360-degree VR (360-degree virtual reality) is an audiovisual simulation of an altered, augmented or substituted environment that surrounds the user, allowing them to look around them in all directions, just as they can in real life.
360-degree VR can be used for many purposes other than entertainment. The virtual reality technology can be used in most kinds of training that involve a physical environment, including pilot and driver training (as well as actual piloting or driving), surgery, and undersea and space exploration via remote-control robots.
There are a number of types of 360-degree VR, including live and previously captured video or real-time, real-time rendered 3D games, and pre-rendered computer graphics imagery (CGI).
What to Look For When Buying a 360-Degree Camera
360 cameras tend to fall into two camps: small, pocketable stick-style devices, and larger squarish (or circular) cameras. The former, such as the Samsung Gear 360, tend to be less expensive, and are designed for more casual and impromptu shooting. In the second category are cameras such as the Garmin Virb360 and Kodak Orbit360 4K, which are larger and more expensive, but tend to produce higher-quality video.
Be sure to think about how you plan to use a 360 camera before you purchase it; if you want to get some fun selfies with friends, then the stick-style cameras will fit your needs well. If you want to capture hair-raising exploits when you go skydiving or skiing, then a larger camera may be the better option.
* Best 360 Cameras 2018 :
1. Insta360 ONE 360 Video Action Camera FlowState Stabilization
360° Capture - The ONE shoots in every direction at once, capturing life in seamless 4K 360° video and 24 MP 360° photos. Once you’ve got your shot, re-frame the best parts, or share a full 360° experience straight from your phone.
FlowState Stabilization-Best-in-class stabilization ensures pro-level footage,no matter what you’re doing.Running,cycling,even letting your dog carry the camera—it all comes out hypnotically smooth.It’s better than a gimbal,and with none of the hassle.
Shoot First, Point Later - Create a stunning edit with a few taps. Mark off the best parts of your 360° footage and the ONE connects them with ultra-smooth camera movements.
Invisible Selfie Stick - Mount the ONE on a selfie stick and watch as it instantly disappears from view. The result: easy aerial shots without a drone.
Three Ways to Shoot - Use the ONE on its own, control it with Bluetooth, or connect directly to your iPhone and preview shots in real time. No cables. No hassle. Tons of flexibility.
One of the most compact 360-degree cameras, the Insta360 One connects to your iPhone's Lightning port (there's an Android adapter too), and uses the phone's screen as your viewfinder (the camera can also be used separately). Not only can it capture great 4K video and 24MP photos, but a slo-mo "bullet-time" feature lets you make Matrix-style movies, too. You can even livestream to Facebook and YouTube.
2. SAMSUNG GEAR 360 (2017 Edition) Real 360° 4K VR Camera
Tell the whole story with the 360° camera that captures every angle in 4K brilliance and share instantly
Capture life as it happens in stunning 4K video and 15MP photos thanks to dual 180° lenses
Gear 360 is easy to hold and take with you, and has an IP53 water-resistant rating*
Preview and edit your videos with an easy-to-use app, or share them straight to social** or Samsung VR with your Galaxy S8 or S8+ ***
Upload your photos or videos to Samsung VR to experience your moments in virtual reality
The second generation Gear 360 sports a new design that makes the camera smaller and easier to hold, but remains just as intuitive to use, and takes great pictures, too. The Gear 360 livestreams to Facebook and YouTube, too. Still, we have some reservations: Android users will have to own a Samsung smartphone to use the camera, and while it works with iPhones, not all of the Gear 360's features are supported. If you're looking for something more universal, the LG 360 cam supports all phones and costs $40 less, but has a lower-resolution camera.
3. Garmin Virb 360 - Rugged, Waterproof 360-degree Camera with 5.7K/30fps Resolution and 4K Spherical Stabilization.
Resolution up to 5.7K/30fps with desktop stitching; 4K/30fps auto-stitched in-camera
Up to 15-megapixel resolution provides high-quality, spherical photos
HyperFrame Director Mode gives you the editing power to easily reframe content after filming — using smooth camera pans, incredibly wide angles and even tiny planets
Spherical stabilization ensures smooth video regardless of camera movement
Built-in sensors provide G-Metrix data overlays in 360-degree augmented reality
The Virb 360 is Garmin's first 360 camera, but it gets almost everything right. The camera does a great job at stitching sharp and vivid 4K video, it's waterproof to 30 feet, and it can be controlled using voice commands. Plus, data from built-in sensors (GPS, barometer, compass, etc.) can be overlaid into your videos, so you'll know just how fast you were going when you wiped out.
3. GoPro Fusion
It's about time GoPro made a 360 camera. The Fusion, which will be available in November, will shoot 3K video at 60 fps, 18MP still photos, and will capture spherical surround sound. Similar to other GoPro Hero cameras (as well as Garmin's 360 camera), you can control the Fusion with voice commands. It also has built-in image stabilization, GPS, Wi-Fi, and is waterproof to 16 feet.