Are you in search of the perfect 360 camera for real estate virtual tours? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 5 options available today. These cameras will revolutionize the way you showcase properties and offer potential buyers an immersive experience from the comfort of their own homes.
What Is a 360 Camera?
A 360 camera is a device equipped with forward- and rear-facing lenses that capture everything around itself simultaneously. It allows real estate professionals to create interactive and immersive media, giving viewers a unique perspective of the property. From sweeping landscapes to detailed interior shots, these cameras let you showcase homes as if you were giving a personal tour.
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How 360 Imaging Works
360 cameras place you at the center of a sphere and use wide-angle lenses to capture a complete view of the surroundings. The merging of two hemispherical images creates expansive visuals that viewers can explore as if they were actually in the room. The lenses are the key component, capable of capturing a 180-degree view and placed back to back.
Virtual House Tour by PhotoUp - Click on the Image to View the Demo Tour
Now, let's explore the best 360 cameras for real estate virtual tours:
1. Kodak Orbit360
The Kodak Orbit360 is a budget-friendly option ideal for real estate professionals. Despite its compact size, this cube-shaped camera captures stunning 4K VR videos with incredible detail. It comes with seamless editing features like live stitching, making video creation a breeze. Plus, it includes a tripod and multiple mounts for added convenience. The only downside is its performance in low light conditions and a steep learning curve.
Features:
- Dual 20MP CMOS Sensors
- Three Multi-View Angles: 360º Spherical/VR Mode, 197º 4K Ultra Wide Mode, 235º Dome Mode
- YouTube™ and Facebook™ 360º Photos & Videos
- Mac or PC Desktop Editing Software (included)
- Supports Micro SD Card up to 256GB
- FREE iOS™/ANDROID™ App for wireless control
- Price: Starting at $199.99
2. Ricoh Theta SC2
The Ricoh Theta SC2 4K Spherical VR Camera is a sleek and portable option for capturing panoramic views. With its high-speed interface-compatible image sensor, it records 4K videos and offers shake correction for stable footage. The dedicated night mode allows for stunning virtual tours under artificial lighting conditions. However, its HDR camera may result in overexposure when faced with bright lighting.
Features:
- Power Bank
- 4K Video
- Face Detection
- Night View
- Bluetooth Connection
- TL-1 Lens Cap and Lens Pen Bundle
- Price: $329.99
3. Insta360 X3 360-Degree Camera
The Insta360 X3 stands out as one of the most versatile 360 cameras on the market. It offers exceptional image quality and a wide range of features. In addition to capturing 360-degree photos and videos, it allows recording from a single lens if desired. The camera's roomy display makes framing shots and vlogging a breeze. It may not be specifically designed for real estate photography, but it certainly gets the job done.
Features:
- Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors
- 4K Single-Lens Mode
- 64GB microSD Card and 1x Lens Cap
- Ability to Record Time-Lapses in 8K Resolution
- 72MP Photo Mode
- 360 Horizon Lock
- Impossible Third Person View: Option to Hide the Selfie Stick
- Waterproof
- Price: $496
4. Pergear Trisio Lite 2 8K Virtual Tour Camera
The Pergear Trisio Lite 2 8K Virtual Tour Camera offers excellent value for money. Despite its unremarkable appearance, this camera delivers exceptional image quality and advanced processing algorithms. With plenty of onboard storage and a long battery life, it competes against cameras that cost more than double the price. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other options, but it gets the job done.
Features:
- 8GB of Onboard Storage
- Commercial Lens and Noderotate Technology
- Any Scene Full-scene Adaptive Imaging System
- 200 Minutes of Runtime Battery
- APP Remote Controlling for One-click Shooting & Automatic Splicing
- Price: $399
5. GoPro Max
GoPro Max is a well-known brand in the action camera industry, and their 360 camera lives up to the reputation. This waterproof camera can record videos in 5.6K resolution and is suitable for live streaming real estate tours in 1080p resolution. While it may not have the same frame rate as the Insta360 X3, it offers the flexibility of using a single lens for a traditional GoPro look.
Features:
- Single-Lens HERO and Dual-Lens 360 Camera
- Capture Immersive 360 Footage in 6K
- PowerPano Features
- GoPro App
- HyperSmooth Stabilization
- Digital Lenses
- Waterproof
- Price: $504.95
These are the top 5 360 cameras for real estate virtual tours. Each option has its unique features and benefits, so find the one that suits your needs and budget.
360 Camera FAQ
How is a 360 camera different from a standard camera?
A 360 camera features two lenses that capture images simultaneously from both lenses, creating a seamless 360-degree image.
What is the disadvantage of a 360 camera?
The main disadvantage of a 360 camera is the inability to zoom. These cameras are designed to capture the entire space and are not meant for capturing distant objects in high definition.
Is a panorama image the same as a 360-degree image?
No, panoramas are 2D images that capture a wide angle of view, while 360-degree images provide a more immersive 3D experience.
How long does a typical 360 camera record?
Most cameras offer clip lengths of 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Hyperlapses support recording times of up to 30 minutes, and time-lapses offer even longer recording times.
How do you take 360 pictures without being in them?
To capture scenes without being in the shot, you can find a hiding spot, set up your 360 camera on a tripod, and remotely capture footage using a smartphone or other remote control method.
What is the range of a 360 camera?
360 cameras have a wide field of view that can extend from a few degrees up to nearly 180 degrees, capturing a full spherical view.
Now that you have explored the best 360 cameras for real estate virtual tours, let's take a look at how you can easily transform your 360 images into a professional virtual tour with PhotoUp.
Create Your Virtual House Tour With PhotoUp!
PhotoUp's virtual tour service allows you to create a professional and compelling virtual tour in just 5 minutes. You can even try our services for free with a 3D tour.
With PhotoUp's virtual home tours, you can:
- Use any 360 camera that shoots JPEGs
- Enhance image quality with AI enhancement
- Get white-labeled images and links
- Pin images to create a walkthrough experience
- Add home notes to highlight upgrades and amenities
- Enjoy unlimited hosting for your virtual tours
- And more!
Creating beautiful virtual tours to market properties and attract leads has never been easier. Here's how it works:
- Capture photos of the space using a 360 camera.
- Sign up for a free PhotoUp account and upload your images.
- Create your virtual tour, from walkthrough to exit.
- Publish and share it on all your networks.
It's as simple as that!
PhotoUp - Your Real Estate Marketing Partner
PhotoUp is your one-stop-shop for all your real estate marketing needs. In addition to virtual tours, we offer services such as real estate photo editing, virtual staging, floor plans, video editing, single property websites, custom websites, house portraits, virtual assistants, and more. We have everything you need to market your listings effectively.
Sign up for a free PhotoUp account today and give your listings the wow factor they deserve!
We hope this article has helped you find the best 360 camera for your real estate photography needs. For more helpful resources, check out the related articles below:
- PhotoUp Virtual Tours: The More Affordable Matterport Alternative
- How to Shoot 3D Real Estate Photography (9 Actionable Tips)
- Best Virtual Staging Companies of 2023 (Rated & Compared)
- How to Virtually Stage a Room in Less Than 5 Minutes
- How to Create a Free Apartment 3D Virtual Tour
With PhotoUp as your partner, your real estate marketing efforts are sure to succeed. Start creating stunning virtual tours and showcasing your properties like never before!