360 video has been around for a few years now, and skeptics are finally abandoning the “gimmick” label. We’re seeing definitive, real-world applications that maximize the benefits of a unique video medium. In short, 360 video is cool.
Now, that doesn’t mean everything’s figured out. Far from it! 360 is still a young industry, and we get a ton of questions about it. To make things even more confusing, the two formats of 360 video, monoscopic and stereoscopic, do different things well. Let’s drill down on the more ubiquitous of the pair, monoscopic 360 video.
Why is monoscopic 360 video so damn popular?
Monoscopic vs. Stereoscopic
Again, there are two types of 360 video: Monoscopic and stereoscopic. Stereoscopic is the more complex of the two because it brings 3D into play. This is done by using pairs of cameras, side-by-side (just like human eyes), to shoot around an environment. When the slightly offset perspectives of left and right combine, the viewer can perceive depth in the space. At least, when it’s done correctly.
To pull stereoscopic off, you want a highly controlled environment. Stitching the two perspectives together properly is difficult, and when more elements are introduced, that difficulty increases. The rewards of stereoscopic can be seriously awesome, but, bottom line: it’s more complicated.
Monoscopic doesn’t attempt to shoot in 3D, and that makes it more versatile. In fact, all the 360 videos you see on Youtube, or elsewhere online, are created using the monoscopic technique. No need for special glasses!
The Many Uses of Monoscopic 360
There are several areas in which monoscopic 360 excels. It’s ideal for the creation of immersive experiences where there’s significant action. Things like live streaming, sporting event coverage, and news features, are a few areas in which monoscopic 360 is absolutely the right choice.
Monoscopic 360 is also capable of shooting higher resolution video than stereoscopic (Our Insta360 Pro can shoot in 8K!). If you’re looking for a crystal-clear picture, monoscopic is the way to go.
In terms of post-production, monoscopic doesn’t require the time that it’s 3D counterpart does. For example, we often use post-production sleight-of-hand to remove the tripod, upon which the 360 camera sits. It’s one of the few areas where you can see the stitch, and tripod removal enhances the immersive nature of the video if the viewer should happen to look down. Stereoscopic video requires this to happen twice for every shot, due to the two cameras (the left and right “eye”) shooting slightly different angles, simultaneously.
These benefits are a big reason why monoscopic 360 currently dominates the 360 video market. Stereoscopic is more specialized. The accessibility of monoscopic 3D is awesome, and it’s played a pivotal role in bringing 360 into the mainstream. Even so, the ceiling for both types of 360 video is still nowhere in sight!
As longtime fans, it’s super cool to see the tech we love catch on. And, like we've been doing for while now, we're ready to see this tech in action. Contact ECG Productions today to bring your 360 video idea to life!
