What is a 360-degree video / image?

• A 360-degree video/image is one that is recorded in all directions, giving you a 360-degree view. When watching these videos or looking at these photos you are able to look around you anywhere you want. In order to film 360-degree video or take 360-degree photos, you must have access to a 360-degree camera.
• This walk-through of a carnival is a great example of a 360-degree video that takes advantage of what filming in this medium can offer. While the video is playing, pan around in the video to look around!
• Some pros of 360-degree video and photo compared to regular video/photo:
• can show multiple angles of view,
• gives the viewer agency over what they look at,
• can make the viewer feel immersed in the setting
• Some cons of 360-degree photo/video:
• images contain stitch lines where the lens images are put together by the camera
• the viewer can look wherever they want, which is not necessarily where you want them to look
• Viewers can feel physically uncomfortable (nauseous, etc) when watching longer 360-degree videos

How do I get started with 360-degree photo creation?

Classroom Services has 360-degree cameras best suited to still 360-degree photography, and can partner with you to put together a 360-degree photo tour to meet your course needs.

• Check out this example of a 360-degree photo tour of Hillman Library!

Want to do it yourself? Check out Everything you need to know to take and use your own 360-degree photos.

How do I get started with 360-degree video creation?

Open Lab has 360-degree cameras best suited to recording 360-degree video, and will train you how to use them and lend them to you. You can create asynchronous videos or stream synchronous video!

1. First, complete the Open Lab’s two online learning modules about 360-degree video and the Garmin VIRB 360. You will learn the basics of making a good 360-degree video and how to use and take care of the Garmin VIRB 360 camera. Make sure you fill out the form at the end to notify the team that you’ve completed your training.
2. Contact Open Lab with any questions you have about creating your 360-degree video!

What equipment do I need to watch 360-degree video?

You can watch 360-degree video (or explore 360-degree images) using a wide variety of equipment.

• You can watch on a computer, using your cursor to pan around the video as it plays.
• You can watch on a tablet or smartphone, moving your screen around to different angles to look around inside the video as it plays.
• You can watch on a cardboard viewer with your smartphone inside, making it into a set of goggles that you can hold up to your eyes. These are approximately $10 each, so are very affordable. If you need a set for your students to use for course purposes, Open Lab can provide them.
• You can watch on a Virtual Reality headset if you have one, such as an Oculus Rift or an Oculus Quest. You can use a VR headset at Open Lab @ Hillman.

There are lots of 360-degree videos available online featuring all sorts of places and covering all sorts of topics, even if you don’t want to make your own. Simply search for “360 video [subject keywords]”.