Do you want to know all about the VSN Mobil V.360 camera? This VSN 360 Camera review will outline the pros and cons and the device’s actual performance so that you can make an informed choice.
The VSN Mobil V.360 can record a highly panoramic video. However, its video quality is not quite up to par with class-leading 360 cameras like the GoPro Max, Insta360 One X2, and the Ricoh Theta Z1.
Also, it must be borne in mind that the vertical viewing field is limited to just 60 degrees. So you will not be getting the full view that is normally seen in 360 videos. You will have to content yourself with just a 60-degree slice of the action.
Our Review of the VSN 360 Camera
The VSN Mobil V.360 was one of the earliest 360 cameras on the market made for consumers. The camera promised to add a new dimension to the ultra-wide lens cameras in vogue by imparting a full 360 perspective.
The V.360 allows users to shoot interactive 360 videos, which have more to offer than conventional format videos. However, the early 360 camera is not just pricey; it is also somewhat cumbersome. You can get better quality videos from leading 360 camera brands.
However, when it was launched, the V.360 provided adventure seekers a new way to capture their escapades.
Pros
- Works at freezing temperatures
- Easy to use
- Vertical viewing angle limited to 60 degrees
Cons
- Requires midrange PC for editing and viewing clips
- Plastic cup section easily damaged
- Remote necessary for switching on
- Bulky
- Pricey
Design
The V.360 appears bigger and feels heavier than most action cameras on the market. The 360 camera sports a very distinctive cup-like section at the top made from clear plastic. At its peak is the spirit level. You can use this feature to find out how to level the camera compared to the ground.
The lens sits somewhere in the middle of the clear plastic cup. An array of mirrors surround the lens reflecting light from all angles into it.
The V.360 is built for resilience. The tenacious device fulfills military specifications for impact and shocks. Since it is IP67 compliant, the camera can withstand dust while remaining waterproof up to a depth of 3 feet.
The manufacturer claimed that the plastic section is capable of enduring shocks and impact. However, marks begin to appear on the clear plastic section rather easily.
The gray base below the cup is where the bulk of the 360 camera’s weight appears to be concentrated. There are 4 small LEDs around the base which show the recording status. A removable cover protects the battery, micro USB 3, and mini HDMI ports.
There is also a thread for the camera to mount securely on a tripod stand.
Accessories
The package includes various accessories, including a GoPro mount adapter, dash mount, battery, battery door (waterproof), silicone sleeve, charger, USB 3 cable, and the carrying case.
A tube-shaped Bluetooth remote is also included in the package that you can fit into your pocket with ease. The remote gives you the most convenient method of controlling the V.360. You just have to press the power button to activate the remote and link it with the camera. You will also find buttons that allow for recording still images and videos.
Basic Features
The camera can link to Android and iOS phones via Wi-Fi. To do this, you will have to download and install the free app. The software lets your control basic features like selecting lighting modes, configuring effects, and choosing the resolution. With the help of the app, you can begin and stop recording, shoot still images, choose from various shooting modes (that include surveillance, burst, timelapse, photo, and video) and use your smartphone as a viewfinder.
The surveillance mode is particularly interesting. Embedded audio and motion detection activates the camera to start recording when there is motion or sound.
There might be some interference with the 2.4 GHz frequency. So it is best to select the 5 GHz frequency for broadcasting.
One drawback is that you cannot connect the camera to your phone without the remote. There are no control buttons on the camera that you can use for this purpose.
It is not a good idea to view the video over Wi-Fi. Instead, you should first download it first on your smart device before viewing it.
There is also the VR viewing mode in the app to utilize a virtual reality headset to see a panoramic video. Although there is also the option of using HDMI for viewing the resultant footage on a big screen, it is not worth it since the video appears in the form of a narrow band. Viewing the video on the computer is a much better idea.
For viewing 360 videos and photos on your computer, you should install the desktop app available for both Mac and PC. You can make use of the click-and-drag function to view clips and stills in 360. For smooth video playback, you will need a fairly good PC with a high benchmark score.
Performance
An hour of 360 videos can be 10 GB large with the VSN 360. Files are quite large, but they have plenty of data due to the 360 view format.
The resolution is 6480 x 1080 pixels; the frame rate is 30 fps. However, with a vertical field of view limited to just 60 degrees, you will miss out on plenty of action happening beyond the shot range. From this, it should be obvious that the VSN 360 is not a full-fledged 360 camera.
Although the clip is quite limited in its scope, colors are rather sharp. Auto-lighting and metering settings are available to protect against overexposure.
Our Final Thoughts
The VSN 360 has serious drawbacks, due to which you should seek better options like the Ricoh Theta Z1.
