Should you get a 360 Camera vs Regular Camera for traveling?
You may be thinking:
- Why do I need a 360 camera when traveling?
- Do I need a 360 camera if I already have a regular camera?
I’ve been shooting with my 360 camera for several years while I’ve gone around the world, and it makes for great videos and even unique pictures compared to a regular camera in many instances.
I have an Insta360 X3, but I do have my Sony RX100 VII as well, so I do understand the pros and cons of both. And high end smartphones now are more like “regular cameras”.
If you’re looking to capture creative visuals and reframing to anything around you that you might miss with a regular camera, then a 360 camera may be the perfect tool for you.
With its special design, 360 cameras provide travelers with a unique way to take photos and videos that truly capture the entire surroundings.
To be clear, 360 camera shots can edited to “regular” photos and videos easily, instead of keeping them in the 360 VR format. And in fact this is what most people are doing: reframing their 360 shots.
On my website here, I have multiple tours of my travels in 360 degree video.
Here is an example of my trip to Vienna Old Town. You will see the 360 video from my Insta360 X3 as well as photos from my Sony RX100 Vii.
How 360 Cameras are Better than Regular Cameras for Videos
Wide-Angle Viewing
The most notable benefit of using a 360 camera is its ability to capture images in all angles and thus all aspect ratios.
This means that when taking pictures of larger scenes—such as sweeping landscapes or crowded markets—you will be able to get an increased field of view with one shot. Including ability to create panoramas with one shot.
Immersive Experience with 360 VR
The most obvious benefit of using a 360 VR camera is its ability to create an immersive experience with 360 pictures and videos.
With traditional video recording, you are limited by the frame you set up while shooting. However, with a 360 camera, you can look all around so you feel like they’re truly part of the experience.
Advanced Editing Features
Your typical 360 camera will come equipped with apps with AI that will help take your photography game up a notch.
These include image and video stabilization technology, which allow you to capture high-quality content while on the move. And even better AI editing with premade templates to make it easy.
And you create unique shots with reframing 360 pictures and videos like the one below. “Tiny Planet” reframe of entire 360 photo in one view.
Check out my article on reframing with the Insta360 app.
Cost
When compared to traditional cameras, a 360 camera can be seen as more cost effective due to its versatility and capability to shoot in multiple ways without needing multiple lenses or accessories.
It can shoot vertical or horizontal, wide angle, panoramas, and 360 shots all at once and then reframed later the way you want since it gathers all data in a full circle.
You also save on a not needing a gimbal since it already has internal software stabilization.
It’s an action cam
Many 360 cameras are also action cameras so they have the versatility of doing many shots while on the go, just like a GoPro, which aren’t possible with regular cameras.
Skiing, biking, surfing, hiking, climbing while traveling? No problem. Especially with unique mounting options.
Many are even waterproof like the Insta360 X3. Try risking your DSLR in the rain or getting splashed by water or even underwater!
Although I use Insta360 X3, for those who prefer Gopro, have have an article on GoPro Max 360 camera.
Versatility with mounting options
360 cameras also get the versatility of mounting options like a GoPro action cam with bike, helmet, car, and other interesting options. Forget about those cool shots if shooting with a DSLR or other regular camera.
Or even just holding a selfie stick above your head and walking without having to frame.
Videos
360 cameras in general are better for video, whereas cameras msotly used for fixed photos.
They also allow users to capture unique angles and perspectives that no regular camera could ever dream of.
Stabilization
360 cameras are the ideal choice for capturing smooth and steady footage.
Unlike their traditional camera counterparts, they come with built-in electronic image stabilization, meaning there is no need for a gimbal or tripod.
This makes them ideal for those looking to shoot videos without worrying about the cost and hassle of extra equipment.
Shoot then point
When it comes to capturing the perfect shot, nothing beats the convenience that 360 cameras bring, allowing users to “shoot then frame” rather than the traditional “point then shoot” of regular cameras.
I dont have to worry about me or my subject being out of frame because everything is included in the shot.
Never miss a shot!
I can reframe to wide angles or vertical after the fact, and still get the perfect shot. Including turning the picture into a full panorama!
Ordinary cameras only afford one field of view, making it impossible to capture a different perspective or reframe images that don’t exist. Only option is changing lenses during the actual shoot or multiple pictures or reshoots.
In fact this is an example of just walking around with my selfie stick above my head gets reframed into an exciting video with shots of scenes that were even behind me! This is in Vienna.
Lightweight and convenient
You know how they always say the best camera is the one you have with you.
With a lightweight 360 cam like the Insta360 X3 its easy to carry around and get the shots you want.
And very quick and convenient to set up and shoot.
DSLR cameras are bulky and not easy to carry around and take a while to set up with settings and lenses.
(However the Sony RX100 is much easier to carry and shoot with and gets most of the benefits of DSLR which is why I use it while travelling in combination with my X3.)
Less stress and more enjoy the moment
It’s so convenient to just enjoy my visit to a location while just walking around casually with my 360 camera on a selfie stick. Then picking out the best scenes and cuts and angles afterwards while editing.
Filming while travelling doesn’t have to be stressful. Get away from the viewfinder and enjoy your trip!
Here is my article on why to watch 360 VR tours before you travel somewhere for real.
How Regular Cameras Are Still Better Than 360 Cameras
When I say “regular camera” it can mean my Sony RX like camera or a DSLR, or even a newer high end smart phone with much improved capabilities, so it’s something you may already have with you anyway.
With the availability of better 360-degree cameras, I have been tempted to use them in place of regular cameras in many scenarios. However, regular cameras are still way better than 360 cameras in certain respects.
Taking a photo like the above with high resolution and zoom on a cloudy day would be impossible with a 360 camera.
Resolution
When it comes to resolution, regular digital cameras are still ahead of the game. Most cameras boast resolutions much higher than 360 cameras.
This means that photos taken with regular cameras or DSLR’s will appear sharper and clearer when printed or viewed on high-definition displays.
Low Light Performance
Generally speaking, regular cameras have larger image sensors than their spherical counterparts, making them much better suited for travel video production in dark settings.
The sensor is fixed on a smaller view than a sensor on 360 which covers a much wider area.
However 360 cameras are getting better with Insta360 RS 1 inch sensors. ( this article covers Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 RS 1 inch 360 edition)
Zoom Capabilities
Standard cameras feature optical zoom lenses, including the compact Sony RX100 that does 8x zoom.
By contrast, 360 cameras don’t offer any optical zoom.
This means that regular cameras can provide far more flexibility when it comes to magnifying subjects without sacrificing image quality.
Lens protection
I will admit I have to be more careful with my 360 cameras because the two lenses projecting out both sides with minimal protection. You have to manually cover them after finishing shooting.
By contrast the lenses of regular cameras are well protected.
Why you should use 360 camera rather than regular camera for travel
When it comes down to it, traditional digital cameras may have the edge on a few features such as:
- resolution
- low light performance
- zoom capabilities
When considering the overall utility of a camera, 360 degree cameras offer more flexibility and creative freedom that regular cameras simply can’t match.
With “shoot then point” filming, you capture elements in the video or snapshot that even you didn’t realize were present, and also have a much wider range of angles to choose from when editing.
They are ideal for creating immersive virtual reality experiences that I post on Youtube, although I will admit that most people reframe rather than keep these shots in 360.
You can capture special moments in an entirely new viewpoint and field of view that regular cameras simply cannot do.
I have done this numerous times after shooting with my 360 cam and walking along with my selfie stick and getting amazing scenes by accident that I didn’t see while walking originally.
Thanks to the incredible technology of software AI and larger lenses, 360 cameras are quickly becoming comparable with traditional cameras for a variety of use cases, especially for action video.
And are quickly becoming vloggers camera of choice since framing is no longer an issue with 360 cameras.
I will say I do take my Sony RX100 VII to fill in the gaps and shots I want that the 360 cam still can’t do. But it’s still a small and very convenient camera to carry around rather than a DSLR.
In fact, in my blogs, I post my 360 videos by also have pictures in there from my Sony.
And it’s convenient and perfect for the solo traveler to shoot video.
Buying a 360 camera directly through Insta360 though the link below provides a special gift. Other cameras from them and bundles also get gifts through this link also.
360 camera options
I have this article comparing Insta360 X2 vs X3, and I have owned both of them.
Insta360 also has the RS inch model with dual 1 inch 360 Leica sensors that works much better in low light so take away some of the advantage of regular cameras with those huge sensors.
I use the Insta360 X3 for its all around versatility and have found myself using it more and more over my Sony RX100. Especially being waterproof so can be used as an action camera.
Here’s my article explained why I think the Insta360 X3 is the best camera for travelling.
And I had the Insta360 One X and X2 before that for the past few years. And even the Ricoh theta before that!
Never had the GoPro Max, but its a good camera if you are already in the GoPro ecosystem.
Here is my article on the reasons to get an Insta360 X3.
Travel around the world with me on my Youtube channel with multiple 360 VR videos.
