Samsung recently launched the Samsung Gear 360 (2017) , the second generation of its camera, which takes 360-degree shots. This camera comes onto the market only a year after Samsung surprised us with the first model, and now the device and its online platform are much better equipped for this type of content.
We’ve tried it out and tell you all about it below.
Features
The Gear 360 (2017) has followed in the footsteps of the first Samsung 360 camera, but has improved several aspects to make it more appealing to the public.
Starting with its design, it looks like an sphere (like the old webcams) with a small optional tripod and a built-in comfortable grip that also serves as a stand and folds into a tripod (and even a selfie stick). This new design is more user-friendly and gives it a good grip, so you can take it anywhere and use it easily.
As for measurements, it’s 100.6 x 46.3 x 45.1 mm and 130 grams, 20 grams lighter than the previous model, which makes it much easier to transport and take anywhere.
Another big change from the first Gear 360 is the camera resolution. While the number of pixels in its sensors is lower (8.4 MP per lens compared to 15 MP), the recording quality has improved. The Gear 360 (2017) records videos in 360 degrees at 24 fps, but with better resolution at 4K (4096 x 2048); compared to 30 fps at 3840 x 1920, which was how the previous model recorded. Also, by recording with one single lens now, the frame rate reaches 60 per second.
The battery has also undergone changes, though this time for the worse. The Gear 360 (2017) has a non-removable battery of 1160 mAh, compared to 1350 mAh of its predecessor, whose battery was removable. As for use, the new battery lets you record using the dual camera for 130 minutes (compared to 140 minutes previously) and 180 minutes if you use only one camera, 20 minutes more than the Gear 360, which allowed 160 minutes of recording.
The second generation of the Gear 360 is compatible with Samsung devices, but also Android and iOS systems. For the latter two, you only need to install an app to start using the camera, controlling different video and photo settings from your cell phone. Also, by using this app, users can share content directly to social media.
Feedback
After testing out the Gear 360 (2017) for a few days, we’ve determined that the improvements in this device makes it a very useful camera for specific moments, especially when you need extra material or different shots. At present, it’s very unique to share 360-degree content and it’s already compatible with popular platforms such as Facebook or YouTube.
In this sense, the Gear 360 is now much more portable than the 2016 model, since it’s so much smaller. Also, Samsung’s new grip makes it easy to use, without needing tripods, and avoids wacky positions when holding the camera, so you can use it at any time without needing external devices. Though it also offers the possibility of using a tripod (or even a selfie stick if you want to lift the shot) when necessary.
The camera has a variety of image settings so the user can enjoy a full experience. To do this, it’s as easy as selecting the type of setting you want to use via the app and clicking on the camera’s recording button to start taking video or photos.
As for convencional photos, the Gear 360 (2017) lets you use one of two lenses (front or back), but the quality may not be high enough to replace a photo camera. Or even a cell phone camera, if it’s high quality.
But the key aspect of this device is its 360-degree photos and videos. There, the Gear 360 (2017) goes above and beyond its function. The 360-degree photos are taken with good quality and easily, since you don’t have to go around the entire space to capture image after image like Google’s camera. Simply, you lift the camera and it takes the photos. Easy peasy.
In summary, the 360-degree video is the crowning feature of this model. It lets you capture everything around you with its two cameras, easily and with very good resolution. Just like taking photos, the user only has to hold the camera and press the button to start recording. In this case, users can move around the surroundings and capture all the movement around them. One of the things that surprises us most is the quality of the image, for there isn’t distortion or quality loss with movement. The result exceeds expectations.
In addition, the Gear 360 (2017) includes other settings such as fast camera (ideal for content creators looking to create a sense of momentum). It also includes streaming directly from the camera. A world of possibilities, at your fingertips.
Conclusion
The Gear 360 is a product designed for people who want to capture the very best of their daily life in a new way. And it does exactly that. Also, it has shown improvement from the first model launched in 2016. It’s smaller, more convenient and affordable, as well as being easy-to-use, offering many possibilities when recording or taking photos.
It’s a product that any kind of user can take advantage of. Of course, content creators can truly make the most of it, but the average user can too, since the simplicity of the app lets you use it almost without prior knowledge.
In addition, we think it’s a home run to make it available to users who don’t have a Samsung device. The compatibility with iOS and Android is good news for all tech lovers.
The Samsung Gear 360 (2017) is on sale for 249 euros.