What to Look for When Buying a 360 Video Conference Camera

Today's businesses are using video in unique ways to connect with potential customers and keep in touch with customers on a personal level. Businesses are using a 360 video conference camera to make their businesses stand out from their competitors and potential customers are using a 360 conference camera to learn more about a business before deciding if they want to buy from that business. It's undeniable that video conferencing is an essential part of any business's strategy. Businesses that want to make themselves effective are looking to invest in a 360 conference camera per meeting room.

If you are looking to get started with your video meeting strategy, you'll want to make sure you have the right equipment. Buying the right technology can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

This guide covers everything from types of 360 conference cameras to software and device compatibility. Read on to learn more about the different options and choose the right one for your company.

What is a 360 Video Conference Camera?

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A 360 video conference camera is a professional conference camera that is capable of shooting circular video, or "360 videos" and displays them as a panorama. 360 conference cameras are usually spherical cameras, so they can shoot footage in all directions at once. The result is a panoramic or "wraparound" video that lets you record or stream any activity that is fit for a spherical video-meaning anything that isn't directly in front of the camera. 360 conference cameras can be used for meetings, interviews, hybrid classes, and business presentations.

Types of 360 Conference Cameras

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There are many different types of 360 conference cameras, and it can be hard to decide which one to buy. Here are some of the most popular models:

Standalone 360 Conference Cameras: Most standalone 360 conference cameras are designed to be used with a separate device to record or live stream video conferences. This device can range from a smartphone app to a dedicated hardware device.
Handheld 360 Cameras: On the opposite end of the spectrum from standalone 360 conference cameras are handheld cameras. These cameras are designed to be used by a designated user such as a meeting director rather than being used as a tool for a third party.
Cameras for VR: Virtual reality is another popular application for 360 video conferencing, and some cameras are specifically designed for VR use.

Software for 360 Videos and Video Conferencing

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While a 360 video camera is a great tool for creating spherical videos, it's important to have the right tools to edit the recorded footage or live stream a live meeting online. Luckily, there are many different software solutions available. Here are some of the most popular solutions:

Paid Solutions: Many professional video solutions are only available as paid products. These platforms assure high-quality footage every time. Lifesize offers 4K video conferencing quality (with the right hardware, of course). Zoom Rooms and Teams Rooms also offer paid subscriptions partnered with the hardware you pay through your monthly or annual subscription. However, there are a few exceptions. Adobe's flagship product, Premiere Pro, is a paid solution for VR and recorded 360 videos.
Free Solutions: Although many professional video conferencing solutions are only available as freemium products, there are a few free options as well. Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams have free options for individuals. For recorded materials, Samsung's 360 Video Editor is a free non-linear video editor for VR and 360 video conferences.

What are the best 360 Conference Cameras for Business?

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When it comes to choosing the best 360 conference cameras for business, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. The first is price. Although every type of 360 camera has its own unique features, the price will vary based on those features--so, price shouldn't be the only deciding factor when choosing the best 360 conference cameras for your business.

The next factor to consider is performance. This is especially important if you'll be using the camera for other applications besides meetings. Online team collaboration, exhibitions, demos, and live feed of the office are other use cases for businesses. To test how a camera performs, we use the following criteria:

Resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the picture--but keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the larger the file size (if recorded or asynchronous) or bandwidth requirement (if synchronous) will be.
FPS: The more FPS (frames per second), the smoother the video will appear.
Innovative features: group framing, speaker tracking, person tracking, smart gallery, gesture recognition, and powerful optical zooms are some features of modern video conference cameras of today. They can go hand-in-hand with your free or premium video conference platform subscriptions.
Connectivity: Some cameras are designed to be tethered to a smartphone or tablet via a USB cable, so you can monitor where the video conference camera is connected. Although more convenient, BlueTooth and WiFi conncections are less secure for meetings. Private meetings are better off with USB-only huddle cameras.

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An Excellent Choice for Your Multiple Needs

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The Coolpo AI Huddle Pana has all the advantages a company needs: meeting security, enterprise-grade hardware, innovative features, etc. Its AI-based features include:

360-degree panoramic view
Voice pickup of up to 15ft in any direction.
Dual positioning technology through sound and visuals
All surround speaker
Plug-and-play hassle-free meetings
Automatic framing and positioning of active participants

With Pana, you can have a face-to-face experience without having to travel. Body language, facial expressions, and human voices should be seen and heard clearly every time.

Conclusion

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Buying a 360 conference camera is a smart business investment. It allows remote participants to feel they are in the same room. Huddle videos offered by the Coolpo AI Huddle Pana are perfect for small- to medium-sized meeting rooms or classrooms. With the right mix of technology, you can achieve good video resolution, connectivity, and clarity for an immersive video conference experience. If you do not have one yet, the best way to show that everybody deserves a spotlight is to have a 360 video conference camera in your meeting room. Your online collaboration will never be the same again!