Top 5 BEST 360 Cameras of (2024)

If you’re an action video enthusiast or content creator seeking the perfect 360 camera, you’re in luck. These innovative devices are tailored to capture panoramic views, immersing your audience in the action-packed scenes you film. The top-tier 360 cameras not only offer this expansive view but also deliver seamless footage, even in the midst of dynamic activities.

One of the standout features of the best 360 cameras is their ability to automatically detect the horizon and stabilize your video. This means whether you’re navigating a rugged ski slope or freefalling through a skydive, your footage remains remarkably smooth and captivating.

In recent years, 360 cameras have undergone significant advancements. They’ve become notably smaller and more compact compared to their predecessors. Additionally, they now boast cutting-edge tracking technology and seamless smartphone connectivity, further enhancing their versatility and ease of use.

With such a wide array of options on the market, selecting the ideal 360 camera for your needs might seem daunting. However, by delving into the unique features and capabilities of each device, you can make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your creative vision and filming requirements.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

1.Insta360 One X3

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Insta360 X3 seems to be raising the bar for 360 cameras, offering an enticing blend of user-friendliness, advanced features, and impressive image quality. With a larger image sensor compared to its predecessor, it’s capable of capturing stunning 72MP 360-degree photos and HDR video, ensuring your footage is vivid and detailed.

One standout feature of the Insta360 X3 is its enhanced ease of use, making it more accessible to a broader range of users. Additionally, the inclusion of new sharing options via the Insta360 app adds convenience, allowing seamless sharing of content across various social media platforms.

While your review of the Insta360 X3 is still in progress, it’s evident that this device has the potential to secure the top spot among the best 360 cameras currently available. Its combination of improved functionality, advanced technology, and impressive performance makes it a compelling choice for action video enthusiasts and content creators alike. Keep us posted on your final impressions and findings!

The Insta360 X3’s significantly larger touchscreen display is a game-changer compared to its predecessor, the One X2. With a spacious 2.29-inch size, navigating the camera’s features becomes more intuitive and convenient. This expanded screen real estate not only enhances accessibility to the camera’s functionalities but also improves visibility, making it easier to frame shots and monitor recordings in real-time.

The transition from a small circular screen to a larger touchscreen display represents a substantial upgrade, allowing users to make the most of the camera’s capabilities with greater ease and clarity. This enhancement in usability further solidifies the Insta360 X3 as a top contender in the realm of 360 cameras, catering to the needs of both novice and experienced users alike.

2.Insta360 One RS

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Insta360 One RS presents a unique and innovative approach to the action camera market, offering a feature that sets it apart from the reigning champion, GoPro. The ability to seamlessly switch between a traditional action camera and a 360 camera provides users with a level of versatility and adaptability that GoPro currently doesn’t offer.

This novel feature not only expands the capabilities of the Insta360 One RS but also distinguishes it from competitors by offering a dual-functionality that caters to different filming needs and preferences. The ability to transform from a standard action camera to a 360 camera on the fly opens up a world of creative possibilities for users, allowing them to capture immersive 360-degree footage alongside traditional action shots.

However, whether the Insta360 One RS can truly claim the title of the best action camera—and best 360 camera—depends on various factors, including its overall performance, image quality, ease of use, and value for money. Reading the full Insta360 One RS review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of its capabilities and help users determine if it aligns with their specific filming requirements and preferences.

3.GoPro Max

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

In contrast to many other 360 cameras, the GoPro Max incorporates a small back display, offering a unique advantage for users. While not as convenient as initially perceived, this sizable screen simplifies navigation and adjustment of settings directly on the camera, eliminating the need for a smartphone.

The GoPro Max also boasts the HyperSmooth stabilization feature, ensuring smooth video footage even under challenging conditions. With a maximum resolution of 5.6K/30 fps, the camera maintains GoPro’s renowned image quality standards. Additionally, the GoPro app provides a host of features, including live streaming capabilities from the Max.

Nevertheless, the GoPro Max’s design mandates the use of a selfie stick and lacks a tripod mount, necessitating the use of additional GoPro accessories. Despite its higher price tag of $499 compared to the Insta360 One X2, the GoPro Max offers superior functionality and performance.

4.Ricoh Theta Z1

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

When it comes to 360 cameras, their small sensor size often poses challenges for low-light photography and videos. However, for those seeking top-notch performance regardless of price, the Ricoh Theta Z1 emerges as a compelling choice. This impeccably designed device boasts two 1-inch, backside-illuminated CMOS sensors, resulting in exceptional image quality even in unfavorable lighting conditions.

Moreover, the Theta Z1 impresses with its dual microphones, delivering superb audio, and its effective motion stabilization further enhances video quality. Operating on an Android-based system, this camera allows for the creation of custom plug-ins by third-party developers, significantly expanding its capabilities.

Despite its strengths, the Theta Z1 does have some drawbacks. It lacks expandable storage, its battery life is relatively short, and users must utilize two separate apps for editing photos or videos. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize image quality above all else, the Ricoh Theta Z1 stands as the ultimate choice.

5.Vecnos IQUI

Last update on 2024-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Vecnos Iqui is a 360 camera designed for spontaneous capture, offering quick startup and capture times. Its compact, pen-like shape enhances portability, allowing users to easily carry it in their pockets.

The Iqui’s accompanying app transforms captured photos into mini-movies for convenient sharing on social media platforms. While its image quality may not match that of competitors like Insta360 or GoPro, its simplicity and user-friendly nature appeal to influencers and casual users alike.

However, some users may find the app lacking in terms of features and customization options, wishing for more versatility in editing and enhancing their content.

In summary, the Vecnos Iqui excels in rapid capture and ease of use, making it a convenient option for on-the-go content creation. Despite its limitations in image quality and app functionality, its appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility, particularly for influencers seeking quick and effortless content creation tools.

What to look for when buying a 360 camera

When looking for one, you’ll see that most 360-degree cameras come in two varieties: smaller, more portable stick-style cameras and larger, more squarish (or circular) cameras. The former, like the Insta360 One X, are more likely to be less costly and made for more informal and spontaneous filming. The larger and more costly cameras in the second category, such the GoPro Hero Max, typically yield better-quality footage. Generally speaking, if you want to get high-quality footage with the latter kind of 360 camera, you’ll need to mount it on something, like a tripod.

Before making a purchase, consider how you want to utilize a 360-degree camera. Stick-style cameras work great if you want to take amusing selfies with friends. A larger camera can be a better choice if you want to record terrifying moments from activities like skydiving or skiing.

How we test 360 cameras

When you test 360-degree cameras, you get a lot of strange looks and remarks. Although action cameras like the GoPro are already commonplace, the design and method of mounting 360-degree cameras grab attention right away.

Since 360-degree action must be captured, most 360-degree cameras are built with many bulbous lenses. Additionally, you must position the camera somewhat far away from your body if you don’t want the side of your head to take up half the picture.

A selfie stick will also be useful. With very few exceptions, the majority of these cameras were awkward to grip firmly in my palm due to their form.

Each camera creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that you connect to with your phone when you turn it on, and this is how all of the cameras interact with smartphones. Afterwards, you utilize the companion app as a viewfinder by opening the display on your phone. The video stream from the cameras was comparatively stutter-free and fluid, and connecting the cameras to my smartphone was generally a simple affair.

conclusion

When browsing for a 360 camera, you’ll notice they generally fall into two categories: compact stick-style models and larger, more robust ones. Stick-style cameras like the Insta360 One X are typically cheaper and geared towards spontaneous shooting, ideal for casual use or fun selfies. On the other hand, larger cameras like the GoPro Hero Max often come with a higher price tag but offer superior video quality. They may require mounting on tripods or other fixtures for stable footage capture, making them better suited for capturing action-packed adventures like skydiving or skiing. It’s important to consider your intended usage carefully before purchasing: if you value convenience and capturing everyday moments, stick-style cameras may be perfect, while larger models are better suited for professional-grade video or extreme sports.