It seems that as if the technology behind new video formats and tools knows no bounds. Long before HD video qualities became the norm, DVD was considered the highest video quality standard. Now with the release of 360 video productions, it appears that users across various industries, such as entertainment, news, and sports, will have the opportunity to experiment with unique ways of filming videos and events to present a much more lively experience to viewers and audiences.

360 video productions have already been tested by some of the most established names, such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. It will not be long before it becomes mainstream. If you want to be among the first to record 360ᵒ videos, here are some tips that you need to know about.

What are 360ᵒ videos?

These are spherical videos in which every angle of the scene is recorded, allowing the viewer to explore all possible areas of the scene as if they are experiencing it by themselves. Such videos are shot using one or a collection of omni-directional cameras to get every possible angle and range of motion in a video. A 360ᵒ video works similar to a panorama, where the viewer has the option to navigate different areas of the scene.

360ᵒ videos are gaining popularity as it provides a sense of virtual reality, giving the viewer the utmost focus and freedom for a truly accurate experience. In a 360ᵒ video, the omni-directional cameras record the entire 360ᵒ x 180ᵒ field of view in footage. This is then turned into a spherical video, much like a panorama, giving the audience the chance to interact and explore the video.

Tips for Recording 360ᵒ Videos

Think Outside the Box

Shooting 360ᵒ videos are not the same as shooting traditional videos. Thus, you will need a different frame of mind to ensure you successfully capture the emotion and vision in a shot. The 360ᵒ camera will record everything that is around it, so it is crucial that you position the camera to ensure all the focus is on the most important elements of the video.  Alternatively, you can position the camera such that it provides an outside observer effects, useful for documentaries.

Be At Center Of Action

Placing the camera in the right position is perhaps the greatest challenge of all. If you position it too closely to the object you want to focus, your video will become distorted. On the other hand, if is too far, you will be unable to focus properly on the objects you want to show.

The most important tip is to record it as if you are experiencing it yourself. Thus, the camera needs to be positioned so that viewers can feel as if they are in the moment.

Experiment with New Angles and Takes

Since the format is relatively new, experimenting it with as many different angles and shots will be important for making your videos stand out. More importantly, you will need to determine what your goal for shooting 360ᵒ videos really is and how should it affects the way you record videos.