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Why use a 360 camera in the first place?
As VR technology continues to expand, more people are looking for affordable ways to capture immersive 360-degree footage. Whether for virtual tours, action shots, or creative photography, finding the right 360-degree camera can be overwhelming due to the wide range of features and price points.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the best budget-friendly 360-degree cameras available in 2024 and help you decide which one is right for you.
1. QooCam 3 – A Budget-Friendly 360° Action Camera
If you’re looking for an entry-level 360-degree camera that offers great value, the QooCam 3 is a strong contender.
✔ 5.7K Video at 30 FPS – Captures high-resolution footage.
✔ Advanced Stabilization – Ensures smooth, shake-free videos.
✔ Portable & Lightweight – Weighs only 200g, making it easy to carry.
✔ Robust Editing Tools – Offers intuitive in-app editing options.
🔹 Limitations:
- Overheating Issues – Can stop recording in warm conditions.
- Overexposure – The f/1.6 aperture can allow too much light in bright settings.
Ideal for content creators and action shots, but not the best for extended recording sessions.
2. Trisio Lite 2 – Best for Virtual Tours & Still Photography
If your main goal is capturing 360-degree images rather than video, the Trisio Lite 2 is a solid option.
✔ 32MP High-Resolution Stills – Captures sharp, detailed images.
✔ HDR & anyScene Technology – Adjusts lighting to reduce overexposure.
✔ Automatic Stitching – Simplifies image processing.
✔ Ideal for Virtual Tours – Great for real estate, Airbnb listings, and businesses.
🔹 Limitations:
- No 360° Video Recording – Designed only for still photography.
- Slow Capture Speed – Takes 30 seconds per photo, requiring a tripod for stability.
- Limited Battery Life – May require backup power for extended shoots.
Great for real estate, interior photography, and online tours, but not ideal for action shots.
3. Insta360 X4 – The Best All-Around Budget 360 Camera
For those looking for both 360-degree images and video, the Insta360 X4 is one of the most versatile options.
✔ 8K Video & 5.7K at 60 FPS – Delivers impressive clarity & smooth frame rates.
✔ Upgraded Battery Life – Lasts 75 minutes at 8K resolution.
✔ Fast Charging – Fully charges in 55 minutes.
✔ HDR & Gesture Control – Offers advanced video features.
✔ Durable Action Cam Build – Equipped with a premium lens cover & rugged design.
🔹 Limitations:
- Higher Price Point – Slightly more expensive than other budget models.
- In-Camera Stitching Only for Photos – Video stitching requires post-processing in the app.
If you want high-resolution 360-degree video with great durability, the Insta360 X4 is a top choice.
4. Insta360 One X3 – A Slightly More Affordable Alternative
If you don’t need 8K resolution, the Insta360 One X3 is a cheaper alternative to the X4.
✔ 5.7K Video Quality – Offers great clarity for most users.
✔ AI Editing Tools – Makes post-production simple.
✔ Easy to Use – Intuitive app with great auto-stitching.
🔹 Limitations:
- Slightly Lower Specs Than X4 – Sacrifices resolution and features for a lower price.
A great option if you want solid performance at a slightly lower cost.
5. Insta360 One RS 1-Inch – Best for Professional Image Quality
For those who prioritize image quality, the Insta360 One RS 1-Inch delivers exceptional photos and videos.
✔ 1-Inch Sensor & Leica Lens – Provides superior low-light performance.
✔ 4K Video Recording – Captures crisp, high-quality footage.
✔ Ideal for Professional Use – Great for serious photographers & videographers.
🔹 Limitations:
- Requires Stitching Software – Like Photoshop, Lightroom, or PTGui.
- Higher Cost – More expensive than entry-level 360 cameras.
If image quality is your priority, this camera is worth considering.
How to Choose the Right 360 Camera for You
| Camera | Best For | Resolution | Video Recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| QooCam 3 | Action shots & content creation | 5.7K at 30 FPS | ✅ Yes |
| Trisio Lite 2 | Virtual tours & still images | 32MP Stills | ❌ No |
| Insta360 X4 | All-purpose 360 video | 8K Video / 5.7K at 60FPS | ✅ Yes |
| Insta360 One X3 | Affordable 360 video option | 5.7K Video | ✅ Yes |
| Insta360 One RS 1-Inch | Professional photography | 4K Video / 1-Inch Sensor | ✅ Yes |
360-Degree Video Editing & Stitching
Since 360-degree cameras record two 200-degree views separately, they require stitching software to combine the footage into a seamless spherical image.
Popular Stitching Software:
✔ Photoshop – Good for basic panoramas.
✔ Lightroom – Great for DNG format stitching.
✔ PTGui – Fast processing & supports multiple file formats.
✔ Panoweaver – Ideal for VR tour creation.
If you don’t want to edit manually, consider cameras with automatic in-app stitching, like the Insta360 X4 or One X3.
Final Thoughts: Which 360 Camera Should You Get?
✔ For Beginners & Budget Users → QooCam 3 or Trisio Lite 2.
✔ For All-Around Use & Good Video Quality → Insta360 X4.
✔ For a Slightly Cheaper Option → Insta360 One X3.
✔ For Professional-Quality Photos & Videos → Insta360 One RS 1-Inch.
Each camera offers unique strengths, so your choice will depend on your specific needs—whether it’s action shots, virtual tours, or high-end video production.
Looking for an action camera instead? Read more about best budget action cameras here. We hope this article helped you. Check out our other related articles on the links below.
