The best 360° cameras on the market right now – (2024)

Unlike some other tech blog rankings, our best 360° cameras list is not affiliated with any 360° camera manufacturer. Our rankings are based solely on our experiences with the cameras and are thus 100% independent.

Three-sixty photography and videography are constantly evolving. As hardware becomes more and more accessible, it’s easy to get lost amid the plethora of options on the market.

We’ll start by giving an overview of the technology behind 360° cameras and follow up with a list of the best devices on the market in 2024.

Quickly jump to the camera review: Insta360 ONE X4 – Insta360 RS 1-inch – Insta360 ONE X3 – Trisio Lite 2 – Ricoh Theta X – Ricoh theta Z1 – Insta360 Flow – Gopro Max – Xphase pro S2/X2

A closer look at 360° cameras

What is a 360° camera?

Three-sixty cameras capture static scenes (360° photos) and innovative action sequences (360° videos), that cannot be shot with a conventional, 2D camera. No matter where you point the camera, you won’t miss any part of the surrounding environment because the capture is spherical. Hence the name 360° camera.

How does a 360° camera work?

Imagine the recorded scene, not as a flat rectangle, but as the inner surface of a sphere. When viewing a photo or video in a 360° player, you are looking out from the center of that sphere, navigating the inner surface by dragging the image. Try clicking and dragging the photo in the Panoraven player below.

That’s the software part, but how does the device physically capture this sphere? Three-sixty cameras, like traditional cameras, use flat sensors. But unlike their conventional counterparts, 360° cameras employ two back-to-back fisheye lenses, each capturing 180° of the environment. The camera then merges these two hemispherical images to produce a spherical view.

A 360° image is, by definition, static. You can navigate the image at will, focusing on any portion of the virtual environment.

360° videos are more sophisticated. While you have the freedom to watch any region, the action of the video continues regardless of your point of view. This means that it is possible to look in the “wrong” direction at a significant moment and miss the action that the videographer wanted to highlight. For this reason, we advise purchasing a photo rather than a video solution if your professional activity allows.

What does 360° technology offer your business?

Three-sixty cameras provide several shooting options. Quite popular are panoramic photos and videos, which are viewed through a specific player. Scroll up to see the player we are developing.

Three-sixty filming also affords a creative way to shoot classic “flat” videos.  Recording the entire scene allows you to follow any subject during post-production. Since the camera covers all possible shots, you don’t need to frame the subject precisely, a definite advantage over a conventional camera.

These innovative cameras are revolutionizing the way companies present their products and services. Virtual tours of professional environments and simulated displays of merchandise are increasingly common. Want to leverage the technology for your business, but don’t know where to start? Read our guide to VR and 360° photography.

On the other hand, if you’ve already decided to invest in one of these technological gems, you’ve come to the right place. Our team specializes in 360° production, and we are passionate about our field. To understand what the market offered, we reviewed a slew of cameras that covered a range of applications.

This guide is the fruit of our in-house testing. (To deliver the best advice on this dynamic market, we regularly update our rankings [2024].) Without further ado, the best 360° cameras available today!

The best 360 cameras on the market right now

Insta360 One X4: the best 360° camera for the most

Price: $499 | Weight: 203g | Dimensions :46×123.6×37.6mm | Waterproof: yes- 10m | Photo resolution: 72 MP (11904 x 5952) | Video resolution: 8K: 7680 x 3840 at 30/25/24 fps and 5.7K: 5760 x 2880 at 60/50/30/25/24 fps |Memory :SD card speed class UHS-I V30 max 1 TB recommended| Mount: 1/4″ tripod thread | Battery capacity: 2290 mAh (removable) = 75 min@8K | Charging time: 100% en 55min (9V 2A)

The Insta360 ONE X4 hit the shelves in March 2024, succeeding its well-received predecessor, the Insta360 ONE X3, which was released in late 2022. True to form, the new model from insta360 doesn’t disappoint, setting the bar for 360° video and photo creation. It’s the first in its price range to offer such high video resolution, an impressive 8K.

While the X4 maintains the sleek design of the X3, it comes with subtle improvements. It’s slightly thicker and longer, sporting a slightly larger 2.5” touchscreen compared to the X3’s 2.29”. The battery has also received an upgrade from 1800 to 2290 mAh, offering a reasonable 75-minute recording time at 8K. Additionally, the camera now comes with clip-on protectors, a welcome addition considering the delicate and pricey lenses.

With its ability to shoot in 8K at 30 fps and 5.7K at 60 fps, coupled with its waterproofing up to 10m, the X4 is an obvious choice for those into action-packed 360° video shoots.

In terms of photography, the X4 maintains the generous 72 MP resolution of the X3, making it suitable for professional use, such as virtual tours.

If you’re in the market for the best 360° camera and considering an investment, the Insta360 ONE X4 offers unbeatable value for money. 

However, if you already own a 360° camera like the Insta360 ONE X3 or the RS-1 inch, the decision to upgrade may not be as clear-cut. Indeed while the X4 offers improvements in dynamic range, contrast, and sharpness compared to the X3, the difference in video rendering between 8K and 5.7K may not be as noticeable as the numbers suggest.  When it comes to photography, the disparities are even more subtle. Moreover, if you’ve got gear tailored to the X3, keep in mind that it won’t play nice with the X4.

Similarly, if your focus is solely on professional photography, the upgrade from the X4 to cameras like the Ricoh Z1 or X1 may not be justified.

If you happen to own an RS 1-inch, you’re likely leaning away from using it for sports. You should know that the greater resolution of the X4 gets somewhat leveled by the larger size of the 1-inch sensor, minimizing the quality gap. Plus, the 1-inch delivers superior performance in low-light conditions, both in photos and videos.

Ultimately, if you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of 360° photography, the Insta360 ONE X4 is a solid choice. Its versatility, quality output, and user-friendly software make it one of the best 360° cameras available today.

Insta360 RS-1Inch: the high-level all-rounder

Price: $799 | Weight: 239g | Dimensions: 53.2×49.5×129.3mm | Waterproof: no (IP3) | Photo resolution: 6528×3264 (21MP) | Video resolution: 6K@25fps 3K@50fps | Memory: micro SD class V30 max 1TB| Mounting: Tripod Socket | Battery life: 1350mAh – 60 minutes in 6K@30ips video

Released in June 2022, the Insta360 RS 1-inch is one of the latest arrivals from the Chinese firm, and it’s an excellent surprise.

The 360° camera belongs to the modular Insta360 RS series (core + battery + lens), but its form factor is vertical instead of horizontal like the RS 4K model. Despite its modular design, in terms of the operational requirements it addresses, we can compare the RS 1-inch to the Insta360 One X4.

The major innovation lies in the name of the camera: the Leica sensors are 1 inch in size, which is more than twice as large as those of the X4 (Sony ½ inch). The only other 360° camera currently on the market with 1-inch sensors is the Ricoh Theta Z.

The size of the sensors plays a crucial role in determining the “perceived” resolution of the image. While the technical difference in resolution between the X3 and the 1-inch RS may seem small on paper (0.3K), the actual quality, whether in video or photo, is significantly higher. Similarly, when comparing the quality output of the 1-Inch with the X4, although the X4 excels in certain aspects like sharpness and dynamic range, the 1-Inch still remains competitive with the X4.

Simply put, smaller lenses capture less light in low-light conditions, leading to more noise in the output image, regardless of the camera’s resolution. Furthermore, although the effect is more pronounced in low light, the enhancement is substantial in most real-world scenarios.

On the photography front, the resolution jumps from 18 MP to 21 MP, also benefiting, much like in video, from the larger sensor size. The quality competes favorably with the Theta X, Z1, Trisio lite 2, and even the Insta360 One X4.

In addition, unlike the Theta X, the RAW mode is available. The output noise is excellent, the sharpness, and the photos have a good dynamic range. Overall, the insta360 RS 1-inch is very competitive regarding output quality. 

The stabilization remains excellent, and the touchscreen control screen makes navigation a breeze. Also, note that videos are stitched in real-time, which eliminates a step in the editing workflow. This is not a trivial detail, as the reconstruction time is usually quite long, especially if you don’t have a high-end computer. But as mentioned, the real innovation lies in the size of the sensors.

On the price side, the camera is $799. It’s a budget, but worth it if you intend to shoot both videos and photos.

The insta360 RS 1-inch is versatile, much more than most other cameras in this ranking, and can suit both virtual tour pros and 360° videographers.

Insta360 One X3 – Still Top of the Line

Price​​: $399 | Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 114 x 46 x 31mm | Waterproof: up to 10m | Photo Resolution: 72MP (11968×5984) | Video resolution: 5.7K @ 30/25/24fps and 4K @ 60/30fps | Memory: Max 1TB UHS-I Speed Class V30 SD card recommended | Mounting: 1/4″ tripod thread | Battery life: 1800mAh (removable) = approximately 80 minutes. 

Released in late 2022, it replaces the excellent – but aging – Insta360 One X2. Among the various improvements in this new version, two stand out as particularly compelling reasons to purchase the Insta360 One X3 to replace its predecessor.

Firstly: the large 2.29-inch touchscreen has obviously surfaced. Designed to improve navigation, it’s a real success: the screen makes it easier to navigate and modify the camera’s various features.

Secondly: the quality of 360° photos has greatly evolved. Indeed, the sensors of the X3 are 1⁄2 inch each, which is slightly larger than those of the X2 (1/2.3 inch). This distinction enables the X3 to produce better performance quality, particularly in low-light environments. Furthermore, these new sensors enable 360° photographs with a resolution of 72 MP, which is far higher than its original version (18 MP).

Despite these enhancements, the video quality of this new model remains a disappointment. Even if the Insta360 One X3 produces a fairly decent one, the video quality in daylight is equivalent to its former version (the Insta360 One X2).  Indeed, both cameras shoot in 5.7K at 30 frames per second, and you’ll only be able to distinguish the quality differences in low-light conditions (because the X3 has slightly bigger sensors).

Since March 2024, Insta360 has been selling its latest model, the Insta360 X4, for $499. Although the price of the X3 has dipped a bit, it’s still sitting around $399. Our advice here is, for the $100 difference, if you’re deciding between the two models – unless you’re pinching pennies – go for the newer one. But if you stumble upon a great deal for a used one, know that the X3 still holds up quite well against the X4.

The Insta360 X3 remains competitive in terms of output compared to the new model from the Chinese company, the X4. That being said, the price difference between the two models doesn’t justify choosing the X3 over the X4. The X4 is indeed overall more advanced, especially with its ability to shoot in 8K.

Trisio Lite 2 – Unbeatable value for money for virtual tours

Price: $379 |  Weight: 157g | Dimensions: 147 x 51 x 23mm | Waterproof: no | Still image resolution: 32 MP | Video resolution: does not make video | Memory: 7.1 GB internal – no micro SD | Mounting: Tripod Socket | Battery life: approximately 3 hours

Designed for the needs of virtual tour creators, the Trisio Lite 2 is exclusively dedicated to taking stabilized 360° photos. Unlike conventional 360° cameras, the Trisio Lite 2 does not have back-to-back lenses. It has one lens but has the particularity of being mounted on a motorized rotating part. Thanks to this, the camera turns on itself to take a set of 4 photos, then stitches them to create a single 360° photo. 

This specificity makes it impossible to take 360° videos but gives serious advantages for 360° photography. Having only one lens allows the Chinese firm to display a competitive price compared to other cameras that have 2. Thus, the Trisio Lite 2 has a great price for 8K photo rendering ($379), giving it excellent value for money. 

What’s more, where other cameras have to recompose the final 360° photo from just 2 photos, the Trisio Lite 2 has 4. This explains the quality of the images, comparable to those of the Theta X and the Theta Z1 which belong to a much higher price range ($799).

During our test, we liked its ease of use. The camera automatically analyzes the ambient light (AnyScene technology), shoots the 4 photos in HDR, and ensures no overexposed areas are in the final image. It will take 30 seconds per image unlike conventional cameras, which are faster. The recomposition of the 4 images is of very high quality and the stitching defects are almost invisible. It’s actually the best stitching we’ve seen out of all the 360° cameras tested. Image contrast is natural, accurate colors, and the dynamic range is excellent. Overall, the quality of the images is really there.

The main flaw of the Trisio Lite 2 is that there is no RAW mode. This will disappoint some for sure, but keep in mind that the output images are already of good quality. In addition, note that this is a con shared by Theta X. 

On the hardware side, the storage capacity is built-in (no SD card) and 7.1GB (officially 8GB). This seems limited at first sight but knowing that a final photo is 4MB, you’ll be able to take 1,500-2,000 photos, which is quite reasonable. 

The battery is also built-in: you cannot buy spare batteries. So you have about three hours of use ahead of you. One solution may be to use an external battery, but we found this annoying in practice because the camera needs to rotate to operate.

In conclusion, the Trisio Lite 2 is smartly designed to lower the manufacturing cost while optimizing the quality of the output images. It only does one thing, shoot stabilized 360° photos but does it exceptionally well. The photo quality is comparable to that of the Theta Z1, Theta X, and the Insta360 One X4. If you are a virtual tour professional, this is the best 360°camera in this price range.

Ricoh Theta X – The best 360 camera for virtual tours

Price: $799 | Weight: 170g | Dimensions: 147 x 51 x 23mm | Waterproof: No | Resolution of still images: 11008 x 5504 – 60MP | Video resolution: 5.7K@30fps – 4K@60fps | Memory: MicroSD + 46Gb internal | Mounting: Tripod Socket | Battery life: 30 min in video mode – 200 photos

The Ricoh Theta X, released in the first quarter of 2022, is Ricoh’s new 360° camera. It follows the Theta Z1, which has become a reference for creating virtual tours.

The first thing you notice, which denotes its elders, is the presence of a touch screen on the camera. Large and responsive, it allows controlling the device and previewing images/videos without having to connect to the device. 

Also, the battery is now removable, which allows for a simple solution during long work sessions, but we would have liked it to have a larger capacity, 1350 mAh being a bit tight (about 30 minutes of video or 200 photos). As for the storage capacity, the camera finally has a MicroSD slot to complete its internal 46GB memory. These show that Ricoh, which had previously focused on photo quality, makes the Theta X more versatile and better equipped for video. 

The Theta X has two sensors of 1/2 inch each, thanks to this it can take 360° photos with a resolution of 60MP. Overall this gives good-quality photos, which are sharp and dynamic. Indoors, the camera is able to reduce overexposure and capture plenty of detail with auto-HDR mode. On the other hand, the colors can sometimes appear dull and, unlike the Z1, the Theta X does not have a RAW mode to correct these color defects. However, it is possible via the touch screen to manually adjust the bit rate, ISO, shutter delay, and exposure. 

Ricoh has never designed its cameras with video in mind first. That said, this device is now capable of taking videos, 25 min max, in 5.7k@30fps or 4K@60fps. The camera, therefore, aligns on this point with the Insta One X3. On the other hand, the quality of stabilization, unchanged since the Z1, is still below the competition, it’s clear that you will not be able to use the Theta X as an Action Cam. The camera also has an image stitching feature built into the camera. You will not have to recompose them via software afterward: this considerably reduces the processing time. 

The Theta Z1 takes better quality images than the Theta X in terms of looks, thanks to the 1-inch sensors and RAW mode. That said, the workflow to get the best quality images for the Z1 is much longer than for the Theta X; you can get around 80% of the quality with the Theta X in half the time. Honestly, the jpegs output from the Theta X is very good and the RAW will only miss the purist.

In conclusion, the Theta X is an excellent choice for the creation of static virtual tours. The Theta Z1 is capable of outputting slightly higher-quality images but at the cost of a heavier workflow. As a purist, you will prefer the Z1. For others, the Theta X will be an excellent choice.

RICOH THETA Z1: the choice for pro photography

Price: $ 1045 | Weight: 182 g | Dimensions: 133 x 48 x 30 mm | Waterproof: No | Photo resolution: 6720 x 3360 | Video resolution: 4K | Memory: 19 or 51 GB | Mount: Tripod socket | Battery life: Approximately 60 minutes

Released in 2019, the Ricoh Theta Z1 is still competitive in 2024 and deserves its place in our ranking. The camera has since benefited from an update increasing the internal memory from 19Gb to 51Gb in May 2021. In March 2022, Ricoh released the Theta X (tested above), which is a more accessible camera but lacks some functions that the Z1 has. The Theta Z1 is therefore still an option that you can consider in 2024.

The Theta Z1 can capture 23MP (6720 x 3360 px) photos and 4K videos, but the image quality is much greater than these numbers suggest. Thanks to its 1 inch sensors – larger than other 360° cameras – the Z1 shoots high-resolution photos and videos with excellent dynamic range.

No doubt, photo quality is the crowning glory of the Theta Z1. Compared to other 360° cameras, the Z1 produces better raw photos and gives you more control over the exposure. Under low light conditions, it is superior to other models. In fact, we prefer the Z1 over the X, which has a higher resolution on paper, precisely because the Z1 is more reliable in terms of photo rendering, especially in low-light situations.

But the Theta Z1 has one drawback: the price. At $1045, it remains too expensive for most amateurs. Moreover, the camera has not decreased in price since its release five years ago. Logic would have the Z1 be more accessible ($200-$300 less), and we regret that this is not the case.

The Theta Z1 still benefited from an increase in its internal memory (51GB), which suffered from its size (19GB). This equips it slightly better for video, but the camera isn’t waterproof and the stabilization is far from optimal. Overall, like all Ricoh’s, it’s not designed for video and you won’t be able to take good outdoor action shots with it. If you want to use it in this context, we prefer the Insta360 One X4.

If you have the budget and are looking to capture professional 360° photos (e.g., for virtual tours), you may want to consider investing in the Ricoh Theta Z1 or the Theta X. If your top priority is the quality of photography and consistency of output, these cameras remain solid choices in 2024. However, it’s worth noting that we’re disappointed that the price hasn’t changed since its release (5 years ago), which affects their competitiveness against more recent competitors on the market.

Insta360 Flow: The low-cost choice to pair with a smartphone

Price: $146 | Weight: 400g (14.1oz) | Dimensions: Folded = 3.1 x 6.4 x 1.4 in Unfolded = 2.9 x 10.6 x 2.8 in | Waterproof: no | Compatible phone thickness: 0.3 – 0.4 in | Compatible phone width: 2.5 – 3.3 in  | Battery capacity: 2900mAh = approx. 12 hours | Charging Time: 2 hours (5V/2A)

The smartphone stabilizer market is abundant, with the Insta360 Flow emerging in a field initially established by brands like DJI, Zhiyun, and Feiyutech. Despite its competitors’ lead, Insta360 Flow stands out with innovative features, especially its ability to take 360° photos, a first for stabilizers.

In our comparative review of 360° cameras, we’ll focus specifically on this feature. For those interested in other aspects of the device, a more general review can be found here.

Design-wise, the Insta360 Flow is well-crafted, with a simple and effective stabilizer deployment mechanism, and compactness when folded, making it highly portable. The build quality feels robust, capable of withstanding shocks during use or transport. It includes a removable magnetic clamp for quick smartphone attachment.

Setting up is easy, with the option to place it on the ground using the hidden mini-tripod in the handle or on an external tripod via a mounting thread also on the handle. The process takes only a few minutes.

Insta360 Flow creates 360° photos by rotating the smartphone on three axes and taking shots in each direction to cover the entire surrounding area. Like the Trisio Lite 2, it shoots only 360° photos (no 360° videos).

To start capturing, just select the “panoramic” mode in the Insta360 app (available for Android and iOS). Once the shooting process finishes, the app stitches the photos together to form a 360° image, which is then initially saved on the smartphone and can be exported for further editing.

The fundamental difference from other 360° cameras is that photo quality depends on the smartphone’s lens quality. This means the Insta360 Flow’s image quality can improve with smartphone upgrades, without needing a new stabilizer.

We tested the Insta360 Flow with an iPhone 15, which has high-end lenses. To give an idea of the output quality, we compared its results with the Trisio Lite 2, its direct competitor (low budget – 360° photography).

Although not matching the image quality of specialized 360° cameras, the Insta360 Flow remains a suitable option for those with modern smartphones, yielding quality that is suitable for professional scenarios with moderate requirements.

As for battery life, it impresses with its good 12 hours of autonomy, and a bonus feature is its ability to charge your smartphone.

The Insta360 Flow is a cost-effective and multifunctional tool that allows you to capture decent quality 360° photos, provided you have a modern smartphone. However, if you’re constrained by a budget but aspire for higher image quality, we recommend you choose the Trisio lite 2.

GoPro MAX – The camera for outdoor and sportive shooting

Price: $399 | Weight: 115 g | Dimensions: 25 x 64 x 69 mm | Waterproof: Yes | Photo resolution: 18 MP | Video resolution: 5.7K | Memory: MicroSD (not included) | Mount: Tripod socket | Battery life: 85 minutes

If you’re looking to film immersive videos of outdoor adventures or sports escapades, then the GoPro Max remains a viable option in 2024.

The GoPro Max is waterproof down to five meters (16.5 feet) without a case, and the editing workflow through the app is relatively straightforward. If you want to turn your 360° video into a traditional 2D movie – one of the innovations facilitated by 360° cameras – the app’s OverCapture software makes the job easy.

The GoPro Max expands many features of the GoPro Hero 8 Black (its predecessor), including HyperSmooth stabilization and 360° TimeWarp footage. Qualitatively, the photo and video results are slightly poorer than those of other contenders in this ranking. If you want to do 360° photography like virtual tours, we advise you to turn to other models like the Insta360 RS-1inch or the Insta360 One X4.

On the other hand, the GoPro Max is solid and waterproof. Equipped for sports outings, it frees you to capture the drama of the moment without sweating over the direction of the shot or the integrity of your device.

It is still possible to obtain good results with the GoPro Max, which is addressed to sportsmen and outdoor adventurers. For the others, its average quality in low light and its general photo quality – (however correct) – should lead you to another model, like the Inta360 One X3. Indeed, even if the GoPro Max still has cards to play, it does not seem to be a priority for GoPro, which has stopped its development. At the price of new, there is a better investment to make in our opinion.

Xphase pro S2/X2 – Unrivaled photos sharpness, suffers from a heavy workflow

Price: $979 | Weight: 248g | Dimensions: camera diameter = 60mm; handle diameter = 22mm and height = 245mm | Waterproof: No | Photo resolution: 16384 x 8192 (134mp) | Video resolution: None (no video) | Memory: USB removable (32GB included but can be changed)

In 2020, when the Xphase pro S was released, it was the first “one button shoot” 360° camera capable of such high-resolution photos (134 MP = 16K). Thanks to its 25 lenses of 1/3.2 inches mounted on a cylindrical body of 60 mm, the camera has all that it takes to delight virtual tour creators.

However, we were not convinced by the camera from the Chinese firm even if the photo sharpness was unequaled, the Xphase PRO S suffered from too many issues. For example, the dynamic range was average compared to what the Theta Z1 can do; the nadir and zenith suffered from distortions related to stitching issues; the Wi-Fi link between the camera and its application randomly dropped out, etc. 

The good news? In 2024 these major problems have been solved by the release of a new version: the Xphase PRO S2/X2. The colors are much better and we can finally appreciate the incredible sharpness of the 25 stitched shots. Consequently, the new version of this camera has its place in our ranking because it is now unrivaled in terms of photo quality. Indeed, no other camera in the market does a better job in this area. 

That being said, even if a lot of problems have been solved between the two versions, the image editing process is still reserved for experts. The workflow is anything but intuitive, and it will take some time to master the camera effectively. 

Note that the Xphase pro-S2 does not take video. It is also particularly addressed to virtual tour creators. With the camera being quite long to set up, it is not suitable for cases in which you have to take pictures on the spot (selfies, etc.). It is more suitable in situations where you can take your time, typically during the creation of virtual tours. 

The battery allows you to take about 50 photos, which can be not enough in some cases. Therefore, don’t forget to bring an external battery for a prolonged shooting session. The storage is USB based, with a provided 32GB key. It is possible to increase its capacity (be sure to check its compatibility first, because the key is positioned in the handle, and thus has a particular size to fit into it). 

For editing you will also need a high-end computer to process the photos. The output photos are 250Mb each, and the color correction manipulations from software like Photoshop will be greedy in RAM (we recommend 32 to 64 GB of RAM as well as a good graphics card).

It is true, it sounds like a lot of drawbacks. But still, the photo quality of the Xphase PRO S2/X2 is excellent and much sharper than the competition. This remains a great advantage that justifies considering buying it.

The Xphase PRO S2/X2 trades its exceptional resolution for a long and complex workflow. Experts in virtual tour creation should take a closer look at it, but we recommend others to search for a more user-friendly 360° camera.

A few additional models to mention

360° ​​and 3D hybrid models

For 360° shooting, you can ignore these cameras. Their quality doesn’t come close to the standard. But for 3D imaging, consider the Vuze XR, which offers good value for the money.

The best 360 cameras of 2024: Wrapping up!

The Insta360 RS 1-inch maintains its top spot for its versatility and excellent performance in low-light conditions. If you have the budget and want to excel in both video and photography, it’s an excellent choice.

If your budget is tighter but you still want versatility and/or plan on using it for sports, then the Insta360 ONE X4 is your best bet. For a 360 camera geared towards action and within the GoPro ecosystem, also consider the GoPro MAX as a decent option.

For professional use in virtual tours, the Trisio lite 2 stands out with the best value for money. If your budget is even more limited but you have a recent smartphone, the Insta360 Flow can also do a decent job.

Still focusing on virtual tours, consider the Theta X, Z1, and Insta360 RS 1-inch, which are neck and neck in terms of photo quality. Overall, we have a preference for the RS 1-inch, although some purists may prefer the Theta Z1 for its better RAW file editability. Each of the three models has its strengths in detail, but overall, the quality is similar among these three competitors for photo rendering.

Finally, if you’re seeking the utmost sharpness without breaking the bank and are not afraid of complexity, consider the Xphase PRO S2/X2.