I have never had a camera that captures 360-degree photos and videos, but in absentia I was quite cool with them. There was a period when many journalists were gifted with such cameras, and Facebook turned into endless streams of boring photos that were even too lazy to view in full. That is why I postponed the test of this module until there was an opportunity to talk about other Moto MODS. Now I scold myself for such an attitude, because the accessory turned out to be useful and interesting.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 156.1 x 73 x 5.3mm;
- Weight: 80 grams;
- Camera: 2 × 13 MP ultra-wide-angle modules, f / 2.0, 1.12mm;
- Photo resolution: 18 MP (6240 x 3120);
- Video resolution: 4K Spherical @ 24fps;
- ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200;
- Zero shatter lag (ZSL);
- Fits any Moto Z smartphone
Appearance and fastening
Externally, the module looks like a regular back cover with a protruding camera module. An interesting detail: the module is covered with a rubberized cover, it can be easily removed and put on, it is needed so that the lenses do not get dirty or scratched.
It is easily attached to the smartphone using magnets and practically does not increase its thickness. Separately, I note that this module does not have a battery, and this, in my opinion, is a plus, you do not need to charge two gadgets at once.
Capabilities
When you turn it on for the first time, the proprietary application starts and tells you about the capabilities of the camera. To be honest, I assumed she was just taking 360-degree photos and that's it. It turned out that the module can also shoot 360-degree videos with surround sound, create live broadcasts and take wide-angle shots.
Interestingly, during shooting, you can twist the viewfinder area as you like: if you want – look at yourself, if you want – look at what is behind you. The stitching of photos is more or less accurate. Of course, with close observation, the joints will be noticeable, but they are not striking.
Image clarity is expectedly inferior to traditional smartphone cameras, but it seems to me that 360-degree shooting is needed more to convey the atmosphere, and not to capture specific details. Sample photos are here.
The wide-angle shots seemed like pampering to me – a cool toy that some people love.
Why are individual cameras better?
In my opinion, the key advantage of this module is that it is, in fact, a part of the smartphone, and not a separate accessory. This means that all your 360-degree shots can be immediately published to Facebook, Instagram or Google Photos. The same applies to live broadcasts, for the latter it is an ideal accessory.
It is interesting that in Russia this module will be sold for 15,870 rubles, about the same asking for separate 360-degree cameras. I understand that the accessory is niche, but I really liked using it in conjunction with a smartphone. Moreover, I am beginning to understand my colleagues who constantly repost such pictures, and I really want to share them.