Why 360º Cameras are Ideal for Filming in 2024

In 2024, content creation is all about immersion and storytelling. More than ever, audiences want to feel as though they are fully experiencing the action from every possible angle. This is where a 360º video camera comes in. Whether you're a social media influencer, adventure filmmaker, professional videographer, or even if you're just someone who likes tinkering with tech, using a 360º video camera can completely change the way you capture and share your world.

These cameras are particularly popular among those creating virtual reality content, virtual tours, and action-packed footage. With 360º cameras, users can experience every angle of the scene as if they are physically present. This feature is also becoming increasingly popular in social media, where platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are encouraging immersive content.

The rising demand for these cameras is driven by the need for versatility in both filming and editing. With the ability to reframe footage after recording and adjust angles in post-production, creators have more flexibility when polishing their content. Additionally, the technology behind 360º video cameras is continuing to evolve, making it even easier to achieve high-quality footage.

Look around the surfing scene as if you were there.

Understanding 360º Video Cameras

To fully appreciate why you should get a 360º video camera, it's essential to understand how they work. These cameras use multiple lenses to capture a full 360º field of view. Each lens covers 180º, and advanced software stitches the footage together to create a single spherical video. This allows viewers to pan around the scene as if they were physically present, offering an experience that traditional cameras can't provide.

A major advantage of 360º video cameras is their immersive storytelling ability, which has been widely adopted in industries like tourism, sports, and even education. For instance, virtual tours of landmarks or real estate properties allow potential visitors or buyers to explore every angle of a location without having to actually be there. Likewise, for adventure sports like skydiving or mountain biking, the 360º perspective offers a first-person view of the action, making the footage more exciting and engaging.

Beyond capturing immersive experiences, these cameras offer flexibility in post-production. Unlike regular cameras where framing decisions need to be made while shooting, a 360º video camera lets you change perspectives and find the best angle afterward, reducing the pressure during the shoot.

Top 360º Video Cameras of 2024

When looking at the best 360º video cameras of 2024, Insta360 X3 and X4 stand out as top choices for both beginners and professionals. These two models are packed with features that make them ideal for various content creation needs, whether you're filming action sports, vlogs, virtual tours and much more.

Insta360 X3

Insta360 X3 is designed with portability and user-friendly features in mind, making it perfect for beginner creators. Some key features include:

Resolution: Shoots in 5.7K30fps, ensuring high-quality 360º video.
Battery Life: Offers up to 80 minutes of continuous recording, enough for most creative projects.
Stabilization: FlowState Stabilization ensures smooth and shake-free footage, even in dynamic environments.
Waterproofing: The camera is waterproof up to 33 ft (10 m), making it a great option for filming water sports or underwater scenes without needing an extra dive case.
Screen Size: Features a 2.29" touchscreen, allowing you to preview and control your shots with ease.
Me Mode: Captures 60fps footage, which is focused on the user while keeping the selfie stick invisible, ideal for vlogging and capturing personal moments.

At $399.99, Insta360 X3 provides a balance of quality and affordability, making it a great 360º video camera option for those just starting out in content creation.

Insta360 X4

Insta360 X4 takes things to the next level with enhanced resolution, longer battery life, and advanced features tailored to professional users:

Resolution: Shoots in 8K30fps for ultra-detailed footage, or 5.7K60fps for smoother action shots. In single-lens mode, it captures 4K60fps for stunning traditional video.
Battery Life: Records up to 135 minutes at 5.7K30fps, perfect for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharging.
Stabilization: Includes FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock, which keeps the horizon level even when the camera tilts, making it ideal for action-packed scenes.
Waterproofing: Like the X3, it’s waterproof up to 33 ft (10 m) without needing a dive case.
Screen Size: Features a larger 2.5" touchscreen, offering a more comfortable view while navigating settings or reviewing footage.
Deep Track 3.0: This AI-driven feature locks onto moving subjects, ensuring they stay in the frame even when they temporarily leave the field of view.

Priced at $499.99, X4 is a professional 360º video camera ideal for creators who need top-tier features, a high resolution, and extended battery life for more demanding shoots.

Accessories for 360º Video Cameras

To fully maximize the potential of your 360º video camera, it's important to pair it with the right accessories. Insta360 offers a wide range of accessories designed to enhance your shooting experience:

Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Case: Perfect for underwater shoots, this dive case is waterproof up to 164 ft (50 m) and remains invisible in your footage, allowing for fully immersive 360º underwater videos.
Insta360 X4 Premium Lens Guard: This tempered glass lens guard offers rugged protection against scratches and bumps, ensuring your camera’s lenses stay safe even in rough conditions.
Insta360 X3 Dive Case: Designed specifically for the X3, this case is also waterproof up to 164 ft (50 m), making it a must-have for divers and snorkelers.
Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick: A fan-favorite accessory that auto-removes itself from the shot in post-production, allowing you to capture dynamic third-person views.
Bullet Time Kit: Designed for Insta360’s Bullet Time Mode, this kit includes a tripod handle that doubles as a selfie stick handle, enabling you to capture dramatic slow-motion footage as the camera spins around you.

How to Create the Best 360º Videos

Capturing great 360º video requires more than just a high-quality 360° camera. Here are a few tips and techniques to help you make the most out of your Insta360 X3 or X4:

Planning Your Shot: Unlike traditional filming, where you focus on one subject or angle, 360º video captures everything around the camera. Be mindful of your surroundings and plan your shots accordingly. Consider the elements that will make your footage visually appealing from all angles.
Optimize Your Settings:
- Resolution & Frame Rate: For action shots, use higher frame rates like 60fps. On X4, use 8K at 30fps for the sharpest footage, and 5.7K60fps for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes.
- Stabilization: Both X3 and X4 come with FlowState Stabilization, which ensures smooth and shake-free footage. X4’s Horizon Lock feature is especially useful for keeping your footage level, even when the camera moves rapidly or tilts.
- HDR Mode: In high-contrast settings, Active HDR will bring out more details and vivid colors, ensuring your footage looks more professional.
Creative Modes:
- Bullet Time Mode: Ideal for creating dramatic, slow-motion 360º shots where the camera rotates around you, creating a unique "Matrix-style" effect.
- Me Mode: This mode is great for vloggers or anyone who wants the camera to focus solely on them, and it works with the Invisible Selfie Stick, ensuring all eyes are on you!
- Deep Track 3.0 (X4): Perfect for capturing action-packed scenes or wildlife, this feature ensures that your subject remains in the frame, even if they move unpredictably.
- Reframing: One of the biggest advantages of using a 360º video camera is the ability to reframe your footage after filming. This is particularly useful for creators who want to focus on multiple elements within a scene or experiment with different angles. Using the Insta360 Studio app or software, you can adjust the camera angle, zoom in on specific subjects, and even use features like Sky Swap and Horizon Flip to create totally original content.

For more tips on creating the best 360º videos, click here.

Why Insta360?

Insta360 X3 and X4 are hands down the best 360º video cameras for 2024, offering everything from portability and ease of use to advanced features like Horizon Lock and Deep Track 3.0. X3's lower price point makes it a bargain and a great entry point for beginners, while X4's range of cutting-edge features means it is essential for professionals.

Post-production is a breeze too, thanks to Insta360’s intuitive app and Insta360 Studio software, so whether you're creating content for social media, working on professional projects, or simply creating personal memories, Insta360 provides the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

If you're looking to elevate your content creation in 2024, there’s no better choice than with an Insta360 360º video camera. From action-packed adventure footage to immersive virtual tours, these cameras deliver the highest quality and flexibility, allowing you to capture the world in full 360º.

Keen to keep up to date on Insta360 stories? Keep an eye on our blog and sign up for our mailing list.