In a nutshell, what is 360 video ?
360 video (or spherical video) is a relatively new video concept that allows you to record in all directions around the camera simultaneously. This differs from multi-camera video production service setups, like those seen in narrative pieces and interviews, where various fixed camera angles of a subject are set up, recorded and then alternated with cuts in the edit as needed.
This puts the viewer right in the middle of the image. So during playback, the viewer can look around in all directions at the environment surrounding the camera by dragging the image around while watching on a digital device, such as a computer, phone or tablet.
When 360 video first started, a lot of people simply used 4 Go-Pro cameras (or similar wide-angled action cameras) in a circle rig.
There have been a lot of advances in how you watch 360 video, especially on social platforms such as Facebook and Youtube, as well as VR headsets. These headsets submerge you into the video allowing 360-degree movement by rotating your head.
Because of the 360 video surge, many companies have developed their own low-end, cheap 360 cameras. These cameras are pretty cheap at only £300, but a lot only film at low resolution, with most hitting 1080p. While 1080p is the industry standard for decent HD video, that is stretched over the whole
Stitching the video together can be a complex and time consuming process. There are a lot of different software programmes available for this job, including various third-party applications, luckily most cameras come with their own. Whilst completing the stitching process, careful attention needs to be made to video alignment, slight errors here could spell catastrophe.
However, once stitched up, the 360 footage can be edited the same way as regular footage in your choice of editing software, so long as it supports 360 clips (NLE). The only real difference here is that 360 footage dimensions are different to regular video.
For example, when creating a timeline for a 360 video filmed in 4k, the dimensions in your preview and export will be 3840 x 1920, or whichever dimensions your camera films at.
What specialist equipment, expertise or processes are involved?
Firstly you’ll need a specialist camera or a number of cameras set up within a rig. There is a lot of technical innovation at the high end of the 360 market, with some cameras coming equipped with multiple 4k sensors. Meaning a lot more resolution to play around with the final image.
Another great feature of some of these higher-end cameras
Why should I consider using 360 video in my production?
There are many great and interesting uses for 360 video, such as virtual tours around buildings, events, festivals and behind the scenes videos.
All these uses of 360 video work exceptionally well, because it places the viewer right in the middle of the scenario. Allowing users to experience a deep, immersive experience with VR headsets, or simple touch controls on phone or tablet.
When wouldn’t 360 video be ideal for my video project?
With great new advancements, there are always some downsides. 360-degree video doesn’t hold up well on narrative works, because of the way narrative is traditionally told is in front of the camera.
Whether it be actors, an interviewee, or whatever is telling the story, you run the risk that the viewer could miss something very important. They may have been looking somewhere else entirely whilst important story strands are being shown.
It’s also very hard to predict each viewer’s experience. One viewer might not miss a thing, while the next may keep accidentally skipping key moments.
In Summary
360 degree video is a new and exciting video format thats seeing great attention from both consumers and companies. The media of video is advancing rapidly, these last few years have bought about creative new ways to engage with viewers. If you want to discover more on the power of 360 video, check out the links below.
Useful Links
Premium Beat – How to Shoot, Edit and Upload 360 Video