Overview Giroptic iO - miniature 360-degree camera for iPhone and iPad

Design and equipment

Miniature box camera consists of two compartments. Opening the cover of the first branch, we can see the camera itself. Beneath it hides a USB cable for charging Giroptic iO, microfiber lens cleaning, impact-resistant carrying case and instructions.

Usually, starting to work with the new device, we study the instructions. For detailed operating instructions, specifications and safety precautions can be placed on dozens of pages folded like an accordion, but not in the case of Giroptic iO. Use the camera could not even the cleverest child in the manual suggests that all fit on one side of the cardboard boxes the size of a business card.

Special attention should be resistant cover made of transparent plastic. It not only protects Giroptic iO from falls, but also protects the lens: their glass does not touch the internal parts of the case. The opening to the "bookbinding" side allows charging chamber without taking the device out of the case.

On both sides of the cover has a recess. Not sure it was intended, but the role of the stand for the iPhone horizontally case copes perfectly.

The main part of the body is covered in white blue removable nozzle. Black lens is complemented by plastic inserts around the lens. It is noticeable that the producers are not eager to repeat the design of iOS-gadgets, but in bad taste Giroptic reproach it is not necessary: ​​the camera has a nice sleek design, contrasting only with the iPhone and iPad black colors.

On the end of the chamber are two openings and two microphones indicator alerting Giroptic iO on connection to the device or the battery discharge.

Ergonomics

If your pocket can fit Zippo lighter and a ping-pong table, then it will fit and Giroptic iO. The camera has really small size (73 × 35 mm) and lightweight (70 g), which is important, because the device is rather cumbersome hurt your jack iPhone or iPad.

Detachable hood latch further protects the gadget from the camera and disconnect, however, its practical use is not always obvious. "Paws" nozzle not even touch my iPhone 6 body, so I prefer to use Giroptic iO without preservative.

To attach the camera to the gadget case with my iPhone had to be removed. However, it is quite permissible victim on the way to shooting panoramas.

functions

To use the device requires Giroptic iO under control iOS 8 and above. The camera is compatible with all models of iPhone 5s and iPad older older Air (including iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4).

On-board apparatus fisheye-two lenses, two microphones and battery with 915 mA · h, which is equivalent to hour or streaming shooting without recharging. Integrated accumulator allows the camera to save battery device to which it is connected. Despite the self-powered Giroptic iO does not imply a single use and only works in close conjunction with the iOS-gadget.

Giroptic iO is equipped with two microphones. The meaning of their existence is not fully elucidated: it seemed to us that the quality of sound recorded with the camera, significantly loses sound quality with the iPhone family of microphones. When I brought the camera to the musical rehearsal, I noticed that at the hardware level are compressed, and quite clumsy. It would be nice if it could be turned off. It would also be nice if the sound recording could be carried out with the iPhone base microphone. Unfortunately, Giroptic iO does not support these options.

Built-in memory Giroptic iO also deprived, preservation of digital content is only available on the iPhone and iPad library.

Captured images can be viewed in two ways: spherical and Little Planet. With spherical images we encounter almost every time when it comes to testing the panoramic cameras. Such images include interactivity element: it is possible to switch the viewed area independently. Giroptic iO spherical supports export photos to Facebook or "Messages".

Little Planet - a way to fit into the image of the entire contents of the panorama through the deployment of its circumference. The lower part of the panorama in this case would be a kind of snapshot kernel planet in the center of the photograph, which blithely there still space frame. Photo Little Planet can also be exported in the "library".

Video shot with the Giroptic iO, stored in a spherical form and are available for export to Facebook and YouTube.

Also, using Giroptic iO can be done live-broadcast in the Periscope, Facebook, YouTube, or on your own server.

The first camera test took place without any complaints until one unpleasant nuance was not seen. The camera has warmed significantly in just a five to ten minutes of streaming. However, the heat did not affect the efficiency of the device. We must warn you: if you're paranoid, obsessed with security when working with electronics, then buy Giroptic iO will turn to you, not only joy panoramic shooting, but also serious stress.

Camera

The camera produces images in JPG format with a resolution of 3840 × 1920 pixels, and FullHD-stated video frame rate of 30 FPS in MP4 format.

If we talk about the panoramic camera, the resolution is 1 080p - it's... almost nothing. Detailing FullHD-video panorama hardly live up to 720p without interpolation in the standard video. Shoot in 4K format camera, unfortunately, can not. shooting and streaming quality, coupled with the lack of stabilization and low-quality sound makes Giroptic iO suitable only for photography. But here, we had complaints.

Giroptic iO coverage has two chambers by a diaphragm 195 ° f / 1,8. Cross-linking between the images of two cameras going at the hardware level, but not always perfect. In some photos noticeable difference in exposure images from the two lenses, and sometimes sboila geometry and bonding, resulting in amusing results.

duration of exposure in artificial light has increased. Unfortunately, measurement of exposure is not controlled by the user and takes place at the hardware level. Therefore, dynamic objects in the photo are smeared, and what is happening on the stage was lit relatively indistinguishable.

Using the application

Shooting, streaming, image export - all these activities are carried out directly in the application of the manufacturer's iO 360. In addition to controlling the camera, the program has a section Explore, where you can get acquainted with the works of professional writers panoramic photo.

The application supports the import of panoramic photos and video and is compatible with virtual reality glasses Google Cardboard.

Verdict

A unique solution regarding Giroptic iO take easy: every little advantage of this device is blocked immediately noticeable drawback. Good quality photo interrupts mediocre detailing video, ease of use - heating devices and recurring bugs.

Finally makes the situation worse is that Giroptic iO you can not buy directly from the website or from authorized distributors in Russia (they do not exist). And develops a disappointing outcome: to play with the camera, of course, possible, but it is better to look something better.

Official site Giroptic →