How the Invisible selfie stick works (Gopro Max & Insta360)

Summary

This video explains how 360 cameras, like the GoPro Max and Insta360, make selfie sticks invisible in shots. It describes how the two 180-degree lenses on these cameras create a spherical field of view, with the space between them acting as a blind spot that hides the selfie stick. The video also highlights the role of AI and stitching in removing the stick, as well as potential issues like image distortion when the camera is too close. Tips are provided for achieving the best results when using 360 cameras for action shots.

Takeaways

• 📷 360 cameras, like GoPro Max and Insta360, have dual lenses that cover over 180 degrees, capturing footage in a spherical or bubble-like field of view.
• 🤔 The invisible selfie stick effect occurs when the stick is positioned within the camera's blind spot, between the two lenses, making it disappear from the shot.
• ✨ AI and stitching technology within the camera also help refine and perfect the invisible selfie stick effect.
• 📏 The thickness of the camera body creates a blind spot, and as long as the selfie stick is thinner than the body, it stays hidden from the footage.
• 🚫 Close proximity to the camera (within 12 inches or 30 centimeters) can cause stitching issues, leading to visible artifacts or distortion in the footage.
• 🤹 GoPro Max's lenses are slightly off-center, which may cause stitching imperfections when objects or the user are too close to the camera.
• 💡 For the best results in hiding the selfie stick, point the 360 camera straight, rather than towards yourself, unlike traditional action cameras.
• 🎥 Traditional action cameras, unlike 360 cameras, require the lens to be pointed directly at the subject, limiting their flexibility.
• 🔍 Close-range shots, especially with skydivers or helmet-mounted cameras, may exhibit visible stitching errors or wonky image alignment.
• 📝 The video encourages viewers to comment if the information was new to them, and asks them to subscribe for more similar content.

Q & A

How do 360 cameras create an invisible selfie stick effect?

360 cameras have two lenses on opposite sides of the body with a field of view over 180 degrees, creating a spherical bubble of captured footage. The selfie stick is positioned in the blind spot between the lenses, where it falls within the camera body's thickness, making it invisible.

What is the role of AI and stitching in making the selfie stick disappear?

AI and stitching within the camera play a significant role in how seamlessly the selfie stick is removed from the footage. They help in creating a natural-looking image without the stick.

What are some popular 360 camera brands mentioned in the script?

The script mentions GoPro Max and Insta360 as popular brands that produce 360 cameras.

Why might the stitching not be perfect with certain 360 cameras?

The stitching might not be perfect because the lenses of some 360 cameras, like the GoPro Max, are off-centered and do not align exactly, which can cause artifacting or misalignment within 12 inches (30 centimeters).

What happens if the camera is too close to the subject when filming with a 360 camera?

If the camera is too close to the subject, the image can skew off, and the stitching may not align perfectly, resulting in a wonky appearance of hands or other close objects.

How should you position the camera to make the selfie stick invisible?

To make the selfie stick invisible, you should position the camera straight with the stick, ensuring it falls within the blind spot between the lenses.

What is the difference between filming with a 360 camera and a normal action camera?

With a normal action camera, you have to point the camera back towards yourself to film. With a 360 camera, you should run it straight with the stick for the best results in making the selfie stick invisible.

What kind of artifacts can be seen if the selfie stick is too close to the camera?

If the selfie stick is too close to the camera, it can cause artifacting where the stitching does not line up perfectly, and the stick may appear distorted or misaligned.

How does the script suggest improving the visibility of the invisible selfie stick effect?

The script suggests ensuring the selfie stick is thinner than the camera body's thickness and positioned correctly between the lenses to improve the visibility of the invisible effect.

What is the importance of the camera's field of view in the invisible selfie stick effect?

The camera's field of view, which is over 180 degrees for each lens, is crucial as it creates the spherical bubble that allows for the reframing and eventual 'invisibility' of the selfie stick.

Why is it important to avoid getting too close to the camera when using a 360 camera?

Getting too close to the camera can result in imperfect stitching and distortion of the image, which can detract from the desired invisible selfie stick effect.