In the world of 360-degree photography and videography, proper lighting can be a significant challenge for content creators. Harlowe, a company recognized for its innovative lighting accessories tailored for influencers and amateur photographers, has launched a new product aimed at addressing this issue. The Omni 360 is an omnidirectional light specifically designed to work seamlessly with popular 360-degree cameras, including the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5.
Traditionally, omnidirectional camera lights from brands like Bushman can cost over $300, making them an expensive accessory for many. Conversely, Harlowe’s Omni 360 is priced at a budget-friendly $95, providing a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing quality. This new lighting solution offers a diffused soft glow that evenly illuminates all directions, making it ideal for various shooting scenarios.
The Omni 360 delivers a light output of 2 watts, which can be boosted to 4 watts when needed. However, it is important to note that while this output is suitable for enhancing lighting, it may not be sufficient to fully illuminate darker environments. Instead, the Omni 360 is best utilized to provide supplementary lighting for subjects closest to the camera, effectively reducing harsh shadows on faces and creating attractive highlights that enhance the overall mood of the footage.
One of the standout features of the Omni 360 is its user-friendly control system. The device includes buttons on the top for adjusting brightness and color temperature. Additionally, it supports hands-free gesture controls, a valuable feature for setups where the camera is mounted on a tripod, minimizing the risk of disrupting the shot.
Versatile Mounting Options
The Omni 360 can be easily mounted on compatible 360-degree cameras using an optional cage, which can also be used with conventional cameras, albeit with a limited 180-degree light spread. The product comes with a robust IP54 rating, indicating that it is resistant to dust and splashes, although it is not designed for underwater shooting.
Many consumer-focused 360-degree cameras come equipped with tripod screw mounts on their undersides, but they often lack additional mounting options for accessories like lights. To address this limitation, Harlowe offers a pair of lightweight aluminum cages designed specifically for the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. These cages can be purchased as a $159 bundle alongside the Omni 360. They provide a cold shoe mount on the top and side of the cameras, allowing users to attach the Omni 360 securely. Positioning the light on top is particularly advantageous as it minimizes its visibility in the resulting 360-degree footage.
For content creators looking to enhance their 360-degree shoots without incurring hefty expenses, Harlowe’s Omni 360 light represents a significant advancement in accessible lighting solutions. With its affordable price, versatile mounting options, and user-friendly controls, it stands to be a valuable tool for both amateur and professional videographers aiming to elevate their content.
In summary, Harlowe's Omni 360 not only offers an economical lighting solution but also enhances the overall quality of 360-degree photography and videography, making it a must-have accessory for creators looking to improve their work while staying within budget.
Source: The Verge News