Saturday, December 30, 2017

Photography Equipment Used In Virtual 360 Tours

By Mary Sullivan


One of the newest forms of entertainment is online touring. What better way to visit other countries and well known landmarks than through Virtual 360 Tours. Whether previewing for a potential trip or just wanting to experience other cultures, this type of touring can be a fun way to do so. In addition, it is also a good way to take a beautiful vacation without ever leaving home.

While some photographs and videos are free, there are others which are only available either with a paid subscription or on an individual basis. In cases where there is a cost for video, most users have suggested that the experience is well worth the price. For, while a vacation would costs thousands of dollars, a subscription fee or the cost of an individual video is often minimal in comparison.

One of the main companies behind this technology is that of AirPana, a Moscow based professional group of 360 degree photographers. These photographers shoot 360 degree videos, also known as immersive or spherical videos. In the process, the photographers capture the view in every direction at the same time. While AirPana has created a number of videos in this genre, there are also other companies working on the creation and development of more of these type videos.

When it comes to photography, multiple cameras or an omnidirectional camera are often used in the process. After which, the photographs are stored online. Once this is the case, individuals can play back photographs using a viewer which allows the photographs to work as a panorama. An equirectangular projection system is often used in the creation of videos with a stereoscopic or monoscopic camera.

The difference between monoscopic and stereoscopic is whether using one video camera or multiple video cameras. One problem with this type video is that there are often issues in the middle of the picture. Whereas, the top and bottom are almost always clear. While this is the case with pictures and video, the sound is also different between monoscopic and stereoscopic equipment.

A number of specialized cameras and rigs have been developed for use with this new technology. Currently, there is a great deal of research and development with regards to the clarity of video. Whereas, there are other companies which are looking at how to best enter the field of competition in the area. Once this happens, the cost of videos and photographs will most likely go down over time.

These videos are generally viewed using personal computers, mobile devices or dedicated head mounted displays such as Virtual Reality headgear. When viewing on smart phones, there are internal sensors like the gyroscope which can be used to pan across images. While virtual reality headgear can be used to view these videos, it should be noted that it is often advised not to use a virtual reality headset for more than 30 to 55 minutes per session.

Whether a membership or individual video purchase, those using this new technology have often found doing so quite beneficial. For, whether using the photographs and video for a class project, or to tour the world without leaving home, the technology is useful in both. While a membership or price per video is often required, photographs are often available free of charge.




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