Amazon for $329.99

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The best advanced 360 camera

The best 360 cameras you can buy (5)

Kodak

Why you'll love it:The Kodak PixPro SP360 4K creates amazing full 360-degree videos with a two-camera setup.

The Kodak PixPro SP360 4K has a design that almost resembles some sort of alien technology. It’s a simple cube with a dome on top that contains the lens, yet it’s smaller than a Rubik’s Cube.

Image quality is a key component of the PixPro SP360 4K. As the name suggests, it offers 4K video recording resolution for its 360-degree video, which works incredibly well for VR technology. The Kodak SP360’s camera also creates 360-degree video that’s both YouTube and Facebook compatible. As Wired points out in its review, you will need two cameras to create full 360-degree video both horizontally as well as vertically, however. A single SP360 4K camera records 4K video with a 235-degree vertical viewing angle.

The SP360 4K Dual Pro Pack, which comes with the two cameras you need for full 360-degree shots, is a good value for creating full 360-degree vertical video versus some other high-end 360 cameras. In its review,ePhotozinesays it's well worth getting the Dual Pro Pack. One Amazon customer reviewer praised this camera’s ability to create full 360-degree videos that other cameras aimed at beginners can’t equal.

For simple photographs and video on the 360-degree horizontal axis, the fish eye lens in the dome works great. But because of its high price point and high-quality video, it’s not necessarily made for beginners or those looking for a simple 360 camera, as CNET discusses in its review. In fact,one Amazon customer was disappointed with the time and steps required to create the full 360-degree videos.

Overall, the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K is a better 360 camera option for serious hobbyists than beginners. Pros won't be disappointed by this 360-degree camera.

Pros: Full 360-degree video horizontally and vertically with Dual Pro Pack, great for advanced hobbyists, 4K video resolution, single camera offers 235-degree vertical viewing angle, works great for VR

Cons: Can be overkill for beginners, expensive for beginners, requires two cameras for full 360-degree horizontal and vertical video

Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Premier Pack) on Amazon for $417.51

Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Aerial Pack) on Amazon for $949.99

Buy the Kodak PixPro SP360 4K (Dual Pro Pack) on Amazon for $632.89

Buy a microSD card from our guide

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The best waterproof 360 camera

The best 360 cameras you can buy (6)

Garmin

Why you'll love it:What’s cooler than shooting 360-degree video in your backyard? Shooting that same video under the water with the Garmin VIRB 360.

Finding 360 cameras that offer waterproofing and the durability of an action cam is an expensive proposition.So even though the Garmin VIRB 360 has a high price point versus some other 360 cameras, its waterproof design sets it apart from the rest of the entry-level market to make it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

As DCRainMaker points out, professional setups for 360 action cameras can run $10,000 and higher, so its $800 price is fairly reasonable in comparison.In its review, SlashGear says this Garmin camera tends to compete more closely with action cams like the GoPro. The Garmin VIRB 360 can be submerged in up to 10 meters of water without any problems.

For further proof of this camera’s ability to function as an action camera, the Tom’s Guide review points out that the VIRB 360 is filled with measurement sensors, allowing you to overlay the sensor data onto the video. Sensors include a barometer, an accelerometer, a compass, a GPS chip, and a gyroscope.

If you want more than 4K video, the Garmin VIRB 360 delivers, offering 5.7K video resolution at 30 frames per second. Despite the camera’s high price, one Amazon buyer was impressed with the extra video resolution. Additionally, the VIRB 360 excels in audio recording, using four built-in microphones for surround sound to go with the surround video.

Pros: 360 camera with action camera capabilities, waterproof up to 33 feet, 5.7K video resolution, includes numerous sensors that can overlay data onto the video, excellent audio recording with built-in mics

Cons: Expensive price point, new to the market meaning longevity is unknown

Buythe Garmin VIRB 360 on Amazon for $799.99

Buy a microSD card from our guide

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The best versatile 360 camera

The best 360 cameras you can buy (7)

360fly/Business Insider

Why you'll love it:It may look a bit like a Magic 8-Ball, but the versatile 360fly 4K camera successfully answers all of your questions about shooting 360-degree 4K video.

If you are looking for a 360 camera with plenty of flexibility to meet your photography and movie making needs, the 360fly 4K fits the bill. The 360fly 4K looks a lot like a Magic 8-Ball that you may have played with as a kid, but there’s no mistaking the high-tech capabilities of this impressive 360 camera.

In its review, Tom’s Guide praised the 360fly 4K’s ability to capture and share video and still images when pairing the camera with the great companion app.

The 360fly 4K includes 64GB of internal memory, 4K or HD video recording, a 16MP sensor for still images, a 240-degree vertical video recording angle, and a standard tripod socket. AsePhotozine points out in its review, it's a veryversatilecamera. Additionally, you can switch between 360-degree video recording and first-person video recording extremely easily.

As CNET discusses, the video and audio quality with this 360 camera lagsa bit behind the market, but it’s extremely easy to use and it allows you to employ it successfully in a number of ways. One Amazon customer reviewer appreciated how videos don’t require stitching and editing before sharing them.

Pros: Flexibility in use cases, offers 64GB of internal memory, videos are ready to share immediately after shooting, strong mobile app with plenty of features, 240-degree vertical recording angle, easy to use

Cons: Image and video quality could be better versus other 360 cameras

Buy the 360fly 4K Camera on Amazon for $294

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The best affordable 360 camera

The best 360 cameras you can buy (8)

LG

Why you'll love it:If you’re looking to jump into the world of 360 cameras without spending a lot of money, the LG 360 Cam is the best option.

If you want to test the world of 360 cameras with an inexpensive option, the LG 360 Cam is one of your best options. The LG 360 Cam uses two 13MP sensors to create its 360-degree videos and still images, yet is priced well below most 360 cameras on the market. It works with both Android devices and iPhones, though it's better with Android.

As Android Central discusses in its LG 360 Cam review, the camera uses a pair of 200-degree lenses to create the 360-degree horizontal video and still images, making it easy to use. However, Android Central didn’t like the design of this model, citing its boring gray color and poorly placed buttons.

In its review, Digital Trends appreciated the ability to slide the skinny LG 360 Cam into a pants pocket, meaning you can take it anywhere. This device resembles a small TV remote in size and shape.

To be able to offer the LG 360 Cam at such a low price point, the manufacturer did have to sacrifice features in a few areas. Tech Radar shows in its review that this camera only offers 4GB of internal memory. However, you can supplement the camera’s memory with a microSD card. And it doesn’t create videos that are great for VR. The camera can only record video for about 20 minutes at a time, which disappointed one Amazon customer.

Still, it’s incredibly easy to use and the price is right. The LG 360 Cam’s image and video quality is just right for social media sharing, making it well worth considering, according to one Amazon customer reviewer.

Pros: Very low price point for 360 camera, extremely easy to use, includes two 13MP image sensors, small camera is easy to take anywhere, may supplement internal memory with microSD card

Cons: Video and image quality are below average, camera body design has poorly placed buttons, only 4GB of internal memory

Buythe LG 360 Cam on Amazon for $124.82

Buy a microSD card from our guide

Kyle Schurman

Freelance Writer

Kyle has been a freelance writer for 20 years, focusing mainly on consumer products. He haswritten product reviews, overviews, and how-to articles based on thousands of hands-on product tests.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Insider Picks. Copyright 2017. Follow Insider Picks on Twitter.

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The best 360 cameras you can buy (2024)

FAQs

Is a 360 camera worth buying? ›

For those who have small children or who want to capture memories on a trip or outdoors, it is good to have a 360 degree camera so you can shoot without worrying about composition or settings, and also keep one hand free.

How to choose a 360 camera? ›

Before you buy a 360-degree camera for video, think about how you plan to use it. If you're an adventurer, for example, you need a waterproof, mountable model with support for fast frame rates like the Insta360 X4 or GoPro Max.

What are the disadvantages of 360-degree cameras? ›

  • Higher Initial Cost: Can be more expensive than traditional cameras.
  • Potential Blind Spots: The stitching process can sometimes create minor blind spots.
  • Complex Installation: Requires professional setup for optimal performance.
  • Data Overload: Generates large amounts of data, needing robust storage solutions.

What is the best 360 camera for car content? ›

Insta360 X4 is renowned for its high 8K30fps image quality, ensuring that every detail is captured with stunning clarity. Its Auto Dash feature makes it perfect for use as a car camera, automatically powering on and recording when plugged in.

What is the highest quality 360 photo? ›

Insta360's X4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best 360 camera for most people, especially those new to the category. The 1/2-inch sensor captures 8K video, which is as high-resolution as you can get in a 360-degree camera.

Why are 360 cameras so expensive? ›

Lens Quality: Premium lenses and optics can significantly enhance the clarity and sharpness of images, but they can also increase the camera's cost. Advanced Features: Additional features like live streaming, time-lapse modes, manual controls, and waterproofing all influence the price of a 360 camera.

What is the 360 camera rule? ›

The single easiest way to avoid having stitching errors in your 360 video is to keep your action off of the stitch lines (or where two camera lens overlap). When you set up your scene and position your camera, place your main characters and centers of high action in the middle of a single lens.

How far can a 360 camera see? ›

Some of these cameras can see up to distances of 200 feet away in complete darkness. Auto Motion Tracking - Most 360-degree PTZ security cameras come with exceptional auto-motion tracking capabilities that can help you detect and track any moving objects or persons within the monitoring area.

What do people use 360 cameras for? ›

When it comes to capturing every angle of the action, a 360 degree camera is the ultimate tool. These innovative devices allow you to record immersive, panoramic footage that puts viewers right in the middle of the action.

How high should a 360 camera be? ›

Equally important is that the camera should be slightly below eye level of the subject being filmed. While in VR, a level or slightly raised view is a comfortable position for the viewer, whereas having the viewer look at a high angle up or down can be very disorienting and cause someone to lose their balance.

How much does it cost to install a 360 camera in a car? ›

Prices run the gamut from $200 to $900, and that's just for the kit. Having a third party install your equipment could easily add another $300 to $500. Of course, if you are handy, have the tools, and have plenty of working space, you can install the kit yourself.

What to look for when buying a 360 camera? ›

Buying Guide: Searching for a 360 Video Camera?
  • Quality. Here, resolution isn't the full story. ...
  • Field of View. Is this a single-lens system, or does it use multiple lenses and sensors to create your 360° video? ...
  • Ease of use. ...
  • Home Movies. ...
  • Professional. ...
  • Conclusion.
Nov 12, 2019

Is a 360 camera worth it? ›

One of the primary benefits of having a 360-degree camera system in your vehicle is increased safety on the road. These cameras provide drivers with a complete view of their surroundings, eliminating blind spots and allowing them to see potential hazards from all angles.

Can we use a 360 camera while driving? ›

The main functionality of 360-degree camera systems is to enhance safety, convenience and visibility while driving vehicles. They provide an overall upthrust to situational awareness of the driver during heavy traffic, low-speed maneuvers, tight spaces, other blind spots, and help them navigate obstacles efficiently.

What is the point of a 360 camera? ›

When it comes to capturing every angle of the action, a 360 degree camera is the ultimate tool. These innovative devices allow you to record immersive, panoramic footage that puts viewers right in the middle of the action.

Is the 360 Photo Booth a good investment? ›

You'll take more bookings and get plenty of referrals from each event. As a bonus, hiring out your 360 photo booth is far more profitable than a standard model. Rental prices can be up to three or four times the cost of a traditional booth, netting you more income from every event.

Can the Insta360 take normal photos? ›

Press and hold the power button (small button) to power on the camera, switch to photo mode. 2. Press and hold the shutter button (large button) to switch between standard photo, HDR photo and Interval shooting photo modes.

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