The QooCam 3 stands out in 360-degree cameras, particularly for its adeptness in low-light conditions. The image quality impresses and both the app and camera controls prove effortlessly intuitive. Boasting up to 5.7K 360-degree video, it offers ample resolution, yet there’s room for improvement with additional features through updates.
Advantages:
- Streamlined camera controls
- IP68 dustproof and waterproof design
- Exceptional performance in low-light settings
Drawbacks:
- Potential for enhanced features in phone and desktop apps
- Awkward gallery display in the phone app
- Exclusion of the invisible selfie stick in the base kit
Exploring the Kandao QooCam 3: A 360-Degree Action Camera
Action cameras, renowned for their versatility in capturing sports and travel, epitomize portability and durability. The Kandao QooCam 3, a 360-degree action camera, competes with industry leaders like Insta360 One R, X3, and GoPro Max.
As 360-degree cameras gain popularity, users relish the immersive experience of scrolling through photos and reframing videos. The QooCam 3 excels, offering a 62MP capacity for 360-degree photos in JPEG and DNG formats. It elevates the experience with 5.7K 30 fps 360-degree video capture.
While not drop-resistant, its IP68 dust and waterproof rating enhance its durability. The dual fisheye lenses, coupled with 1/1.55-inch sensors and f/1.6 apertures, ensure stellar low-light performance.
Summary of Features:
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Portability and Durability | Small, lightweight, designed for toughness. |
| Imaging Capabilities | 62MP 360-degree photos, 5.7K 30 fps video |
| Durability | IP68 dust and waterproof rating |
| Low-Light Performance | 1/1.55-inch sensors, f/1.6 apertures |
Unveiling the QooCam 3: Release Date, Kit Options, and Pricing Details
Launched in September 2023, the QooCam 3 by Kandao offers various kit choices and optional accessories.
Release Date:
- Launched in September 2023
Kit Options:
| Kit | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Kit | Camera, battery, USB-C cable, soft case | $349 / £278 / AU$531 |
| Travel Kit | All items in the Travel Kit, plus diverse mounting accessories | $370 / £295 / AU$563 |
| Motorcycle Kit | All items in Travel Kit, plus diverse mounting accessories | $400 / £319 / AU$609 |
Additional Accessories:
- Purchase extra batteries, the 120cm invisible selfie stick, or a Marsace x Kandao mini tripod.
- Notably, the car suction mount, though excellent, is currently unavailable on the Kandao website.
Price Score: 4/5
Unveiling the QooCam 3 Design: Form, Function, and Impressions
The QooCam 3 boasts a nearly square design, a 1.9-inch LCD screen, and a weight of 7.76oz (220g).
Design Overview:
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches (71.5 x 82.7 x 26.6mm)
- Weight: 7.76oz (220g) with battery and microSD card
Appearance and Controls:
- Resemblance to the GoPro Max but is slightly larger and heavier.
- Minimal controls: power and record buttons on top, with a 1.9-inch touchscreen for settings.
- Touchscreen offers easy access to settings through swiping and a customizable Q menu.
LCD Screen and Viewing Experience:
- 1.9-inch LCD screen provides a clear and bright, though not high-resolution, display.
- Single-camera view can be switched between front and back for photo and video capture.
- App view displays a stretched 360-degree view, less conducive for composition.
Build Quality and Aesthetics:
- Impressive build quality for an affordable 360-degree camera.
- Dark grey and black body exudes a high-quality appearance.
- Fisheye lenses, though vulnerable, are protected by an attached soft case when not in use.
Additional Features:
- Four microphones, one on each side, deliver effective 360-degree sound recording in videos.
Design Score: 4/5
Unveiling QooCam 3: Features and Performance Insights
Features Overview:
The QooCam 3 offers versatile capture modes with 1/1.55-inch sensors, f/1.6 apertures, and a 6-axis gyro for stabilization.
User-Friendly Operation:
Operating the camera and navigating settings on the touchscreen or phone app is straightforward and intuitive.
Key Features:
- Impressive 1/1.55-inch sensors with 2μm pixel size and f/1.6 apertures for excellent low-light performance.
- Utilizes a 6-axis gyro for effective image stabilization during dynamic activities.
Stabilization and Motion:
- While the gyro minimizes bobbing during running and walking, slight movements persist.
- Invisible selfie stick enhances stability and facilitates dynamic camera positioning.
Image Stabilization:
- Notably, image stabilization isn’t visible on the camera or app screen during filming.
- Using gyro data, post-production editing offers stabilization options like Horizon Steady and View Lock Steady.
Audio Performance:
- Four microphones capture 360-degree ambisonic audio with reasonable sound quality.
- Wind noise may pose a challenge in windy conditions or when using a suction mount on a car.
Apps and Editing:
- Both the smartphone and desktop apps are user-friendly but lack the features of competitors like Insta360.
- Smartphone app offers enhanced functionality, including templates and music tracks, but requires a learning curve.
Conclusion:
While the QooCam 3 exhibits notable features and satisfactory performance, there’s room for improvement in in-app functionality.
Score: 3/5
QooCam 3 Imaging Brilliance: Unveiling Video and Photo Quality
Video Excellence:
- Captures stunning 5.7K 30fps video.
- Achieves impressive results in low-light conditions, showcasing its prowess during night scenes.
Photographic Brilliance:
- Delivers 62MP 360-degree photos.
- Dual fisheye lenses, equivalent to a 9.36mm focal length, create panoramic masterpieces.
Control Flexibility:
- Auto mode simplifies exposure compensation for varying light conditions.
- Manual mode offers full control, excluding the fixed aperture, providing versatility in most scenarios.
Photo Modes:
- Options include Standard Panoramic, Interval Photo, DNG8, and AEB for diverse creative possibilities.
- DNG8 mode, while enhancing detail and reducing noise, requires a somewhat intricate editing process in RawPlus.
Editing Challenges:
- Editing in QooCamStudio and RawPlus can be complex.
- Streamlining the process, a tutorial by a third party becomes essential for efficient workflow improvement.
Conclusion:
While QooCam 3 excels in imaging, the intricate DNG8 editing process requires user-friendly simplification.
Note:
It’s crucial to provide clear guides for such intricate processes on the official website.
Title: QooCam 3: Unraveling Video and Photo Realms
Photo Editing:
- Simplified with the QooCam 3 app, though it leaves room for improvement.
- 360-degree photos reach 62MP, but strategic positioning is crucial to avoid being photographed.
Video Capture:
- Standard panoramic and timelapse options with interval and resolution choices.
- Video resolutions include 5.7K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 4K at 30fps.
Image Quality:
- Generally good, yet photos and videos exhibit an over-sharpened appearance.
- Lack of control over sharpening levels in camera settings, a feature desired via firmware update.
Firmware Updates:
- Over three weeks, three firmware updates were delivered, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the camera’s performance.
Overall Assessment: 3.5/5
QOOCAM 3: Test Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Competitive pricing | 4 / 5 |
| Design | Well-made but slightly heavy | 4 / 5 |
| Features & Performance | Standard features, room for improvement | 3 / 5 |
| Image Quality | Effective in low light, editing complex | 3.5 / 5 |
Should You Buy the QooCam 3?
Buy It If…
- You seek an affordable 360-degree camera.
- Low-light 360-degree video shooting is a priority.
- Ease of use is crucial for both camera and app controls.
Don’t Buy It If…
- You seldom shoot 360 photos and videos.
- Reframing video is not appealing to your editing style.
- Rugged durability is a priority; consider a traditional action camera.