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Insta360 launches in SA

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 17 Aug 2017
The Nano 360 camera for iPhones.
The Nano 360 camera for iPhones.

Creating photographs and video that can be viewed in virtual reality (VR) used to be complicated work that required specialised equipment and a highly capable editor.

However, there are now attachments that allow the average smartphone owner to create their own 360-degree content.

Shenzhen, China-based company Insta360 has launched its 360-degree smartphone attachments in SA through local company 360cams.

The original Apple device was first unveiled last year at Europe's largest consumer technology fair, IFA 2016.

The range has since expanded to support Android smartphones and a standalone device.

"With products available in 100 countries around the world, the Insta360 phenomenon has taken the world by storm and we are excited to bring this forward-thinking technology to the South African market," says 360cams MD David Bondi.

To use the products, users need to download the Insta360 app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Through the app, users can share panoramic, 360-degree photos and videos directly to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter (via Periscope). There is also the option to stream live from the device.

Bondi says no complicated stitching software is required when posting the results. A customisable watermark or filter can also be added.

With 360 cameras, users do not need a VR headset to view images, they simply click and drag the picture to change the viewing angle.

There are three cameras currently available from 360cams. The first is the Air for Android phones and is spherically shaped with a micro USB or Type C connector. It will cost R2 600.

The second is the Nano for iPhone. It only supports the iPhone 6 and above. The device comes in a carry case that is also a cardboard VR headset. In addition, it can operate as a standalone camera as it has a slot for a memory card and battery life that will last up to 70 minutes of continuous shooting. It will cost R4 000.

Both have two 210-degree fisheye lenses which support up to 3K resolution and have built-in image stabilisation.

The third device, called Pro, is aimed at professional film-makers and photographers. It is a standalone device and features six lenses and 8K resolution. The price is available on request.

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