BubbleScope promises simple 360 degree photography

While you can turn any camera into a 360 degree camera with a little skill and patience, those looking for a simpler solution could soon be getting their fix, with the so-called BubbleScope promising to bring the whole process down to the point-and-shoot level. Boasting a single megapixel sensor, the camera will let you capture 360x140 degree images at the press of a button, with 16MB of internal memory and an SD/MMC card slot at your disposal to store your panoramic creations. Otherwise, you'll get some standard camera features like a self-timer, tripod mount, and a six second voice recorder. Unfortunately, there's doesn't appear to be any word on what it'll cost, although it will apparently be available "soon."

[Via Josh Spear]

[David Susilo @ Jun 30th 2007 9:39AM]

Go to their site and look at the sample shots. Although it's a very novel idea, the execution is, well, severely lacking... ie: the resulting picture looks like shit.

[srw @ Jun 30th 2007 2:14PM]

Yeah, the pictures look like crap.. and presumably they chose their best photos to post on the website..

[maca @ Jun 30th 2007 11:27AM]

Interesting, maybe not perfect at the moment but I'm sure they gonna work on it. I wonder when we can expect it in Europe?

[Akila Ninomiya@QTVR Diary @ Jun 30th 2007 12:43PM]

U-m...
It's just like a Toy ?! I cannot use it on business.
I'm usually using 360OneVR (Kaidan corp.), and I can hardly use it (because the usage is very limited).

[alex @ Jun 30th 2007 2:49PM]

I take a lot of panoramic shots the old fashion way .... and looking the images on their site I'll keep doing it that way I can't believe their trying to sell this thing.

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 2nd 2007 12:04AM]

Okay, upon further examination, it looks like the thing has a 3MP CMOS sensor, but the results are utterly craptastic.

I remember someone else putting out a similar attachable lens for the old Nikon Coolpix 900s a few years ago.

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 1st 2007 11:59PM]

Great idea, but seriously a 1MP sensor? I'd love one for nice panoramas that you could actually print.

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 2nd 2007 12:03AM]

Okay, upon further examination, it looks like the thing has a 3MP CMOS sensor, but the results are utterly craptastic.

I remember someone else putting out a similar attachable lens for the old Nikon Coolpix 900s a few years ago.

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 2nd 2007 12:03AM]

Okay, upon further examination, it looks like the thing has a 3MP CMOS sensor, but the results are utterly craptastic.

I remember someone else putting out a similar attachable lens for the old Nikon Coolpix 900s a few years ago.

[Tom Lawton @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:17AM]

Craptastic. I like that, it's kind of like a stretchy type of crap that goes all the way from poor to really shit (which sums up all the comments on our images). Firstly, Maca seems to be the only enlightened individual making comments, in that all images captured have been done so with a working prototype, which uses a bottom of the basket 3MPix CMOS sensor. We have used the same technology with high-end CCD to acquire much better shots but don't want to raise people's expectations as to what we can achieve with a $149 product. In a way, BubbleScope is like a toy, as it opens up immersive VR imaging by making it playful and accessible. That said, we will not be bringing the product to market given the current set-up and we will strive to lift image quality up from the floor. The final product is a few month's off and I wanted to gauge general reaction on the blog underworld before making final changes to the specification. Therefore, I really appreciate the honesty of feedback I have found here. We'll work on it!

[pandaSmore @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:13PM]

This is an interesting little gadget. I can't see myself getting one just yet though.

[JM @ Jul 3rd 2007 5:31AM]

I would definitely get one if they can get the pictures to look better. I'd rather get a $350 decent panoramic camera than waste my money on a $150 toy. If the trade off for the convenience of a getting a quick 360 picture is grainy pictures and blurry images, I'd rather spend $50 on panoramic software and use my 7 megapixel the old fashion way, or get a mirror attachment. If you are going to take a 360 picture of your recent European tour, at least do it right, or at least decently. Please improve the pictures, and I would buy one!

[Gatwick @ Jul 3rd 2007 10:19AM]

Cool. I've been hoping a product like this would come along. I think the image quality is fine for a novelty item, but I won't pay $149 for a toy of that quality. I would pay $49 though, but that's about it. I suppose the price will drop in time... I would much prefer to spend between $300 and $400 on unit offering 6-7MPs.

[daviddock84 @ Jul 3rd 2009 6:49AM]

I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be sorted out because it’s not about the individual but it can be with everyone.

mls