10 Best 360 Panoramic Cameras 2025 in the United States

The RICOH THETA Z1 51GB Black 360° camera stands out with its robust 23MP image resolution and 4K video capabilities, ensuring high-quality images and smooth video capture. Its dual 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensors and advanced lens system work together to reduce ghosting, flare, and fringing, thus enhancing image clarity and precision. The 51GB internal memory offers substantial storage, accommodating approximately 6350 JPEG photos or 110 minutes of 4K video, which is significantly larger than many competitors in this category.

Enhanced HDR processing is particularly beneficial for scenarios with varying lighting conditions, making it ideal for real estate photography and virtual tours. Additionally, the camera supports high-speed wireless transfers and USB 3.0 (Type-C) connectivity for efficient data transfer. Ease of use is another strong point, with straightforward controls and support for RAW development via Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC and stitching with the RICOH THETA Stitcher plug-in.

Despite its many strengths, the camera has a few drawbacks. It isn't water-resistant, limiting its use in certain environments. Additionally, while the build quality using magnesium alloy provides durability, the camera is not as rugged as some other models that offer water and dust resistance. The RICOH THETA Z1 51GB is well-suited for users seeking high-quality images and video for virtual tours, real estate, and immersive content creation, though those needing extreme durability might find it wanting.

The Insta360 GO 3S is a tiny, lightweight 360-panoramic camera designed for vlogging and hands-free point of view (POV) shooting. It captures high-quality 4K footage with a new wide-angle lens, offering a great field of view with less distortion. The camera's FlowState Stabilization ensures smooth and level videos, even in action-heavy scenarios. It is waterproof up to 10 meters, with the option to go as deep as 60 meters using the Dive Case, making it ideal for underwater photography as well.

The 140-minute battery life is impressive, and the Action Pod allows for live previews and remote control, enhancing usability. The Insta360 GO 3S is also very durable and designed to be mounted anywhere thanks to its magnetic design and various accessories provided in the box. AI Editing simplifies the post-processing, making it easy to create shareable content.

On the downside, the camera relies on internal storage, which might be limiting for some users, and while it is highly portable, its small size could be a disadvantage for those who prefer larger, easier-to-handle devices. Additionally, the touchscreen on the Action Pod, while useful, is a bit small at 2.2 inches. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Insta360 GO 3S is a powerful, versatile camera suitable for vloggers, adventurers, and anyone looking to capture dynamic, high-quality footage on the go.

The Insta360 X4 Standard Bundle stands out in the 360-panoramic camera category with its impressive 8K video resolution, ensuring highly detailed and immersive footage. The camera offers flexible frame rate options, including 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at 60fps, catering to various filming needs. One of its unique features is the invisible selfie stick effect, which removes obstructions from your shots, creating a seamless, drone-like perspective.

The FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock provide ultra-stable footage, even during intense action scenes, making it a reliable choice for adventure enthusiasts. The battery life is commendable, offering up to 135 minutes of recording time and supporting fast charging, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Insta360 X3. Storage-wise, it supports micro SD cards, which align with common user needs for expandable storage. The build quality is rugged, with cold resistance and waterproof capabilities up to 33ft without additional housing, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions.

The 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen is durable and offers an intuitive user interface. The AI-powered app simplifies post-processing with easy reframing options, enhancing user convenience. However, the need for a separate purchase for the Invisible Dive Case for deeper underwater activities might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, while the camera is packed with advanced features, it may have a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with 360° cameras. In essence, the Insta360 X4 is ideal for users seeking high-quality, stable, and immersive 360° video content, especially those who enjoy outdoor and action-filled activities.