Chinese company YI has introduced a new consumer camera called the YI 360 VR. This model features a pair of cameras with 220-degree f/2.0 aspheric glass lenses, one on the front and another on the back, that simultaneously record footage. The resulting videos have up to a 4K/30fps resolution if stitched in-camera, while footage stitched using the camera’s PC app maxes out at 5.7K/30fps resolution.
The YI 360 VR is compatible with both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets. The camera supports recording 4K video for up to 60 minutes per charge, and you’ve got integrated dual-band WiFi for livestreaming in 4K.
Users are able to preview the footage in five modes: little planet, stretched view, panoramic, round, and dual VR. Here’s a quick introduction that gives you an idea of the kinds of shots you can expect from the YI 360 VR:
YI is offering its 360 VR camera through Microsoft’s website and its physical Microsoft Store US locations for $ 400 USD. Live demonstrations of the camera are offered in stores as well.
Press Release
YI Technology’s High Quality, Live 360 VR Camera Now Available at Microsoft Stores for $ 399
The pocket-sized camera is the first to shoot 360 degree video in 5.7K at 30fps, with instant in-device stitching for 4K footage and live-streaming.
SEATTLE, November 13, 2017 – YI Technology (YI), the leading provider of advanced, intelligent imaging technologies, announced availability today of its unique YI 360 VR camera (“YI 360”) at Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and Microsoft.com. The YI 360 makes high-end virtual reality video easy and accessible to anyone who wants to create and share content.
With a simple, handheld and mountable camera design, the YI 360 VR is the first VR camera to combine high-fidelity, 360-degree video capture, an easy mobile application along with 4K instant, in-device stitching and 4K live-streaming to any sharing channel. With these innovations, the YI 360 VR™ provides a complete solution for creating immersive, 360-degree video experiences easily, quickly and anywhere.
“At YI Technology, we challenge ourselves to bring the most innovative technologies together in a way that is simple, enjoyable and useful for anyone, from kids to professionals. VR is no exception,” said Sean Da, CEO of YI Technology. “Today’s solutions for 360 capture and sharing force users to choose between an affordable low quality, low resolution product and an overly expensive, highly complicated product. That is why we worked so hard to perfect YI 360 VR. By combining the best components, rigorous industrial design and many years of testing, we eliminated the cables, confusing interfaces and bulky components and added 5.7K fidelity, 4K in-device stitching and 4K live-streaming, all in a handy, affordable package.”
Already known for its YI 4K+ Action Camera, the YI M1 Mirrorless Digital Camera and the YI HALO professional 3D camera, YI’s launch of the YI 360 VR Camera offers users a consumer-grade, affordable yet professional quality option for capturing and sharing 360 degree footage.
Vivid, Easy, Live – Key YI 360 VR Features:
- Two 220-degree 8 aspheric glass lenses with f/2.0 aperture
- In-camera video stitching for up to 4K/30fps
- PC application for 5.7K/30fps video stitching
- Built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi for live-streaming in 4K
- Five video preview options within the app including stretched view, little planet, round, panoramic and dual VR view
- Up to 60 minutes battery life recording at 4K/30fps
- Compatible with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR headsets
Pricing & Availability
At $ 399, YI 360 VR™ is now available for purchase at Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and Microsoft.com. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/YI-360-VR-Camera/8ZG9K9SM5BSZ now to purchase or to find a store near you to see a live demonstration YI 360’s vivid capture and live sharing for yourself.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
