The best 360 cameras have dropped massively in price, are fun to use and create amazing content for social media

(Image credit: digitalcameraworld)

You may take absolutely unique pictures and films with the greatest 360-degree cameras. You can record video that can be fully examined by dragging on a screen or by deep diving with AR glasses, or it can be trimmed down to “flat” 2D. It can be a little complex to fully understand, but you generally won’t need to because the best cameras come with applications that make this easier to avoid.

Selfie sticks are popular because 360-degree cameras record the entire scene in their files, which means the camera has to view everything and ideally ignore you and any object you use to hold the camera.

It’s also the reason that, similar to other action cameras, the arrangement of the lenses across from one another is important for the design, as is the software’s capacity to combine the two images into one and, ideally, stabilise the camera to adjust for movement. Naturally, this is less significant with still images!

In addition, you may achieve a variety of interesting effects by adjusting the framing. For example, you can build “tiny planets” by zooming in and out beyond reason. Here’s where certain cameras get an advantage over others: a strong ecosystem and well-designed apps with AI topic tracking. Both standalone apps and plugins for popular editing programs are capable of doing this. It really doesn’t matter where you position a 360-degree camera because of its immense adaptability.

If you’re confused, don’t worry; we’ve provided you with the knowledge you need to understand the fundamentals in our section on how 360 imaging operates. As you can see, however, a number of the cameras have also been a big help in this regard. Plus, it’s far less expensive to enter than you may think. In light of this, let’s get started and list the top 360 cameras available for purchase right now.

QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL : Insta360 X4
• BEST BUDGET : Kandao Qoocam 3
• BEST FOR STILLS : Ricoh Theta X
• BEST FOR BEGINNERS : Insta360 X3
• BEST GOPRO : GoPro Max

(Image credit: forbes)

1. Insta360 X4

High resolution and a practical shape – easy to grasp in every sense

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 203g / 0.45 pounds

Dimensions: 46 x 124 x 38mm

Stills resolution: 72MP (11,904 x 5,952px)

Video resolution: 8K 30fps / 5.7K 60fps / 4K 100fps

Memory: MicroSD

Battery life: 75 min at 8K / 135 min at 5.7K

Waterproof: Yes 10m (dive case for 50m)

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I knew as soon as I used this camera that it would be at the top of this buyer’s guide. For those like me who possess the X3 and are searching for higher resolution and processing power, it’s a terrific option. It’s also a wise pick for anyone venturing into 360-degree photography for the first time, regardless of whether their objectives are leisurely or serious content creation.

The camera stands out for two reasons. One significant one is the Insta360 software, which currently stands significantly ahead of competing products. Not only does it have a fantastic phone app for iOS and Android, but it also has an Insta360 Studio for Mac and PC, as well as plugins for Premiere and Final Cut Pro, so you can create material for social media practically instantly, or more carefully afterward. Compared to GoPro’s offering, the AI subject tracking is superior and saves hours of manual keyframing.

However, the X3 also comes with that. The 8K resolution and the processing power that makes it possible are the salient features of this. The quality is noticeably higher thanks to the boost, particularly when editing and zooming in on video. In addition, it offers several more improved resolutions, such as bullet time now at 5.7k/120fps and single action camera mode at the critical 4K60fps threshold.

There are more improvements as well, such as the replaceable lens covers that increase the device’s durability and the microphone connectivity. All appear to be the outcome of a business that has improved over generations by paying attention to its clients. Things are fantastic whenever improvements meet the needs of the users (a word of caution: the 5-star review for this camera was received in 2024, not 2020).

(Image credit: fstoppers)

2. Kandao QooCam 3

Great resolution and category-beating value in the same device

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 189g

Dimensions: 71 x 83 x 27mm

Stills resolution: 64MP

Video resolution: 5.7K

Memory: MicroSD

Battery life: TBC

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Although I’m currently working on our comprehensive analysis, the pricing of this straightforward-looking 360-degree camera makes it quite enticing. Its twin 1/1.55-inch sensors and ƒ/1.6 apertures let in a decent amount of light and produce sharp 5.7K video and up to 62-megapixel still images. These features place it in the same ballpark as the Insta360 X3 and the GoPro Max, from which it appears to take some design ideas.

It’s comfortable to hold on a selfie stick for vlogging or taking immersive panoramas, and it looks great. The internal hardware is of good quality as well; I have not encountered any problems such as early overheating, yet the battery life is disappointingly short, lasting only approximately 30 minutes.

We haven’t had enough time to determine if Kandao’s new software suite is on par with the top brands, though. Though the Mac/PC software isn’t available, the phone app connects to the device and permits social media transmission, so you can enjoy 360-degree experiences even though there isn’t the same level of support.

Kandao should not be written out because it is obviously on the right track and holds a sizable portion of the market for 360-degree conference room cameras. But the real gem of this camera is its price. One noteworthy development for the future is that Kandao unveiled the QooCam 3 Ultra, an 8K camera with a larger but comparable-looking chassis, at CES 2024. This implies a respectable degree of faith in the series, which seems warranted in light of this.

(Image credit: blog.ricoh360)

3. Ricoh Theta X

Best overall for stills

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 170g

Dimensions: 36.2 x 51.7 x 29mm

Stills resolution: 60.5MP

Video resolution: 5.7K 30fps

Memory: MicroSD, plus 64GB internal storage

Battery life: 30 mins (5.6K)

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To be clear, this is very much a niche choice. However, 360-degree photography fills a need, and virtual tour content is crucial.

Depending on the type of content creator you are, the Ricoh Theta X may or may not appeal to you. Remember that this 360° camera’s picture stabilisation isn’t as strong as that of an action camera like the Insta360 X series, if you’re considering it as a substitute. Theta X should be viewed suspiciously by vloggers just due to its inability to use an external microphone.

So, for whom is the Theta X designed? It is intended for those who must quickly record a virtual tour. In its automated HDR mode, it can be mounted on a monopod with tripod feet and produce a 62-megapixel image that can be loaded into a program like Matterport to generate a virtual tour, which is useful for real estate agents.

For many virtual tours, it is possible to use the technically slightly higher resolution images from an Insta360 X3 or X4, but to be fair, its pricing and limited powers in the broader feature scope do put it at a bit of a disadvantage. This is a feature that put it far ahead of the competition when it launched.

However, when paired with its superb colour and low-light capabilities, the Theta X’s skills do appear nice, especially in plainly decorated apartments. For some, that option is somewhat undermined by its absence of RAW capture, but for the realtor on the go, this might be a smart decision.

(Image credit: popphoto)

4. Insta360 X3

Best all-in-one solution for creatives

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 180g

Dimensions: 114.0×46.0x33.1mm

Stills resolution: 72MP

Video resolution: 5.7K

Memory: MicroSD

Battery life: 81 minutes

Waterproof: Yes, plus dive case available for 50m

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Up to the release of the X4, which outperformed the X3’s 5.7K capture with 8K, the Insta360 X3 was the most immersive and adaptable video camera available. Even so, the camera still records everything in its field of view, making it simple for you to produce 3D virtual reality content or to edit your scenes as standard “flat” video using the software’s reframing tools. This allows you to track subjects, create panning shots, and essentially point the camera anywhere you want after the video has been recorded, albeit at a slightly lower resolution.

Although this now-older model is more affordable and still more capable than the GoPro Max, you may discover that the extra resolution isn’t necessary for most rapid action photographs and content you post on social media.

Instead than being a massive leap ahead, the Insta360 X3 was merely an evolution of the concept—yep, it was originally named the X2—so it already has some enhancements that make it more user-friendly. Although I normally use it on a selfie stick that transforms into a “invisible selfie stick,” the device may be carried in one hand. The device is waterproof for a few meters even without a casing, and the touchscreen provides access to all of the important functionalities.

The software tools available on phone, Mac, and PC (as well as plugins for programs like FCPX and Premier Pro) have advanced significantly, and Insta360 appears to be at the forefront of the industry at the moment. It is also one of the friendliest, most exciting, and best software packages available.

I successfully tested the X3 during a genuine vacation, and the variety of attachments available for this camera—which includes dive cases and other items—is another advantage of its popularity.

(Image credit: photopxl)

5. GoPro Max

The GoPro Max is looking a bit dated now – but it makes an impression

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 163g

Dimensions: 64 x 69 x 40mm

Waterproof: 5m

Stills resolution: 16.6MP

Video resolution: 6K/5.6K stitched

Memory: MicroSD

Mount: Flip-out mounting feet

Battery life: 78mins (5.6K)

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Undoubtedly, my reviewer who examined this 360-degree action camera was impressed, and with good reason—considering that it’s still a powerful piece of gear even if it was released in 2019. Even while the Insta360 X3 (let alone the X4) is unquestionably more sophisticated in many ways, the GoPro Max’s image and video quality are high enough to make this list and even compete with it in some areas.

Fans of GoPro, however, may still take advantage of the wide range of user-friendly features that allow almost anyone to get a lot out of it, even if they’re not particularly interested in 360-degree photography. GoPro has also invested a lot of time and energy into developing an editing program that makes “Shoot first, frame later” editing simple. However, this app uses keyframing instead of automated subject tracking.

The Max has a great six-mic configuration that gives it a lot of credibility as a vlogging camera, and its 1600mAh battery will last you through a full day of filming.

However, it’s a quite expensive alternative and doesn’t have a dedicated 4K video capturing feature like some competitors, such as those made by Insta360. If you enjoy the “feel” of GoPro, you’ll definitely find the polish you prefer here, even if I still strongly advise you to test Insta360 Studio before making your decision.

However, we advise holding out for a little while longer for ardent GoPro enthusiasts who are unable to switch to the blatantly superior options on this list—rumors of a Max 2 have surfaced.

FAQs

How does 360 imaging work?

To visualise the process of taking 360-degree photos, picture someone taking a close-up of a sphere from the inside, making sure to catch every angle of its interior surface. Put yourself in the heart of a sphere and use incredibly wide-angle lenses to capture everything around you is essentially what 360-degree cameras do.

The lenses are severe fisheyes that can capture a 180-degree view when positioned back to back; the sensors are standard “flat” ones. This obtains a pair of hemispherical pictures, which are subsequently combined to generate the ultimate 360-degree picture. Depending on how they are viewing the image, a viewer can then use a mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, or virtual reality headset to explore it.

Naturally, taking 360-degree movies is more complicated than still photos since the action is happening all around the viewer, even if they are not looking at the action-filled area of the image. Live 360-degree broadcasts are growing increasingly popular as streaming technologies advance, offering an unmatched opportunity to fully immerse oneself in an event as it unfolds—short of, you know, physically being there.

Although it can be intimidating to edit 360-degree photos, you can gain some control by breaking them up into smaller “windows” that you can work on separately. One of these windows can be completely cropped out in stills and exported as a “flat” picture. This adaptability lets you virtually replicate camera motions in the movie, such as tracking, panning,and zooming, even though your shot was captured from a fixed position. Handy!

When working with 360-degree footage, there is one thing to keep in mind, specifically the resolution. Because a 360-degree image has a considerably wider surface area than a traditional one, 12MP on a 360-degree camera means quite different things than it does on a DSLR, and you can’t crop in as closely and still expect the same amount of information.

How we test cameras

We test cameras in tightly regulated lab settings as well as in actual shooting environments. We quantify resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio in our lab testing.

Resolution is expressed in line widths/picture height and is independent of sensor size. It is measured using ISO resolution charts. DxO Analyser test equipment is used to measure dynamic range, and the results are presented as EV values. Across the ISO range of the camera, DxO Analyser is also utilised for noise analysis; the results are expressed as a signal-to-noise ratio. Usually, we select three rival cameras to provide some context and a performance comparison.

Above all, we go out into the world and record some 360-degree footage. This allows us to feel the stitching: are there issues with the lenses, or do the lenses line up and produce a spherical view? Is it simple to work with the preview?

Additionally, it’s the only way to use a kind of cameras that, like 360-degree photography, rely primarily on software to provide the greatest feature set. Surprisingly, effects can serve as the foundation for excellent social media videos and even serve as the start of a whole new genre of augmented reality material compatible with goggles.

We also test important add-ons. For instance, 360-degree cameras need specialised cases in order to take underwater photos, so we thoroughly evaluated the Insta360 X3 Invisible Dive Case in real life.