Omnidirectional camera capturing the complete spherical field of view (360° horizontal, 180° vertical) simultaneously; used for immersive VR and interactive content.
A 360 camera (also known as an omnidirectional or 360-degree camera) captures the entire scene around the camera's viewpoint simultaneously. Instead of a limited image frame, it records a complete spherical panorama: 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically, from the ground (nadir) to the zenith. This is achieved either by a compact camera with multiple fixed lenses (typically two opposing wide-angle or fisheye lenses) or by a rig of several individual cameras whose images are composited into a seamless spherical image.
The individual images are combined through stitching: the color and contrast of the overlapping shots are matched and calculated into a continuous panorama. Stitching is done either in-camera or downstream in specialized software. The result is usually saved in equirectangular projection and can be interactively explored in VR headsets or via mouse/touch.
360 cameras are operated monoscopically or stereoscopically. Monoscopic delivers the same image to both eyes, while stereoscopic creates a spatial 3D impression through separate images per eye. Well-known devices and rigs from production practice include, among others, Ricoh Theta, Insta360, GoPro Omni, Samsung Gear 360, and the Nokia OZO.
For lighting and grip, the 360 camera presents a fundamental challenge: since it records almost everything around it, there is no classic "off-screen" area. Lamps, tripods, cables, and the crew are potentially visible; only the area directly beneath the camera support remains hidden.
Techniques used in practice to hide light sources and equipment:
As a cinematographer, I have to completely rethink my approach for 360-degree shots – I can no longer hide behind the camera and have to plan the lighting so it works from every angle. The biggest challenge lies in the precise calibration of all lenses and controlling the exposure across the entire spherical image.
For me as a director, 360-degree filmmaking means losing classic framing control – I can't guide the viewer's gaze like I'm used to. Instead, I have to stage the story so that it works even if the viewer is looking in a completely different direction, which requires entirely new narrative strategies.
360-degree technology comes with significant additional costs – both for the camera equipment and for the elaborate post-production with specialized software and hardware. At the same time, I have to develop new distribution channels for VR content, as the classic TV and cinema releases are no longer applicable, which makes recoupment considerably more complex.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „360-Grad-Kamera"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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