With a variety of lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic and third-party manufacturers, users have a wide range of lens choices. If you want to capture hair-raising exploits when you go skydiving or skiing, then a larger camera may be the better option. Iqui’s app then takes your photo and turns it into a mini-movie, which you can then share with the rest of the world. Our Verdict.
Most modes, such as Scene or Art, allow you to choose options by touch. Reasons to buy. If you need brighter and broader illumination, there’s a hot shoe for an external flash such as the Olympus FL-600R ($300). Her work has also appeared in dozens of other magazines and websites, including CNET, DPreview, PopPhoto, Professional Photographer and Shutterbug.
For example, I pulled an image of our dog from Photos and applied the Grainy Film Filter and added a frame. A 360 camera with some great software. Size: 4.78 x 3.29 x 1.94 inches Weight: 14.5 ounces (with battery and SD card) Sensor size/type: 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor Image stabilization: 5-axis internal Shooting speed: up to 8.6fps Max video resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 30p, 25p and 24p Display: 3-inch tilting touch LCD, 1040k dots Viewfinder: eye-level electronic viewfinder, 2.36M dots Ports: USB Micro-B, Micro HDMI (type D) Memory Card: one SD/SDHC/SDXC; UHS-1, UHS-2, Eye-Fi Card 1 compatible.
The Z1 uses an Android-based operating system, and Ricoh is letting third-party developers create plug-ins for the camera, increasing its functionality. The Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III is a quality mirrorless camera for less than $500, but with Olympus exiting the camera game, we have questions about long-term support. Gear 360. 6. Users have multiple choices: 4K (3840 x 2160 at 30p, 25p and 24p); FHD (1920 x 1280 at 60p, 50p,30p, 25p, 24p) and HD (1280 x 720 at 30p, 25p and 24p). Rylo 360.
ISO ranges from 200-6,400, with an expandable low of 100 and a high of 25,600. Ranging from Pop Art and Gentle Sepia to Pin Hole, Grainy Film and Dramatic Tone, you’ll find a total of 15 filters and, for most, 1-3 variations within each option. That said, there are more than a few budget-priced mirrorless cameras that offer similar, if not exactly the same specifications—and whose companies aren’t exiting the market. As they need to capture a full 360 degrees of action, most 360 cams are designed with more than one bulbous lens. Vuze XR.
But what really adds value to this camera are the 5-axis in-body image stabilization and unique creative tools. The One X has an updated image-stabilization feature that will make even the bumpiest videos look smooth, and can capture 5.7k video (5760 x 2880) at 30 fps, and 4K video at up to 50 fps. 16 megapixel sensor Mixed performance No Bluetooth or NFC. We liked the footage we shot with the Rylo 360, and what makes it even better is its motion stabilization, which keeps the horizon level no matter how bumpy the ride.
During Live Composite, you click the shutter once to capture the image with ambient light. Not only does the Vuze XR take 360-degree photos and video, but its two cameras can pop out, parallel to each other, so you can take 180-degree stereoscopic images and video, too. Ricoh. Any one of these three should more than satisfy the needs of casual photographers or those who want a mirrorless camera without breaking the bank. This 360 camera can also take stereoscopic 180-degree videos.
Samsung was one of the first companies to make a truly useful 360 camera, and though it’s been several years since it released anything new, its Gear 360 camera from 2017 still remains a fairly useful and functional device. Reasons to avoid. After testing more than a dozen models and evaluating them on video quality, field of view, water resistance, ease of use and other factors, we think the best 360 camera for most people is the Insta360 One X2 ($429). Low light/high ISO images were usable up to around 3200, but cleaner (less noise) results were achieved at no more than ISO 800-1600. Against.
Reasons to avoid. The Gear 360 takes good photos and videos (up to 4K in size), and livestreams to Facebook and YouTube, too. On the other hand, since the Micro Four Thirds sensor doubles the effective focal length, you can easily gain a telephoto length with a relatively small lens. A trio of dials on the camera’s top panel add to its retro look and while these visually prominent dials, aside from the standard mode dial, might look intimidating, the forward and rear dials actually contribute to the camera’s ease of use.
Both viewing options provide “live view preview,” so you can see how settings adjustments affect the image. However, we managed to grab some sharply focused shots of models walking straight down the runway at a steady pace during NY Fashion Week. But, don’t try to scroll through menus for Auto, Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority or Manual modes—you need to use the 4-way controller to choose those menu settings.
Using the free Olympus Image Share (OI Share) app—available for iOS and Android—you’ll find a wealth of information including how to use the app as well as options to view and transfer images as well as add GPS location. Even then, AF tracking isn’t always up to the task. However, this camera lacks expandable storage, it has a relatively short battery life, and you need to use two different apps if you want to edit photos or video.
7. Of course, there are plenty of manual options for those who want total control. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Wi-Fi. 4. In addition to the standard buttons, such as ISO, center OK, movie and others, the O-MD E-M10 III has a couple of direct controls that also add to this camera’s efficiency and appeal. If you have a Samsung smartphone, though, the Gear 360 is a fun accessory.
The best 360 cameras might be just what you’re looking for if you’re a content creator or love to record action videos. There’s little shutter lag and the camera starts up pretty quickly. GoPro. But you’ll get more bang for your buck with the Panasonic GX85 since Amazon offers a bundle of the camera and two lenses (12-32mm and 45-150mm) for $498.
A responsive touchscreen adds to this camera’s appeal. The O-MD E-M10 III’s camera-to-mobile-device set up is one of the most seamless of any that I’ve tried. Reasons to buy.
Reasons to avoid. The Insta360 One X app works with both Android and iOS smartphones, and lets you not only view what the camera is seeing on your phone, but also livestream it to social media. One of the camera’s strong suits is its in-body, 5-axis image stabilization. However, there are a few big caveats: it only works fully with Samsung smartphones (from the Galaxy S6 and up), and while it works with the iPhone 7 and later, not all of the camera’s features are supported. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III review: Verdict.
Reasons to buy. 8. Theano Nikitas is a freelance journalist and photographer. While Rylo will no longer make 360 cameras, the company will honor the warranty on existing cameras.
During a NY Fashion Week rehearsal, the designer and her husband walked the runway in dark colored clothes but the O-MD E-M10 III produced a bright white on the husband’s shirt while subtly showing the different Navy and black shades of their suits. The GoPro Hero Max also has a HyperSmooth stabilization feature, so your bumpy video will look nice and smooth, and image quality from the camera — up to a max resolution of 5.6K/30 fps — lives up to GoPro’s typical high standards. Reasons to avoid. The camera starts up in a flash, and snaps pics just as quick.
In high sequential shooting mode, the camera can reach a little more than 8 frames per second but you’ll need to choose the low mode (about 4.8fps) to track subjects. The mode dial also has a special slot for Olympus’ Art Filters. The Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III is a quality mirrorless camera for less than $500, but with Olympus exiting the camera game, we have questions about long-term support. Plus, GoPro’s app is loaded with features, including the ability to livestream video from the Max. With few exceptions, the shape of most of these cameras made them hard to securely hold in my hand.
Reasons to avoid. Additionally, the Theta Z1 has dual Free classifieds microphones, which delivered great audio, and the camera’s motion stabilization was pretty effective too. Reasons to avoid.
Try that with a regular action camera and see what happens. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Video Quality. Don’t need a 360 camera? Check out the best action cameras : Which is right for you?
A high-quality 360 camera, for a price. The case, which is increasingly hard to find, costs around $70, and only provides water-proofing for up to 10 feet. 3. This well-built device uses two 1-inch, backside-illuminated CMOS sensors, which helps deliver some of the best images we’ve seen from a 360 camera, especially under less than ideal conditions. While the aging Olympus O-MD E-M10 III’S 16MP sensor is a bit meager, its pixel count is more than sufficient for everyday picture-taking.
All of the cameras work with a smartphone in a similar manner; when you turn these cameras on, they all create a Wi-Fi hotspot, which you then connect to with your phone. Specifications. Reasons to buy.
In addition to basic editing functions, you can get creative with Olympus’ Art Filters. Auto exposure bracketing, silent mode and focus bracketing are also part of the AP mode. Here’s a clip shot during NY Fashion Week in 4K (but was straightened and slightly cropped). Insta360. It’s perfect for night photography and light painting, too.
Specifications. What are the best 360 cameras? One R. Handholding the O-MD E-M10 III at slower shutter speeds is possible thanks to Olympus’ excellent image stabilization technology.
That’s because, like its predecessors, the Insta360 One X2 has the most innovative software and features in addition to being a great piece of hardware. That’s because they can identify the horizon and automatically level your video, no matter how bumpy. Overall, the O-MD E-M10 III’s performance was pretty good.
Be sure to think about how you plan to use a 360 camera before you purchase it; if you want to get some fun selfies with friends, then the stick-style cameras will fit your needs well. A newer, more advanced sensor might deliver better dynamic range but the O-MD E-M10 III did a pretty good job capturing highlights, shadows and tones in between. The Olympus O-MD E-M10 III is a solid budget camera for those who want to take their photography skills up a notch from a point-and-shoot model or smartphone. You can tap the screen to focus, to snap a picture and to scroll through images in playback. Using the camera’s meter, most test shots were accurately exposed—even when shooting trees against a bright blue sky.
Everyone’s “steady” hand is different. For example, the 16-MP Panasonic GX85 offers 4K video, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and a 3-inch tiltable touchscreen monitor. The center OK button can be used, too, but I found that the Shortcut button was more efficient. One of the coolest features is Live Composite, which makes picture-taking a little like watching a print develop in the darkroom.
Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Design. Straight out of the camera, JPEGs required few adjustments, if any. Specifications. The grip is a little shallow but because the camera is so compact, it’s sufficient for a solid handhold with smaller lenses.
The 14-42mm kit lens (which translates to a 18-84mm zoom thanks to the camera’s 2x crop factor) is capable of capturing details such as these raindrops on yellow lilies and the flowers’ green leaves. It’s small and portable, and its stick-like design means you can easily hold it in your hand, though it does have a standard tripod mount at the bottom. 1. Samsung Gear 360.
Insta360 One X2. How we test 360 cameras. Below are a few samples of Pin Hole and Dramatic Tone. In addition to Program AE, movies can be shot using aperture-priority shutter-priority and manual exposure modes.
The Vecnos Iqui is a 360 camera designed for those who want to take photos or videos at a moment’s notice. Now this is an interesting 360 camera. The app and its implementation are excellent and really easy to use.
And image stabilization works well during video capture. Insta360 One R. Though it lacks in-body image stabilization, the M50 is equipped with a fully articulated touchscreen LCD, so you can extend it to the side or towards the back for vlogging or selfies. Reasons to avoid. + Effective in-body image stabilization + Affordable + Unique features. I would, however, recommend keeping an eye on the exposure gauge since the live view preview may not always reflect the exact exposure.
An updated sensor might deliver better quality in terms of dynamic range, among other attributes, but this little camera turns out some darn good photos. And, if you don’t want half of the image to be the side of your head, you have to mount the camera pretty far from your body. Its FlowState image stabilization algorithm helps smooth shots, and a TimeShift feature lets you slow down or speed up specific segments of your videos. Best 360 camera overall.
The former, such as the Insta360 One X, tend to be less expensive, and are designed for more casual and impromptu shooting. It also has a tripod mount, if you want to attach it to your bike or something else. When shopping for a 360 camera, you’ll find that they tend to fall into two camps: small, pocketable stick-style devices, and larger squarish (or circular) cameras.
In general, the Vuze XR also delivered quality images and movies, but it had trouble in low-light conditions, and we wish its desktop app were more fully-featured. For the most part, connecting the cameras to my smartphone was an easy process, and the video feed from the cameras was relatively smooth and stutter-free. Its small, pen-like shape makes it a cinch to store in your pocket, too.
One of the issues with 360 cameras is that, because of their relatively small sensor size, they’re not that great when it comes to low-light photography and videos. But if you prize image quality above all else, this is the camera to get. Similarly, Live Time mode captures a single exposure during a set period of time, which you can also see “developing” live on the screen.
Specifications. Specifications. Switch the mode dial to AP and you’ll have access to a variety of options that generally aren’t used for day-to-day shooting but can play an important role when you need a little something extra. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Image Quality. Despite its aging 16-MP sensor, the Olympus O-MD E-M10 III is capable of producing images that are good straight out of the camera with little direction from the photographer.
However, we wish there was more you could do in its app. Small and compact, the Rylo 360’s small GoPro-like profile makes it a great 360 camera for action sports, as its low profile is ideal for attaching to a helmet, bike, or any other action-y activity. If you want a higher resolution sensor, check out the 24-MP Canon EOS M50, which comes with the EF-M 15-45mm IS STM kit lens for $500.
Beginners who are stepping up to an interchangeable lens system or who prefer a smaller camera than a DSLR will find a long list of features to make picture-taking both practical and fun. The camera has a tilting 3-inch touchscreen and an EVF, with automatic eye-detection switching between the two. But be sure to read our full Olympus O-MD E-M10 III review before you dismiss this camera out of hand.
The Insta360 One X2 is the best 360 camera for most people. Reasons to buy. But the best 360 cameras have another trick: super-smooth video.
The camera has some other great features, such as the ability to record Matrix-like "bullet-time" videos. Editing photos is easy as well. Specifications. For me, I prefer to shoot at a minimum of 1/125th second but with the O-MD E-M10 III’s image stabilization, I was able to easily shoot with a shutter speed of 1/60th second with the 14-42mm kit lens.
In the second category are cameras such as the GoPro Hero Max, which are larger and more expensive, but tend to produce higher-quality video. – 16 megapixel sensor – Mixed performance – No Bluetooth or NFC. Effective in-body image stabilization Affordable Unique features. Time lapse shooting is also available.
These panoramic cameras capture everything around you, making for incredibly immersive experiences. Other Advanced Photo mode features include HDR, multiple exposures and the ability to correct for keystoning—the effect of buildings leaning toward the center of the frame when you shoot up at a structure. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Features. While larger than the Insta360 One X, the One X2 is now water resistant to 10 meters (33 feet), and has a circular touchscreen display that lets you preview video and change settings on the fly.
The dials also facilitate quick scrolling through images and zooming into images. Best 360 cameras in 2021. At ISO 25600, noise was evident and softened the details in the image of the flowering plant below.
However, considering that Olympus is selling its camera business means that you might want to check out our other best mirrorless camera picks. Vecnos. Hero Max. That’s because this innovative camera has a modular design that lets you swap out its 360 lens for a wide angle 4K camera or a camera with a 1-inch sensor.
Mount a long lens and the camera will feel a little off-balance. While the quality of its images aren’t up to the level of the Insta360s’ or the GoPro’s, the Iqui’s ease of use will make it attractive to the influencers of the world. AF faltered a little under low light, however.
Theta Z1. Measuring 4.78 x 3.29 x 1.94 inches and weighing about 14.5 ounces (with battery and SD card), the OM-D E-M10 is easy to carry when traveling or for everyday shooting. If you’ve ever used a VR headset, these types of images add a real depth. You’ll also find a panorama option, although you’ll need Olympus Viewer 3 or other software to stitch the images together.
However, if you want to combine them to achieve a broad depth of field, you need to manually stack them in a program like Adobe Photoshop. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Price and availability. Tom’s Guide Verdict. Quality is better than expected and footage was generally sharp and well exposed.
We like that the One R’s display can be turned around so you can frame yourself in videos, but its small size relative to the GoPro makes it much more difficult to navigate on-screen menus. Perhaps its best feature, though, is its ability to create motion-stabilized video to smooth out those rough rides. Samsung.
Reasons to buy. A pen-sized 360 camera. If you want to get creative, try using the Art Filters. But, this is one versatile 360 camera. 5. It’s great for sharing with friends and family on your laptop, TV or online but serious videographers may want to look elsewhere.
We tested the camera with the kit 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens that, when retracted, measures a mere 0.9 inches deep, which keeps the entire setup nice and small. 2. Available in all black or a silver/black combo, the retro design of the O-MD E-M10 III adds a bit of class to this compact camera. The Insta360 One R makes our list of the best 360 cameras, but it’s also one of the best action cameras too.
What’s more, the camera has some other pretty cool features, including video stabilization and a comprehensive app. Olympus’ Advanced Photo mode offers a number of interesting features. However, the GoPro Hero Max’s design requires the use of a selfie stick, and lacks a tripod mount, so you have to use it with one of GoPro’s accessories. We liked the simplicity of the Vuze XR’s mechanism — a press of a button causes the two camera to open — as well as the sturdy build of the camera itself. From there, you open the companion app, and use your phone’s display as a viewfinder.
Colors were realistic without being over-saturated. The Gear 360 has a fun, lollipop-like shape that makes it easy to hold in one hand, and can even withstand a few splashes. And, like older GoPros, you’ll need to use a frame to mount it to anything. Generally, the design of the latter type of 360 camera also means you’ll have to attach it to a tripod or some other mount if you want to capture good footage. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Performance.
For example, in Scene mode, press the Shortcut button to gain access to options such as People, Nightscapes, Scenery, etc. Included in this guide: With the latter, you can take a series of up to 8 shots, each at a different focal length, that changes the focus. Not only are they smaller these days, but companies have added more sophisticated technology so that you can track people and objects, no matter where they move around you. What to look for when buying a 360 camera.
GoPro Hero Max. The Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III is available for $449 (body only) or $499 with 14-42mm lens. With the release of the Insta360 One X2, the company has discontinued the Insta360 One and the Insta360 One X; you might still be able to find them for sale, but only consider them if they cost less than $300. Insta360.
The shutter remains open and captures a series of exposures, adding pixels of light (like car taillights as they go by) without overexposing the original image. We also liked the lollipop-like design of the camera; its built-in handle made it a cinch to use and carry around. A compact 360 camera. You can even watch or output it to a connected monitor via the HDMI port.
This 360 camera has a modular design. Otherwise both the EVF and LCD are bright and clear; menu options provide brightness adjustments, if needed. The best 360 cameras offer ease of use, water resistance, video quality, and field of view: We’ve tested and ranked the best ones for you. From their earliest iterations just a few years ago, 360 cameras have come a long way.
If you need a 360 camera for that purpose — and price is no object — then you should consider the Ricoh Theta Z1. You get a lot of weird stares and comments when you test 360 cameras. You can even see the raindrops on the very edges of the petals.
Reasons to buy. These two dials allow users to quickly adjust shutter speed and apertures, as well as navigate the camera’s menu system. Switch to modes like Art, Scene or Advanced Photo and the Shortcut button brings you directly to the options within that particular mode. While it’s not as handy as it seems, the large display does make it easy to navigate and change the Max’s settings without having to use your smartphone.
By now, people are used to seeing action cams like the GoPro, but both the shape and way you mount 360 cameras immediately draws attention. At $499, it costs more than the Insta360 One X2, but the GoPro Max delivers. Specifications. For example, if you change exposure, you’ll see the image lighten or darken; if you change the white balance, the result of that adjustment is visible, too. Unlike most 360 cameras, the GoPro Hero Max has a small display on its back that lets you view what its cameras are looking at.
You can also access the manual and operate the camera remotely using the app with control over modes, exposure settings and focus. Vecnos Iqui. Single shot AF was generally fast and accurate in good lighting. However, if you’re going to get it wet, you’ll want to get the Adventure Case (sold separately), as it lacks any sort of waterproofing. By Theano Nikitas 08 July 2020.
Once the image reaches optimal exposure—which you can see as light is added—click the shutter to end the shot. It also has a longer battery life of up to 80 minutes. Ricoh Theta Z1.
Specifications. Video is pretty good for this class of camera. You’ll also want a selfie stick. Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III review. A small pop-up flash is good for a little fill light.
Reasons to buy. Best 360 camera for those on a budget. Reasons to avoid. Before purchasing this camera, readers should note that Rylo has been acquired by VSCO.
Faster and more erratic movements, on the other hand, were a challenge. The Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III mirrorless camera has full image stabilization at a good price. She’s been writing about photography for more than 20 years, contributing countless reviews of cameras, lenses, accessories and software packages to Tom’s Guide. The best 360 cameras you can buy today.
One X2. Olympus O-MD E-M10 III: Controls and handling. For the best performance, you’ll need a Class 10 or higher SD card with UHS-II or UHS-1 U3 card for 4K shooting.
On the left top corner, a Shortcut button calls up a control panel with quick access to a long list of settings including white balance, picture style, image stabilization, video options and much more is most exposure modes.