This story first appeared on RJI’s Futures Lab. Reporting by Mitchel Summers and Rachel Wise.
This week we look at a new tool called LucidCam, a camera that shoots 3-D, 180-degree virtual reality. The consumer-level camera is about the size of an iPhone 5 and captures high-resolution video and photos. CEO and co-founder Han Jin says LucidCam stands out from other VR cameras because most record in 2D, 360 degrees. Jin explains why this might be a better option for journalists.
For more information:
- LucidCam raised more than $114,000 through a successful Indiegogo campaign and received more than $2 million from several investors. The company recently partnered with Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron to begin mass production later this year.
- Videos made using LucidCam can be viewed in the Lucid app, which is available on both iOS andAndroid.
- LucidCam is available for pre-order now. Shipping to the U.S. and Europe is expected to begin in December.
- According to Lucid’s industrial designer, the inspiration for the camera’s design came from the Apple Mouse.
- While Jin says shooting in 180 degrees makes more sense — “because you don’t have eyes in your back” — he understands that some people prefer 360-degree experiences and says LucidCam can accommodate that. Because the camera has rounded edges, it’s possible to attach three devices to a special tripod and record in 360 degrees.
Rachel Wise is an editor at the Futures Lab at the Reynolds Journalism Institute and co-producer of the weekly Futures Lab video update.
The Reynolds Journalism Institute’s Futures Lab video update features a roundup of fresh ideas, techniques and developments to help spark innovation and change in newsrooms across all media platforms. Visit the RJI website for the full archive of Futures Lab videos, or download the receive email notification of each new episode.