Samsung has announced a new 360-degree camera with greater live-streaming capabilities but reduced camera specs.
Samsung Electronics has released a new Samsung Gear 360, a 4K resolution-capable 360-degree camera with a refined design for easier use. With enhanced features for high-quality content, the Gear 360 is lightweight and compact, offering an expanded Samsung VR ecosystem.
However, it has reduced the camera specs from 15MP per lens to 8MP per lens. They provide a 15MP image when used in combination. It’s 4K output is dependent on using the lenses simultaneously. The benefit of reduced spec is likely to be a significantly reduced price.
“As consumers turn more to video to share their experiences, we want to deliver accessible and innovative products to make digital content easier to create, share and stream,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Wearable Business, Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “The updated Gear 360 will continue to expand the horizons of what consumers can experience and share.”
Samsung provided the following information:
For the first time, the Gear 360 offers 4K video recording for immersive and realistic digital content. Equipped with 8.4-megapixel image sensors and Bright Lens F2.2 on both dual fisheye lenses, the Gear 360 can create high resolution images.
The Gear 360 leverages Samsung’s innovative technologies and services to seamlessly share, view and edit content. Whether creating a 360-degree video or still images, users can access various viewing modes, editing tools and photo effects and filters to create customized content. Users can also effortlessly convert 360 videos into standard formats for easy-to-share content.
The Gear 360 introduces real-time content sharing. When the Gear 360 is synced with a compatible smartphone or computer, the new device enables users to share their best experiences with high-quality live broadcasting or direct uploading to platforms such as Facebook, YouTube or Samsung VR.
The Gear 360 is compatible with a selection of third-party accessories and mounts. The latest edition of the Gear 360 is compatible with Samsung flagship devices including the newly-released Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017). The Gear 360 also offers greater compatibility with iOS devices including the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone SE, as well as Windows and Mac computers.
Samsung Gear 360 (2017) Product Specifications
| Gear 360 (2017) | |
| Camera | Two CMOS 8.4-megapixel fish-eye cameras |
| Image Processor | DRIMe5s |
| Video | MP4 (H.265)
– Dual Lens: 4096×2048 (24fps) |
| Image | JPEG
– Dual Lens: 15MP |
| Audio | Codec: ACC
Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG |
| Memory | microSD card (Up to 256GB) |
| Features | Shooting mode
Video, Photo, Time Lapse Video, Looping Video, Landscape HDR |
| IP53 Certified Dust and Water Resistant | |
| Camera mode
Dual/Single Lens mode |
|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® 4.1 USB 2.0 (Type-C) |
| Dimension | 100.6×46.3×45.1 mm |
| Weight | 130g |
| Battery | 1,160mAh Li-ion |
| Compatibility | Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge, A5 (2017), A7 (2017) *Android 5.0 or later, iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6S, 6s Plus, SE, *iOS 10.0 or later, Windows, macOS |