Ultimate 360° Cameras Buyer’s Guide – Record Every Action in the World Around You
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Best 360° Cameras: Our Top Picks at a GlanceBy the Imaging Resource team
360° cameras have evolved from niche gadgets into powerful content creation tools that capture everything around you in stunning detail. These devices record full spherical video and photos, allowing you to reframe footage later or create immersive VR experiences. Modern 360° cameras shoot up to 8K video and feature advanced stabilization, making them essential tools for travelers, vloggers, and content creators who want to push creative boundaries.
From budget-friendly options that deliver impressive results to professional-grade cameras with cinema-quality features, this guide will help you find the perfect 360° camera for your needs and budget.
Best 360° Cameras: Our Top Picks at a Glance
Why Trust Us
Our team has been testing and reviewing 360° cameras since the category emerged, covering everything from early models to today’s sophisticated 8K devices. We actively use 360° cameras in our own content creation, from travel photography to professional video production.
We haven’t tested every model in this list, notabley the KanDoo products, but these have all been recommended by our photo and video creator partners and friends. We’ve seen the videos from their tech, but we haven’t had hands-on testing.
We never accept payment to feature products in our guides. While affiliate links help support Imaging Resource, our recommendations are based solely on editorial judgment—not commissions.
Affiliate Disclaimer: We may earn a commission from purchases made through our links.
The Insta360 X5 currently leads the market with 8K video recording and the most advanced editing software ecosystem. DJI’s new Osmo 360 brings impressive 1-inch sensors and 100-minute recording times, challenging Insta360’s dominance. The refreshed GoPro Max (2025) offers excellent value at $349 with proven reliability and waterproofing. For high-resolution stills, the Ricoh Theta X captures 60MP photos with professional features. The Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra provides 8K recording with unique features like built-in GPS and 10-bit video.
Entry-Level 360° Cameras
Lorum Ipsum
- Waterproof to 16 feet without additional housing
- Familiar GoPro interface and ecosystem compatibility
- AI-powered object tracking in the Quik app
- Excellent stabilization with Max HyperSmooth
- Limited to 5.6K video resolution
- No major hardware upgrades from the 2019 model
- Battery life could be better in cold weather
- Video Resolution: 5.6K 360°
- Sensor: CMOS (manufacturer/model not published)
- Waterproof: 16ft (5m) without housing
- Battery Life: ~60–75 minutes when recording high-res 5.6K/30
GoPro’s refreshed Max brings proven reliability and waterproofing at an attractive $349 price point, making it an excellent entry into 360° photography. The 2025 model includes a larger Enduro battery, universal 1/4-20 mounting, and enhanced mobile editing capabilities through the updated Quik app.
- Exceptional 60MP still image quality
- Large touchscreen for standalone operation
- Removable battery and expandable storage
- Built-in GPS for location tagging
- Smaller sensors than premium competitors
- Limited to 5.7K video recording
- More expensive than basic 360° cameras
- Video Resolution: 5.7K 360° at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 11K (60MP equivalent)
- Sensor: Dual 1/2″ CMOS
- Display: 2.25″ touchscreen
- Storage: microSD card slot
- Battery: Interchangeable, ~30 min @ 5.7K/30, ~55 min @ 4K/30
The Theta X features a large 2.25-inch touchscreen and captures stunning 60MP (11K) still images, making it ideal for virtual tours and high-resolution photography. It’s the first Theta camera with a removable battery and microSD card support, addressing long-standing user requests.
- 10-bit HEVC video recording for professional editing
- Built-in GPS for location tracking
- 128GB internal storage eliminates memory card concerns
- F1.6 fast aperture for low-light performance
- Higher price than competitors
- Bulkier design than other 360° cameras
- Desktop software is less polished than Insta360
- Video Resolution: 5.7K 360° at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 11K (62MP)
- Sensor: Dual 1/1.55″ CMOS
- Aperture: F1.6
- Stabilization: 6-axis gyroscope
- Waterproof: 10m without housing
Kandao’s third-generation QooCam offers solid 5.7K video recording with improved build quality and IP68 waterproofing at a reasonable price point. The QooCam 3 offers numerous professional features at a lower price point than its Ultra sibling.
Best Reviewed 360° Cameras
The Insta360 X5 is a 360-degree action camera with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors capable of recording in 8K at 30 fps, 5.7K at 60 fps, and 4K at 120 fps. It features replaceable lenses, advanced stabilization, and a PureVideo AI mode for low-light capture. The camera has an IPX8 rating, allowing it to be used underwater to a depth of 15 meters (49 feet) without additional housing. When paired with the optional Invisible Dive Case, it can operate underwater down to 60 meters (197 feet) with improved image stitching and clarity.
- 8K 360 capture
- replaceable lenses
- rugged build
- Expensive
- bulkier than standard action cams
- Resolution: 8K 30 fps
- Still Image: 72 MP
- Sensor : Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS
- Battery: 2400 mAh
- Stabilization: FlowState with 360° Horizon Lock
- Waterproof: 15m without housing
The Insta360 X5 is widely regarded as the best consumer 360° camera available, offering 8K video recording with superior low-light performance thanks to larger 1/1.28-inch sensors. It features the most mature editing ecosystem with excellent mobile and desktop apps, making it the top choice for serious content creators. This
- Extended recording time with battery case
- Professional accessory package included
- IP68 waterproof rating to 10 meters
- The advanced cooling system prevents overheating
- Still seem pricy
- Additional complexity with more accessories
- Limited availability in some regions
- Video Resolution: 8K 360° at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 120MP 360°
- Sensor: 1/1.1″ square HDR
- Dynamic Range: 13.5 stops
- Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0 with 360° HorizonSteady
- Waterproof: 10m without housing
This is the most highly anticipated 360º camera we’ve ever seen, and we’re eagerly waiting to to test it. DJI’s first 360° camera brings impressive 1-inch square sensors and native 8K recording with exceptional 100-minute battery life. The camera features professional build quality and seamless integration with DJI’s microphone systems for superior audio recording.
- Large 1-inch sensors for exceptional image quality
- RAW DNG format support for professional workflow
- Superior low-light performance
- Higher price point for older technology
- Smaller internal storage (51GB)
- No touchscreen interface
- Video Resolution: 4K 360° at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 23MP 360° (RAW support)
- Sensor: Dual 1″ BSI CMOS
- Aperture: F2.1-F5.6 variable
- Stabilization: 3-axis electronic
- Storage: 51GB internal
Despite being released in 2019, the Theta Z1 remains competitive in 2025 thanks to its larger 1-inch sensors that deliver superior dynamic range and photo quality. It offers professional controls and RAW capture capabilities that serious photographers demand.
Professional 360° Cameras
- 10-bit HEVC video recording for professional editing
- Built-in GPS for location tracking
- 128GB internal storage eliminates memory card concerns
- F1.6 fast aperture for low-light performance
- Higher price than competitors
- Bulkier design than other 360° cameras
- Desktop software is less polished than Insta360
- Video Resolution: 8K 360° at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps
- Photo Resolution: 96MP 360°
- Sensor: Dual 1/1.7″ Quad-Bayer CMOS
- Color Depth: 10-bit HLG HDR
- Stabilization: 6-axis gyroscope
- Waterproof: 10m without housing
The QooCam 3 Ultra delivers 8K 360° video with 10-bit recording depth and professional features like built-in GPS and 96MP photo capture. It features fast F1.6 lenses and 128GB of internal storage, making it a comprehensive all-in-one solution for immersive creators. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it offers impressive dynamic range, accurate color reproduction, and excellent low-light performance. Its rugged build and intuitive controls make it well-suited for travel, adventure, and virtual production work where image quality and reliability matter most.
We haven’t tested this model but it is highly recommended by our YouTube partners.
- 8K 3D video recording with a six-lens system
- Professional FlowState stabilization
- 4K live streaming while recording 8K
- Far-field spatial audio recording
- Extremely high price point for professionals only
- Complex setup and operation
- Requires professional workflow knowledge
- Video Resolution: 8K 360° 3D at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 8K 360° equirectangular
- Sensor: 6 x 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Stabilization: FlowState
The Insta360 Pro 2 uses six lenses to capture 8K 360° 3D video and 12K photos, for the highest-end 360º capture. It looks like a droid from Star Wars, but it is designed for filmmakers, VR content creators, and high-end production work. It combines advanced stabilization with real-time monitoring and live streaming capabilities. The camera supports high-bitrate recording, precise GPS metadata, and spatial audio capture, ensuring both visual and auditory realism. Its robust build, long battery life, and flexible workflow integration make it ideal for virtual tours, cinematic productions, and commercial 360° projects where top-tier quality and reliability are essential.
- Extended recording time with battery case
- Professional accessory package included
- IP68 waterproof rating to 10 meters
- The advanced cooling system prevents overheating
- Still may feel pricy
- Additional complexity with more accessories
- Limited availability in some regions
- Video Resolution: 8K 360° at 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 120MP 360°
- Sensor: Dual 1″ square CMOS
- Battery Life: Up to 100 minutes 8K/30fps (extended)
- Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0 with 360° HorizonSteady
- Waterproof: 10m without housing
The Adventure Combo includes essential professional accessories such as a multifunctional battery case and a 1.2m selfie stick, extending both recording time and creative flexibility. It’s designed for creators who shoot on the move and need gear that can keep up with demanding workflows. The battery case doubles as a portable charger and storage hub, while the extended selfie stick allows for dynamic perspectives and smoother 360° shots. Together, these tools make the Adventure Combo an ideal setup for travel vloggers, action sports shooters, and anyone looking to capture long sessions without interruption.
Comparison Chart
| Product | Price Range | Video Resolution | Photo Resolution | Special Features |
| GoPro Max (2025) | $349-379 | 5.6K/30fps | 16.6MP | Waterproof, HyperSmooth, Quik app |
| Ricoh Theta X | $497-529 | 5.7K/30fps | 60MP (11K) | Touchscreen, GPS, removable battery |
| Kandao QooCam 3 | $349-399 | 5.7K/30fps | 64MP | IP68 waterproof, spatial audio |
| Insta360 X5 | $549-579 | 8K/30fps | 72MP | FlowState stabilization, replaceable lenses |
| DJI Osmo 360 | $549-699 | 8K/30fps | 120MP (16K) | 100-minute battery, 1-inch sensors |
| Ricoh Theta Z1 | $997-1049 | 4K/30fps | 23MP | 1-inch sensors, RAW support |
| Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra | $599-649 | 8K/30fps | 96MP | 10-bit recording, built-in GPS |
| Insta360 Pro 2 | $3,499-4,199 | 8K 3D/30fps | 12K | Six lenses, live streaming |
FAQs
What’s the difference between 360° and traditional action cameras? 360° cameras capture everything around them simultaneously using dual fisheye lenses, allowing you to reframe footage after recording. Traditional action cameras only capture what’s directly in front of the lens, requiring precise aiming during shooting.
Do I need special software to edit 360° footage? Most 360° cameras include dedicated mobile and desktop apps for editing. These apps handle the stitching and provide reframing tools to fix distortion.
How important is video resolution for 360° cameras? Since 360° footage covers the entire sphere, the resolution is spread across a much larger area than traditional video, so higher res video is crucuial. 8K 360° video typically reframes to about 2.7K quality, while 5.6K footage reframes to roughly 1080p.
Can 360° cameras replace traditional action cameras? Many modern 360° cameras include single-lens modes that function like traditional action cameras. However, they’re usually much more complex, and much bigger than an action camera. Think about the type of shooting you’re likely going to do before replacing your action camera.
What’s the “invisible selfie stick” effect? When you mount a 360° camera on a straight pole positioned directly below the camera, the stitching software automatically removes the stick from the footage, creating that weird third-person perspective .
How do I choose between photo and video-focused 360° cameras? Consider your primary use: real estate photographers and virtual tours benefit from high-resolution photo camera, while content creators and adventurers prioritize video quality.
Are 360° cameras good in low light? Performance varies significantly by model but is similar to an action camera, because they use the same sensors.
Can I live stream with 360° cameras? Yes, they all have livestreaming built into their apps.