New 360 camera Kandao QooCam 3 challenges Insta360, GoPro Max with larger sensors and brighter lenses
Kandao is a Chinese brand with a wide portfolio of 360° and 3D stereoscopic/VR cameras for professional applications and video-conferencing. Claiming to leverage that expertise, it has now launched the QooCam 3, a 360 action camera that challenges the current category leaders – the Insta360 X3 and the GoPro Max – with matching features and even higher specs in some key areas.
The QooCam 3 uses two 1/1.55 inch sensors (as against the X3’s 1/2” and the Max’s 1/2.3”) which, combined with a maximum lens aperture of f1.6 (against the X3’s f1.9 and the Max’s f2.8) should go a long way in reducing noise and improving low-light performance. It can capture 360° video at up to 5.7K@30fps or regular video at 4K@60fps, 62 MP panoramic photos, as well as 360° 4-channel spatial audio in Ambisonic format which can be focused as per the selected direction of framing.
Most of the features that Insta360 users have grown to love can be found on the QooCam 3, like invisible selfie-stick, reframing in post-production, video stabilization, automatic horizon leveling and time-lapse shots. Kandao also has a mobile app for creative editing and sharing on social media, and a desktop application for more advanced post-production.
Physically, the QooCam 3 bears a striking resemblance to the GoPro Max, despite being larger and heavier. It can be submerged up to a depth of 10 m/33 ft and, with its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, should handle most action and adventure scenarios fairly well.
Reviews will properly reveal the actual performance of the camera and how well the features have been implemented, but as of now, the QooCam 3 does beat the competition in cost, with its price of US$349. The GoPro Max is currently available for a discounted US$399 on Amazon, ahead of an upcoming update recently teased by GoPro.
