There are a number of companies trying to give GoPro a run for its money in the action cam space, including Garmin and even Polaroid with its mini casual offering. With GoPro now offering cams that shoot 4K and even one in the sub $150 range, competitors are going to have to start getting more creative. Previously unveiled and now available for purchase, the new 360 degree Kodak action cam is looking to do just that…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Bgsex2aX0#
The device is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand like many of the currently available action cams, but its unique design allows it to offer “stunning” 360 degree videos with a number of simple options for viewing and shooting. This type of shooting is typically complicated and most importantly, usually requires multiple cameras. The system also allows for a number of user choices to simplify things when it comes to both shooting and editing 360 degree content (30fps) including: “360 degrees Panorama, Front (212 degrees), Split with 180 degrees front and rear views simultaneously, Dome (214 degrees) and Ring/Sphere (360 degrees) modes.” This helps to avoid the sometimes cumbersome and complicated editing process associated with capturing 360 video, making the technology much more user friendly overall. You can take a look at these modes in action above.
Along with being splash proof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof, the SP360 is equipped with motion sensor technology allowing it to begin recording automatically. Otherwise, it is WiFi and NFC enabled allowing for easy remote control and even remote viewing from up to 65 feet away via iOS and Android. It has a 16MP image sensor to capture high-resolution stills and HD video, supports a microSDHC memory card up to 32GB (not included), and comes with a Li-ion battery, battery charger, AC adapter, micro USB cable, clear plastic lens cover, protective lens cover, carrying case and cleaning cloth.
The system also includes free, “de-warping” Mac/PC editing software that allows users to choose from a number of viewing angles with pan and tilt controls after the footage has been shot, along with still image capturing and more.
The new SP360 will come in 3 variations from the get go: the entry-level Explorer Bundle for $349, the watersports focused Aqua bundle for $349 and the Extreme Accessories bundle for $399. The Extreme bundles comes with a “bar mount for handle-bars, flat adhesive mount for skate or paddle board, curved adhesive mount head strap, helmet mounts, surfboard adhesive mount, suction cup mount, extended arms,” and more. According to the site, the cams are available at Walmart, RadioShack and Newegg, but it appears that only the Aqua version is available so far.
There is also a smaller Kodak SP1 with Explorer Pack Water/Shock/Freeze/Dust Proof Digital Action Camera for those that don’t need the 360 options currently available for $199.
Full press release below:
[9to5-press-release]
New Kodak PIXPRO SP360 Action Cam Redefines 360 Degrees HD Video And Panoramic Photography With A Single, Compact And Personal Device
SP360 Action Cam Immerses Users in their passion and takes portable HD video cameras to the next level
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — JK Imaging, Ltd., the worldwide licensee for KODAK PIXPRO Digital Cameras and Devices, announced today its new SP360 Action Cam. This game-changing, innovative and highly portable device is designed to capture stunning 360 degrees HD videos and fully immersive images all in one shot and without the need for multiple cameras and devices.
The SP360 Action Cam is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and sports a unique, dome-shaped fixed lens that captures stunning 360 degrees HD videos (30fps) that can be shot and viewed from multiple vantage points including: 360 degrees Panorama, Front (212 degrees), Split with 180 degrees front and rear views simultaneously, Dome (214 degrees) and Ring/Sphere (360 degrees) modes.
Until now, 360 degrees panoramic photography required most users to possess some advanced techniques, specialized equipment, editing software to stitch content together and most importantly, the need for multiple cameras. “The SP360 Action Cam revolutionizes this sometimes cumbersome process and streamlines what really matters, capturing users not only doing what they love, but them engulfed in doing it,” said Mike Hackett, executive vice president of JK Imaging, Ltd.
The SP360 Action Cam goes beyond just capturing fully immersive 360 degrees HD video and adds a new level of interactivity with free, de-warping app software included for Mac or PC based systems, that allows owners to edit their content post capture. Once the HD video is downloaded from the SP360 to a computer, users have the ability to pan and select a multitude of viewing angles (including: top, left and right) and save them as new video files. Users can also select individual frames from different viewing perspectives in the HD video and save them as hi-resolution still photos for even more creative ways to capture and share their passions and experiences.
For even more flexibility, the SP360 is equipped with a motion sensor setting to automatically trigger recording when it detects movement, especially helpful for hands-free activities. The SP360 Action Cam is Wi-Fi® enabled and allows quick connection to a smart phone, smart device or personal computer (iOS™ 6, Android™ 4.0, Mac™ OS X10.9, or Windows™ 8/7 systems or higher) to act as an additional method of remote control or for viewing the content the user is shooting from up to 65 feet away. The SP360 uses the free PIXPRO SP360 iOS or Android-based App available in Apple’s iTunes and Google Play stores now.
The KODAK PIXPRO SP360 Action Cam is splash proof, freezeproof (-10 degrees c), shockproof (2m), and dustproof. It is compatible with a microSDHC memory card, Class 6 or higher and up to 32GB capacity (memory card sold separately). The SP360 Action Cam comes with: a rechargeable Li-ion battery, battery charger, AC adapter, Micro USB cable, clear plastic lens cover, protective lens cover, carrying case and cleaning cloth.
The SP360 weighs only 3.63 ounces (103g) and is sold with 3 different accessory bundles so users can take the action cam on the go depending on their activity or adventures. The Explorer bundle for entry-level (MSRP US$349), the Aqua bundle for watersports (MSRP US$349) and the Extreme Accessories bundle (MSRP US$399) which includes: bar mount for multiple mounting options such as handle-bars; flat adhesive mount for skate or paddle board; curved adhesive mount head strap; helmet mounts; surfboard adhesive mount; suction cup mount; extended arms; quick clip; tethers; clear standard mount housing and clear waterproof housing.
For product availability and more information, please visit: www.kodakpixpro.com
[/9to5-press-release]
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