Overview
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![Insta360 X4]()
Insta360 X4
Best 360-Degree Camera Overall - Jump To Details
![Insta360 X3]()
Insta360 X3
Best 360 Camera for Creators - Jump To Details
![GoPro Max]()
GoPro Max
Best for Underwater and Outdoors - Jump To Details
Ricoh Theta SC2
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Ricoh Theta X
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![Insta360 One RS]()
Insta360 One RS
Best for Creators Mixing 360 and 4K Footage - Jump To Details
Insta360 Pro 2
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Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB Black 360° camera
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Matterport MC250 Pro2
As the name implies, a 360-degree camera captures the entire world around it. They were a hot ticket item for a short time, with dozens of models available, including add-ons for trendy smartphones.
The height of the 360-degree phase has passed, but there are still quality options on the market. The use case has shifted, too—in the early days it was all about delivering spherical video for viewing on VR headsets, which have since found a niche for gaming, not media consumption.
Today, creators reach to 360-degree video cameras to gets shots they can't get with a single-lens model. Software pulls out, warps, and reframes dual-lens footage so it can cut right in with 16:9 footage.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![Insta360 X4]()
Insta360 X4
Best 360-Degree Camera OverallThe Insta360 X4 is our favorite 360-degree video camera, in part, thanks to its support for 8K30 or 5.7K60 video. HDR capture comes in handy for environments with mixed lighting, while slow-motion bullet time and time-lapse features allow for lots of creativity. The camera is waterproof and can survive rough handling, too, so it's suitable for mounting and capturing action. Insta360's software tools put the X4 over the top because they make it easy to edit and reframe spherical video in novel ways.
Pros
- Up to 8K video capture
- Easy to hold and use
- Waterproof build
- Large touch screen
- Capable editing software
Cons
- Accessories add to cost
- Runs hot
Learn MoreInsta360 X4 Review![Insta360 X3]()
Insta360 X3
Best 360 Camera for CreatorsThe Insta360 X3 is a good alternative to the X4 for creators who find its 5.7K30 recording rate to be good enough or want to spend a little less money. The X3 is very similar to its successor, with dual lenses that see the entire world around it and a single-camera recording mode. Its software allows you to reframe video, create time lapses, and record slow-motion bullet time clips.
Pros
- 5.7K30 HDR video
- Slim, waterproof build
- Big touch screen with straightforward interface
- Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
- Loads of capture modes
Cons
- Video must be processed before editing
- A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
- Mobile editing app limits resolution
Learn MoreInsta360 X3 Review![GoPro Max]()
GoPro Max
Best for Underwater and OutdoorsThe Max is GoPro's sophomore 360-degree effort and it offers a more streamlined experience than its predecessor, the Fusion. The Max captures quality 5.6K footage, with software support to reframe and change the projection of video. The editing tools aren't quite as slick as those you get with the Instax360 X4, but vloggers might prefer the Max because of its premium, six-mic audio array.
Pros
- 360-degree capture
- Also works as a single-lens camera
- Intuitive software tools
- Strong stabilization
- Good in-camera audio
- Waterproof without a case
- Integrated mounting clips
Cons
- Effective resolution is really 1080p
- Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
- Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage
Learn MoreGoPro MaxRicoh Theta SC2
The Ricoh SC2 snaps smartphone-quality spherical stills using dual lenses. It stands up by itself, can attach to a tripod, and works with an app for remote control. It's also available in several fun colors.
Learn MoreRicoh Theta SC2Ricoh Theta X
The slim Theta X features a color display for phone-free setups and quick image reviews. It snaps 60MP images, records video at 5.7K quality, and includes 46GB of internal storage. It's a good fit for real estate and other 360-degree imaging applications.
Learn MoreRicoh Theta X![Insta360 One RS]()
Insta360 One RS
Best for Creators Mixing 360 and 4K FootageThe Insta360 One RS sets itself apart from dedicated 360-degree cameras because of its modular design. You can use its dual-lens 360 cam to roll 5.7K spherical footage, or swap in the 4K Boost lens for digitally stabilized 16:9 at up to 60fps, 6K CinemaScope at 24fps, and 48MP Quad Bayer stills.
Pros
- Compact design
- Swappable lens modules
- Waterproof to 16 feet
- Stabilized 4K60 and 5.7K 360 video
- HDR available at 4K30
- 2:35 wide-screen mode
- Mobile and desktop app support
Cons
- In-camera mics disappoint outdoors
- Modular design can get in the way
- Small touch LCD
- Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K
- Heat can limit long-form recordings
Learn MoreInsta360 One RS ReviewInsta360 Pro 2
Production companies and VR pros should consider buying the $5,000 Insta360 Pro II. It records 8K footage, supports 3D, and can live stream at 4K quality.
Learn MoreInsta360 Pro 2Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB Black 360° camera
Both of the Theta Z1's lenses use a big, Type 1 sensor, so it produces better low-light photos than cheaper alternatives. Whether that advantage or the quality 23MP photos justify the camera's high price depends on your needs.
Learn MoreRicoh Theta Z1 51GB Black 360° cameraMatterport MC250 Pro2
Realtors and 3D model makers should consider the Matterport MC250 Pro2. It's a pro tool that requires a subscription to use, but it's invaluable for creating 3D models and all-around photos of interior spaces. If you want to create 3D models outdoors, the more durable Matterport Pro3 is a step-up option for $5,995.
Learn MoreMatterport MC250 Pro2
Buying Guide: The Best 360 Cameras for 2024
Most action cameras use just one lens to record video, but 360-degree cameras use a matched pair to capture literally everything around them. These types of recordings can give viewers a sense of space when they view it in a VR headset, while creators can crop, zoom, and pan through footage in the editing room to get shots and camera moves that simply aren’t possible with a regular video camera. The best models, like the Editors' Choice-winning Insta360 X4, even come with an app to reframe footage. Meanwhile, real estate photographers might find Ricoh Theta cameras a good fit since they can create virtual tours of properties via a companion app. Whatever your needs, make sure to check out all of our picks below for 360-degree video and photography, along with some buying advice for the category.
