Page 80 - Stuff - September 2017 UK

TESTED SAMSUNG GEAR 360 2017

Eye can see clearly now

Flaws corrected, 4K added: is the 2017 update
of Samsung’s VR camera the best way to
get a properly rounded view of the world?

£219 / stuff.tv/Gear360
Playing VR games is no longer
enough to mark you out as a 2
pioneering geek – these days
you need to be making your own
VR films too. And that’s where
360° cameras come in.
Samsung’s original Gear 360
was a little disappointing – it was
too fussy about what it worked
with, too expensive, and a bit too
bulky. For the new 2017 edition
it’s reduced the asking price and
size, and widened compatibility,
while retaining a similar level of
performance.
The new Gear 360 loses the
built-in tripod and isn’t quite
as ‘sci-fi stylish’ as the old one.
But it’ll fit into a trouser pocket
without causing any odd bulges,
and even comes with a nice soft
carry-case to prevent it getting
scratched by your keys.
It’s a simple design with only
a few controls (power/back,
connect/menu and shutter
buttons). There’s a slot for
a microSD card – the camera 5
doesn’t have built-in storage – a
tiny LCD display and a metal loop
for attaching a wrist strap.

1 Get up, stand up 2 Take the power back 3 Who’s got a match?
While the loss of the built-in The old Gear 360’s removable It’s compatible with some
tripod is disappointing, there is battery has been replaced by a Samsung phones (on Android
a standard tripod mount on the built-in one, which is rechargeable 5.0 or above) and the most recent
bottom, which’ll come in handy via USB-C. Like the original Gear iPhones – there’s a full list on the
when taking timelapse videos 360 it has IP53 protection, which Samsung site. Mind you, we found
and HDR landscape shots. Said means it’s basically dust-proof it got on fine with an iPhone 6,
bottom is also flat, so you could and spray-proof. You should be which isn’t listed. It won’t work
even stand it on a tabletop. fine using it in a brief rain shower. with other Androids, though.

28 hours with the
Footage and photos out of the box
I’ve got it connected to the iPhone
Samsung’s desire to keep it simple.
Non-Samsung phone support is
easier – they pair up via Bluetooth.
noise or automatically correct tilt…
Gear 360 (2017)
Y ou can adjust ISO, reduce wind
an improvement on the old model.
Good
Meh It fits in my pocket – that’s already …and with a Samsung S8 it’s even It’s already clear this is a very easy …but the ‘4K’ video really doesn’t …but it’s basic stuff, in line with
360° camera to use.
Evil app via Wi-Fi already… surprisingly limited, though. are decent enough…
[ Words Sam Kieldsen] look 4K.
2mins 4mins 30mins 40mins 50mins 1hr 2hrs 5hrs 7hrs

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