360 camera comparison: Nodalview, Ricoh Theta, Aleta, Panono

Before comparing 360 camera models, you should know that you can make real estate panoramas as well with:

• A smartphone: Nodalview
• A camera: Nikon D7200
• A 360 camera: Ricoh Theta SC, Ricoh Theta Z1…

In this article you will find a complete comparison of the different 360 solutions and will be able to:

• Compare for free the results of the 360 solutions obtained in the same property.
• Obtain useful information to choose the 360 camera that best suits your needs as a real estate agent.
• Evaluate each model thanks to our complete comparative table.

All panoramas are taken in exactly the same place, at the same time of day and without any retouching. Click here to compare each solution yourself.

As a real estate agent you have specific needs in terms of 360° that it is important to know in order to compare and choose the best solution.

The resolution of the 360° camera

Resolution is the number of pixels used to display an image. The more pixels there are, the better the image quality will be.

Why does it matter?

On computers, tablets or virtual reality headsets, your prospects will visualise your 360° panoramas on various media that use a lot of pixels. They will also zoom in and expect the same quality when they look at a static image as when they move around in a panorama.

To offer an immersive experience to your prospects, offering 360° panoramas is not enough, the quality of the images must be there. Taking this into consideration, not all 360 camera models are the same. The entry-level cameras with two lenses have a resolution between 5 and 6k versus 8k if you choose a professional camera with 6 or 8 lenses.

HDR and Bracketing (AEB)

HDR technology solves the problem of exposure to light in the image by capturing multiple shots in a burst and select the photo with the best exposure.

Bracketing (AEB) works on the same principle, but goes further by capturing more shots and covering a wider spectrum of light. The result is optimal even with strong backlighting, which is not always guaranteed with HDR.

Why does it matter?

Light is your best ally to enhance your property. To obtain the optimal brightness or to present a view of the outside, you will have to shoot facing the sun. You will then inevitably be confronted with problems of exposure and it is therefore essential to choose a 360° camera that will be able to deal with it.

While the native HDR features found on 360 cameras are a good start, only bracketing will give you the best results in the most extreme backlight conditions.

Parallax errors

The parallax error is a reading error of the 360 panorama. It is materialized by broken lines or deviations in the image once assembled.

Why does it matter?

To avoid parallax errors, you must always take your picture from the same point. This is called the nodal point. The lens of the 360 camera must therefore always rotate above this fixed point.

By their very design, the lenses of 360 cameras are physically separated from each other and are therefore subject to parallax errors. It is important to note that the greater the distance between the lenses, the more frequent you will face parallax errors.

Sequence of operations

The shooting and the assembly of the visuals are also important in the choice of your 360 solution.

Why does it matter?

Some solutions will force you to make a very tight mesh, imposing a panorama every 3 meters, or even every meter when passing through a door. This requires long and laborious shooting sessions, with dozens of useless panoramas per room when one would be enough.

Also check if automatic stitching is possible with the proposed camera or if you need to manually add navigation arrows and transitions between panoramas.

With high resolution (12K and 10K) and the integration of AEB technology, the Aleta camera and the Nodalview solution will allow you to present your prospects with stunning 360 real estate panoramas with perfect exposure in all circumstances.

The Panono 360 camera offers by far the best image resolution but the risk of parallax is significant. With no less than 32 lenses, respecting a static nodal point seems complicated. The same is true for the 5 lenses of the 360 Aleta camera.

The Ricoh Theta CS and Ricoh Theta Z1 models have only two lenses, which reduces the risk of assembly anomalies, but their image resolution remains low.

You now have all the information you need to choose the ideal solution to make your own 360° panoramas. To go further, do not hesitate to discover how the real estate virtual tour can help you stay competitive in your market.