Insta360 X4
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Most action cameras use just one lens to record video, but 360-degree cameras use a matched pair to capture literally everything around them. These types of recordings can give viewers a sense of space when they view it in a VR headset, while creators can crop, zoom, and pan through footage in the editing room to get shots and camera moves that simply aren’t possible with a regular video camera. The best models, like the Editors’ Choice-winning Insta360 X4, even have an app to reframe footage. Meanwhile, real estate photographers might find Ricoh Theta cameras a good fit since they can create virtual tours of properties via a companion app. Whatever your needs, make sure to check out all of our picks below for 360-degree video and photography, along with some buying advice for the category.
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360 Cameras for Video
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. Vloggers may prefer a convertible option that goes between dual and single-lens capture; the Insta360 One RS is a good pick there. Creators who make content for headsets, cinema, or commercials will want to consider a studio-grade camera like the Insta360 Pro 2 ($4,999) or Titan ($15,278) instead, but both require expertise to use.
To get the best footage, look for a camera with at least 5K resolution and software that helps you edit for 16:9 displays. The latter typically runs on mobile devices and lets you pan across or cut video captures to direct your viewer’s attention. GoPro and Insta360 cameras both include phone and desktop apps to reframe video.
Insta360’s app has editing tools to trim and reframe footage (Credit: Insta360/PCMag)
The Insta360 X4 is our favorite 360-degree video camera, in part, thanks to its support for 8K30 or 5.7K60 video. HDR capture comes in handy for environments with mixed lighting, while slow-motion bullet time and time-lapse features allow for lots of creativity. The camera is waterproof and can survive rough handling, too, so it’s suitable for mounting and capturing action. Insta360’s software tools put the X4 over the top because they make it easy to edit and reframe spherical video in novel ways.
MSRP $499.99
The Insta360 X3 is a good alternative to the X4 for creators who find its 5.7K30 recording rate to be good enough or want to spend a little less money. The X3 is very similar to its successor, with dual lenses that see the entire world around it and a single-camera recording mode. Its software allows you to reframe video, create time lapses, and record slow-motion bullet time clips.
MSRP $449.99
The Max is GoPro’s sophomore 360-degree effort and it offers a more streamlined experience than its predecessor, the Fusion. The Max captures quality 5.6K footage, with software support to reframe and change the projection of video. The editing tools aren’t quite as slick as those you get with the Instax360 X4, but vloggers might prefer the Max because of its premium, six-mic audio array.
MSRP $499.99
The Insta360 One RS sets itself apart from dedicated 360-degree cameras because of its modular design. You can use its dual-lens 360 cam to roll 5.7K spherical footage, or swap in the 4K Boost lens for digitally stabilized 16:9 at up to 60fps, 6K CinemaScope at 24fps, and 48MP Quad Bayer stills.
MSRP $549.99
Production companies and VR pros should consider buying the $5,000 Insta360 Pro II. It records 8K footage, supports 3D, and can live stream at 4K quality.
MSRP $5,251.00
360 Cameras for Photography
Although you can snap stills with made-for-video 360 cameras, a few models work well specifically for photography.
Cameras in Ricoh’s Theta family, for instance, can stand up by themselves or attach to a tripod, which makes them a versatile choice for interior and environmental shots. Realtors can use them to help craft virtual tours, too—photos transfer easily to a smartphone and Ricoh’s Virtual Tour software enables simple sharing.
Specialists should also look at Matterport’s MC250 Pro2. It can create 360-degree scans of environments, useful for building virtual worlds, constructing 3D models, and presenting real estate properties. Matterport also sells the outdoor-ready Pro3 for around $6,000.
The Ricoh SC2 snaps smartphone-quality spherical stills using dual lenses. It stands up by itself, can attach to a tripod, and works with an app for remote control. It’s also available in several fun colors.
MSRP $299.95
The slim Theta X features a color display for phone-free setups and quick image reviews. It snaps 60MP images, records video at 5.7K quality, and includes 46GB of internal storage. It’s a good fit for real estate and other 360-degree imaging applications.
MSRP $799.95
Both of the Theta Z1’s lenses use a big, Type 1 sensor, so it produces better low-light photos than cheaper alternatives. Whether that advantage or the quality 23MP photos justify the camera’s high price depends on your needs.
MSRP $1,046.95
Realtors and 3D model makers should consider the Matterport MC250 Pro2. It’s a pro tool that requires a subscription to use, but it’s invaluable for creating 3D models and all-around photos of interior spaces. If you want to create 3D models outdoors, the more durable Matterport Pro3 is a step-up option for $5,995.
MSRP $3,395.00
Beyond 360
GoPro Hero12 Black (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Regardless of how you intend to use your 360-degree recordings, it’s important to look at these cameras as just another tool in your kit. They are certainly not the best option for every shot, or even for every project. Check out our roundups of the best action cams, drones, and full-frame cameras for buying advice on those other categories.
