It’s been a number of weeks for the reason that Osmo 360 was launched, and plenty of creators have launched video critiques already. Since these unique movies, the digital camera firmware has been up to date, as has the desktop software program, and the product has matured.
This digital camera will get lots proper, and offers you a lot nice methods to file a picture from a singular perspective. I’ve been utilizing the digital camera since quickly after launch, and whereas I’ve loved utilizing it lots, I didn’t anticipate to love the single-lens modes as a lot as I do.
In comparison with earlier 360 cameras, it’s acquired a bigger sensor, greater decision, and it does a number of issues in another way — can it enhance on the Insta360 choices? Time to dig in.
The Osmo 360, on the tip of a 2.5m Prolonged Carbon Fiber Selfie Persist with the tilting magnetic adapter
The fundamentals
Somewhat than the tall kind issue that the majority Insta360 cameras use, the Osmo 360 returns to a extra squat form with a large display screen somewhat than a tall one. A squarer kind issue was used on the GoPro Max, and on my first 360 digital camera, the Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere, however Insta360’s cameras have at all times been vertical, and so they’ve been dominant for a while — so it’s nostalgic to see a return to this form. Should you favor panorama supply to portrait, having the ability to see a extra correct widescreen preview of the completed picture is a transparent win, and a serious distinction from the taller display screen that Insta360 cameras have used.
Whereas there’s a microSD slot within the battery compartment, it’s successfully non-obligatory, as there’s simply over 100GB of free area inbuilt to the digital camera. That is sufficient for a day of occasional capturing, and an important security internet must you depart the microSD card again on the workplace.
With lenses on each side, extra adventurous shooters generally fear about scratches, however I haven’t had any issues but with broken lenses. Two protecting choices include the digital camera: the neoprene storage bag, or a tougher rubber lens cowl. Both appears to do the job, however I favor the bag myself.
Because you’ll generally put down the digital camera and stroll away, it’s useful to have the ability to management it in a number of other ways. For stills, you possibly can set a delay earlier than the photograph is taken. For video, you need to use the DJI Mimo cellular app to manage the digital camera, or use gesture management (an open palm to cease or begin recording) or use voice management, merely saying “begin recording” or “cease recording”. A firmware replace simply launched another choice: Twist Shot, the place you twist the selfie stick twice to start out recording. At time of writing, it’s not potential to manage the digital camera utilizing a linked Apple Watch, however the different choices have been ok.
The display screen makes use of a tapping and swiping-from-the-edges interface which is able to really feel acquainted if you happen to’ve used any DJI or Insta360 digital camera within the final a number of years. The digital camera’s UI is snappy, it’s fast to start out up, and it’s straightforward to modify between settings.
Should you faucet on the icon exhibiting the energetic mode within the decrease left you possibly can select one other mode, and if you happen to faucet within the decrease heart you possibly can change settings within the present mode. The 360° choices embrace a number of particular capturing modes, together with timelapse, nonetheless picture, video, and sluggish movement, whereas the single-lens modes embrace nonetheless photographs (at a decrease decision), Video, and a wide-angle Enhance Video mode. I might like to see a Timelapse/Hyperlapse mode added to the single-lens facet of issues, in addition to a high-resolution single-lens nonetheless possibility.
Every of those modes has a number of decision and body fee mixtures to select from, topping out at 8K 50fps in 360° video mode, 5K 60fps in single lens video mode, or 120MP (a colossal 15520x7760px) for 360° stills. Decision has at all times been a problem for 360° cameras, since you’re spreading a restricted pixel finances throughout a wider discipline of view than common cameras do, however this digital camera has higher specs than the rest close to its worth.
The truth that a tiny client digital camera can seize 15.5K throughout is fairly nice, and viewing it in my Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional (in a 3rd celebration app like Kandao XR) reveals off extra element than any 360° photographs I’ve seen earlier than. Even higher: the digital camera stitches these photographs in-camera, so there’s no must post-process them earlier than viewing. Affinity Picture can open equirectangular photographs (Layer > Reside Projection > Equirectangular Projection) and proper them, so it’s straightforward to view these photographs on a Mac or PC too.
Need to peep some pixels? Click on for the complete measurement 120MP JPEG, straight out of the digital camera
Sadly, JPEG is the one possibility for 120MP stills; no RAW and no bracketing — an issue for digital excursions. In checks towards my older Insta360 RS 1-inch 360 version digital camera, the dynamic vary was very related, however the Osmo clearly received on element.
Insta360 RS 1-inch 360 version on the left in RAW, Osmo 360 on the suitable in JPEG, each set to 120° FOV in a 4K timeline in FCP (click on for full measurement)
This 360°/single-lens swap is on the coronary heart of the digital camera, and this transition can solely be made by means of the contact display screen. Whereas the facility button might be held to energy or or off, or tapped briefly to modify between completely different modes, you possibly can’t swap between 360° or single lens modes this manner. In some methods it’s a disgrace that the choices aren’t extra unified, as a result of my favourite methods to make use of this digital camera are for 360° stills and single-lens common video, however I’m in all probability not a typical person.
Why these two modes? As a result of neither of those modes require any sort of post-processing. Whereas all of the 360° video modes require a move by means of DJI Studio, the 360° stills don’t, and the single-lens video modes don’t both. It’s actually essential to comprehend that this isn’t solely a 360° digital camera, however might simply change (or higher) an motion digital camera just like the DJI Motion or Insta360 Ace Professional. Should you do need this digital camera to probably be used as an motion digital camera, consider carefully about which bundle you go for, and what equipment you select to go along with it.
Bundles and Equipment
The bottom digital camera is out there within the Customary Combo or the Journey Combo. Each embrace a primary selfie stick and a battery, whereas the Journey Combo additionally features a tilting adapter mount, two further batteries and a charging case. To make use of the Osmo 360 as an motion digital camera, you’ll need the tilting mount.
The Battery Case 2, a part of the Journey Bundle, exhibiting rapidly which batteries are totally charged and which one wants a cost
A easy swap beneath the digital camera on the alternative facet permits motion between straight up (good for 360° use) and a single tilted angle (68°) that makes hand-holding far more comfy for selfie shoots or looking — relying on which lens you’re utilizing. Although it could initially appear {that a} single tilt angle isn’t sufficient, in actual fact it’s simply nice, and unimaginable to place incorrectly. You’ll be able to’t even put the digital camera on backwards, as a result of the magnets will cease you. You’ll want to set the angle straight for 360° use or the selfie stick will change into seen.
The button on the again of the adapter switches between 0° and 68°; launch the digital camera by urgent each facet latches
Importantly, if selfie mode is your principal focus, you need to take into account the Battery Extension Rod, which is great. Together with a built-in tilting adapter, three management buttons and a big inside battery, if you happen to purchase this you’ll not must buy the Journey Combo.
Osmo 360 with the Battery Extension Rod
Via digital connections on the mount which interface with the digital camera, the buttons can begin and cease recording or take stills, swap between completely different modes, and swap between the 2 lenses in single lens mode. It’s additionally potential so as to add a tripod beneath with the built-in 1/4-20 socket. If you wish to doc your travels, it’s an important possibility, but when your focus is extra on 360° capturing, there’s one other selfie stick to think about.
The DJI Osmo 2.5m Prolonged Carbon Fiber Selfie Stick doesn’t embrace a protracted battery or a tilting adapter, however its enormous attain does allow you to put the digital camera in in any other case unreachable locations. Should you’ve ever seen a 360° digital camera used like a drone, however in a spot the place a drone could be unsafe or unlawful, it was in all probability a really lengthy selfie stick like this. You’ll in all probability need to use this largely in 360° mode, so the tilting facet of the adapter is much less essential, however it’s nonetheless helpful to have the ability to magnetically connect the digital camera. Right here’s a 360° shot I took with this monster selfie stick:
Battery life within the digital camera alone is sweet, however if you’d like to have the ability to movie all day, I’d suggest seize the Journey Combo or the Battery Extension Rod. To tempt you additional, if you happen to’re already within the DJI ecosystem, the batteries are appropriate with different DJI cameras, the magnetic tilting mounts are appropriate with DJI Motion cameras, and DJI Mics work all through the vary too. As anybody with a spread of Apple gear is aware of, ecosystems might be highly effective.
OK. Let’s dive into some particulars.
Specs
A number of options can be engaging to post-production professionals. First, all of the modes listed below are 10-bit, so that you received’t see banding in skies even after correction, and grading is extra forgiving. Second, D-Log M is out there that can assist you retain extra dynamic vary — essential with huge photographs outside. Third, in “Professional” mode, which you’ll certainly swap to nearly immediately, you possibly can management the Texture (aka sharpening) and Noise Discount for every mode, and importantly, every mode remembers its personal setting.
Should you flip Texture right down to -2 for single-lens video however favor 0 for 360° video, that’s completely nice, and as much as you. I favor the look with Texture at -1 or -2, and Noise Discount at -2, however run your individual checks to find the place your preferences sit. Normally, it’s higher to sharpen much less at seize time and extra in publish manufacturing, however chances are you’ll favor to sharpen in digital camera for a faster workflow.
When working in 360° mode, you possibly can flip the decision right down to shoot at greater body charges, however 50fps at 8K hits a candy spot for many, enabling some sluggish movement with out compromising picture high quality.
Whilst you’re clearly recording the whole lot across the digital camera within the 360° modes, Within the single-lens modes, you’ll helpfully be advised the approximate equal discipline of view of every mode as you select it.
Use Enhance Video mode for the very best body charges (as much as 120fps) and largest discipline of view (6mm equal) with the warped edges of a conventional motion digital camera. Common Video mode provides greater resolutions (as much as 5K) with decrease body charges (as much as 60fps) and a narrower view. In Video mode, you have got three discipline of view choices. Use the “Customary (Dewarp)” possibility for a totally rectilinear view (15mm equal) or use Extensive or Extremely Extensive (12mm equal) if you happen to’re pleased with barely warped edges.
North Gorge at Level Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. A pattern body from 5K 16:9 video, with the D-Log M LUT utilized and nothing else (click on for full measurement)
Notice that the dewarping does convey a little bit softness to the perimeters of the body, however it’s not too objectionable, and the 5K decision means you have got room to zoom in if you wish to. Each Enhance Video and Video modes provide you with management over stabilization, however you’ll need it on except you’re mounted on one thing strong. You’ll discover a barely elevated discipline of view if you happen to flip stabilization off.
Knowledge fee might be set to Customary or Excessive, and also you’ll in all probability need to select Excessive to keep away from potential compression artifacts. Apparently, the 5K 16:9 mode has a better bit fee (5120×2880 @ ~120Mbps) than the upper decision 5K 4:3 mode (5120x 3840 @ ~100Mbps). These knowledge charges are nonetheless on the decrease facet for skilled manufacturing, so chances are you’ll favor to shoot 16:9 over 4:3 to attenuate any potential high quality loss. Alternatively, that 4:3 facet ratio is spectacularly helpful if you should ship to panorama and portrait from a single shot, simplifying workflows significantly.
Talking of post-production, let’s check out the software program.
Software program
DJI Mimo is a cellular app which helps you to monitor the digital camera’s view, see particulars like the present ISO, shutter pace and publicity, and it might probably additionally course of clips for fast sharing — like a tiny planet-style photograph. Most video execs will find yourself utilizing DJI Studio (the desktop app) that’s much like the excellent Insta360 Studio, with a number of options lacking.
One function not present current is the flexibility to easily batch transcode all clips to equirectangular. The one approach to convert is to make a undertaking, with a timeline, then add the unique clips and select the output format you need, however that includes setting a brand new title for the timeline and getting a single clip out. If you would like a easy 1:1 mapping between supply clips and equirectangular clips, since you need to select your angles and discipline of view in your NLE, or since you’re delivering in 360°, you merely can’t do it. There’s a plug-in for Premiere Professional which does allow you to work with the native clips, however you’ll must pre-process your clips for FCP or Resolve.
DJI Studio with a number of keyframes on a clip
Most customers capturing 360° will subsequently be spending a little bit of time in DJI Studio, pre-editing, checking out transitions, chopping and framing for eventual 2D supply, and for that it really works nicely. DJI Studio provides quite a lot of projection modes, monitoring, and the flexibility to easily transition between varied views — however I’d actually prefer to see a batch processing possibility for these pursuing a full 360° workflow. Sooner processing would even be welcome, however given the pace and frequency of updates — firmware and DJI Studio have each been up to date greater than as soon as since releaase — I’m fairly hopeful.
Should you do need to work with 360° footage in common rectangular tasks in Remaining Lower Professional, right here’s a sneaky trick for you. Add your equirectanglar clips to a daily timeline, however somewhat than utilizing a Regular projection, select Tiny Planet. Cut back the Discipline of View, then set tilt to 90°, and also you’ll be capable of obtain a wider view than is generally potential. In fact, the broader the sector of view, the extra supply pixels you’ll be utilizing, and the upper your picture high quality can be.
A sneaky Tiny Planet trick in FCP which works nicely on outside photographs
High quality
Does the picture look good? Sure. I’ve shot a variety of footage with the Osmo 360, spanning many various modes, facet ratios and body charges, and I’ve been pleasantly shocked at how “regular” the footage seems — it’s not over-sharpened. Most smaller cameras and telephones compensate for a scarcity of pixels with over-processing and extreme noise discount, however this digital camera permits you to flip all these choices down. There does appear to be some auto-exposure correction round skylines, however generally, the picture is clear and nice.
From comparisons on-line, the Insta360 X5 seems a little bit extra processed, however there’s not an enormous quantity in it except you pixel peep. Nonetheless, if in case you have an older 360° digital camera and wish to replace, the Osmo might be the higher alternative if you happen to’re fussy about picture high quality. All of the single-lens choices are excellent for an motion digital camera, the place 10-bit Log is way from frequent, and the stabilization is nice too. Audio is surprisingly clear, with a number of wind cancellation choices, and you’ll join a DJI Mic on to the digital camera without having a receiver if you wish to. Fortunately, you possibly can lock down ISO ranges and white stability for extra predictable outcomes.
Curtis Falls stroll at Mt Tamborine, Queensland, Australia. A 5K 4:3 pattern body, with the D-Log M LUT utilized and nothing else (click on for full measurement)
Now that I’ve been capable of rapidly swap between front-facing and selfie cameras with a digital camera on a pole, I don’t actually need to see the world by means of a cellphone display screen, and an motion digital camera doesn’t have the identical flexibility. Notice that in greater bitrate modes (which you’ll need to use) you possibly can’t swap from entrance to again lenses seamlessly, and you can also’t file a dewarped picture with each lenses on the similar time. As a substitute, you’ll need to cease and restart recording with a quick pause between. Nonetheless, with devoted {hardware} buttons to swap lenses and to start out or cease recording (on the digital camera and the Battery Extension Rod) that’s a compromise I can reside with.
The primary purpose to make use of a 360° digital camera is actually because you possibly can’t make sure the place the motion can be, or it’s throughout you. That’s when a protracted selfie stick shines. However since single-lens mode is so succesful, this digital camera can get the job accomplished even if you do know the place to level it, and since it’s gentle and small, you possibly can pop it in action-camera-sized areas. You received’t, after all, get mirrorless digital camera high quality from an motion cam, however we’re getting nearer, and 5K provides you room to zoom even when delivering 4K.
Conclusion
This digital camera allows you to seize distinctive views with fewer compromises than different motion cameras or 360° cameras. If you would like a daily view, you possibly can file in single-lens mode, monitor your picture or not, and also you’ll be capable of seize picture that may take a little bit of manipulation. If you wish to seize the whole lot, shoot in 360° mode, then course of it. The Insta360 X5 is the closest competitor, however it might probably’t match the resolutions obtainable in single-lens mode, nor the 50fps body fee obtainable in 360° video mode, nor the 120MP 360° nonetheless decision.
The Osmo 360, on the Battery Extension Rod, prepared for single lens recording
The Osmo 360 with a Battery Extension Rod is my new favourite journey digital camera. High quality in single lens mode is excellent, stability is nice, and I can seize what I’m seeing with out observing a display screen all day. If I need to seize an in depth snap of the whole lot across the digital camera, I’ll shoot a 360° nonetheless for viewing on my Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. If I need to rapidly seize video in both route, I’ll use the one lens mode for secure 5K video from a low or excessive perspective. And if I need to seize the motion throughout, after all I’ll swap into 360° video mode and course of it later.
Early critiques dinged the Osmo for not having user-replaceable lenses, however the scenario has modified considerably since launch. Although you possibly can’t order spare lenses upfront and change them your self, it’s even cheaper to swap out damaged lenses if you happen to can ship your digital camera in to DJI. Should you completely want immediately replaceable lenses, take into account the Insta360 X5 or the upcoming GoPro Max 2.
The one different potential subject with this digital camera is availability within the US. Although you possibly can pre-order it now, there’s currrently no agency launch date. Fingers crossed that is fastened quickly, however the remainder of the world can take pleasure in it now. If you have already got a latest 360° digital camera then this may occasionally not surpass it fairly sufficient to tempt you, however for anybody else? It’s an important alternative. The Osmo 360 is a strong possibility for anybody searching for a 360° digital camera or an motion digital camera — advisable.
PS
It’s potential to movie with two Osmo 360s side-by-side for glorious stereoscopic 3D video. Extra on that in a future article.
