Perhaps initially it seemed something very specialized, but the reality is that today the use of 360º videovor is becoming widespread. Social networks such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter not only allow the uploading of 360º interaction videos, but during they have announced the possibility of transmitting this type of video live. Also, more and more companies are using this technology to create experiences where users are immersed in an immersive environment through the use of virtual reality glasses.
Every time the technology to record this type of video becomes more affordable and cheaper, and the platforms to spread them more common, with which more than a passing fad, 360º videos are a trend .
The camera
360 camera Unlike static images, where you might be able to get by with a regular camera and overlaying the 360º images using software, to capture 360º interaction videos you will need devices that allow simultaneous recording of all the angles that you want to be captured in. the video.
Today there are 360º cameras that have at least two lenses in opposite positions and are able to record at fairly wide angles, allowing the overlapping and editing of these images with software, either native or with some subsequent editing process to generate the image. 360º interaction video. Examples of this type of 360º cameras are the Kodak PixPro Sp360, the Ricoh Theta, the Samsung Gear Cam 360 or the Giroptic 360cam.
Alternatively, several cameras can be used simultaneously placed on a specific support for that purpose. This is the case with GoPro solutions, such as the GoPro Omni, where a set of cameras are mounted on a special mount to record the entire 360º scene. All the cameras are controlled from a main or “master” camera and it must be taken into account that all the devices must have the same configuration.
Keep in mind the specific characteristics of the hardware when you go to purchase or rent the equipment to record your own 360º videos. Check the type of lenses that it has the number of frames per second that it is capable of capturing, resolution and image quality, battery, dimensions and weight, and connectivity. Do not simply trust that the product may be marked on the packaging as capable of making 360º videos, as many manufacturers use this term to refer only to a 360º horizontal plane, not covering the vertical plane and, consequently, making it impossible to record what happens above or below. In this sense, you must make sure that the camera captures images in 360º x 180º to obtain the capture of the spherical images that we require.
Finally, keep in mind that some platforms such as YouTube may have restrictions regarding the hardware that can be used to record 360º videos, especially when it comes to live broadcasts. This is why you should consider the means through which you consider that you are most likely to transmit your videos and make sure that the camera you plan to use is compatible.
The recording
There is no doubt that the possibility of creating a interaction video that allows the viewer to have a perspective of what is happening not only in a certain shot opens up endless alternatives from a creative point of view. However, recording a 360º video generates additional scene planning work; since it is no longer about obtaining the best angle to take the shot of a specific plane, but it must be taken into account that everything around the point where the camera will be visible.
Aving to take care of what also happens behind, to the sides, above and below the camera, you will have additional challenges in terms of taking care of the details of the set, where to place devices for audio capture or provision of additional lighting or even, take into account that the camera operator will not be able to stay behind it.
Another of the biggest challenges when shooting a 360º interaction video is lighting. In general you should be very careful with the light, avoiding having places that are particularly underexposed or overexposed. The general recommendation, especially when we are starting with this type of technique, is to keep the lighting as homogeneous as possible. Obviously this will be even more complex if we record these videos outdoors.
Again, take into account the platform through which you plan to share the video, since, for example, YouTube will allow you to upload 360º videos of 24, 25 or 30 frames per second, which you should consider in the configuration you make of the camera. Also, make sure that the camera is configured to indicate that it is a 360º recording in the video metadata.
Post production
After having all the material you have recorded, you must edit and assemble it to upload it to social networks or place it on your website. Some of the cameras available on the market already incorporate software that will allow you to edit the 360º interaction videos that you have recorded. However, many others do not have this software and you will have to use a program with a mounting platform, especially when it comes to videos recorded with multiple camera solutions located on a special support. Popular solutions like will allow you to sync captured videos, stitch them together, and calibrate the color and final exposure of your 360º video.
Every time we get more and more 360º videos on our social networks and many news companies are already using this technology to transmit videos -even live- to give the viewer the possibility of immersing himself in what is happening in a certain place.
In addition to these uses, 360º videos constitute a powerful tool for the business world, by allowing the customer to get a better idea of what our product really is. From virtual visits to the flats managed by a real estate agent, through a 360º view of a hotel’s facilities, to a complete showroom of cars, furniture or other products, this type of video not only offers the possibility of giving a better angle of things; it can completely revolutionize a shopping experience.
