A look at a few class-leading cameras will help you to understand how much these sophisticated devices cost. In general, good 360-degree cameras cost upwards of $400.
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How Much do 360 Degree Cameras Cost?
Let’s go ahead and take a look at a few specific 360 camera models to see how much they cost.
Insta360 One X2
- The Pocket Camera Crew: With just one device, shoot first in every direction with super 5.7K 360 capture and then choose your favorite angle later. Or pick just one lens with Steady Cam mode for ultra-stable wide angle footage.
- FlowState Stabilization: Better-than-ever stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms keep your shots steady—no gimbal needed.
- Invisible Selfie Stick: Shoot with the Invisible Selfie Stick and then watch it disappear in your edit. Capture easy drone-like angles and third-person perspectives with the flick of a wrist.
- IPX8 Waterproof: Insta360 ONE X2 is waterproof to 10 meters (33ft). Take it out in a rainstorm or surfing without a case.
- In the Box: 1x Insta360 ONE X2, 1x Charge Cable, 1x Battery, 1x Protective Pouch and 1x User Guide.
The Insta360 One X2 price tag is typically around $400.
For casual users, the Insta360 One X2 will prove to be optimal and cost-effective. Not only does it have a relatively low price point, with its rich assortment of features, but it also provides decent value for money.
Besides boasting very capable hardware, the Insta360 One X2 also has the software to match. Much like its previous version, the Insta360 One X2, it offers an array of innovative features.
The One X2 is a bit bigger than its predecessor, though. However, it has greater water resistance being able to withstand water to a depth of 10 meters.
The circular touchscreen allows you to change settings quickly while previewing videos. The battery life is also improved. Battery time on a full charge is 80 minutes.
The image stabilization is astonishing. Even with the bumpiest rides, videos do look quite smooth.
The One X2 has a good mix of resolution and frame rate. At 5.7K, the frame rate is 30 fps, while at 4K resolution, the frame rate goes up to 50 fps.
The One X2 360 manages super smooth videos under rough conditions thanks to efficient stabilization made possible by the advanced FlowState algorithm.
You can also bump up the video frame for professional quality videos or drive it down using the TimeShift feature.
Pros
- Extraordinary 360 video quality
- Excellent software suite
- Water-resistant
- Superb image stabilization
Cons
- Slightly heavy
GoPro Hero Max
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot traditional Hero-style video and photos or capture immersive 360 footage. Vlog to the max with shotgun-mic performance and a front-facing screen
- Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture as the ultimate buffer
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live stream in 1080p on social, get Max HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast via the GoPro app and save footage to your SD card to check out later
- Horizon Leveling: In HERO mode, game-changing horizon leveling gives you that silky-smooth cinematic look whether youre getting sideways, flipping through the air or chasing your kids
- PowerPano: Pano without the pan. Take incredible 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos without having to scan the horizon. Take PowerPano selfies, action shots and vertical pics—all with a level horizon
- Premium 360 plus Stereo Audio: Six mics capture true-to-life 360 audio and deliver the best stereo sound ever from a GoPro
- Digital Lenses: Choose from four digital lenses in HERO mode to get the shot. Capture video and photos in Narrow, Linear, Wide and Max SuperView—our widest view yet
- Max TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while moving through an activity. In HERO mode, automatically adjust speed based on motion, scene detection and lighting. Slow down to real time—savoring moments—and then tap to speed it back
The GoPro Hero Max costs near $500.
You get good value for money from this 360 camera due to a mix of several desirable features, not the least of which is a small display at the back. At this position, the display lets you easily see what the camera is recording. This feature is not available on most 360 cameras though it should be.
The display is also generously sized so that you can see the video easily. The menu is easy to navigate. The screen provides a great user experience due to its position and size. You will feel at ease working with the screen without the app. For most cameras, you need the phone-based app for satisfactory control.
The HyperSmooth stabilization feature does what it implies and does it well. You can expect smooth videos even under rough conditions.
The resolution goes up to 5.6K at 30 fps. This is a decent mix of high resolution and frame rates that is typical of GoPro’s lofty standards.
The app is highly versatile and can let you live stream from the 360 camera.
Although the GoPro Max costs more than the Insta360 One X2, it also delivers high performance.
One main drawback is that it does not have a tripod mount. You will have to rely on the selfie stick or use GoPro accessories.
Pros
- Superior video quality
- Intuitive app
- Super smooth motion
Cons
- Feels awkward to hold – needs a tripod stand
Ricoh Theta Z1
- 23MP resolution 360 degree still images using a large sensor and a new type of lens unit. The camera is equipped with 2, 1.0 Inch back illuminated CMOS Image Sensor, one of the largest for consumer 360 degree cameras; It incorporates two units that can support about 20M effective pixels, achieving high resolution 360 degree images equivalent to about 23M still image output pixels. Moreover, it supports the best of ISO6400 high sensitivity shots, showing its strength in night and dark indoor shots; The lens unit uses Ricoh original tri fold structure technology, allowing for a slim body of just 24 millimeter despite the large image sensor
- Renewed the image processing algorithm achieved to get low and high sensitivity, low noise, and high resolution images; Moreover, dynamic Range (Dry) compensation is automatically made for normal shooting, effectively reducing blown out and pitch black shadows for outdoor locations with brightness contrast; The camera offers a range of shooting modes, including HDR Rendering, Interval composite shooting that can be Used to record star trails, and multi bracket shooting that can take continuous shots with up to 19 settings
- High quality 4K 360 degree videos using the latest image stabilization technology; The camera has added 3 axis rotational stabilization while shooting videos to show superior image stabilization; This makes it possible to shoot high resolution, smooth 360 degree videos in 3840 x 1920 pixels, equivalent to 4K size, and 30 FPS (frames per second); aperture priority automatic exposure (AV), shutter priority automatic exposure (TV), is sensitivity automatic exposure (is), and manual (M) have also been added to the exposure settings, allowing for more meticulous video settings
- Superior scalability through updates and plug-ins; Following on from the Ricoh THETA V, The camera uses Qualcomm’s snapdragons and an Android based operating system; Firmware updates facilitate continuous functional expansions and performance improvements
- Support for raw File Format, increasing the joy of editing; In addition to the existing Jpeg Format, raw (Adobe DNR) and JPEG files can be saved in the camera; Ricoh THETA stitchery, an application for stitching in Adobe Photoshop light room Classic cc, will be provided free; After processing files recorded as raw, the plug in can be Used to generate spherical images in which the seams are invisible; Details about Zenith corrections, directional corrections, and stitch distance setting can be freely changed; As with a general SLR camera, users can enjoy professional editing of hues and image qual
The Ricoh Theta Z1 costs around one grand, making it quite expensive even for a 360 camera.
A lot of 360 cameras on the market today show inadequate performance under low light due to their small sensor size. The Ricoh Theta Z1, however, shines in this regard owing to its double CMOS sensor configuration that delivers high-quality visuals even under dim conditions.
Besides superior video quality, the Ricoh Theta Z1 also boasts great audio quality thanks to the use of dual mics.
Motion stabilization is highly effective, too, providing smooth imagery even when the going gets rough.
The Ricoh Theta Z1 is an Android-powered device. The advantage of deploying Android is that developers can create 3rd party plugins that will greatly enhance and augment functionality.
A major caveat, though, is that memory is fixed. You cannot expand storage. Another issue is that battery life is not up to par.
Also, note that you will be using 2 apps for video editing with this camera. However, if image quality is paramount, then this 360 camera is the device to aim for.
The device is designed thoughtfully for good ergonomics. You don’t need a selfie stick for holding it, plus you keep it in your pocket without problems. Neither of these advantages is available with the GoPro Max.
It records videos in 4K at 30 fps while photos are 23MP.
The above numbers show that the expensive Z1 (with 4K max resolution) lags behind the GoPro Max and the Insta360 One X2 (5.6K resolution max for both) in the video quality department.
However, it is not as simple as that. The truth is that despite less resolution, the Z1 has large sensors which can capture a lot of detail for astonishingly good video and photo quality. Best of all, a large sensor size is ideal for low light conditions since more light can enter.
Another really nice aspect of the Z1 is the exceptional audio quality. The dual mics perform well even under a light breeze. There is no noise from the breeze, and mics pick up subtle sounds with ease.
Pros
- Great image quality even under low light
- Useful 3rdparty plugins for greater functionality
- User-friendly design
- Premium sturdy build
Cons
- Costly
- Fixed memory
- Video editing requires two apps
Our Final Thoughts
Wondering how much do 360-degree cameras cost? With the leading models shown above, you have a better understanding. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars at minimum for a top-class 360 camera. Some of them even cost about one grand. As always, you must be prepared to give more cash in return for greater performance, features, and functions.
