It has been a question for me ever since I’ve seen it online how to do a 360-degree content on Facebook. I’ve been wanting to do it and apply that trick on my travels and/or whenever there are places that would be so amazing to shared in 360-degree view but I failed to know about it. Not until a few months back and my question was already been answered. Continue reading and discover this amazing ad-on gadget.
That looks like a BB8 on the phone hehehe
Insta 360 (Air/Nano)
Tiny Planet shot using the Insta360 Air
My first encounter with the Insta360 was when it was presented by Digits as one of the Top gadgets to look forward to this 2017. (Check: Top Gadgets this 2017)
I was instantly impressed on the power of this gadget and have been wanting to own one but it wasn’t available yet here in the Philippines back then. Finally a few days ago, It was officially launched (Available now at Beyond the Box and Digital Walker Stores) and I was able to finally get my hands on to it.
Here is the Apple version called Insta360 Nano
Insta360 is one such device that helps us upgrade our social media game by making it possible to take 360-degree photos and videos, especially of our adventures, and post it online. With real-time image stitching and integrated live-streaming support for YouTube and other platforms, one can actually broadcast immersive experiences to the world or share 360-degree content to your friends on a host of popular social media – that includes Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Messenger – directly from the app interface.
Insta360 is compatible with both Apple (Nano) and Android (Air) users and is quite handy. The Nano can be directly plugged into your iPhone and the Nano App will be activated upon connection, while the Air connects via USB Type-C or Micro-USB port and uses a smartphone’s display as its viewfinder. Both make capturing and sharing 360-degree content easier than ever.
Both items could be very different in terms of how they look like but the specs where just the same. I got my Insta 360 Air for I am using an Android phone. Here is the specs of the Insta360;
Insta360 Specifications
Using the Air for the first time
Insta360 Air is very easy to use. It is plug and play, meaning it will work as soon as you connected it to your phone. Pretty straight forward and basically easy to master for a very handy device that can easily fit your pocket. You can either get the Micro USB or the USB Type C connector depending on what unit you are going to use.
Also remember to download the application Insta360 Air on the google store for you to be able to use the unit properly.
(a) Gallery View where you can check all the shots you made (b) This is where you can share the photo/video you’ve shot or download it locally to your phone (c) Animation choice either you choose to create a 360 video, tiny planet etc.
Once installed, just connect the unit and you are ready to roll. You can either record a video or a photo using the the application. Everything you shot will be stored in the app which you can download and/or share on your social media later, this means operating the gadget doesn’t necessarily need an internet connection. Except, if you wanted to do a live 360-degree video online.
By the way, remember to set your phone to “Auto-Rotate” for you will be using your unit upside-down when taking a photo or a video. Once you’ve mastered shooting, just play with the app and try to change the setting of the output video/photo depending on your taste.
I first use it on our trip to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. It was a three-hour ride from Manila to Bataan, but amazingly felt short because I was travelling and chatting with friends.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is such an amazing place that I felt like I travelled back in time. In my head this was an awesome place to really test my gadget. Will try my best to create a separate blog soon about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, but for now let us focus first on the Insta360 Air. Here are some of the photos I’ve took at the place using the Insta360. The photos are best viewed when uploaded on Flickr, Facebook or Youtube and other apps.
Here are some of the shots of the place and the participants of the trip using the Insta360.
Boat ride with bloggers
Wide view of Las Casas inside one of the houses
#NognogWears: Zara (Cap); Memo (Jacket); Perry Ellis (Polo), Uniqlo (Pants)
The venue of one of the famous ‘Heneral Luna’ scene
With Rod, Ava and Ana
Ave and Mel trying the Insta360 Nano
Team Air and Team Nano for Ava and Ana
Insta360 Pros and Cons + Verdict
I have already envision how I could possibly utilized this gadget more as soon as I was able to use it for the first time. Although, I could say that it is not a gadget advisable to be owned by everyone, it could always be an amazing ad-ons specially if you got some money to spend. On my first time of using the Insta360 Air, here our my thoughts about the product.
Pros
- 3k resolutions
- Portablilty
- Stabilisation
- Affordable compare to Insta360 Nano which is twice the price of the Air
- Plug and Play
- 360 video livestream
- Doesn’t need power or internet connectivity to operate
- Can be used as a desktop camera
Cons
- It becomes very hot on continuous usage
- The gadget drains your phone battery life twice faster
- Uses your phones memory
- No tripod mount
Insta360 is a tiny yet impressive camera that can really level up your photography skills. The Insta360 Air is a very handy and is easy to use but draining your phone battery is really something of a letdown. It is best used during the day, however, you’ll see a little quality lost when you shoot indoors. Nevertheless, it is sold for a very reasonable price and can really give you and your viewers a new perspective to your photos and videos. Transporting everyone to whichever place you’d go.
Who should buy this gadget? Those people who loves to travel, who wanted to share a better view of the places he travelled. This would be perfect for people who does live facebook and youtube videos. For adventurous type who likes skating, diving or other extreme sports. And for those who have enough money to shell out.
And oh, stalking your crush by taking a photo could be done flawlessly using the Insta360, because it can capture the whole place, every people, in every angle. #CaptureYourReality and share your adventures with Insta360. Change the way you look at the world, and start seeing it from every angle. Here is a sample video I created shot at Las Casas.
Insta360 is available at all Digital Walker stores. SRP: Nano – Php 12,990.00 and Air – Php 6,990.00.
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