Build Your Own Cheap 360-Degree Camera

[Image Source: Tinkernut]

Using some cheap pieces of equipment and some electronic know-how, you can assemble your own 360-degree camera at a fraction of the price of a conventional one.

We cover a lot of YouTuber Tinkernut's projects, largely due to their simplicity and inventiveness. He gave us one more simple and smart solution to crafting a new camera.

Most 360-degree cameras cost several hundred dollars at least, but assembling one yourself can be as cheap as $50 USD. Tinkernut's video shows a surprisingly simple set-up process.

Part One

First, Tinkernut showcased a functional design by recording footage off a reflective sphere. The video, however, was out of focus. This resulted in 360-degree footage rendered through software which unwarped the video. Users adjust the apparatus by using a pair of tweezers to tweak the focus, thereby improving the image quality. The software can similarly be altered to average values and provide a more smooth footage.