Eschewing a domed lens to capture a full 360º panorama, the upcoming GoPro Omni uses a six camera array to capture a true 360º global view. Video samples below let you scroll up, down and all around to see any angle at all in up to 8K resolution. The kit comes with all six cameras, the case and all of the necessary hardware to combine the footage into a single video file. Retail? How bad do you want it…
Aimed at the higher end user, the Omni kit can be preordered for $4,999 with on-sale date of August 18, 2016. If you already own six Hero 4 Black cameras, you can get the rig and some auxiliary equipment for $1,499 (but not the desktop editing software), then install the Omni synchronization firmware on your cams.
The housing is made of aluminum with an intentionally open air structure to help keep the cameras cool. The All-Inclusive kit includes a 7-USB/6-MicroSD card reader, a “master” camera design that’s synchronized to start and stop all cameras at the same time, wireless smart remote to make it even easier to control, and a Switronix battery to run external power through it to prolong video capture for up to three hours. Included software runs on Mac or PC and simplifies stitching it all together and can even convert the spherical 360º footage into standard ratio videos if you only need one angle for a particular segment or separate video. The finished footage is VR ready as well as user controlled on compatible browsers.
Video above shows the features, the two below show off its capabilities:
Video only works properly in Chrome and Firefox (sorry Safari). So, technically, it’s not virtual reality since it’s not shooting in 3D, but for headsets that use your phone’s screen to create an immersive video, this should be very impressive.
From Red Bull: Shot entirely on the all new GoPro VR unit (shoot past the break for details), slated for release next week, experience a ride on the all new 2016 Red Bull Joyride course like you’ve never seen it before. Captured in a full 4k, 360 degree experience, riders Ryan Howard, Justin Wyper and Dustin Gilding give you a preview of what to expect on August 21 when Red Bull Joyride returns to Whistler.
The 2016 course follows the same flow through the Whistler Bike Park allowing lots of flow and little braking – as the saying goes, ‘don’t fix it if it ain’t broken’. But, you can always make it better. An all new start section and flat-drop puts riders right into the action out of the gate with a total course length ringing in at 650m. The classic Joyride Cabin feature has also received a bit of a facelift, getting some new real-estate on the course along with a ‘whale tail’ built into the roof as opposed to the classic flat-drop from previous years. The show stopping final feature is one of the largest in the history of the event, weighing in at a massive 30ft.
Red Bull Joyride goes down Sunday, August 21st, available live on Red Bull TV on the date starting at 2pm ET.
