10 Best 360 Cameras in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Photographer and Graphic Artist
A 360 camera consists of dual fisheye lenses present on the front and back of the camera. Its popularity led to the advent of photos and videos featuring panoramic views, "Tiny Planet" effects, and an improved virtual reality experience. This has inspired amateur and professional videographers and hobbyists to upgrade their gears to produce 360-degree content.
Looking to create your first interactive 360 photos or video? Worry not, as we will help you choose the best 360 camera available in the Philippine market right now. We asked photographer Kenneth Aballa to help us cover all bases you must consider to land on a camera that will cater to all your recording requirements. To make it easier for you, a comparison chart of 360 camera prices and features will be provided so make sure to check that out!
Quick List - Top 360 Cameras
Insta360
Comes With Both a Wide Angle Lens and Dual Lens to Help You Get the Perfect Angle
An art director and a freelance photographer who shoots portraits, food, events, and products. Loves taking photos be it digital or film.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How Do 360 Cameras Work?
- How to Choose a 360 Camera - Buying Guide
- Capture High-Quality Images and Videos by Checking the Megapixels and Resolution of the Camera1
- Look Into the Focal Length, Shutter Speed, and ISO Range of the Lens2
- To Prevent Lags, Select a Unit That’s Able to Capture at Least 30 FPS3
- To Make the Editing Process Easier and Faster, Choose a Camera With Seamless Stitching and Stabilization Software4
- For a Hassle-Free Experience, Get a Unit With a Long Battery Life5
- Internal or External Memory? Check the Storage Options for the Camera6
- Seamlessly Transfer Clips From One Device to Another by Selecting a Unit With Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity7
- Get a Durable Unit That Can Withstand Dunks, Splashes, Dust, and Falls8
- Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Difference Between 360 Cameras and Action Cameras?
- Can 360 Cameras Record Audio?
- What Are Some Camera Angles That I Can Try Using a 360 Camera?
- Capture More Precious Moments With Our Other Camera Recommendations
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How Do 360 Cameras Work?
A typical 360 camera has 2 fisheye lenses- each of them can see more than 180 degrees Field of View or FOV. This overlap lets the camera's software stitch footage from both cameras as if these were captured by just one camera.
For some cameras, the seam is not noticeable. But as the subject comes closer to the camera, it becomes easily noticed due to the distortion. For example, when your hand is holding the camera, your hand's image will be split due to its positioning relative to the lens. Other than this, the footage looks good and will feel like you have an omniscient view of what is happening in the videosphere.
YouTube and Facebook support 360 videos and are where most of the 360 content is uploaded. The interface and ease of upload have been improving over the years, making it seamless to shoot and share your creations on the sites. These videos come with a 360 logo that differentiates them from normal videos and simple instructions on how to view from various angles.
How to Choose a 360 Camera - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Capture high-quality images and videos by checking the megapixels and resolution of the camera.
- Look into the focal length, shutter speed, and ISO range of the lens.
- To prevent lags, select a unit that’s able to capture at least 30 FPS.
- To make the editing process easier and faster, choose a camera with seamless stitching and stabilization software.
- For a hassle-free experience, get a unit with a long battery life.
- Internal or external memory? Check the storage options for the camera.
- Seamlessly transfer clips from one device to another by selecting a unit with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Get a durable unit that can withstand dunks, splashes, dust, and falls.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Capture High-Quality Images and Videos by Checking the Megapixels and Resolution of the Camera
People always notice the image quality whenever they see an image or video content online. It is only natural for 360 camera footage to have the same quality we expect from traditional cameras. For this, the megapixels and resolution of the camera are important things to take note of.
Take HD Photos With a Camera That’s at Least 12 MP
Image quality is defined by megapixels. A megapixel, which means one million pixels, is the measure of the resolution of digital cameras and camera phones. As an example, a 12-megapixel camera is capable of images with 12 million total pixels. Pixels are usually in a grid; a 1-megapixel camera has roughly 1200 pixels wide by 900 pixels high.
Megapixels are important if you want more control, like zooming in or cropping a photo for better framing. More information is stored if you have higher megapixels as they are much more detailed. This produces larger files that can take longer to transfer and also take up more storage space in your hard drive.
Get Crisp and Clear Videos With a Camera That Has a 4K Resolution or Higher
The standard resolution for regular HD cameras is 1080p. Meanwhile, for 360 cameras, the resolution should be at least 4K if you want stunning, high-quality captures. This bumps up the price but for amazing video quality, it is definitely worth considering.
Look for cameras that can capture 5K footage. By recording at such a high resolution, there are more pixels that the camera software can work on. It can choose which part can be best used. Once the software has determined which part is optimal, it will reframe it into resolutions of 2K or 1080P, wherein it removes the distortions to improve the quality.
Look Into the Focal Length, Shutter Speed, and ISO Range of the Lens
To be able to capture 360-degree footage, the use of at least two lenses is needed to have sufficient coverage. However, aside from the number of lenses, also look into the camera's focal length, shutter speed, and ISO range to get the results that you're aiming for.
To Get Clearer Photos and Videos, Opt for a Unit With a Shorter Focal Length
Focal length, which is measured in millimeters or mm, determines how close you must be to your subject when taking a photo or video to get a certain clarity. For instance, a high focal length means that your footage will be more zoomed in.
It is an important aspect of the lens as it also represents the angle of view. Longer focal lengths have a narrower angle of view, while shorter focal lengths have a wider one. All 360 cameras have short focal lengths- less than 10mm for wider views.
Choose the Right Shutter Speed and ISO Range Depending on the Subject or Object You Wish to Capture
It is likewise important to look at the sensor’s shutter speed and ISO range as these give you more control over your content. Shutter speed is how fast the shutter closes. Faster shutter speeds are better at capturing slow-motion images, but it lets less light in. Slower shutter speeds let more light in but are more prone to blurry images if the camera is not stabilized.
ISO, on the other hand, is the sensor's sensitivity to light that you can control in the camera settings. If you're shooting outdoors in broad daylight which is usually done with an action camera, a lower ISO setting can help your footage look smoother. On the other, if you're shooting in dark areas, then you will benefit from higher ISO. Do take note that this will add a noise factor to your photos.
A shutter speed of 1/500s-0.5s with an ISO range of 400-1600 is enough to cover most scenarios with video and photo capturing.
To Prevent Lags, Select a Unit That’s Able to Capture at Least 30 FPS
Frame rates per second or FPS is another important factor that you should consider when purchasing a 360 camera. It determines how many distinct still images it can show for every second. As such, a higher FPS means a smoother playback of your video with unnoticeable lags.
The standard for video recording is to at least capture 30 frames per second. If you go lower than this, the footage could end up experiencing choppy video quality- creating a slow visual effect or stuttering while viewing the videos. The general rule is if the camera is capable of numerous frames per second, the smoother the footage will be. If you want to do smooth slow-motion, shoot at 60fps.
To Make the Editing Process Easier and Faster, Choose a Camera With Seamless Stitching and Stabilization Software
The making of 360 footage isn’t solely reliant on the hardware. A lot of software manipulation and processing are needed within the camera itself to turn barely usable and highly distorted footage into a 360 video. Make sure to take this into consideration when shopping for a 360 camera.
Ensure That the Image and Video Stitching Is Seamless and Smooth
360-degree photos and videos are created by stitching two or more images together using multiple lenses. It happens either inside the camera using the built-in software or an application through your phone or tablet. The quality of stitching should be crisp, with no visible areas where the two footages meet.
To ensure wider and seamless views, make sure to have enough lenses to cover all angles. The more lenses you have, the more footage you can stitch together to create that 360 video effect. Almost all 360 cameras can automatically stitch videos but may differ in the quality of the stitching. A good quality one will have less obvious lines where the two images meet.
Smooth Out Bumps and Vibrations With a Stabilization Software
Most people who get 360 cameras use it for action purposes. Since a lot of sudden movements and vibrations happen while doing action shots, this often results in blurry images and videos. Luckily, a stabilization feature can help reduce the effects of even the slightest movement while using your camera.
Many 360 cameras have stabilization software built right in. This smooths out any bumps and vibrations that came with the shot and it will turn out as if the camera is just flying alongside you. For vloggers and professional photographers, great stabilization is a must-have!
For a Hassle-Free Experience, Get a Unit With a Long Battery Life
Nothing is worse than having your action camera run out of juice just when you're about to take the perfect shot. While bringing a charger is always an option, it might be bothersome for those who want to carry light and it might be inconvenient if you're going somewhere without available electrical outlets.
As such, it is also important to check the capacity of the included battery to gauge if it will last your intended usage. Remember that extra processing is required for 360 cameras due to the presence of more sensors as well as the stitching and stabilization software needed for the footage.
Internal or External Memory? Check the Storage Options for the Camera
Some cameras have an internal memory while others do not. Having internal storage allows you to save photos even without a memory card. Digital cameras usually have small internal memory, but it's nothing to worry about as you can always buy a micro SD card for additional storage.
The resolution and frames per second a 360 camera have are correlated to the amount of storage it will consume. To keep up with the recording of these cameras, storage options such as expandable SD or micro SD slot are available. Some come with dual slots, which can seamlessly switch once the first SD card is full.
Seamlessly Transfer Clips From One Device to Another by Selecting a Unit With Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity
One advantage of digital cameras in recent years is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. With this feature, you can seamlessly transfer content from one device to another without any wires. It is extremely convenient for those who need to edit right away and it is also a great way to clear up space especially if you have limited storage.
The only downside of this feature is that you need a stable internet connection and a device with Bluetooth compatibility. Despite this, however, this feature can still come in handy especially if you don't like dealing with those pesky cords.
Get a Durable Unit That Can Withstand Dunks, Splashes, Dust, and Falls
360 cameras come at a steep price and as such, it is important that they can last for a long time even with regular use. If you'll be using your 360 camera for action purposes, you need to make sure that it can withstand extreme conditions and is tough enough to bring just about anywhere.
Aside from the material, other features such as shock-proof, waterproof, and dustproof can help you assess the durability of your camera. You can look for this in the camera's label or description or in the brand's official website. It is also a good idea to always exercise precaution and use accessories such as a protective case and a wrist strap.
10 Best 360 Cameras to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GoPro Max | | The Top Choice for Vlogging Action Shots | |
2 | Insta360 One X2 | | Has a Built-In AI Editing Software That Lets You Upload Videos Anytime and Anywhere | |
3 | Nikon KeyMission 360 | | Capture Ultra-HD Images and Clips With This 360 Camera From a Leading Brand | |
4 | Insta360 One R Twin Edition | | Comes With Both a Wide Angle Lens and Dual Lens to Help You Get the Perfect Angle | |
5 | Ricoh Theta S 360 Camera | | Share Your Adventures Online With This Camera’s Livestreaming Feature | |
6 | Xiaomi Mijia 360 Panoramic Camera | | A Panoramic Camera for Seamless Shots | |
7 | Kandao Qoocam (S) | | Thin, Lightweight, and Comes With 3 Fisheye Lenses | |
8 | Garmin VIRB 360 Camera | | A Full-Feature Camera for the True 360 Experience | |
9 | Kodak ORBIT360 4K 360 VR Camera | | A Minimalist Camera With High-Tech Features | |
10 | DJI Pocket 2 | | Take Breathtaking Panoramic Shots on Your Next Trip |
The Top Choice for Vlogging Action Shots
Entering the 360-degree content space can be overwhelming at first. However, even though the GoPro Max looks like it is for videographers, its ease of use makes it perfect for everyone. The magic of the GoPro Max is that you can just press record don't worry about framing.
It can take 270-degree panoramic photos without any distortion and super stabilized time-lapse videos. The editing and framing happen after recording the video with resolutions of 5.7K for pictures and 5K for videos. It can capture good quality videos with crisp sounds and double as a vlogging camera and an action cam.
You can switch between shooting 360-degree footage and the traditional HERO-style using either the front or back lens utilizing the HyperSmooth Digital Stabilization. With the number of possibilities you can do with this camera, this is the best action 360 camera right now in the market.
Has a Built-In AI Editing Software That Lets You Upload Videos Anytime and Anywhere
A seriously impressive action camera, the One X2 consistently produces exquisite videos and photos. It comes in a lightweight package that can shoot 360-degree footage with resolutions of up to 5.7k at 30 frames per second.
The One X2 features an ultra-bright touch screen as a viewfinder, making you see what you are shooting. After shooting, the camera’s software will stitch all your videos for you, even erasing the selfie stick from the clip so it appears you have a camera floating in front of you!
The battery life is able to last a day and water resistance makes it perfect for adventures in all weather. The only gripe is it needs the latest phones for full use of the 360 camera app but other than that, filmmakers are going to enjoy the versatility this camera offers.
Capture Ultra-HD Images and Clips With This 360 Camera From a Leading Brand
This 360 action camera from well-known brand Nixon is tough to beat when it comes to capturing breathtaking, high-quality shots. With 21MP and 4K video recording, you can now film your adventures in Ultra-High Definition.
Additionally, this 360 camera has an ISO setting of up to 1,600, which means you can take amazing photos even in low light. It can also show 30 frames per second for smoother video playback. However, this FPS setting is only available in 1440 x 960p.
In terms of durability, KeyMission 360 is waterproof down to 98-feet, shockproof up to a drop of 6.6-feet, and freezeproof down to 14°F. Compact and lightweight, this 360 action camera is the perfect companion to your next adventure!
Comes With Both a Wide Angle Lens and Dual Lens to Help You Get the Perfect Angle
The Insta360 One R Twin Edition is a move forward in a different direction. It is called a Twin Edition due to its modular capability, or the ability to switch the attached lens and sensor in the camera. At this form factor, it is the first of its kind offering such versatility.
Two sensors are included, making it a 4K action camera while the other gives it 360º-shooting capability. The software is optimized to distinguish between the two sensors, recognizing if it's using the 360 sensor, stitching the acquired footage for a video or photosphere.
It is also a full-fledged action cam with up to 5m underwater of waterproofing even with all the modularity and removable parts. If you want the versatility of an action cam that can match your regular recording needs, this is a perfect match for you.
Share Your Adventures Online With This Camera’s Livestreaming Feature
The Theta S is a joy to hold while recording. The form factor is tall and slim, so you can hold it perfectly without obscuring the dual-lens this camera offers. You are also able to access all the controls easily, facilitating ease of use.
Theta S can shoot still photos, and you can also switch to video mode- all in full HD! Moreover, you can shoot for 25 minutes straight. If you want to view all your recorded content, it is accessed through the app, which is also simple to use.
The camera memory, however, is capped at 8GB and is non-expandable, so it is a good practice to transfer your files to your phone. If you are planning to do some action footage, just take note that the camera isn't waterproof. Other than that, this small form factor 360 camera packs all the features you'll need in the palm of your hands.
A Panoramic Camera for Seamless Shots
The Xiaomi Mijiia Sphere Camera is the perfect purchase if you want the immersive 360 experience. With its ultra-wide-angle high aperture lens and two mirrors, you easily minimize blind spots on both sides and capture a truly panoramic view.
Arguably the most impressive feature of this camera is its 6912x345 or up to 7K photo resolution, which is far superior to most cameras in the market. For videos, on the other hand, this camera can shoot videos in 3.5K resolution with up to 60fps!
If a smooth and seamless 360 camera video is your priority, then you should also know that this camera comes with a 6-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) that helps your video stay clear even while in motion. Overall, this camera is a great find if you're willing to shell out some cash on a high-definition panoramic camera.
Thin, Lightweight, and Comes With 3 Fisheye Lenses
The Kandao Qoocam is a middle-ground camera that offers all the necessary features a 360 camera should have. The camera is enjoyable, with the ability to create interesting content with its 3840 x 1920 @ 30fps video capture and 4320 x 2160 photo resolution.
Unlike other 360 cameras on the market, this has 3 fisheye lenses for better 360 images. It also incorporates image stabilization and anti-shake features for smoother videos. It refocuses fast and is able to capture time-lapse footage. It is also capable of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi viewing. If you just plan on dipping your toes in the 360 camera market, this is a good start.
GarminVIRB 360 Camera
A Full-Feature Camera for the True 360 Experience
Looking for a 360 camera to bring with you to your next adventure? Garmin's VIRB 360 camera has got it all! With a resolution of up to 5.7k and 30fps, say goodbye to blurry, pixelated, and laggy footage. Using the 360º feature, this camera can capture up to 15 megapixels, more than enough to deliver high-quality photos and videos.
When it comes to stitching footage to create a 360 effect, Garmin's VIRB 360 camera can auto-stitch your 4K footage with VIRB edit. You also never have to worry about post-production editing, as it can edit your content right after filming. To access your files, simply download the VIBR mobile app, which lets you edit, stabilize, share your photos and videos through your mobile device.
If that wasn't enough for you, then you should know that this camera also has spherical stabilization to ensure smooth video playback regardless of camera movement. Finally, the 4 built-in microphones create a true 360 audio that will surely take your videos to the next level!
KodakORBIT360 4K 360 VR Camera
A Minimalist Camera With High-Tech Features
The Kodak Orbit is designed for those who are looking for a 360 camera with modern features and a straightforward UI. It has dual 20MP CMOS sensors and a 20-megapixel camera. Want to experiment with different angles? This camera lets you choose from three modes, namely spherical mode (360º), VR Mode, 197º, and lastly, dome mode (235º).
Additionally, it has a futuristic body that is splashproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Don't be fooled by this camera's minimalist design, as it is capable of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility. It has a 1.0 status LCD, and on top of that, you can even access the controls of this camera through an app!
With all these features possible in one compact camera, the Kodad Orbit 360 camera is a no-brainer for those looking for a durable and versatile modern-day 360 camera from a well-known brand.
Take Breathtaking Panoramic Shots on Your Next Trip
Going on a hiking trip? Looking forward to taking a picture behind an amazing view or perhaps shooting a video for a travel vlog? Then this camera is for you. Made specifically for handheld, DJI's Pocket 2 is capable of taking anything, including wide-angle panoramic shots and many more.
Other special features of this camera include a built-in AI video editor capable of automatically combining your clips as well as adding transitions and music. If you're shooting a 180-degree video, you can also utilize the DJI matrix studio, which allows directional audio.
The only downside of this camera is that it doesn't have a full sphere mode which lets you capture images and videos from all angles. While it does not offer the full 360 experience, unlike other action cameras, the panoramic FOV, stabilization software, and handheld design of this camera still make it a strong contender in the market.
Expert's Comment About the Top 10 Products
To get the most out of your money, I suggest also looking at the variety of accessories the brand has so that you can find the best one that fits your activity. In addition to that, check if there's an app available and how reliable the app is to maximize its features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
What Is the Difference Between 360 Cameras and Action Cameras?
A 360 camera is used for capturing photos and videos with a 360-degree field of view. Also called omnidirectional cameras, a 360 camera is best for taking panoramic shots and other full-view shots that offer an immersive and seamless experience.
On the other hand, an action camera is used for taking action shots. Since you're supposed to take them anywhere with you, they're usually durable and able to withstand extreme conditions. Many action cameras have a 360 feature, but not all. Most 360 cameras are action cameras.
Can 360 Cameras Record Audio?
If you're worried about your 360 camera not picking up any audio, you have nothing to worry about. 360 cameras can record sounds from every direction. However, most 360 cameras can only record traditional audio and are not able to produce an ambisonic effect. Ambisonic audio is when different sounds can be heard as you pan around the video.
To produce this 360 audio effect, you will need to record isolated clips and edit them in the video so that they will play when the viewer is panning in their direction. Another option is to use another recording device to record multiple channels. These will help create that smooth, continuous, and immersive sound as you move and rotate the video.
What Are Some Camera Angles That I Can Try Using a 360 Camera?
What's great about having a 360 camera is that you can take a variety of creative shots just by using different camera angles. The first trick that you can try involves tying a thin wire or a thread across something, and through it, you can put a ring or anything that glides well with a 360 camera attached to it. After that, simply let go and pan and tilt around the footage during post-production for a cool video effect.
The next trick involves attaching your 360 camera to a stick or pole. What you can do is ask someone else to throw or roll an object, and you can swing your pole so that it follows that object. While it might take multiple tries until you get the right shot, the slow-motion effect of this 360 camera trick is well worth it.
Capture More Precious Moments With Our Other Camera Recommendations
Life is much more meaningful when we store memories for later reminiscing. To be able to capture and record them, you need the right equipment to have them last a lifetime. Below are some of the best ways you can immortalize a memory for you and your family & friends to remember.
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Author: Richard Martin
Re-editor: Katrina Balingit
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 360 Cameras
No. 1: GoPro｜Max
No. 2: Insta360｜One X2
No. 3: Nikon｜KeyMission 360
No. 4: Insta360｜One R Twin Edition
No. 5: Ricoh｜Theta S 360 Camera
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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