A 360 camera is the best camera for solo travel!
If you’re wondering whether to use a 360 camera for solo travel, ( and are looking for tips) you’ve landed in the right spot.
I have been using Insta360 X3 360 camera for the past several years as my main travel camera, and I’ll tell you why.
Here is an example video: shooting videos of myself and reframing shot and even dipping in the water.
Why 360 Camera best for Solo Travel
A solo journey is filled with unforgettable moments that you’ll want to capture. This is where a 360 camera comes in, becoming your trusty companion on your solo travel.
Solo travel gives you the liberty to explore at your own pace and style without having to compromise with anyone else’s preferences.
However, one common challenge that most solo travelers face is documenting their journey effectively solo.
In fact, I think it’s the best camera to take with you when you travel, even over traditional cameras and other action cameras like GoPro, because of their ability to capture the entire scene around you.
The Freedom to Frame Your Shots Later
One standout feature of this amazing technology is its ‘shoot, then point’ capability.
You can revisit every detail later and choose how best to frame it all. With one of these cameras at hand, nothing escapes your lens – not even those unexpected sights that pop up when exploring new places.
In this pic below I just walked up to the clock, raised my selfie stick, and walked away. In the app with reframe, I got a great video of the clock and surroundings without having to frame the shot up front.
Your personal videographer
You don’t need someone else to frame you in the shot or perfect the angle while filming. It’s like having your own personal photographer who never misses a moment.
Just hold out your selfie stick and walk and talk however you like. Everything will be in the shot!
Or put the 360 cam on a tripod and it will “track” you wherever you go around the camera due to its 360 view of entire scene.
Ease-of-use and Portability
Solo travelers often prioritize simplicity and portability, which align perfectly with the design of most modern-day relatively tiny 360 cameras.
These compact yet powerful tools fit easily into backpacks or even your pocket without adding much weight or bulkiness compared to traditional DSLR setups.
Capturing Immersive Experiences
Due to its 360 nature, virtual tours become possible with 360 videos. In fact I shoot and post 360 travel videos on my Youtube site.
Imagine being on an African safari with animals and scenery all around you. Or at a vibrant street market in Tokyo.
Your friends and family back home won’t just see what happened; they’ll feel as if they were there with you and can look wherever they want in the scene.
Vlogging Using a 360 Camera
No longer do vloggers need to have a dedicated person to travel with them and shoot certain scenes of their adventures.
Just take a 360 camera, and then shoot, edit, and upload!
The Freedom of Solo Filming
Just hold out the selfie stick to the distance you want the shot, and then do whatever you want. Then reframe the shot later to get the exact framing of yourself or even panning around the scene.
Or put a tripod down on the street or table and go about your Vlog, even while walking around the camera.
Become Your Own Director
With a 360 camera, you become the director of your own story. You don’t have to rely on strangers or set up tripods awkwardly just so you can fit into the frame – all angles are covered automatically!
Experience the joy of traveling alone with a 360 camera, your new road companion. Its ‘shoot, then point’ feature feels like having an unseen friend snapping every moment. It’s not just about capturing wide angles – this little dynamo lets you dive into immersive experiences and simplifies recording your adventures. Say goodbye to hefty DSLR setups; these gadgets have got you covered.
See reviews and price for Insta360 X3
Choose the Right 360 Camera
Whether you opt for an action camera like the Insta360 X3 or GoPro Max for unpredictable outdoor escapades or prefer larger lens options such as the Insta360 RS 1 Inch Edition for quality and night shots, a 360 camera can elevate your travel photography to new heights.
Action Cameras: Insta360 and GoPro
The compact yet powerful Insta360 X3 stands out among its peers and is the one I use for my travels. ( check that article )
Also, there is the GoPro Max – a brand favored by many extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Check this article where I compare the Insta360 X3 to the GoPro Max.
These little powerhouses won’t add unnecessary weight to your travel gear while delivering good quality video footage.
Ruggedness takes center stage with both devices, as they are designed specifically for sports ethusiasts.
They also perform exceptionally well under wet conditions and are waterproof to a certain depth, making them reliable partners during unexpected turns of events on your outdoor travels.
However, I will warn that both lenses do stick out and are fragile so make sure to protect them if you are doing fast movement activities. ( there are lens protectors and cases ). However for just walking around a city or in nature, I haven’t run into issues.
A unique feature that sets these cameras apart from others is their respective smartphone editing apps. The Insta app, in particular, shines by offering advanced editing tools directly at your fingertips, even while traveling solo. This allows for quick sharing of those breathtaking shots online.
Larger Lens Models: The Insta360 RS 1 Inch Edition
This model offers superior image quality thanks to its large one-inch sensor, resulting in stunningly clear footage, even with low lighting conditions.
It is particularly well-suited for more controlled environments, such as indoor locations or scenic spots, where fast movements are less necessary compared to outdoor adventures, due to the larger lenses.
Although slightly larger than the action 360 cams, it remains reasonably handy given all the benefits packed into this device.
Check out the Insta360 RS 1 inch 360 vs X3 comparison article I wrote.
Budget 360 Cams
If you arent quite ready to splurge, then consider one of these affordable 360 cams in this article. My top pick was the Insta360 X2.
Going solo on your next adventure? Picking the right 360 camera can transform your travel snaps. Whether you’re into action-packed escapades with cameras like Insta360 X3 and GoPro Max, or prefer more controlled settings using larger lens options such as the Insta360 RS 1 Inch Edition – each has its own charm. It’s all about what suits you best: toughness or top-notch image quality.
Capturing Great Photos and Videos with a 360 Camera
Horizon Stabilization
Imagine you’re hiking up rocky terrains or cycling through bustling city streets. Wouldn’t it be amazing to capture steady panoramic views?
Thanks to horizon stabilization technology in 360 cameras, shaky videos are no longer a concern. The result is clear footage that feels like it was shot using professional gear.
Invisible Selfie Stick
When shooting with a 360 camera, an invisible selfie stick becomes indispensable. Unlike traditional ones, this tool stays hidden due to clever software manipulation by the camera itself.
You can take wide-angle selfies or record walk-and-talk style vlogs without any distracting pole in sight, and it looks like someone else was taking your shot.
Related article: Best 360 cam selfie sticks . Check out the different length and features.
Creative Perspectives
The ability to capture unique angles makes 360 cameras stand out from standard ones.
You can even reframe from a 360 view down to any sized crop in the entire sphere including panoramas.
Without looking through the viewfinder, you could stand beneath towering skyscrapers and still manage breathtaking upward shots . Similarly, standing atop cliffs overlooking vast landscapes below would provide equally awe-inspiring downward panoramas.
Traveling solo? Don’t fret about capturing your adventures. With a 360 camera, you can snag stable panoramic shots thanks to horizon stabilization technology – no more shaky videos. Plus, the invisible selfie stick ensures wide-angle selfies without any photo-bombing. Get creative with unique angles and become part of your travel story.
How to Use Your 360 Camera in Different Environments
Underwater
Underwater filming is great with a 360 cam since can reframe any shot especially when its hard to look through viewfinder or a screen. And make sure you get a dive case to protect your gear.
Adventure Sports
When moving quickly, its hard to frame your shots exactly, so thats where the benefit of 360 video reframe comes in.
In environments where scratching risks run high – think sandy beaches or rocky terrains – lens protectors become essential gear.
No Drone, No Problem
Using an extended selfie stick can offer wider perspective shots, especially outdoors, that mimic drone footage.
Even more useful in areas where drones arent allowed such as national parks and in cities.
How to Protect Your Gear While Traveling Solo
To safeguard your equipment and ensure it stays in excellent condition, here are some tips.
Maintaining Lens: Case and Cap
Your 360 camera lens is like the heart of your setup. It’s essential, but also fragile, especially with dual protruding lenses.
A decent case will shield against dust, scratches, or even weather elements when you’re on the move.
I put a lens cap on in between shots white its still on the selfie stick, or if I put it in my pocket.
Cleaning Routine: Ensuring Best Quality Output
The secret sauce to high-quality images? Regular cleaning, of course. Keeping lenses clean is key to getting stunning visuals on all your travel adventures.
Use microfiber cloths and specialized solutions meant just for lenses.
Take out some time each day during travels to give lenses a gentle wipe down, especially after exposure outdoors where factors such as humidity or sand might have their way, or accidental smudges.
Shield your 360 camera’s heart – the lens – with a robust case and cap, preventing dust, scratches or weather damage. Commit to daily cleaning routines using specialized tools for best image quality.
360 Camera Accesories
To ensure you make the most of your solo trips with a 360 camera, consider adding essential accessories to your gear.
Invisible Selfie Stick
One accessory that is a must have is the invisible selfie stick. This unique device disappears when shooting with a 360-degree lens.
The result? Footage that gives the impression of gliding through the scene, rather than capturing it from the end of a visible pole.
This makes the invisible selfie stick perfect for solo travelers who want to capture self-portraits or group photos without any obstructions spoiling their panoramic view.
And the best part? It’s lightweight and portable, taking up minimal space in any rucksack or suitcase.
Check out my reviews of multiple selfie sticks with a spec comparison table.
Dive Case
If your solo travel itinerary includes underwater activities like snorkeling or diving, a dive case for your 360 camera is a must-have accessory.
A high-quality dive case offers robust protection against pressure, high speed, and harsh saltwater conditions.
Although some 360 cameras are waterproof, I wouldn’t risk thrashing them around at high speed/force, and a slightly loose latch can spell disaster.
So I would recommend a dive case for underwater shots that dont involve just gently dipping it in the water for a short period of time ( which is how I use it when its not in a case, see video of tubing on springs above)
Mounts: Hands-Free Filming Options
There may be situations where holding onto an invisible selfie stick isn’t practical. For example, when both hands are needed for other tasks like scaling mountainsides or speeding through city streets on a bicycle.
Especially more common when travelling solo.
In such instances, having alternative mounting options can make all the difference between capturing the perfect shot or missing it entirely.
Head, wrist, and chest mounts come in handy. And many of these mounts are compatible with GoPro style accesories with just adding a 1/4 inch screw adapter.
Check out my article on accessories for your Insta360 360 camera.
Stepping up your solo travel game with a 360 camera? Consider these must-haves: an invisible selfie stick for obstruction-free shots, a dive case to safeguard your gear during underwater adventures, and chest or wrist mounts for hands-free filming. It’s all about capturing the full experience without missing a beat.
Editing and Sharing Made Simple with Phone Apps
Insta360 App
This isn’t just any old editing software; think of it as your personal film studio in pocket size.
You can trim clips down to perfection, adjust colors for that perfect sunset shot, or add soundtracks to bring life into silent footage.
But what sets Insta360 apart from other apps is its AI-powered tracking and editing features.
Related article: Reframe tutorial for Insta360 app
Social Media Integration
The Insta360 app has got you covered there too. Just one click lets you share those breathtaking views directly onto Facebook or Instagram.
Conclusion
Embracing the 360 camera for solo travel unlocks a whole new world of possibilities.
You get to capture breathtaking shots without needing another person’s help, and you get amazing shots you couldnt capture with a normal camera or smartphone.
If you are looking for a great 360 camera, then take a look at this link for prices and reviews.
This link is directly from Insta360 and they offer a special perk when buying from them though this special link. And extra freebies if you buy kits. Check it out.
Related articles
How do 360 cameras work?
How do invisible selfie sticks work?
How to watch full 360 videos in VR headset?
