360 cameras, like the Insta360 X3, have revolutionized the way we capture moments. By capturing everything around you, they open up a world of creative possibilities. But how exactly does an Insta360 camera work? Let’s explore the principles behind this innovative technology.
What is an Insta360 camera?
A 360 camera is a device that films in all directions at once. Take the Insta360 X3, for example: it’s equipped with two lenses that each capture more than 180°, allowing the camera to film a complete sphere. Imagine you have a sphere with an image stretched across its entire surface. Using an Insta360 camera, you can choose any angle of this sphere and turn it into a traditional rectangular or square video. This means you never miss a moment, because the camera captures absolutely everything.
How does it work?
A 360 camera works by having multiple lenses that cover a complete view of its surroundings. For the Insta360 X3, each lens captures approximately 200°, meaning there’s an overlap between the two images. This overlap allows the camera to “stitch” the images together without any visible seam lines. This creates a seamless, continuous 360° image or video.
Using an Insta360 camera is very simple and requires no special technical skills. Just press the record button, and the camera automatically captures everything around you. Then, using the Insta360 app, you can edit this footage on your phone, whether to create a 360° video or crop a section to make it more traditional.
What is equirectangular image?
Once the footage is captured, you have several options for processing it. One is to export the video as an “equirectangular” image. This means that the 360° sphere is unfolded into a rectangle, much like a world map represents the Earth’s spherical surface as a rectangle. This allows you to view all of the 360° content on a flat surface.
Why use an Insta360 camera?
The Insta360 X3 offers many advantages over a traditional camera:
- Post-capture cropping : With a 360 camera, you don’t need to frame your shots in advance. You can film first, then crop the video later to focus on the most interesting parts. This allows you to easily create vertical videos for TikTok, horizontal videos for YouTube, or square videos for Instagram.
- Invisible Selfie Stick : The invisible selfie stick is another innovative feature. When you use this stick, it automatically disappears from the footage because it is in the overlapping area of the two lenses. This creates third-person or drone-like views without the need for expensive equipment.
- Single-lens mode : The Insta360 X3 can also be used as a traditional action camera thanks to its 4K single-lens mode. This is ideal for first-person views, such as during extreme sports.
Easy editing with the Insta360 app
One of the main reasons to use an Insta360 camera is the ease of editing. With the Insta360 app, you can edit your 360° videos intuitively. The app offers tools like ViewFinder, which lets you frame your videos simply by tilting your phone, or “Me” mode, which keeps the camera focused on you throughout the video, eliminating the need for manual framing.
Using Shot Lab, you can also add creative effects to your videos, transforming ordinary moments into spectacular scenes. This makes editing a breeze, even for beginners.
In conclusion
360 cameras, like the Insta360 X3, may seem complex at first, but they’re actually very intuitive to use. They allow you to capture unique perspectives that would be impossible with a traditional camera. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or a hobbyist looking to capture your adventures, the Insta360 X3 is a great tool to unleash your creativity. Why not give it a try and see for yourself?
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