INTRODUCTION TO 360 VIDEO EFFECTS AND TOOLS
As a video content creator company (and not only), Crystal360 is at the forefront of the extended realities (XR) content production. An XR 360 immersive video enables viewers to be transported to another location or environment without the need to travel there. We film using specially designed cameras and the recorded field of view is spherical, thus capturing everything within view of the camera in any possible direction.
INSTA360 USAGE TIPS
Now, let’s talk about Insta360 cameras specifically, the camera preferred by Crystal360 to shoot our 360 degree production. Insta360 is the leading brand of immersive footage hardware and they offer a range of products at different price points. The X3 model is now the most advanced portable camera in this sector, with a stabilization processor still unmatched by any competitor.
Whatever Insta360 camera you’ll use, we give you some tips to extract the best out of this innovative way of shooting:
- Use the Insta360 app: the genuine app is probably the best tool to allow you to control the camera from remote, preview your footage, and edit your videos, all within a single interface! Take the time to learn how to use the app, as it can greatly enhance your shooting and editing experience.
- Experiment with different shooting modes: these cameras offer a variety of shooting modes, including time-lapse, slow motion, and hyperlapse, all of them embedded in the software onboard the camera itself. Experiment with these modes to create unique and interesting footage.
- Use the camera’s built-in stabilization: cameras from insta360 in particular have built-in stabilization features that can greatly improve the quality of your footage. Be sure to turn on the stabilization feature before you start shooting!
- Use the camera’s GPS: the latest Insta360 cameras have GPS capabilities (combined with your smartphone!) that allow you to track your location while you’re shooting. We think this can be a great way to create location-based content.
- Edit your footage: when you have captured your footage, take the time to edit it in the Insta360 app or the Studio version (for PC) or a third-party editing software. This will allow you to trim your footage, add music and sound effects, and enhance the overall look and feel of your video. Beware that editing in 360 mode is different from whatever you tried before: do an extensive usage of keyframe and rotate the video as you prefer for innovative point-of-view shooting!
INITIATION RULES
Firstly, it’s important to understand that an immersive 360 video is a relatively new medium and there are a lot of considerations that go into creating a great video, which has the chance to go viral in Social medias. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your shots: before you start shooting, take the time to plan out the shots you want to capture. Think about the narrative or story you want to tell, and how you can use the 360 degree field of view to enhance it. Attention! This step is critical for a great output, take it seriously, it will make the difference!
- Use a tripod: it is important to keep your camera steady when shooting 360 video. A tripod is the best way to achieve this: make sure your tripod is level and stable, and position it so that it’s not visible in the shot. It is not necessary a big one: there are several offers that include the tripod in the selfie stick!
- Be aware of stitching lines: most 360 cameras have two or more lenses that capture the image. The camera stitches the footage together, but in the junction area you may see a visible seam where the two images meet. Be aware of these stitching lines when chossing orientation of your shots.
- Use natural lighting: when shooting a 360 video, it’s best to use natural lighting whenever possible. Artificial lighting can cause harsh shadows and uneven lighting, which can be distracting in a 360 environment!
- Think about sound: audio is a crucial element of any video, and this is especially true in 360 video. Use a good quality microphone to capture clear audio, and be aware of where the microphone is positioned in relation to the camera. There are also ïnvisible”microphones designed to stay close to the camera and not being recognised by the recordi
360 SPECIAL EFFECTS
There are many special effects that can be generated using an Insta360 camera to create immersive 360 video footage. Here are some examples with a brief description of the final results. These are just a few more examples of special effects that can be generated using an Insta360 camera (or similar): beware that most of them need the proper pre-production action planning, the right tools to handle your 360 video camera and then a deep post-production process. But with a bit of creativity and experimentation, there are endless possibilities for creating immersive and engaging content. In Crystal360 we particularly love this kind of video production effects:
- Bullet Time Effect: this effect freezes time and allows the camera to rotate around the subject while they remain frozen in place. This effect is commonly used in action scenes to create a sense of dramatic pause or to showcase a specific action.
- Tiny Planet Effect: this effect takes a 360 degree video and warps it into a circular shape, creating the impression of a tiny super small planet. This effect is often used to create surreal and immersive environments that appear to be from another world.
- Object Tracking Effect: this one tracks the movement of a specific object in the scene and keeps it centered in the frame: it can be used to highlight a specific object or subject, such as a moving car or a person walking.
- Time Shift Effect: this other effect allows the camera to shift between different points in time, creating a sense of time travel or jumping through time. We like it because it can be particularly effective in creating immersive environments that showcase historical or futuristic scenes.
- Ghost Effect: this effect involves capturing multiple shots of a scene with different people or objects in different positions and then merging them into a single shot: the result is a ghostly image that appears to show multiple people or objects moving through the scene.
- Tilt-shift Effect: it involves adjusting the focus of the camera to create a miniature or toy-like appearance and can be used to make a large scene look small or to create an unusual and surreal environment.
- Slow Motion Effect: it involves capturing footage at a higher frame rate than normal and then playing it back at a slower speed. It can be used to create a dramatic or emotional effect, or to highlight a particular action or movement. Combine it with special audio effects and the final result will be cinematic!
- Timelapse Effect: this one involves capturing footage over an extended period of time and then speeding it up to create a time-lapse. It can be used to showcase changes in the environment or to create a sense of movement or progression.
- 360 Audio Effect: it involves capturing audio from all directions, allowing the viewer to experience a fully immersive audio environment. We us it to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.
- Reverse Motion Effect: an old but eyecatching effect! This effect involves reversing the footage, creating a backwards motion. It can be used to create an unusual and surreal effect or to highlight a particular action or movement.
- Dolly Zoom Effect: also known as the Vertigo Effect, this effect creates a disorienting sensation by zooming in on the subject while simultaneously moving the camera backwards. This effect creates a distorted perspective that can be quite immersive in a 360 environment.
- Starlapse Effect: this effect captures a long exposure of the night sky, creating a time-lapse of the stars moving across the sky. This effect can be particularly effective in creating immersive night-time environments, such as stargazing or camping scenes. Check the forecats: you 360 camera will need clear sky all night long!
ACTIVE ACTIONS APPLICATIONS
Crystal360 has specialized in active sports and outdoors activities, even developing custom hardware to sustain the 360 cameras under heavy solicitations. So, here are some examples of sports and activities where you could use an Insta360 camera to create immersive video, provided you fix adequately your camera!
- Snowboarding and Skiing: the Insta360 camera is really the perfect for capturing high-speed action on the slopes, with its ability to shoot 360 degree video and bullet time effects.
- Skateboarding: with its compact size and ability to shoot 360 degree video, the Insta360 camera is a great tool in capturing skateboarding tricks and stunts from different angles. Just use a case to protect it from scratches and falls!
- Mountain Biking: the Insta360 camera can be mounted on many of the tubes (steering and frame), making it ideal for capturing POV footage of mountain biking trails and jumps.
- Surfing: Insta360 cameras can be used to capture immersive footage of surfing sessions, with its waterproof capability (till 11 meters). Just select the best harness (front or back), such as that offered by SailVideoSystem.
- Climbing: mount your 360 camera on a helmet (use unicorn stick) or chest harness to capture first-person footage of rock climbing ascents.
- Skydiving and Base Jumping: again 360 camera can be mounted on a helmet (no stick!) or chest harness to capture 360 degree footage of high-altitude jumps and freefall experiences.
- Scuba Diving: any 360 camera is waterproof and can be used to capture immersive underwater footage of marine life and underwater landscapes. Wash it immediately out of sea water.
- Parkour: you can use it to capture POV footage of parkour runs and stunts, with its ability to shoot 360 degree video and bullet time effects.
- Motorsports: your Insta360 camera can be mounted on a car or motorcycle (with suctions cups or clamps+stick) to capture immersive footage of high-speed races and stunts.
- Hiking and Backpacking: scenic hikes and backpacking trips with short or long sticks are now easy to shoot, also in time-lapse sequences.
These are just a few examples of the many sports and activities where we have developed professional videography services using Insta360 cameras to create immersive video. With its compact size and versatile mounting options, the possibilities are endless. Just prepare your plan, select the right tools to atatche the camera and shoot!
