There seems to be a lot of buzz around 360-degree video content at the moment.
Here at The Kit Room we're starting to get a good number of clients asking for 360-degree cameras - mainly the Kodak PIXPRO SP360 - thus this mini blog.
So what do you need to film in 360?
For the filming of 360 video, you would need 360 cameras or rig, there are plenty to choose from! At NAB 2016 there was several 360 camera rigs announced, like the 360heros, GoPro VR Omni and Mantis 360.
There are also 360 cameras from various companies: Fly, Kodak and even Samsung have bought out a Gear-360 that works in conjunction with their S7 phones, as well as Google Street View! Samsung have also bought out Gear VR goggles, which work with Netflix and over 40 360 games!
How can you edit 360 footage?
Adobe Premiere Pro have just released updates for Virtual reality, and the a platforms like You tube and Facebook.
Who's using it already?
The BBC are using them for news content, and Click have done the first full 360 programme.
Kit Room Verdict
My personal feeling it that this isn’t something for mainstream programming. For me, the appeal of watching a film or TV programme is that certain decisions, like where to look, are made for me. Using 360 takes away the decision making of directors, DOPs, set designers... etc. I'm not sure I'm ready for that to happen!
However - that's not to say there isn't space for it in the current market. Where I can see it’s value is in gaming, web content and behind the scenes.
Kodak 360 cameras available here ;-)
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Rosemary Hill
Rosemary is Hire Manager at The Kit Room, who provide technical and logistical support for the TM.
