I first came into contact with virtual reality around 2014 when I tried out the Oculus Rift DK 2. This fascinating experience awakened in me the desire to become creative in this medium myself. I wanted to be a virtual reality filmmaker. Today, my agency Design4real is fully specialized in the design and development of virtual reality and augmented reality applications and I can look back on many successful projects.
What is the quickest way to achieve creative storytelling in the field of virtual reality? There are basically two approaches.
The first is the cinematic approach, in which immersive 360-degree films are with the appropriate cameras. For those with a film background, this may be the most direct route. Becoming a 360° filmmaker first requires an understanding of 360° cameras and the post-production process.
If you want to get into the production of virtual reality content, you can get to 360° video cannot be ignored. The special appeal lies in the opportunity to put the viewer right in the middle of the action - whether it's a virtual tour, an event or a documentary VR experience. Choosing the right technology is crucial for a successful start - especially the 360° camera.
For beginners, we recommend models such as:
Insta360 X3 (approx. 500 €): intuitive operation, good image quality, handy design.
GoPro Max (approx. 550 €): robust, waterproof, good app connection.
Ricoh Theta Z1 (approx. 950 €): particularly good low-light performance, for professional photo and video applications.
If you have higher demands in terms of resolution, dynamic range and stitching quality, professional models such as
Insta360 Pro 2 (approx. €5,000): 8K recording, FlowState stabilization, GPS module.
Z CAM S1 or V1 Pro (5,000-10,000 €): for high-end productions with post-production stitching.
👉 Tip: You can find a detailed market overview in our article:
360° cameras compared - which camera is right for your VR project?
In addition to the camera itself, you should plan for the following costs:
| Position | Cost framework |
|---|---|
| 360° camera | 500-10.000 € |
| Accessories (tripod, memory) | 100-800 € |
| Stitching software | 0-1,500 € (Mistika VR, Kolor Autopano) |
| Editing software (Premiere, Resolve) | Subscription model / purchase price, if applicable |
| Audio equipment (Ambisonic Mic) | 300-1.500 € |
Also important: time for familiarization with Stitching processes, post-production and Narrative design in 360° - Because good VR storytelling needs more than just technology: it requires a rethink of dramaturgy and camera use.
The other way, which is closer to me personally as I have little film experience but rather come from the areas of post-production, special effects and 3D, is via Unreal Engine 5. Some may object that they have no experience in game programming and that Unreal Engine 5 is primarily known as a powerful game engine.
My experience with the Unreal Engine began two years ago. I realized that even without programming knowledge and with previous experience in other 3D programs such as Blender, 3ds Max or Cinema 4D, you can quickly find your way around the Unreal Engine.
The reason why, from my many years of experience in VR, I would recommend the Unreal Engine for beginners rather than the Unity Engine is because of the speed at which graphically exciting results can be achieved in VR. Unreal Engine 5 can be generated. My expertise with the Unity Engine is much longer than with the Unreal Engine. Nevertheless, I manage to achieve good results faster in the Unreal Engine.
If you're not familiar with Unreal Engine 5, there are a few things you'll need to do to get started:
Create your first VR film
Once you have a basic understanding of Unreal Engine 5, you can start creating your first VR movie. Here are a few tips:
Network and communityNetwork and community: It is essential to actively integrate yourself into the 360° filmmaking community. Exchanging ideas with like-minded people in online communities and forums offers valuable opportunities for feedback, inspiration and expanding your professional network. Specialized meetups are particularly recommended, such as the XR Bavaria Meetup. Such events are ideal platforms for making contacts in the VR scene and exchanging ideas with experts and enthusiasts. These interactions not only enrich your professional knowledge, but also open doors to new career opportunities.
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.
I am looking forward to you
Clarence Dadson CEO Design4real
