Review: Virtual Reality & 360° Camera

Today, I’ve tested various devices that are increasingly being used in the world of video production and consumption. I experimented with the 360°fly, a 360 camera which captures immersive image and film. Alongside this, I tested multiple goggles that simulate virtual reality in use with your IOS or android smartphone. Here’s what I found out…

360°

The exciting development of 360° cameras alike VR offer a different user perspective in video, modernising anything we have experienced before. When testing the 360° camera for filming, I felt the best way to get used to the device was experimenting with the angling and positioning of the camera. I foresee it revolutionising sharable video and journalism as it is so addictively interactive. A developing factor that will make a difference is when social media platforms can further support the 360° video; for the meantime it seems like Facebook is the only reliable platform to do so. Until then, I think interactive video cannot expand into mainstream consumption, so I hope there is more development as this is has exciting potential.

Using the 360 Fly Panoramic HD Video Camera - Product Info:

This camera was small, compact, lightweight and sophisticated. Its sleek aesthetic made it likable, it worked really well for producing 360 images. However, it takes some getting used to and a while to set up as you must create accounts, passwords, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to use it successfully.

Price: £425

Available at Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/360FLY-Degree-Panoramic-Video-Camera/dp/B017XVD2CG/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454417616&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=360+fly+panormaic+hd+video+camera

Apps to use:

To use the 360°fly you must download their free app '360°fly App' on your smartphone as well as your laptop/computer. This means you can transfer video through each device and it provides an easier upload elsewhere.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) redefines the restraints of communication, it facilitates new experiences by taking you away from your familiar environment, completely immersing you into a new one. The relationship formed through video is more based off interest, there are various apps you can download that have multiple VR videos to watch; each offering a different purpose, scenario and chance for exploration. Virtual reality can be used to simulate stories, experiences, excursions and events, which indicates it’s potential for a brilliant advertising and marketing tool. Currently VR videos are either reporter led, or character based, for example in 'Millions March' a journalist narrates you through the journey of a protest in NYC. The video 'The displaced' is character led experience, as you first-hand are in the reality of a devastating war zone; you live through the eyes of three different children in three different locations, offering new perspectives, experiences and a sense of inside knowledge.

The capabilities of VR are thrilling. In my opinion, the variety of videos created can close a technology gap between generations as there is something available for everyone. There is scope for it to simulate tourism in exotic lands, adventures in gaming fictional worlds, thrills and joy at events, as well as an educational insight into medical surgery, architectural design, aviation simulation - the possibilities really are endless.

The VR goggles vary in sophistication. According to experts, the popular Oculus Rift is set to triumph this year over Playstations’ VR head set. SONY are also soon releasing their own a VR head set, but are yet to release a price. The hold backs thus far are the affordability and accessibility of the devices. The goggles I sampled today are relatively affordable, my favourite pair being just £22.99. Of course there are highly advanced VR simulations that may be worth the investment, however you will have to weigh the pros and cons and I recommend either sampling the device before you buy or opting for a cheaper device firstly. One thing to look out for is if the product is PC-use only, as it may have a wire connection and that could hinder range of movement. Also, a top tip is to check if devices restrict headphone ports, as you want the audio to coincide with the visualisation uninterrupted.

Oculus - Product Info:

Yet to be tested first hand, this device is the most popularly reviewed and commercialised VR handset. Widely admired and specifically used by gamers, it connects to a PC and device and puts you inside of the game so that you are the main character.

Price: lowest prices from £400

More info: https://www.oculus.com/en-us/rift/

View Master Starter Pack – Product Info:

This was my favourite device tested today. It is a nice starting point for anyone wanting to give VR a go. Incredibly simple to use, it is lightweight, sturdy and affordable. You place your phone inside the allocated slot, and use it with an app to view published VR videos. A nice addition would be a secure head-strap and accessible headphone port; however the audio was still adequate without.

Price: £22.50

Availavle at Argos: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4996103.htm

Unofficial Cardboard Virtual Reality Viewer 2.0 – Product Info:

An affordable and lightweight device, however this leads the belief of poor durability. The cardboard doesn't feel at all high-tech or sophisticated, which takes away from the novelty of VR in my opinion. It does come with a free downloadable app, however you can also use this app for any of the goggles, so it’s not exclusive to this device.

Price: Varies online.

More info: http://www.unofficialcardboard.com/

Apps used with VR goggles:

There are various VR apps available, search VR in your App Store for updated versions. The effective apps feature film, however many offer games and other immersive animation for younger audiences.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]‘VRSE’ – (free)

[if !supportLists]· [endif]‘Google cardboard’ – (free)

VR videos I think you should try:

Videos created by Chris Milk are held in high esteem by VR enthusiasts.

‘Evolution of Verse’ - 5/5 Trippy: http://vrse.works/creators/chris-milk/work/evolution-of-verse/

‘Catatonic’ - 5/5 – Terrifying!

‘SNL Live’ - 4/5 – Incredibly realistic

‘Millions March’ - 4/5 - Emotive

‘The Displaced’ - 4/5 - Emotive

#gaming #oculus #oculusrift #virtualreality #VR #virtual #reality #youtube #portfolio #review #technology #journalism #360video #360cam #camerareview #cam #bbloggers #universityblogger #youtubeblogger #iphone #apple #android #techreview #virtualrealityreview