How to Capture High-quality 360° Pictures with DSLR Equipment
360-degree photos have been used across a range of industries with the advent of 360-degree cameras in the last couple of years. From tourism to construction, the advent of 360-degree photos has given viewers a different immersive experience.
The process of creating a virtual tour begins with a 360º photograph. The image is generated by stitching photos together through software to produce a spherical view. We now have affordable alternatives to producing such imagery, including specialized 360º cameras like Ricoh Theta V and mobile phone camera attachments from Insta360. The quality of these cameras has improved rapidly in recent years but still lags behind traditional DSLR cameras. The majority of professionals still use DSLR cameras, and for a good reason.
Businesses have realized how effective high-quality photos can be at attracting buyers. The use of 360° pictures in creating virtual tours has become a staple in the real estate industry in order to keep a competitive edge. In the past, sellers were reliant on their own photos, but in today’s cutthroat, dog-eat-dog society, low-quality pictures just don’t do the trick anymore. This new trend means that buyers demand more than flat 2D photos of properties, thus the significance of adopting this new technology today.
The following SIX types of equipment must be used to capture high-quality 360-degree photos on a DSLR camera.
1) DSLR Camera
You can buy any camera to take good photos, but to achieve optimal results, we recommend you use a DSLR camera. DSLRs eliminate the hassle of taking many photos because you are not free to change lenses as often as you would with digital compact cameras since they cannot switch lenses. They increase your workflow since fewer photos are needed.
Camera suggestion:
Mirrorless: Sony: Alpha A7R2 DSLR: Canon: EOS 5d Mark IV EOS 5d Mark III, Nikon: D810, D750, D800
2) Lens
The camera lens has a great impact on image quality. The better the lens, the better the image created. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image, however the higher the number of dots per inch, the more memory required, resulting in a slower computer speed when processing photos. Please remember that resolution only describes how much detail a lens is capable of capturing. Resolution is determined primarily by the sensor, so changing the lens does not change it.
Theoretically, you can use any lens on a DSLR camera body, but you may need to take more pictures based on the camera lens you use. The fisheye lens is recommended for reducing the amount of time it takes to shoot a photo. It has a broader angle of view, which allows it to cover more areas in a photograph.
Recommendation for lenses:
Nikon: Fisheye Nikon ED 10.5mm F2.8G, Sigma: 8mm F3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye, Samyang: 8mm F3.5 UMC Fisheye II, Canon: EF 8–15mm F4L Fisheye USM
3) Ball Head
In addition, a ball head is also a good idea for maintaining camera level and providing more stable rotation when taking photos. If you are using only a tripod on an uneven surface, you will need to adjust all three legs to keep the camera perpendicular to the ground. It is at this point that a ball head comes in handy. You can just adjust the camera to get an even position.
Ball Head Recommendation:
Gitzo GT2542, Manfrotto 190Xpro
4) Rotator
A tripod-mounted rotator, also known as a panoramic head or panorama head, enables photographers to take panoramas at NPP (No-Parallel Point, found between shots). You can obtain a seamless panoramic image by fixing its NPP, which is known as a nodal point. Failure to do so will result in stitching errors.
Rotator suggestion: Fanotec
5) Tripod
When you use a tripod, you are stabilizing your shots by supporting the weight of your camera. This makes it easier to achieve smooth results when you pan across scenes. Whenever the camera is secure on a tripod, you can get clear and sharp images that are otherwise difficult to achieve when the camera is held by hand. A tripod is of particular use in low light conditions as it prevents blur when photos are taken at slow shutter speeds.
Tripod Recommendation: Markins Q10i-Q Photo Clam PRO-42NS
6) Remote shutter release
The remote shutter release is one of the least expensive accessories, but it is essential for sharp photos. If you manually press the shutter button when you shoot, the camera is more likely to shake. The remote makes it possible to take crisp and sharp pictures without touching the camera, thereby ensuring crisp and sharp images.
Remote Shutter Release Recommendation: SMDV RFN-4, Pixel RW-221
To achieve perfect photography, one cannot solely rely on expensive equipment. A combination of the right tools and knowledge is what will bring you closer to your desired results. Both amateurs and professionals without the required equipment can accomplish many things as long as they are aware of their limitations and know how to overcome them.
