Samsung just revealed their updated version of the Samsung Gear 360 and it’s a very different beast to the original. They’ve decided to stick with the same name, so for the purpose of this comparison post, we’ll be referring to the updated version as the “new” Gear 360 or the “2017” version.

The new Gear 360 isn’t just an incremental update but in fact a major change in the direction of Samsung’s 360 cameras. The design has been altered to include a handheld friendly body and the software has been amended to include live stream capabilities. Samsung has made clear its intention for the Gear 360 to be a mainstream product rather than a niche gadget for specialists. Samsung is promising a cheaper, easier to use 360 camera that is accessible for all. In order to accomplish this, Samsung has redesigned the Gear 360 from the inside out.

Let’s compare the new gear 360 with the original to see exactly what has changed.

Update: New Samsung Gear 360 Now Available to Order on Amazon

New Samsung Gear 360 (2017) vs Original Gear 360 Comparison Table

Feature Gear 360 (New) Gear 360 (Original) Number of Lenses x2 8.4 Megapixel f2.2 lenses x2 15 Megapixel f2.0 lenses Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 at 24 fps - "True" 4K 3840 x 1920 at 30 fps Photo Resolution 15 Megapixels 30 Megapixels Memory 256GB external MicroSD 128GB external MicroSD Battery Power 1160 mAh 1350 mAh Livestream Yes - 2K video No Weight 130g 153g Sensors Accelrometer, Gyroscope Accelrometer, Gyroscope Compatibility Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, Note5, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, A5/A7 (2017) running Android 5.0 or later. iPhone 7, 7+, 6S, 6S+, SE running iOS 10.0 or later. PC/Laptops Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, Note5, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Durability Splash proof, Dust proof Splash proof, Dust proof Other Features 360 Timelapse, Tripod Mount, Stabilization Ring 360 Timelapse, Tripod Mount Price $200 $120 Where to Buy Amazon Amazon

PROS: Upgrade Video Resolution to 4K

Change Design to be Handheld Friendly

Live Stream Capability Added

Stabilization Added

Larger Memory Capacity

Lighter

Compatible with Many More Devices

Apparent Longer Battery Life

Cheaper

CONS: Photo Resolution Reduced from 30 Megapixels to 15

Optics Replaces With Smaller Fish Eye Lenses

Comparison Analysis

As you can see a lot has changed. I’ve summarised what I think the good and bad points are of the redesign:

Overall it would seem that the new Gear 360 (2017) represents a major upgrade compared to its older brother in terms of number of features, however, the change in optics and the lower photo resolution is disappointing for people more interested in photography. Having used both cameras I can confirm that the photo quality has dropped but video quality has improved, so you’ll need to make a decision on which is more important for you.

Never the less, the addition of a live stream feature is long overdue and stabilisation (if it works), as well as larger memory capacity, are both very welcome. Whether the handheld aspect makes much of a difference to how the camera is used (I think 360 videos/photos are best shot with a tripod anyway) remains to be seen, but a cheaper price and compatibility with dozens of devices will no doubt attract many new customers to Samsung’s increasing product line.

Some will be disappointed at the reduction in photo size and a merely incremental increase in video resolution, however, Samsung has delivered this new camera at an attractive price, helping 360 cameras to become a truly mainstream product. If Samsung continues to support its line of 360 cameras it will drive constant improvements in features in the years to come, as we have seen in all other mainstream electronic products, but this will only happen if enough people are convinced that 360 cameras are worth trying.

Update: If you want to pick yourself up a bargain, the original Gear 360 is now available at a huge discount on amazon.com – nearly half price in fact. This makes it the best value 360 camera available right now.

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