It’s not every day you can say that you have a super-hot camera that captures it all. And, quite literally, IT ALL. Your good side, your bad side, and your cheeky side. These 360 cameras have not only revolutionised how photographers create content but have provided a fresh take on new environments, scenes and action shots.
So if you like choice, well, you’ve come to the right place. Never again will you be disappointed with your creative direction with a 360 camera in your toolkit.
The best 360 cameras can capture scenes, environments and action sequences in a way that no other camera can match, and with amazing editing options too. These are the first cameras in the world where it doesn't matter where you point them!
Related: Insta360 ONE R Ultimate Kit: Review
Whatever the angle, all you need to do it point it in any direction, and click the button. Whether you are interested in creating a scene for virtual reality or maybe just a standard flat video as captured on a video camera, the 360 shooting options are endless.
Not only have we shortlisted the best 360 cameras, but we've also provided a variety of different styles. From the GoPro Max to Vuze and Insta360 products, you’ve got a whole heap of choice coming your way.
How does 360 imaging work?
Let’s go back to virtual reality as an example. Picture having one of those 360-degree virtual reality headpieces on. Now take a step back and imagine you are looking down at yourself in the middle from above. It’s a sphere. This is exactly how 360 imaging works. Through the use of two back-to-back 180-degree fisheye lenses (which are flat sensors) on either side of the device, all you need to physically worry about is pointing the camera in one direction and it will handle the rest.
The camera then merges these two angles together and create a 360-degree image of your surroundings. It is even more straightforward when capturing stills as what you see on the screen is what you will get and can crop it afterwards. Video is a little different, whereby the action captured in the video will continue no matter your perspective.
Best 360 cameras
1 of 8GoPro MAX action sports camera
The GoPro Max newest addition is the best 360 camera for any person interested in photography. Acting as a hybrid between an action and a vlogging camera, its great quality (stills: 16.6MP, video: 6K) and the microphone makes us proud. All you need to do is press record and it will do all the directing for you. All the cropping takes place post-shoot back in the studio. The main downfall is it's not a 4k video and the app could be improved. Pros: Multi-functional capabilities High-quality and dynamicCons: No 4k video capture Poor app experience Spec: Size: 64 x 69 x 40mm Weight: 163gWaterproof: 5m
2 of 8Action Camera & 360 Camera
The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is one of the best 360 cameras based on its futuristic design. It has a two-in-one camera setup with two sensational lens modules. One of which is the 360-degree shooting option (a one-inch Leica) and the other being the 4k action camera. In addition, the camera is 5m waterproof and can go further using specific housing. It not only has an Auto Frame mode, but AI controls the different shooting options. Pros: 100mbps video and raw photos 360-degree lens and 4k options Cons: Limited touchscreen Need an iPhone for setup Spec: Size: 72 x 48 x 32.4mm Weight: Not specified Waterproof: 5m
3 of 8Insta360 ONE X 360 Panoramic Action Camera
Another Insta360 product to look at is the ONE X for its effortless shirt pocket design. Super easy to operate, this model has a range of editing and subject-tracking options that can be directly linked to any smartphone device. The camera's FlowState stabilisation is out of this world and so is the device's 6-axis gyro system. Apart from a slight struggle in low light and it not being waterproof, it's smooth, simplistic, high-quality and durable – what more would you want? Pros: Impressive video and stillsAmazing stabilisationCons: Struggles in low light Newer improved models (quality, versatility and waterproofing) Spec: Size: 115 x 48 x 28mmWeight: 115gWaterproof: No (needs housing)
4 of 8Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera
The final Insta360 product worth the investment is the One X2 model for its high specs, versatility and clever design. This action camera deserves a pat on its back for not only utilising the 360-degree lenses for virtual reality but providing several creative editing widescreen video modes. It may be a little challenging at first but once this tech has been mastered on their advanced app, it will bring your insanely high-quality content to a whole new level. Pros: Fantastic colour and detail Handy modes (MultiView, SteadyCam)Cons: Relies on the newest phone models to operate Lengthy editing time Spec: Size: 462 x 113 x 29.8mmWeight: 149gWaterproof: 10m
£449.00
5 of 8KANDAO QooCam 8K full view camera
The Kandao QooCam 8k 360 high-res and cinematic shooter is the best 360 camera for quality. It has a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with a 10-bit colour which is hard to beat. The speedy interface allows you to switch from the 360-degree video to a still image easily and efficiently. The colour and contrast are off the charts, as well as the sharpness and details captured in its video. Keep it as it is or cut the footage back to a widescreen – you've got yourself another strong competitor, but this all comes at a price. Pros: 4k 120fps slow-moHigh quality video (SuperSteady)Cons: Short battery life Expensive when not waterproof Spec: Size: 145 x 57 x 33mmWeight: 245gWaterproof: No
6 of 8RICOH 910725 THETA V 360 Degree Spherical Camera
The Ricoh Theta V is the best 360 camera as an everyday fun alternative. Its super ergonomic design allows you to slip it into any jacket pocket when you're out and use it comfortably for hours. The controls are straightforward, and you can operate it without needing a phone by simply pressing a mode (still or 4k video) and letting the shutter-release button does the rest. If you do have a phone, the app is great as a browsing and management tool. It does have a fixed 19GB memory, which could be limiting in the long run. Pros: Ergonomically easy to operate with a simple interface Slick design Cons: Fixed memory (19GB)Expensive when not waterproof Spec: Size: 45.2 x 130.6 x 22.9mm Weight: 121gWaterproof: No
7 of 8Vuze VUZE-XR-BLK XR Dual VR Camera
The Vuze XR is one of the best 360 cameras for its two-in-one versatile creative shooting design. Not only can you capture 360-degree, but also 180-degree stills (18MP) and 5.7k videos. Very easy to use, you just need to press a button and you'll be able to switch between both the 3D (full sphere) and 2D (half sphere) virtual reality modes. It doesn't stop there, the XR has a live broadcasting and in-camera image stitching option. It too comes with an app for the smartphone to further control and manage all your creative footage. It isn't however, waterproof and you would need to buy the specific casing for it. Pros: Impressive image quality Ergonomically easy to operate and swap modes Cons: Average mobile appPoor battery lifeSpec: Size: 152 x 56 x 39mmWeight: 212gWaterproof: Requires a case (max 30m)
8 of 8Samsung Gear 360 2017 - UK Version
The Samsung Gear 360 is the best 360 camera for anyone on a budget. Despite it being one of the first companies to lead the way with 360 imaging, Samsung hasn't introduced any updates since. Signified by its lollipop design, it's very comfortable to use the device and great to have for additional content creation. It can handle a few splashes but certainly isn't waterproof and is not compatible with all phones. Great quality 4k video and stills, it also does livestreams which is very handy and has a mount for convenience.Pros: Good quality for the price you payCan operate without a phone (but compatible with most)Cons: Average desktop software Limited features compared to competitorsSpec: Size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 3.9 inchesWeight: 4.6 ouncesWaterproof: No
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Emily Farquhar is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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