360 video is exploding. We see in many events begin to experiment with it and use as a new format to tell something, to allow the viewer to experience something more immersive way. Hence the interest of many to grab a camera 360.
However, this issue still raises some doubts and questions. Are all equal cameras? What we need to know once we have it? Do you offer limitations? How is the editing process? Why quality sometimes disappoints? If you are interested, we will give you answers to these questions clearly and directly.
360 Video: Create, edit and publish
Video Quality
The theme of the video quality is the first thing any user arises, why are so, so little sharpness? Well, the answer is simple once we know how a video 360 is generated.
When we recorded with a camera 360 we do it is capture one or more spherical videos. According to the camera and lens, for example, we can get a clip with two areas covering an angle of 180 degrees each (360 total) or a single area covering 235 ° (leaving a black area uncovered Video 360 final).
With this spherical material after a conversion is done video plane in a process known as “stitching” or stitch. The video resolution is usually obtained normally 1080p or 4K and that then wrap us to offer the immersive experience.
Therefore, I think you will have already detected what is the reason for the lack of sharpness. Of the 1920 x 1080 or 3840 x 2160 pixel clip, going to the playback mode 360 which is displayed on the player will be a fragment that is logically lower resolution, exactly 852 x 480 pixels in the case from a original video 1080p.
If in case of a full HD video parties a flat 4K video quality would improve slightly but still would visualize section 1702 x 960 pixels resolution.
So now you know why these videos, when viewed in 360 lose that sharpness that both accuse him. Of course we could get better quality videos 360 but would have to make the jump to professional and more expensive solutions. Or turn to ride for ourselves a system would also be increased to the current proposals for consumption as 360 Gear Samsung, LG Cam 360 or S Ricoh Theta among other economic investment.
Video generating 360
Video to generate 360 need not actually have a camera 360. These cameras what they do is facilitate the work but with several GoPro or DSLR can be achieved. You just have to resort to application capable of uniting the various video clips and ready.
That bonding process or “stitching”, as it is known, can be just with solutions like VideoStitch. Of course, if we choose a camera 360 as Samsung or similar it is advisable to use the applications that the manufacturer provides. Not only for ease of use but also some important details.
The first is that the spherical videos generated by the cameras 360 may be different (orientation of the spheres, coverage angles of each lens, …). This lack of standard or variables make the application of Ricoh not be able to manage and process the video camera Samsung and vice versa.
The second point is that these applications are being provided for all or at least most popular platforms. For example, Samsung offers app for Android and only for certain terminals. And if we convert the spherical videos on the PC have to use Windows. Mac users were off.
Therefore, it is a must see before buying a particular camera if we fulfill all the requirements. It is true that we can resort to little tricks such as using Kolor Autopano and a simple intermediate step. This, assuming we have videos Gear 360, would be to split the clip into two separate spheres clips.
Autopano then would import the clip with the clip left field and right field, would adjust some values and would realize the “sewn” for the video plane. The problem is not always a perfect process and unions may be too marked. But at least as an alternative to tide it serves.
So, summing up a bit, when you judge what camera you buy make sure you have either tied the theme of the software.
You may also like to read another article on improtecinc: Samsung Gear 360, will lead the first generation of 360 domestic cameras
Video Editing 360
360 video editing edition is no different from any other video. With applications like Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas or any other video editor can perform. We can make color corrections, apply transitions, …
All we know is that add graphic elements such as titles, captions, etc. yes requires more technical and some other help. Here, to facilitate the work is best to have plugins that facilitate these tasks.
These plugins allow 360 video work more efficiently, and see in real time how will the different integrated elements. Thus we avoid possible deformations and, above all, repeat the rendering process and export to achieve the finish. Saving time, which is always appreciated.
Uploading the video to internet
Once we have our video ready up, edited and exported the last step is to play. Locally we can do through compatible applications but more interesting is share it. To do this we have YouTube and Facebook as more interesting platforms to upload video 360.
The problem, beyond then use a browser that supports 360 video player of both services is that we upload it with all necessary information to be reproduced as video 360.
This basically involves injecting a series of metadata that indicate the platform or application is a video application 360. This makes each brand automatically. But if we have passed the video previously for a video editor we have to do it.
How to inject metadata for video 360 it is simple. Simply download the application Spatial Media Metadata Injector, available for both Mac and Windows. The run, select the video and injects the required metadata. Then we only go to YouTube or Facebook video.
Differences between chambers 360
Now that we have seen the issue of quality, create, edit and upload let’s talk about the different cameras. Now we have said that there are options of all kinds and for all budgets. It is Omni GoPro that can record video with resolution 360 8K with its six chambers, also configurations that make use of various DSLR cameras and then more solutions designed for the consumer market.
We have analyzed different models and each has its good and not so good things. Of course, except for the Gear 360 and Kodak Pro model featuring a little more image quality, are more designed to start researching and experimenting that solutions to something more professional or higher level cameras.
What is important to know is that it is normal to have cameras with two lenses. This allows covering each 180º get a final 360 real video, both vertical and horizontal. Still solutions such as Kodak PixPro (there 4K version) no longer be interesting. With a 235° angle lens are perfect for many uses and scenarios. And if we cover 360 must only invest twice and acquire two.
However solutions or ideas to make this area that is not recorded there are many. On the Internet we find examples that advantage to insert graphic elements with information on what is being displayed, some sort of banner advertising, event name, etc. Here it is a matter of each see how he takes full advantage.
Our recommendation would be that yes, as far as possible, optaseis 360 cameras that despite being aimed at the consumer market offer 4K resolution. And experience much because they are very interesting. If only to then have that memory of a trip or event. Because unlike the traditional recording, here you can give record and forget. Then when you watch the video again have a full view of everything that was happening around you.
Tags: Video 360
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