360 rumors

360 videos give the viewer total freedom to look around, but sometimes viewers can get "lost" and not know where to look.  In this tutorial for Adobe Premiere Pro, we will learn to guide the viewer's attention by controlling the heading and orientation dynamically as the video plays.  This technique can also be used to fix "drifting" in Xiaomi Mi Sphere and other gyro-stabilized 360 cameras or even gimbals. The subject in the middle of an equirectangular 360 video will be the initial heading of a 360 video. As you know, you can change that heading using the "Offset" effect in Adobe Premiere Pro.  However, you can also change that heading dynamically in the middle of the video by using keyframes . The same technique can be applied to fix drifting issues (if any) in stabilized 360 cameras or gimbals (when not correctly calibrated).  Indeed, this technique can also be used to apply a very basic form of image stabilization to non-stabilized 360 cameras. H...

I've updated my tutorial for the Xiaomi Mi Sphere, including a faster workflow. Here is a detailed tutorial for Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere 3.5K 360 panoramic camera.  This tutorial has been updated for Mi Sphere iOS app 1.6.4 and Mi Sphere Android 1.6.4.12888 and above. Here is the video: Xiaomi is available here: https://goo.gl/kO0CuA   (GearBest ships to 260+ countries, and I usually get my orders from them in just one week from China to Los Angeles) Photos: https://roundme.com/tour/147936/view/374315/ Video for comparison: https://goo.gl/qtE3tn Workflow and other info: https://youtu.be/GxuwONmLTGE Unstitched files to try: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4RnW2_ZeadSamJpSURuQzktSEU Contents: 00:32 - taking photos and videos without a smartphone 04:15 - shooting photos with the app (including why) 09:18 - shooting videos with the app 10:22 - viewing and sharing photos 13:43 - viewing and sharing videos 25:26 - Summary Changes from previous tutorial (mostly after 13:34): 08:36 -...

Here is an update on Vuze, the first affordable 4K 3D 360 camera: - Vuze was featured on a major TV network news show, - there's a video tutorial showing how to shoot with the Vuze; - there's e new video showing the workflow; and - there are some new Vuze samples. Vuze is the first affordable 4K 3D 360 camera, and I've been waiting for it since February of last year. So far, I'm pleased with it, although it needs more careful shooting than 2D 360 video. Humaneyes is still very busy trying to fulfill all the preorders.  Meanwhile, here are some news on Vuze.  First, Vuze was featured on a major network -- on Kathy Ireland's Worldwide Business show on Fox TV.  Check out the feature: I thought the video was cool and it's always nice to see 360 photos and videos being mentioned in media to raise public awareness. Humaneyes also posted new tutorials to help users: one for shooting, and another for processing.  Here's the video about shooting tips (shot on the Vuz...

360 Basics is a new series for 360 camera beginners and novices. We all have to start somewhere, and there's no better time to start than now.  I promise that the journey will be worthwhile. You've seen those tiny planet photos and videos and perhaps have wondered how they're done.  In this video tutorial, you'll learn how, from my good friend Ben Claremont (Life in 360) , one of the most recognized 360 photographers, and who is well known for his tiny planet photos and videos. One of the most popular ways to use a 360 photo or video is to present it as a tiny planet photo (like the one above), or sometimes as an inverted tiny planet, usually called rabbit hole, like this one: A few years ago, taking a photo like this was quite challenging.  However, 360 cameras changed all that, and made the capture process easier.  This allowed artists to focus on the creative aspect of 360 photography instead of being mired in the technical aspects of being able to capture and sti...

Here is a video tutorial on using the Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere 360 camera.  I also have late-breaking news on possible workarounds using third party software. The Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere 3.5K panoramic camera currently appears to offer the highest video quality for 360 cameras for $300 or less, and it is one of the few that offer manual exposure controls.  Together with fairly smooth stitching, edge-to-edge sharpness, and a 24mp photo resolution, it offers an excellent package for those looking for an entry-level or even intermediate 360 camera. The only problem with the Mi Sphere is that its software is not straightforward and has quite a few bugs.  In this video, I will show how to use Xiaomi and hopefully demystify the Mi Sphere's software. As you saw in the video, the Mi Sphere has a few issues when stitching or exporting videos.  I therefore recommend trying out some files from the Xiaomi on your phone before buying it. iOS app Android app Unstitched samples for yo...

Realtime stabilization has now been added Insta360 Air, the first 360 camera for Android phones.  Here's a demo and a tutorial for upgrading the firmware required this feature. Here's the demo video and tutorial: HOW TO INSTALL Before you begin, here are two tips for installation: 1. When connecting the Insta360 Air to your phone, connect the Air directly and not through an adapter.  This will minimize the chance for errors. After installing, you can go back to using the adapter. 2. You'll be inserting and reinserting the Air a lot.  To avoid smearing the lens, you can put the Insta360 Air in its silicone rubber case upside down.  You'll still be able to insert it into your phone. Here are the steps. 1.  Install the Insta360 Air app version 1.4 or above on your smartphone. As of April 27, version 1.4 is still not live on Google Play Store but you can download the beta version from Insta360.com.  Use your phone to go to Insta360.com .  On the upper lef...