It’s also more expensive, larger and heavier than the Insta360 X4.
Video can be captured in a standard 8-bit Rec.
709 profile or in 10-bit Rec.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
2020 (HLG), with LUT support available in QooCam Studio.
The camera is listed at USD$699 for Australian visitors to the Kandao website.
A selfie stick in the kit would be preferable because these are essential for 360-degree cameras.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Of course, this wasn’t continuous use, but in real-world terms, I wasn’t disappointed.
8K video is oversampled to improve image quality.
Although, with 360-degree cameras what you get predominantly comes down to reframing video in software.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Sound is massively improved, and is the way it should be, once videos have been exported.
One point to note here is that you cant actually reframe Single Lens videos because the viewpoint is fixed.
Color profiles available include 8-bit Rec.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
709 for in-camera processed footage or 10-bit Rec.
2020 (HLG).
This is perfectly adequate and provides a quick and easy way to assess exposure.
Video looks fine because you’re forced into capturing in 10-bit Rec.
2020 (HLG) which is a flat profile and offers greater dynamic range.
This process hasnt been improved since the QooCam 3, and it could and should be much more streamlined.
ISO 1600 is much more useable, but shooting at the lowest possible ISO is always preferable.
Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: testing scorecard
Should I buy the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra?
For some this wont be an issue, but smaller and lighter will be attractive for more action-oriented activities.
Approaching 360-degree image capture is extremely similar to, yet wildly different to capturing standard photos and videos.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
(Image credit: James Abbott)
