Spherical photography has never been easier.
Here are a couple of 360-degree, one–shot cameras that bear the technical brunt so you can stay focused on what matters: great images. If you’d prefer to shoot your own spheres instead of engaging a pro pano photographer, one of these powerful tools may be the perfect fit for you.
NCTech iSTAR® 360-degree 1-Click Camera
NCTech iSTAR® (Pulsar, Fusion) 1-Click 360-Degree Camera
iSTAR is easy to use with zero set up time. It is the first 360-degree camera with the power to process its images internally, with no need for a computer for post-processing or stitching. iSTAR can be used by anyone and does not require special training or photographic skills. It is small, light and robust, making it easy to transport and quick to deploy. With no moving parts, four lenses are mounted in a solid steel case. Each iSTAR lens is calibrated for optimum performance giving a perfect 360-degree image instantly. With iSTAR, spherical images are captured instantly in a single shutter release. The final image is ready in under 10 seconds. This rapid speed of capture together with the iSTAR’s light weight and zero setup time allows multiple locations to be photographed in minutes, instead of hours.
The iSTAR cameras includes GPS, compass and tilt sensors and are available in two models (data sheet): FUSION (MSRP: $7,995) and PULSAR (MSRP: $13,495.95).
The additional features of the PULSAR include:
- automated, in-camera HDR images (up to 9 exposures per image),
- live full-immersive preview, network connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and SD cards), and
- time-saving features.
NCTech announced April 9th that it has licensed the TourWrist SDK to enable easy, fast and seamless shooting followed by automatic publishing to TourWrist. (www.NCTechimaging.com)
Giroptic Girocam 360-Degree 1-Click Camera
Giroptic Girocam 1-Click 360-Degree Camera
The Girocam 360-degree horizontal x 150-degree vertical field-of-view camera features three 10 megapixel CMOS sensors for three fisheye lenses. The 1-click 360-degree camera includes Kolor Girocam Studio software based on the same state of the art algorithms found in Kolor Autopano. Girocam offers these shooting modes:
- Photo mode is the simplest one: it takes one photo per fisheye lens (i.e. 3 photos) where the exposure adjusts automatically.
- HDR mode is recommended for indoor shooting. HDR software includes “powerful anti-ghosting functions to remove ghost during HDR captures.
The firmware may be updated remotely. The Girocam allows changing these core settings: F stop, timer (up to 10 seconds) and ISO (100-1,600).
The camera shoots GIR proprietary format; 12 bits RAW. Software: TIFF 16 bits. Interface includes: SD card and SDHC compatible high speed USB (data sheet). ($1,999 from Giroptic) (www.girocam.com)
These product endorsements are provided voluntarily; TourWrist is not obligated to promote these products and receives no compensation for any such recommendations.
