YI 360 VR Dual-Lens 5.7K HI Resolution Panoramic Camera With Electronic Image Stabilization, 4K In-Camera Stitching

I love the OIS feature (stabilization) as half my uses for the camera would be impossible otherwise (I'm not mounting a gimbal AND this camera to my drone!). The "optical flow" stitching is also much better to handle parallax than other software does, such as Samsung Gear VR (I spent a long time compensating for this using some crazy Adobe After Effects editing, since giving people double-vision is not good watching the concert master's (1st violin) bow).The 5.7k resolution is great to have, but my computer still struggles with it (and YouTube isn't optimized well enough above 4K to not lag up a storm). Adobe Creative Cloud software also bottlenecks HARD the moment you use a VR effect (e.g. VR Rotate Sphere) because of shoddy hardware acceleration (it took me >50 hours to render a 1 hour video on a Ryzen 1800X and nVidio 980TI in 5.7k without doing anything special).The USB audio adapter cable is pretty pointless IMO because it doesn't even connect to my H2n for ambisonics, and since it uses the USB port, it also prevents external power supply use. A big use case for me is recording and streaming classical musical concerts, for which the USB microphone adapter cable is 100% useless since the battery would die way too soon.A note about streaming: I can stream at the max quality (6 Mbps I think) using a mobile hotspot and burn through 8GB of data in about 154 minutes (by my calculations it should take 3 hours for 8 GB at 6 Mbps; not too far off). Also, you can't use scheduled YouTube live streams because there is nowhere to input the stream ID to use in the smartphone app.The second biggest negative is the smartphone app's image settings, which caused me to fail a recording because the preview image would not update with the new setting (me: "let's use the minimum ISO because less color noise!" result: unusable dark video). Make sure to toggle back and forth between a couple different screens to make it refresh. Also, for whatever reason, it now keeps defaulting the exposure setting to -2 eV which is really annoying.The biggest negative is how the camera firmware handles data corruption. BEWARE that if you try to stream over a wifi network that redirects to a terms of use page (or when your data plan is gone and you get redirected to the "out of data" notification page) that it really screws with the camera, requiring a purge (read: reformat) of the microSD card (probably the database file is corrupted). The symptoms include: 1) A REALLY long save time after taking a video or picture, or 2) the camera turning off immediately after powering on. I've also had it tell me 3) the sd card is too slow (of course, after starting recording and taking off on a drone to realize half an hour later nothing was recorded).A surprising positive is that it went for a dozen minutes underwater on accident last night and seems to be working just fine today after spending the night sitting on top of a dehumidifier. It remains to be seen if it will continue working however.One final negative is the stitching software that 1) does not support display scaling (super tiny UI on a dense 4k monitor) and 2) makes you individually set stitch settings per file (it splits files every 4 minutes in 5.7k (the splitting is perfect however with no gaps or double frames)), and 3) OIS stabilization across split video files requires manual reorientation of subsequent files so they all line up. It also takes a LONG time to stitch 5.7k at max quality, and only uses up to 8 CPU threads (but I won't fault it on that).

Update:I have had to update this review to reflect the fact that not only has Yi long abandoned this camera, it also appears to have been a one and done in the company's one and done venture into consumer 360 video. I now own the insta360 One X and whereas the video quality is not a substantial upgrade, the software and app are incredibly better. I can now stitch 360 video in 5.7k without the frustration of software failure and the Freemotion feature has unleashed creativity. True 5.7k 360 video at $150 is a good deal, but I cannot continue to recommend purchasing a new product that has essentially been discontinued and no longer supported by its manufacturer well before it arrives at your door.Original review:Having been extremely satisfied with the performance to cost ratio of my Yi 4K action cam relative to its chief competitors, I had been anxiously awaiting the release of the company’s 360 degree offering and it has not disappointed. No, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the GoPro Fusion or Garmin Virb, but when it comes to the fundamental nature of a cameras intended purpose recording 360 video and capturing 360 photos it easily matches the performance of them despite the $300 lower price tag.Pros:*Excellent video quality in 5.7K setting*Good video quality in 4K setting*Stitching line is nearly imperceptible and easy using the companion Windows software*Uses same batteries as Yi 4K, extras are relatively cheap*Expandable storage up to 128GB (the 32GB Ricoh Theta V will quickly fill up)*Only require one MicroSD card (unlike GoPro Fusion)*Great low light performance relative to other 360 cameras*Strong WIFI performance*Digital stabilization provided by recent firmware works great*Solid build quality with rubber like feel for better grip*Includes surprisingly good quality mini tripod that the selfie stick can attach to extending the height*Includes nice pouch providing adequate protection from scratches while in a pocketMeh:*Good 360 photo quality relative to other 5.2K cameras, but inferior to cheaper offerings like Theta and Xiaomi Mi Sphere)*Average battery life (specs are accurate ~40 minutes in 5.7K and an hour in 4K)*2.5K live streaming to Facebook and YouTube (if your into that sorta thing)*Doesn’t have a feature like Fusion’s Overcapture, but can easily be replicated if not better with 3rd party video editing softwareCons:*In-camera stitching limited to 4K and mediocre in quality*Requires costly class 3 Micro SD cards to record smoothly in 5.7K*Lacks sensors like GPS, accelerometer, barometer*Not water resistant*Not shock proof*Voice controls are nearly useless, you have to be right by the camera to workOverall:This is undeniably the best value 360 camera currently on the market with video quality rivaling, if not surpassing, those that cost twice as much. This doesn’t mean it is the best camera choice for everyone interested in 360. To benefit from 5.2K and over cameras you really need to have a computer with a minimum of recent generation i5 processor and dedicated graphics card to reasonably run stitching software on highest resolution videos necessary to take advantage of the superior video quality offered. Additionally, 5.7K videos eats up a lot of space. We’re talking about a GB per minute of recording, so plan on buying some external hard drives. Sure, you can just record in 4K and playback on your phone without any of the hassle, but if convenience is your main priority then save money going with the Insta360 One 4K or Xiaomi Mi Sphere. The current crop of higher resolution cameras also emphasize video over photo and slightly inferior to cheaper cameras like the Ricoh Theta S or Xiaomi Mi Sphere capturing photos, so I’d recommend looking at those if you’re more into 360 photos. When compared to it’s main competitors, I consider the Yi 360 VR as the lifestyle/family cam of the bunch rather than an action cam. The shockproof, waterproof and oodles of sensors offered by the likes of the GoPro Fusion and Garmin Virb are far better suited to match the demands of the adrenaline junkies out there. However, if you want to best relive your Disney vacation, capture all the kids opening their Christmas presents at once, post an online walkthrough of a home your selling…etc., then you won’t find a product that does it better within an $800 price range.

The media could not be loaded.  I want to rate this higher, but the lack of Mac stitching software really is a huge drawback. Additionally when stitching in camera there’s a very pronounced stitch line as if the two camera lenses are slightly out of alignment. Image quality is decent, with the biggest drawbacks being signigfigant flaring that can cover a whole lens, not extending to the opposite lens, resulting in a very defined hard line at the stitch. Chromatic aberration is also an issue. Optically the Ricoh Theta S is better, but doesn’t have as high of resolution as this. Also, it’s low light performance isn’t anything to brag about. The advertised stabilizing doesn’t happen while the footage is shot, but is added afterward using the app or desktop software, which borders on being false advertising as this camera doesn’t stabilize its footage at all, software does it. Ultimately, I wish I would have spent a little more and got the better Garmin Virb.I almost returned it, but decided that for my uses, it is good enough. I use it with a gimbal and mount it to drones and rc cars mostly. In my video practice 360 video is still only a kitchy gag.

Picture quality was decent (used for Virtual Tours) but began overheating during second week of ownership. YI have also removed virtually all support for this model from their website (no firmware updates, FAQs, etc).

I own a Samsung Gear 360 (2017), Mi Sphere, Garmin Virb 360 and now this awesome device. I had 5 hours of running time with the Yi 360 and I will say that this will be my prime 360 cam before the Garmin Virb. It takes really nice photos and videos specially at 5.7k. You will need a high-end PC graphics to stitch the 5.7k videos FAST and I am using a Titan X to do it which takes a 5 min. video to be stitched in less than 16 minutes. For the average user the 4k video and stitched in-camera is enough to say wow. Build quality of the camera is great and does not look cheap. Compare the video and photo quality of this with the Samsung gear 360 (2017) it is light years away, Mi sphere is getting there, Garmin I will say almost equal but the simplicity of use makes the Yi 360 win hands down. If you are not into extreme environments and not really a "action person" then the Yi 360 is the one to get but if you need to go for any water adventures then stick with the Garmin Virb 360.I would suggest to get the Yi selfie stick as the remote is awesome or get at least the remote and create your own selfie stick contraption (I made one using a DSLR selfie stick and custom 3D printed a remote holder and lipstick battery charger to be attached below the camera-you will see it on the attached photo). The only thing I hate is that when you connect the phone with the camera you cannot use the remote and will require a restart of the camera. I wish it had the same function as the samsung gear 360 as you can control the camera with the remote even if it is connected to the phone. Maybe a future firmware update will solve this. Also get yourself some Yi Batteries as you will have some fun with this camera. Another pet peeve I have is that when you are using a external battery to power the Yi there is no way to position the battery/ SD card port cover without it being shown on the pictures/videos. I am tempted to cut-off the battery cover to solve this but this makes me think twice as I do not want to physically modify a new camera. I would prefer to see the ports exposed like the other Yi cameras as it is not waterproof or dust proof anyway then just have the battery port covered.When Yi or a third party creates a waterproof case for this camera it will make the virb 360 a run for it's money.

Diese Kamera hat meiner Meinung nach in Preis-Leistung keine Konkurrenz. Alle Vergleichbaren Cams wie Gopro MAX, Insta 360 One X, etc. liegen im deutlich höheren Preissegment. Die Software ist etwas einfacher gehalten. Damit hatten wohl manche Probleme. Ich kann das aber nicht behaupten. Sowohl die IOS-APP als auch die Desktop-Software auf Windows 10 laufen Problemlos.Ich hatte die Kamera zunächst hier über Amazon für 178€ gekauft. Habe sie dann aber zurückgegeben und Online bei einem anderen Händler nochmals 50€ günstiger erstanden. Das war natürlich unschlagbar. Aber selbst die 178€ sind es Wert. Es gibt allerdings leider kein "Actionzubehör dafür. Wer die Cam im Skatepark durch die Gegend werfen will oder mit ihr abtauchen will, sollte besser doch auf ein anderes Modell gehen, für das es passendes Zubehör gibt.Die Haptik der Kamera ist ebenfalls meiner Meinung nach sehr wertig. Das Gehäuse ist schlicht und einfach gehalten. Ein Ministativ und ein Schutzbeutel sind im Lieferumfang enthalten. Bei der Ware von Amazon war ein Kunsstoffstaiv dabei, welches OK war. Bei der von dem anderen Lieferanten war ein sehr wertiges Aluminiumstativ dabei.Ersatzakkus gibt es hier bei Amazon auch sehr günstig mit Mehrfachladecase. Also für relativ kleines Geld startklar für 360°-Videos und Fotos.Das Foto ist ist unter einer Mavic 2 Pro montiert entstanden. Darauf sieht man schön den Helligkeitsunterschied beim Stitching von der Sonnenzugewandten Seite zur abgewandten Seite. Da könnte der Automatische Abgleich etwas besser sein.Alles in allem eine tolle preisgünstige Kamera, welche für Hobbyanwendungen absolut ausreicht.Wer mehr für andere bezahlt bekommt auch ein bißchen mehr. Aber nicht in der Relation was den Preis angeht.

El producto es el descrito y la entrega rápida. Me ha gustado lo fluido y rapido que sube los videos a youtube desde el movil, es mas rapido que desde el ordenador. La calidad de imagen a 5 y 5,7K es excelente, la facilidad para hacer videos sorprende, pues la cámara lo hace todo y no tienes que coser los margenes ni nada queda perfecto según se va grabando. Sin duda...un gran acierto y a un precio irrisorio si miramos sus homólogas en calidad que cuestan mas de 400€.

le stitching en 4k se fait dans la camera sa c `est cool ,l orsque j ai voulue telecharger le programme sur leur site internet pour faire le stitching du 5.7k leur lien de telechargement fonctionne pas et le soutient technique me propose comme solution de telecharger des programmes de stitching sur d autres site sa c est mon point negatif