This camera was purchased at a modest price as an introduction to 360-degree photography, with the possibility of upgrading later to a more capable system, but without the ability to view any videos, it may be deemed undesirable to further pursue that form of photography. The included mini tripod often loosened, required constant tightening. Samsung Support was contacted, but was unable to provide a solution to aforementioned viewing problem. The only output that could be viewed were still images. The most serious problem has been the inability to view videos on the computer, in that they seemed incompatible with video players on both the Mac, or on Windows. It's also a bit tricky to close the cover door, as well. The access door requires using one's fingernail to pry it open, which can be painful. The tiny micro SD card is quite springy when mounted in the camera, making it easy for the card to pop out and get lost.
It's recommended that the entire user manual be downloaded from the Samsung web site, rather than rely on the almost useless pamphlet supplied with the camera. Although there is a built-in data screen for accessing various functions, the screen never fully worked and controlling the camera via downloaded app installed on a cell phone was the easiest way to control the device. It's bulbous shape makes it a bit awkward to hold, while the pair of lenses protrude enough to be exposed to scratches and dirt. The 360 Gear camera is an attractive, well-built product. I'll wait until a 360 camera comes out that looks in a VR headset. But for use in VR headset, I easily choose the cardboard camera when comparing image quality and ease of use. Also, cardboard camera does not capture the top or bottom areas of the "360 dome". In both of these methods the photo and video quality is very good, much better than the gear 360 camera, when viewed through the VR headset, The negative for these 2 methods is the stitching (only ok to good using cardboard camera and less than ok using the surround mode).
First, is using the Surround Shot mode on the Samsung phone camera (You take about 30 photos and software stitches them together) and Second, using the Cardboard Camera app (You take a video by rotating in place 360 degrees again software stitches result). I compared the image quality to the 2 options most people use for creating 360 photos or videos.
With a wave of new 360 Cameras, it’s clear the technology is improving incredibly fast and the cost of getting started is becoming more and more affordable.
The camera is pretty easy to learn to use and the photos may look ok on a camera in panoramic view but the picture is distorted and what good is that? The good news is the stitching is very good. Best 360 Video Editing Software for Mac and PC 360 videos are an awesome way to add a completely new dimension to your videos and take interaction to the next level. The image quality is lousy when viewed in the Oculus VR headset and to me that is the reason to buy a 360 camera.