Before investing in a 360camera, consider the availability of Image Stabilization and Auto-Levelling

Hi everyone, with so many discussions of people interested to buy a new consumer 360 camera, I wanted to share one point/feature where many may have not considered because most previous generation camera don’t have it. This feature is the digital image stablization for 360-videos, which also includes auto-levelling for 360-photos.

Suggest that anyone who wants to invest in a new 360 camera have a look at this post (do share or tag anyone who is interested), and also wait for Google’s updated StreetView certified camera list before investing.

I was fortunate to finally receive my Xiaomi Mijia360 MiSphere camera yesterday, so I could do this comparison, between the Xiaomi Mijia360 (with 6-axis image stabilization), and my Samsung Gear360 (2017) (which has minimal stabilization). Not every camera that has stabilization has the same level of stabilization. 6-axis accounts for X,Y,Z movement through space, as well as stabilization for Roll,Pitch,Yaw stabilization.

Disclaimer:

  1. I paid for both cameras by myself, and am no way directly or indirectly sponsored by any of these companies
  2. Both cameras are on the latest firmware, latest phone app, running on my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge on Android 7.1
  3. Both cameras are on full default setting, which means that the Xiaomi Mijia is recording at 3.5K, whilst the Samsung Gear360 2017 is recording at 4K.
  4. Stitching is done via the phone app, without any manual intervention or editing or enhancements. And shared directly from the phone to YouTube. No transfer to PC or any other process.
  5. Both cameras are recording at the same time, on different hands, with different selfie sticks. The XiaoMi Mijia360 is set in the same direction as the stick (which hides the stick away, and this is possible because of auto-levelling feature of the stabilization), this is a good feature to appear to be recorded by a floating camera. The Samsung Gear360 (2017) is set vertically, because it has to be vertical.

Here you go, both cameras are recording at the same time, you can see each camera from the other’s point of view. And you may want to focus on my hand when I am doing the Roll, Pitch and Yaw rotation. Enjoy, and add your comments.
Note: To enjoy and see the actual difference clearly, you want to see this in a larger screen (a PC perhaps), and at the highest resolution that YouTube can stream, (4K is preferable).
Apologies for the soft audio, I don’t speak very loud normally.

Xiaomi Mijia 360 MiSphere Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/mbG0HKtSZv8

Samsung Gear360 (2017) Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/tQBQVto8hfY

*Other cameras with full 6-axis stabilization includes the Garmin Virb360 and the upcoming GoPro Fusion360

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@LucioV , @deepakjhic . @YK1001 , @HelloSamsonR

@Sariga , @ArunMuralidhar , @AmithES

Please feel free to tag anyone else who could be interested in this.

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There is some concern for Cameras listed on Google’s page, regarding the compatibility with the StreetView app.

So if you have a chance to do hands on test with a new camera, please highlight the SV app compatibility issues with the Camera.

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@YK1001 Both the Samsung Gear360 (2017) and the XiaoMi Mijia360 MiSphere is not yet certified for StreetView at the moment (Nov 4, 2017) and does not connect to SV app. Can’t say anything about the future for this issue, but everyone is keen to get certified I am sure.

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Hi @StephenAbraham ,

Yes, certified status is important. But the actualy compatibility with the SV app, as you tested it, is equally important.

I heard the Theta V is yet to be certified, but it is working with SV app on Android.

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@StephenAbraham

Thank you to share with us your experience.

360 Camera Market is growing fast and new interesting devices are released.

And sometimes it’s not easy to make the right choice to buy the right device according to our budget and real needs.

For now I do not own a 360 camera but think to buy one in a few months.

According to your experience as a beginner wich model do you advise me (without consideration of price) ?

Thank you :wink:

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Thank you @StephenAbraham we will keep the thread updated and also the 360 Enthusiast and hobbyist can gain more insight about 360 cameras as well.

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@BoyScout there is no 1 answer for everyone. I do suggest you check out online reviews. Having said that, if any Local Guide ask me, I would usually point the direction of the Ricoh Theta V. That’s the new model that supports the 4K video recording. It is probably the most “compatible” camera to most of what Local Guides want to use it for.

If you want to get into the action of 360 video, possible the Garmin Virb360 or the upcoming GoPro Fusion. Which are at a different price range.

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Great comparison @StephenAbraham ! Xiaomi looks great value!!! No stitching errors at all, and also the stick disappears from frame!

I’m also doing some comparisons today, but only on photo!

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@LucioV The Garmin Virb would have better quality for sure, can’t wait to see the videos, you can do the data metrics overlay as well, which is incredible for off road and sports. :slight_smile:

Anyways, the area I was doing the recording in was pretty dark and gloomy. The Xiaomi should do better in brighter lighting. Yes, absolutely great value, considering I got it for USD 199 on offer. And it outputs 23+MP stills is an added bonus.

3 Likes

Thank you Stephen. Thanks a ton.

Its been a very detailed analysis

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Certified or not it pic can still be loaded via street view app.

Pics taken via your phone via the app isn’t “certified” but is uploaded aswell.

Little point some cameras don’t gave GPS location on photos so you have to place/move where picture is taken on the map especially connecting multiple for tours.

I recommend the

Xiaomi mijia sphere.

Best bang for buck.

Or test via old faithful LG 360

2 Likes

Hi @StephenAbraham

Thank you for the insight. My gear 360 is a brick with my iOS phone. :frowning: @HelloSamsonR @LucioV

Either I have to buy an android phone which is compatible with gear 360 or I have to sell my gear 360.

Having a second phone is not a bad idea so most probably I am going to get an android phone.

Cheers


@StephenAbraham wrote:

Hi everyone, with so many discussions of people interested to buy a new consumer 360 camera, I wanted to share one point/feature where many may have not considered because most previous generation camera don’t have it. This feature is the digital image stablization for 360-videos, which also includes auto-levelling for 360-photos.

Suggest that anyone who wants to invest in a new 360 camera have a look at this post (do share or tag anyone who is interested), and also wait for Google’s updated StreetView certified camera list before investing.

I was fortunate to finally receive my Xiaomi Mijia360 MiSphere camera yesterday, so I could do this comparison, between the Xiaomi Mijia360 (with 6-axis image stabilization), and my Samsung Gear360 (2017) (which has minimal stabilization). Not every camera that has stabilization has the same level of stabilization. 6-axis accounts for X,Y,Z movement through space, as well as stabilization for Roll,Pitch,Yaw stabilization.

Disclaimer:

  1. I paid for both cameras by myself, and am no way directly or indirectly sponsored by any of these companies
  2. Both cameras are on the latest firmware, latest phone app, running on my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge on Android 7.1
  3. Both cameras are on full default setting, which means that the Xiaomi Mijia is recording at 3.5K, whilst the Samsung Gear360 2017 is recording at 4K.
  4. Stitching is done via the phone app, without any manual intervention or editing or enhancements. And shared directly from the phone to YouTube. No transfer to PC or any other process.
  5. Both cameras are recording at the same time, on different hands, with different selfie sticks. The XiaoMi Mijia360 is set in the same direction as the stick (which hides the stick away, and this is possible because of auto-levelling feature of the stabilization), this is a good feature to appear to be recorded by a floating camera. The Samsung Gear360 (2017) is set vertically, because it has to be vertical.

Here you go, both cameras are recording at the same time, you can see each camera from the other’s point of view. And you may want to focus on my hand when I am doing the Roll, Pitch and Yaw rotation. Enjoy, and add your comments.
Note: To enjoy and see the actual difference clearly, you want to see this in a larger screen (a PC perhaps), and at the highest resolution that YouTube can stream, (4K is preferable).
Apologies for the soft audio, I don’t speak very loud normally.

Xiaomi Mijia 360 MiSphere Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/mbG0HKtSZv8

https://youtu.be/mbG0HKtSZv8

Samsung Gear360 (2017) Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/tQBQVto8hfY

https://youtu.be/tQBQVto8hfY

*Other cameras with full 6-axis stabilization includes the Garmin Virb360 and the upcoming GoPro Fusion360


1 Like

@StephenAbraham That was a great demonstration thank you I look forward to more follow up to this


@StephenAbraham wrote:

Hi everyone, with so many discussions of people interested to buy a new consumer 360 camera, I wanted to share one point/feature where many may have not considered because most previous generation camera don’t have it. This feature is the digital image stablization for 360-videos, which also includes auto-levelling for 360-photos.

Suggest that anyone who wants to invest in a new 360 camera have a look at this post (do share or tag anyone who is interested), and also wait for Google’s updated StreetView certified camera list before investing.

I was fortunate to finally receive my Xiaomi Mijia360 MiSphere camera yesterday, so I could do this comparison, between the Xiaomi Mijia360 (with 6-axis image stabilization), and my Samsung Gear360 (2017) (which has minimal stabilization). Not every camera that has stabilization has the same level of stabilization. 6-axis accounts for X,Y,Z movement through space, as well as stabilization for Roll,Pitch,Yaw stabilization.

Disclaimer:

  1. I paid for both cameras by myself, and am no way directly or indirectly sponsored by any of these companies
  2. Both cameras are on the latest firmware, latest phone app, running on my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge on Android 7.1
  3. Both cameras are on full default setting, which means that the Xiaomi Mijia is recording at 3.5K, whilst the Samsung Gear360 2017 is recording at 4K.
  4. Stitching is done via the phone app, without any manual intervention or editing or enhancements. And shared directly from the phone to YouTube. No transfer to PC or any other process.
  5. Both cameras are recording at the same time, on different hands, with different selfie sticks. The XiaoMi Mijia360 is set in the same direction as the stick (which hides the stick away, and this is possible because of auto-levelling feature of the stabilization), this is a good feature to appear to be recorded by a floating camera. The Samsung Gear360 (2017) is set vertically, because it has to be vertical.

Here you go, both cameras are recording at the same time, you can see each camera from the other’s point of view. And you may want to focus on my hand when I am doing the Roll, Pitch and Yaw rotation. Enjoy, and add your comments.
Note: To enjoy and see the actual difference clearly, you want to see this in a larger screen (a PC perhaps), and at the highest resolution that YouTube can stream, (4K is preferable).
Apologies for the soft audio, I don’t speak very loud normally.

Xiaomi Mijia 360 MiSphere Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/mbG0HKtSZv8

https://youtu.be/mbG0HKtSZv8

Samsung Gear360 (2017) Video Stabilization Test
https://youtu.be/tQBQVto8hfY

https://youtu.be/tQBQVto8hfY

*Other cameras with full 6-axis stabilization includes the Garmin Virb360 and the upcoming GoPro Fusion360


@StephenAbraham dose the Xiaomi working with IOS 11.1? and share easily with Street View Trusted app?


@StephenAbraham wrote:

@LucioV The Garmin Virb would have better quality for sure, can’t wait to see the videos, you can do the data metrics overlay as well, which is incredible for off road and sports. :slight_smile:

Anyways, the area I was doing the recording in was pretty dark and gloomy. The Xiaomi should do better in brighter lighting. Yes, absolutely great value, considering I got it for USD 199 on offer. And it outputs 23+MP stills is an added bonus.


An additional follow-on post with some real life actual video comparison

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Before-investing-in-a-360camera-consider-availability-of-Image/m-p/526159/highlight/false#M145019

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Looks like Mi 360 cam is worth every penny

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Yes, app is working with IOS.

yes you can select to add your own 360 photos from folder even after editing on computer.