The holidays may be a time of giving, but it’s also a time of getting, where we can pick up the gear we need for the new year (often at a discount!).

So, we’ve put together our own wish list of the top gear we hope to unwrap under the Christmas tree this year.

360 video beginner kit wish list:

Price for the whole kit: $425-$705

Cameras:

Option 1: Insta360 ONE

The Insta360 ONE ($299) combines the ease of use Insta360 is known for with 4K video quality and a bunch of fun extra features, including bullet time and freecapture. Those last two features make it helpful for more than just 360 video, so you don’t have to buy something you can’t use for traditional video (particularly freecapture). If you aren’t familiar, freecapture allows you to crop out traditional 16:9 video out of the spherical video.

The camera also has internal stabilization, automatically adjusts to keep the horizon level and the nadirThe bottom of the sphere. beneath the camera (so even when it’s angled, your footage will be level), and can “stitch out” skinny selfie sticks. These features make it easy to grab this camera and go, without any 360 experience, and capture something you can use.

To learn more about the camera, you can read our full review here, and get a one-page list of the top tips and troubleshooting tactics you’ll want to know before you takeIndividual instance of a shot; a take = each time the camera is started and stopped. the camera out for your first go.

Option 2: Ricoh Theta V

Another solid option is the Ricoh Theta V. It’s a bit pricier than the ONE, at $430, but it’s still a great option.

The video quality from the Theta is a bit better than the Insta360 ONE. It’s crisper and more vibrant, and it also performs much better in low light (check out this comparison). Like the Insta360 ONE, the Theta V can livestreamDistribute video playback in real-time. and has pretty solid internal stitching.

Like the ONE, the Theta V is very easy to use. It also has tilt correction and spatial audio. You can learn more about the Ricoh Theta V here, and get a one-page list of the top tips and troubleshooting tactics you’ll want to know before you takeIndividual instance of a shot; a take = each time the camera is started and stopped. the camera out for your first go here.

Stabilization:

XSories Me Shot Deluxe selfie stick

One of the cool features of the Insta360 ONE is that it can stitch out skinny selfie sticks, rendering them invisible. However, ‘skinny’ is a relative term–will your existing selfie stick work? Maybe, maybe not. Insta360’s own selfie stick is only 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. We would recommend it here, because it’s guaranteed to be invisible in your shots, but there’s been a little confusion about what’s included on Amazon.

A similar option would be XSories Me Shot Deluxe, which is also 1 inch in diameter and extends up to 3 feet. Read the full review of the XSories here.

Lollipod tripod

This tripod is a bit pricey at roughly $60, but it’s one of the handiest, lightest and most narrow tripods I’ve ever used. The Lollipod breaks down small enough to toss in your backpack and at only 11 ounces (320 grams), it’s great for carrying around with you all day and for travel. It also extends to nearly 4 feet.

Also key for 360 is its narrow mount at the top and the ability to make the legs very narrow to minimize their appearance in shots or quite a bit wider on windy days. There’s also a net to attach to the tripod to fill with rocks or whatever else you might have on hand to keep the tripod stable.

Accessories:

Waterproof case

Whether you choose the Insta360 ONE or the Ricoh Theta V, you may want to buy a waterproof case. You can find the Insta360 case here for $49 and the Theta V case here for $199.

It’s worth mentioning that even though the Insta360 case is waterproof, the camera can’t stitch waterproof footage. The Theta V can stitch underwater footage pretty well for what it is, even though the refraction of light makes it very difficult to get a clean stitch.

360 video intermediate kit wish list:

Price for the whole kit: $990-$1900

Cameras:

Option 1: YI 360 VR camera

The YI 360 VR camera offers 5.7K resolutionThe number of pixels in an image, typically presented as a ratio of the total pixels on x axis to the total pixels on th... More video for a price of only $399. The camera can internally stitch and also livestreamDistribute video playback in real-time. 4K video, but for the 5.7K resolutionThe number of pixels in an image, typically presented as a ratio of the total pixels on x axis to the total pixels on th... More, you’ll need YI’s stitching software (currently only available for PC) which utilizes optical flow stitching.

You can get a one-page list of the top tips and troubleshooting tactics you’ll want to know before you takeIndividual instance of a shot; a take = each time the camera is started and stopped. the camera out for your first go here.

Option 2: GoPro Fusion

Although samples from the YI 360 VR camera are good, the Fusion is just a little bit better. If you plan to use the Fusion’s overcapture feature to crop out traditional 16:9 video from the spherical video OR if you plan to takeIndividual instance of a shot; a take = each time the camera is started and stopped. it on some crazy adventures, it’s worth splurging for the Fusion ($699). The Fusion has internal stabilization, and is waterproof and shock-proof.

Like the YI, the Fusion can stitch 4K video in-camera, but to get the full 5.2K resolutionThe number of pixels in an image, typically presented as a ratio of the total pixels on x axis to the total pixels on th... More footage you’ll need a computer. The Fusion is also a good choice for Mac users, since it offers both Mac and PC stitching software.

Stabilization:

iFootage Cobra 2 Strike monopod

This is the monopod I have with me for just about every shoot. It’s easy to set up, it’s flexible for ground shots, as a monopod, and as a monopod with feet, and it can extend up to 5 feet.

The Cobra 2 Strike ($170) does weigh 3 pounds and only collapses down to 32 inches, though, so if you plan to travel a lot and want something lighter and smaller, the Lollipod above is still a solid option that can support the two cameras listed here just fine (although it may not be quite as sturdy).

You can read a full review of the iFootage Cobra 2 Strike Monopod here.

Moza Guru 360 gimbal

The Moza Guru 360 ($299) is a three-axis stabilized gimbal that works with most 360 cameras up to half of a pound (however, it can support heavier cameras, like the Vuze, depending on the camera’s center of gravity). It has three modes, lock, follow, and head lock.

It’s made for 360 cameras, as the design organizes the counterweights, motors and arms on one plane, so it’s feasible to align them into the stitch line so the gimbal is nearly invisible to your camera.

You can read a full review of the Moza Guru 360 here.

Water-filled tripod weights

I absolutely hate carrying any extra weight, so when it comes to weighing down my tripod, I like options that can be filled with easy-to-find water rather than sand.

One is the Water Weight (on sale for $16), from the same company that makes the Lollipod above. The Galaxy Audio Life Saver Sand Bag from B&H can also be filled with water instead of sand.

Accessories:

Lighting:

This setup from Eric Neuman of Digital Domain is perfect for most consumer 360 cameras. It offers bright light and hides in the stitch of most cameras! One word of caution is to buy a C-shaped arm that accommodates your camera’s dimensions, while resting as close to the side of the camera as possible. This is the arm he uses, and this is the skinny light panel he recommends.

Extra batteries:

Both cameras at this tier have removable batteries, which means you can buy extras to have on hand when your camera inevitably runs out of juice. The YI 360 VR camera uses the same battery as the YI 4K action camera, available here. The GoPro’s battery, which is larger than the Hero5/Hero6 Black, is also removable and you can get extras here.

Audio:

If you want to capture better spatial audio than you can with only the camera (the Fusion can capture spatial audio), the Zoom H2n Handy Recorder (B&H, Amazon) is a solid option that can capture spatial audio. This is great for ambient sound, but for interviews, we’d recommend using a traditional lavalier microphoneThis is a description of a microphone it goes here and it's long so that we see if it gets cut off. setupA camera position for a given scene. You might shoot more than one shot from a single set-up (wide shot and close-up)..

Stay tuned for a full guide on how to record, edit and publish spatial audio with the H2n from Immersive Shooter in the next couple of weeks.

360 video professional kit wish list:

Price for the whole kit: $6330-$9880 and beyond!

Cameras:

Option 1: Insta360 Pro

The Insta360 Pro is a solid combination of price and quality. It captures 8K monoscopic and 6K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More video. It also comes with it own stitching software (though, at a professional level, you may want to invest in Autopano Video Pro or Mistika for best results) and costs $3500.

It can also live stream (and record at the same time). There are plenty of other reasons to want one, and at only $3500, it’s never been cheaper to jump into professional 360 videography.

Option 2: Kandao Obsidian

At $7000, the Kandao Obsidian cameras are more than a “bit” pricier than the Insta360 Pro, but with the rave reviews it’s getting in the industry, it might be worth it. With two models available, you can choose between higher resolutionThe number of pixels in an image, typically presented as a ratio of the total pixels on x axis to the total pixels on th... More or higher frame rates.

The Obsidian R captures 8K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More 360 video at 30fps, 4K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More 360 at 60fps, and 8K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More photos. The Obsidian S captures 4K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More 360 video at 120fps and 6K stereoscopicVideo shot with two parallel cameras (or in the case of 360° video, multiple pairs of parallel cameras) Commonly referr... More 360 at 50 fps (60fps in Kandao Studio). Both cameras can live stream (however, a license is required).

You also gain access to Kandao Studio, a powerful stitching software that’s been adding some impressive future-proofing technology for these cameras to capture 6 DoF video.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Obsidian R from Immersive Shooter, coming soon.

Stabilization:

Bushman Corelite VR tripod

Although the iFootage Cobra 2 Strike would work just as well with these cameras as it does the intermediate options, if you want an even sturdier option, the Bushman Corelite VR tripod ($220) is definitely on our wish list. It has so many great features for VR. There are multiple ways to attach the expandable feet, for a narrower base or for a wider, more secure setupA camera position for a given scene. You might shoot more than one shot from a single set-up (wide shot and close-up)., as well as extra mounting options for microphones and other accessories.

It also comes with a spacer to mount between the pole and the camera so you can still access any ports on the bottom of your camera (like, if you have the Z Cam S1). Another cool feature is that you can run your cables inside the pole.

I haven’t tried this one yet–I heard about it here–but it is the top item on my own wishlist right now.

Moza Guru 360 Air

This heavy duty 360 stabilizer ($700) for cameras like the Z Cam S1, Kandao Obsidian, and Insta360 Pro, will begin shipping in a couple weeks. If you plan to do any hand-held shots, shots on rovers, in cars, on trains, and attached to drones, this is a great bonus tool to have.

Another option is stabilizing in post, with Mettle or Mocha VR if you have it. Or you could use internal stabilization if your camera has it (like the Insta360 Pro), but mechanical stabilization will do even better.