Comparison between 360° and 180° videos
3d VR 360° VIDEOPRODUCTION
What are 360° and 180° videos?
Both 360° and 180° videos offer an immersive viewing experience that allows the viewer to look around in a virtual environment. However, they differ fundamentally in the way they work and how they are used.
360° videos capture a complete all-round view (360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically). They can be produced with or without a 3D effect. The viewer can look around freely in all directions – whether with VR glasses such as the Metaquest 3 or the Apple Vision Pro, on a smartphone or using drag-and-drop movements on a PC. However, the 3D effect is only visible via VR glasses.
180° videos only cover the front half of a room, 180 degrees horizontally and usually 90 to 180 degrees vertically. The viewer can move around in this limited environment, but cannot look behind him/her. The 3D effect is always available, but can only be experienced using VR glasses.
360° vs. 180°
Differences in use
Ranges of use for 360° videos:
Virtual tours: Perfect for real estate, hotels, museums or company presentations to show a complete environment.
Event and experience footage: Festivals, sporting events or concerts can be captured immersively.
E-Learning and training: Simulations in industry, training for medical professionals or interactive learning content benefit from the panoramic view.
Marketing and advertising: Brands can take their audience on an immersive journey, for example during product presentations.
Ranges of use for 180° videos:
VR content with a targeted focus: 180° videos are often used for virtual reality (VR) experiences where the user should not be distracted.
Education and training: Medical training or technical tutorials benefit from the fact that the user only has to concentrate on the essentials.
Cost-efficient alternatives: For companies with a limited budget, 180° is an affordable way to produce immersive content.
360° vs. 180°
Differences in production and costs
Production costs vary greatly depending on the format selected.
Costs for 360° videos
Special cameras with several lenses or a setup with several cameras are required.
Higher post-production requirements (stitching of individual images, more complex color correction, larger data volumes).
Higher memory requirements and longer render times.
Interactive content or animations require additional budget.
Costs for 180° videos
Less expensive to produce, as fewer cameras or simpler 180° VR cameras can be used.
Less time-consuming post-processing as stitching is not necessary.
Shorter render times and lower memory requirements.
Often faster workflow when creating VR content.
IT DEPENDS
360° or 180° – when is which format useful?
Anyone who wants to present a complete environment (e.g. hotels, real estate, events) and has a larger production budget should rely on 360° videos. Only two high-quality cameras are suitable for the highest 3D quality in this format: the Meta Four and the Kandao Obsidian Pro.
If you want to provide a focused, immersive view (e.g. for product presentations or training courses) 180° videos are the better choice. This allows you to keep control of the audience’s line of vision at all times. Canon has launched the Canon EOS VR system, an outstanding solution for creating professional VR 180° videos.
Budget and production costs play a decisive role. 180° videos are cheaper and easier to create, while 360° videos are more complex but more versatile. Both formats have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice depends on the goal being pursued and how deeply the viewer is to be immersed in the virtual world.
Get advice!
Are you uncertain whether a 360° or 180° video is better suited to your project?
I would be happy to advise you individually on the possibilities and work with you to find the ideal solution – tailored to your requirements and budget. Contact me without obligation and let’s bring your project to life together!
