In today’s review of Samsung Gear 360, I would like to point out that photography and videography have traveled a great distance since digital cameras came into existence. 3D video filming is still an attraction but somewhat flailing one. VR tech is even newer but comparatively more hyped. So let’s see how capturing spherical scenes really looks like.
Samsung Gear 360 Review: Specs
- Two 15-megapixel fisheye lenses (optionally, you can use only one)
- 360 Photo Resolution: 30-megapixel
- 360 Video Resolution: 3840 x 1920
- Smart color correction and dynamic range
- The camera is dust and splash resistant
Samsung Gear 360 Review: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best in the competition in terms of photos
- Better color correction compared to other 360 cameras
- Very easy to use and smarter processing of raw footage
- Ability to view photos and videos on company’s Gear VR
Cons:
- Unavailability of good sharing platforms for 360-videos.
- It can only be used with high-end Samsung smartphones like Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, or above.
- Likewise, stitching software is only available for Windows.
- Takes a long time to transfer data from the camera to your phone.
Samsung Gear 360 Review: How it Works, Usage, and Options
There are 2 fisheye lenses on either side of the camera cover the entire 360 scene. Once you have captured the footage, the images/videos are still raw and can’t be directly viewed unless they are treated with a process called ‘stitching.’
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Basically, stitching means combining different images to create a large image. Since only two cameras are involved here, Samsung Gear 360 stitches only two images. It can be done through its desktop or smartphone app but there’s a catch: on smartphones, you can only do it with a latest Samsung phone or Windows on the desktop. These limitations definitely limit the appeal.
There are advanced options as well which are also easier to learn but most of you stick to the default settings. A multipurpose button loop through three different modes: Shooting, Settings, and Power on/off. You hit start recording with a signature red-rec-button located on the top.
Sharing Platforms
As an inherent outcome of new-tech-new-vices, you can share 360 photos online on the very limited platform. Currently, Facebook 360 is your best option for social media presence of your three-sixty ventures.
Some Useful Tips
- The stitching leaves a visible line of a result of stitching process, so try to keep the subject at a greater distance. At 5 feet, this line becomes less conspicuous.
- Likewise, keep the Gear 360 at least five feet above the ground or you will be wasting a huge space of the final image to the grass, floor, table, or whatever is beneath.
- Never hold the device in the hand for the same reason, use the stand for all in-air photos.
- Try to take the 360 photos in the daylight because the result in the night is not good.
- Try to be as still as you can while taking the pictures because shaky cam always results in bad stitch and poor quality photos. The anti-blur system is non-existent.
Samsung Gear 360 Review: Performance and Video Sharing
The performance of Samsung Gear 360 is better on the photos than the video. The video recording is smooth but it has multiple issues with transferring. Just a five-minute spherical clip recorded the Samsung Gear 360 takes over 10 minutes to transfer to your phone.
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The worse thing isn’t even the transfer time; it is the transfer failure because it is definitely not a single attempt process. So make sure your smartphone battery is fully charged and don’t move the phone if transferring over Bluetooth.
Performance Issues
You should also know that even if you wish to clip the footage, you have to move the file to the stitching software first. Overheating is also a big problem with first generation Samsung Gear 360. Sometimes, the device will shut down just after 15-minutes of video recording.
Facebook for Video Sharing
The social media giant limits its 360-degree uploads at 1GB. Additionally, you could also experience some spikes and failed attempts uploading it to Facebook. You can share your clips using Samsung’s native app.
The Gear 360 is 4K Quality Range
But different from the 4k video quality that you are known to. You can shoot 4k videos with it but since the entire image is actually a spread out spherical panorama, the pixels feel diffused and blurrier during the playback. So don’t expect GoPro like quality here… or even smartphone.
You must know that Samsung Gear 360 is still the top consumer-level 360-degree videography and photography device in terms of resolution. So still an achievement; the problem: too novel and not attractive enough to the users like the vibe virtual technology has raked up.
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So this experimental camera genre is best suited for… experimenting. If you are a professional photographer of nature and panoramas, this is your best option. Many android phones and iPhone developers are already benefiting from it, creating world-tour like apps.
Things You Should Know About 360 Cameras
- Specifically, I mean the first generation cameras. First off, they are all designed to have a short life because upgraded models will improve.
- There are no sharing platforms and each 360 device maker is akin to develop some customized ground for it to promote their products.
- Compared to regular camera lenses protected in a turtle-shell-like hiding, the huge apertures of this globe like device needs protection.
Samsung Gear 360 Review: Price, Competition, And Summary
Samsung Gear 360 price is $349. Other spherical cameras include 360fly, Kodak LG’s 360 Cam, Ricoh’s Theta S while Nikon has also announced their own version during an electronic show. For now, the company is supposed to benefit on the sales sheet because no other runner in the arena is just as much good. Hopefully, when I will review the next generation of these devices (some company might slide it out by the end of 2017), there will be better features, quality, and durability.
