What Are the Advantages of 360-Degree Video



Once again, 3D video is making waves due to its enhanced way of telling stories. Audiences feel like they are part of the action plus they get to see scenes even closer. However, there is another video format that can give 3D a run for their money: 360-degree video. With this innovation, viewers can see not just what’s in front but also what’s behind, what’s up, and what’s down.

 

This limitless form of video capture is set to revolutionize photography and videography because there are a variety of angles that an audience can see. As a 360-degree video plays, keyboard arrows can be used to manipulate what the viewer wants to watch. Aside from the main subject, the surrounding angles can be viewed too.

 

Imagine: you can drag around the video to see the competitors and the spectators at a horse race. You can navigate through footage of a roller coaster ride at better angles. The ability to explore makes it a more inclusive form of media. If 3D videos make you feel closer to the action, their 360-degree counterpart makes you a part of it.

 

Capturing 360-degree videos



 

In its infancy, 360-degree videos were captured by using rigs like Google Jump wherein multiple cameras are mounted in various angles. However, a number of consumer-level 360-degree video cameras are already coming out of the market. This trend makes certain that even a casual videographer will have the opportunity to record 360-degree videos.

 

The multi-faceted optical system can capture 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically to create a full sphere of video. Since all angles can be viewed, it pays to have ample and consistent lighting at the location. All recorded video are then spliced together via stitching software like Kolor Autopano and Videostitch to create the final edition. The video can then be shown on a compatible media player or uploaded to Kolor Eyes, Kolor Eyes Hosting, or YouTube.

 

Possibilities for 360-Degree Video

 

 

This breakthrough allows individuals and brands to tell more compelling stories through video. After all, 60% of online data is video while a third of online activity is watching videos. Likewise, consumers are more likely to prefer videos rather than written articles. Also, YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the world.

 

With these supporting data, companies taking advantage of 360-degree video is more of a matter of “when” rather than a matter of “if”. For example, Marriot Hotels have developed a digital postcard that allows guests to immerse themselves with stories about their stay at the hotels. A rig for 360-degree video has also been placed on top of a NASCAR vehicle. Also, Tourism Australia produced videos of the same nature to promote famous destinations.

 

Available 360-Degree Video Cameras

 

 

Forget the rigs and get a hold of these cameras to record 360-degree videos. Nikon has the KeyMission 360 which they revealed early 2016. Meanwhile, Ricoh matches that with the Theta S. With a 14 Megapixel, 1 2/3” image sensor, the Ricoh Theta S can record HD videos for a total of 25 minutes. Low-light situations are not a problem too thanks to its f/2.0 aperture. You can also store a huge amount of footage with its 8 GB built-in storage. This easy-to-operate device has a dedicated application that can be used for editing videos and sharing to social media platforms. There’s also the Theta M15, the Theta S’ predecessor.

 

The verdict on 360-degree videos

 

Because of its dynamism and general appeal, 360-degree videos are here to stay. Only time will tell when more consumer-level video cameras will be produced. If the medium itself is the message, then videos of this nature relay this message: a greater appreciation of it is about to take place.