360 rumors

NCTech's iSTAR is a 50-megapixel 360 camera designed for rapid 360 HDRs. Remember Google's announcement of 20 StreetView-compatible cameras?  This is one of them. NCTech's iSTAR is designed for rapid capture of 360-degree HDR photos.  Here are the key specifications: - four 10-megapixel lenses - effective resolution: 50 megapixels - field of view: 360 x 300 degrees - integrated compass, tilt sensor, and GPS - up to 27EV dynamic range - raw format (.nctri) - IP64 weather resistance - wireless live view and capture over Wi-Fi Here is a sample comparison between a normal exposure and the iSTAR's HDR exposure: top: HDR; bottom: normal exposure You can see more sample shots here . Shooting takes 5 seconds for one exposure, 10 seconds for a 5-shot HDR exposure, or 20 seconds for a 9-shot HDR exposure. The iSTAR costs £4,000 for the Fusion Lite which can take a 5-shot HDR exposure, and £5,500 for the Fusion which can take a 9-shot HDR exposure.   Here is the official page for ...

Google announced that there will be 20 new cameras in 2017 that will be certified for compatibility with Google Street View. Google announced a new Street View certification program, and also announced that there would be 20 cameras "released over the coming months" in 2017 that would be certified under the program. There are four different types of Street View certifications: 1. Mobile ready - can upload to Street View directly from their mobile app without needing a desktop. 2. Auto ready - can be used to take Street View photos from a car "with the highest accuracy." 3. VR ready - these cameras take not only photos but also "geometry" and can generate connected photos. 4. Workflow ready - tools (with or without cameras) that can publish to Street View. Among the interesting companies mentioned are: - Giroptic : mobile ready.  This is interesting because the iO does not meet the minimum resolution for GSV.  I don't know if this means the Giroptic 360...