14 DAY TRIAL // A few weeks ago we presented you with the UFO-shaped CENTR camera that lets users capture 360-HD footage and thus provide you with an accurate view of the world.
The 360-degree panoramic camera trend appears to be picking up, as more and more customers want to record and share life’s precious moments with those who matter in their lives.
Now, the France-based starter-up Giroptic is also offering its 360cam solution, which they claim offers a true HD experience plus a bonus – an innovative home security feat.
As you’d expect, each company offering these sorts of cameras will strive to differentiate their offerings by bundling them with distinctive features.
Giroptic makes a point in highlighting their product is the “world’s first full HD 360-degree camera,” big words which we know every company will throw around as a marketing scheme.
Unlike the CENTR, which was shaped like a UFO mother ship, the 360cam looks pretty similar to a pear that has fallen from its three. The device houses three individual fisheye lenses that can shoot 8-megapixels still images or 1080p video with 360-degree surround sound audio.
Even more interesting is the surveillance feature the camera is capable of. The 360cam can be screwed like a light bulb with the help of an adapter that powers it, so you get yourself a security cam keeping an eye on things while you’re away doing your business.
“We had to rethink the entire optical and electronic design and processes. Instead of using off-the-shelf lenses, we developed our own three 185-degree fish-eye lenses that capture the broadest field of view in the industry.“
“Instead of having stitching occur on a computer, like most 360-degree cameras, we developed our own on-chop stitching algorithms that allow immediate creation of .mp4 or.jpg files inside the camera.”
The resulting images/footage can be edited using a variety of software and Giroptic points out the camera’s GPS is compatible with Google Photo Sphere, so you can bring your own contribution to Google Street View while you’re traveling.
Last but not least, the 360cam has been constructed to be submerged (thanks to the underwater lens cups accessory) and even provides support for the Oculus Rift.
The project is up on Kickstarter gathering funds that will send it off into mass production, so if you have $249 / €181 to spare, you can be one of the first to receive the 360cam when it becomes available.