Those interested in 360-degree videos and cameras that can shoot in 360 have more options to weight now, since shortly after GoPro's announcement, comes the launch on Friday of Samsung's 360-degree camera, called the Gear 360.
Here's a quick list of everything that one needs to know about the device:
What it shoots with
The camera shoots with the help of two fish-eye lenses that capture 3,840 x 1,920 video at 30 frames per second. The lenses have a field of view of 180 degrees across the vertical as well as the horizontal plane. Behind the lenses are a couple of 15 MP sensors and when combined, the result is a 360-degree, 30 MP still photo. The lenses are relatively fast, with F 2.0 apertures each. Users can also shoot with just one of the lenses if they don't want a 360-degree video.
It will give GoPro a run for its money
While the GoPro Omni rig needs six rugged cameras to do its work, the Gear 360 can easily hold its own in extreme conditions all by itself. With an IP53 rating, it's dust protected and can survive being sprayed with water. So strapping this 'action cam' to a dirt bike helmet and ripping the track up would not be a bad idea at all.
Connectivity
The Gear 360 pairs with a smartphone or a tablet via Bluetooth and with NFC, pairing it is as easy as making the devices give high five to each other. Wi-Fi direct technology means a smartphone or a tablet also doubles up as a handy remote control/viewfinder. The device can be controlled via the Gear 360 Manager App.
What it doesn't have
The Gear 360 offers nothing when it comes to onboard memory, but it does accept micro SD cards up to 200 GB in size. It also only has a 72 x 32 pixel passive matrix organic light emitting diode (PMOLED) display that measures 0.5" across the diagonal. The videos shot can be edited and published via a smartphone, but Samsung only lists the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, Note5, S7 and S7 edge as the compatible devices. However, PC users can always use the Gear 360 ActionDirector software to take care of the edits.
The device is expected to hit stores in select markets on April 29, 2016 with a European price tag of €349.99.
