In the past, most 360° films were shot with conventional cameras arranged in a circle, so that all the camera images taken together resulted in a 360° spherical shot. However, the relatively new technology of 360° video cameras has led to a paradigm shift in filmmaking. In contrast to classic film, a 360° video offers a view from every angle. These videos allow the viewer to change the camera's viewing direction during the movie.
Which 360° cameras are available. Find out more...
360-degree videos, also known as spherical videos, record a scene from a specific camera position from all angles simultaneously. 360-degree videos give the viewer the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. The term "virtual reality" (VR) is often used as a synonym for "360-degree videos", although the two terms refer to very different experiences.
Videos labeled as such are recorded with special 360° cameras that enable simultaneous recording in all directions. The end product allows the viewer to move their gaze freely throughout the video. In many cases, the viewer has the feeling of being "there". 360-degree videos can be viewed without special hardware, for example on YouTube via PC or cell phone.
The 360° video offers a more memorable and intense experience. Such videos offer the best experience when they are played through a VR headset. A VR headset capable of playing 360° videos in good quality starts at around €350. Glasses from the manufacturers Pico and Skyworth are the most affordable solutions for 360° VR glasses. Which VR glasses are available for 360° video. Find out more...
What are the differences between a classic film production and a 360° film production? Read more...
The newer 180° VR video format offers a higher quality solution, but only covers 180° of the field of view instead of 360°. As the average person has a field of view of around 140 degrees, the VR180 image corresponds to what a person would see, plus some space on either side when the viewer turns their head.
Compared to 360-degree video production, the process of creating 180-degree VR content is leaner and results in higher quality footage. A blurred 360-degree shot usually gives viewers the impression that they are perceiving what is happening through a blur. When using a 180-degree lens, a professional photo camera, such as a Canon EOS R5 camera, can be converted into a 180-degree camera using a lens.
180-degree videos can be easily uploaded to YouTube in the same way as 360-degree videos and can also be played in the same way by any VR headset.
One advantage of 180-degree videos is that they are cheaper to produce than 360-degree videos, as less expensive equipment and special 360° cameras are required. The production of a 180-degree video is less time-consuming than that of a 360-degree video, as less raw material is required and ultimately fewer camera angles need to be combined. This enables dynamic camera shots without a great deal of effort.
Are you interested in developing a virtual reality or 360° application? You may still have questions about budget and implementation. Feel free to contact me.
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