Tips for Capturing 360° Content

This section includes advice on topics such as optimal camera position and post-processing your footage.

Use the Timer

When capturing 360° footage, your camera will capture viewpoints from all angles. If you do not want to be captured, most cameras have a timer function, which will allow you time to leave the scene. You may be able to switch this function on from the camera directly or you may be able to control the camera from a downloaded app.

Use a Tripod

The use of a tripod is extremely helpful when capturing 360° content. Tripods can improve your content in the following ways:

  1. Using a tripod helps you keep your camera stable. This helps to keep your horizon line level, which is particularly important when filming.
  2. A tripod can help you to place your camera at eye level. Eye-level footage will feel more natural to the audience than something captured at a different height.

A range of tripods is available for loan at the ABP Loans Desk.

Shooting Distance

If you are trying to create a seamless journey you will need to keep the points you are capturing close together. Your audience can become disorientated if they move between points that are too far apart or with no visual connection. Aim to keep your photographing/filming points between 3-7 metres apart. Make sure to keep your capture points close within areas that have a busy foreground, lower ceiling or sharp turns, as they are especially disorientating.

Image and Video Resolution

Due to the processes required to make 360° footage (stitching, distortion, and flattening) some degradation is to be expected to the quality of the footage.

Interior shots may also be tricky due to the lower quality of light. If you experience issues capturing content indoors, try to play with the manual modes and shutter speeds to make sure you are capturing the best picture possible.

If you would like some more information on the relationship between resolution and 360° cameras, you may find the following resources helpful:

Post-Processing

Post-processing can occur in any footage post-production software. Post-processing can be helpful when wanting to enhance footage or remove unwanted items. We recommend using the Adobe Creative Suite to post-process (Photoshop for images and Premiere Pro, After Effects for video).

The BEL+T Micro Studio contains a designated editing/processing computer with relevant programs installed. Please contact abp-belt@unimelb.edu.au if you would like to use this computer or enquire further.