On the planet of 360-degree cameras, 4K is simply not sufficient. It would sound good in relation to the present crop of TVs, however since 360-degree movies are stretched so far as the attention can see, extra pixels imply a lot better pictures, which is why this cigarette packet–sized digital camera comes with 5.7K decision at 30 frames per second.
It additionally shoots 16MP stills, has a bunch of handbook controls, and streams in 4K to YouTube. So can the Yi 360 VR digital camera, which prices round $400 / £350 / AU$500, match the abilities of the GoPro Fusion, Insta 360 One and Samsung Gear 360?
Options
- Publicity management
- Shoots in resolutions together with 5K and 4K at 30fps
- Twin 220-degree f/2.zero lenses
Let's not fake 5.7K decision goes to supply pin-sharp 360-degree pictures. It's not, however the Yi 360 VR is the one 360-degree digital camera that provides such a excessive decision – even the pricier GoPro Fusion tops out at 5.2K. This fixed-focus digital camera's Sony IMX377 picture sensors seize 5760 x 2880 pixels, about 16 megapixels, for each video and stills.
One of many major points with popularizing 360-degree cameras as a style is that it's unimaginable for the photographer to get out of shot – it's one cause why the market has been skewed in direction of novelty selfie 360-degree cameras somewhat than something extra critical. The Yi 360 VR will get over that by taking three separate nonetheless pictures, 5 seconds aside, of you standing in three clearly separate positions. The software program then identifies you in all three footage, and removes you from the completed composite picture. In our experiments it labored rather well.
Different options that may attraction to semi-pro videographers embrace the power to regulate the publicity metering mode, publicity compensation, white steadiness and ISO (as much as ISO800 for pictures, and ISO6400 for video), and compatibility with exterior microphones (through a Yi-made adapter within the USB-C slot). That latter characteristic is usually for many who wish to livestream in 4K to YouTube and Fb (although the latter doesn't but assist 4K but), which the Yi 360 VR can do for about an hour.
Of extra use to most creatives would be the choice to seize 360-degree footage in bursts or as timelapses, from pictures taken at an interval of between half a second and 60 seconds, whereas the Yi 360 VR additionally shoots in resolutions together with 5K and 4K at 30fps for NTSC and 25fps for PAL, 2.5K at 50/60fps, and 2K at 100/120fps.
Nonetheless, the Yi 360 VR does lack some key semi-pro options – a 24fps possibility (discovered on the GoPro Fusion), and over-capture software program for post-editing 360 footage to widescreen 16:9 (discovered on the GoPro Fusion and the Insta360 One).
Design
- Extra substantial than some 360-degree cameras
- Not waterproof just like the GoPro Fusion
- Common tripod thread (1/Four-inch)
The Yi 360 VR's kind issue is greatest described as useful. Measuring 102 x 53 x 30mm and weighing 187g with the battery put in, it's extra substantial than some 360 cameras, however it slips simply sufficient right into a pocket. These fearful about scratching its twin 220-degree twin f/2.zero lenses will wish to use the soft-lined drawstring bag equipped within the field. Sadly, this digital camera isn't waterproof just like the GoPro Fusion.
What separates the Yi 360 VR from a whole lot of novelty/selfie 360 shooters is its serious-looking design. For example, on the highest of the gadget is a small OLED display, which permits for fairly straightforward toggling via the menus utilizing two navigation buttons and the on/off change on the facet of the digital camera.
On the opposite facet is a USB-C port for recharging, a micro HDMI output, a microSD card slot, and a detachable 1400mAh lithium-ion battery. That's fairly some haul for a 360 digital camera. Nonetheless, videographers will particularly love what is maybe the digital camera's simplest characteristic of all: a common tripod thread (1/Four-inch) on the digital camera's undercarriage.
This immediately brings into play selfie sticks and tripods, and a tripod is included within the field. It's super-solid and steady, and simple to pocket, however its low-slung spider design means the digital camera is positioned very near the ground; that is perhaps a very good factor in some filming situations, however it was a tad too near the bottom for our liking.
Efficiency
- Each pictures and movies have effectively saturated colours
- In-camera stitching not very efficient
- Battery life is pretty brief
In terms of taking pictures 360 video it's greatest to make use of a 64GB, Class U3 or larger microSD card, as a result of on the digital camera's most decision – 5.7K video at 120Mbps – there's a whole lot of knowledge to take care of. Nonetheless, lesser SD playing cards will likely be positive if you happen to decrease the decision.
Picture high quality is spectacular. Each pictures and movies have effectively saturated colours all through the body, whereas noise and chromatic aberration are noticeably lower than you'll get from cheaper 360-degree cameras.
Though the Yi 360 VR can carry out in-camera stitching utilizing a template (the stitching distance might be set to selfie, indoor or out of doors), it's not very efficient; the stitching line is somewhat apparent, which might be significantly problematic if folks's faces are positioned on it.
In case you do depend on in-camera stitching, the decision is downscaled to Full HD. PC customers can get round this by downloading the free Yi 360° Studio software from Yi's web site to sew optically in 5.7K, however there's no related software program for Mac OS (Yi recommends that Mac homeowners make use of the Yi 360 VR template on the costly Mistika VR third-party VR video-editing software program).
Battery life is pretty brief; the Yi 360 VR lasted for about 50 minutes in our chilly climate check, though that ought to be sufficient for a day trip if you happen to're taking pictures stills and the occasional brief video, which is how cameras like this are designed for use.
App
- Free Yi 360° app for iOS and Android
- Affords loads of management
- Supplies fast changes
The Yi 360 VR sends out a 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi sign for connecting to a smartphone through the free Yi 360 VR app for iOS and Android. The app could be very spectacular, enabling you to manage all the settings on the digital camera in addition to presenting a reside feed and providing stacks of enhancing and sharing choices. It additionally acts as a conduit for livestreaming to social media.
While you obtain a video from the digital camera it's greatest to downscale it to Full HD, though if you happen to're ready to attend some time you may get a stitched 4K/30fps video. You may as well examine pictures in numerous views, from stretched and 'little planet' to spherical and twin VR mode for viewing in Google Cardboard or related VR glasses. To stretch the battery so far as potential it's greatest to withstand the temptation to switch information between the digital camera and a cellphone through the Yi 360 VR's Wi-Fi; the unit heats up dramatically, which noticeably zaps the battery life.
Verdict
In case you're a semi-pro videographer eager to experiment with 360-degree video, the Yi 360 VR provides you a lot of the instruments you want. A serious-looking product that's extra about core high quality than novelty options, its customary tripod thread lends versatility, whereas its 5.7K decision, constant coloration and countless handbook tweaks are all plus factors.
Auto stitching is primary, and Mac customers is perhaps irritated by the dearth of desktop enhancing software program (which makes saving movies in full decision tough), whereas these on the lookout for waterproofing, over-capture and a 24fps mode – albeit at a barely decrease most decision – ought to take into account the GoPro Fusion. However there's little doubt that the Yi 360 VR is a extremely formidable, nice worth 360 digital camera that semi-pro videographers will love.