360 Camera Reviews 3D

Kandao Obsidian Pro is a 12K 3D 360 camera with eight APS-C sensors (CES 2021)

Kandao Obsidian Pro 12k 3D 360 camera with APS-C sensors
Kandao Obsidian Pro 12k 3D 360 camera with APS-C sensors

Kandao has announced the launch of the new Obsidian Pro, a 12K 3D 360 camera with eight APS-C sensors and other groundbreaking new features.

Features

Kandao Obsidian Pro is launching a new professional 360 camera with eight APS-C sensors, and a resolution of 12K  3D 360.  It has been named as a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree.   Here are the features we know so far:

Video resolution: 12K 3D 360 @ 30fps.  This is among the highest resolution 3D 360 cameras.  By comparison, the Z-Cam V1 Pro ($33,800) has a 3D 360 video resolution of 7K and the Insta360 Titan ($15,000) has a 3D 360 resolution of 10K.  Kandao hasn’t discussed the 2D 360 resolution, which may be higher.  Alternatively, the 2D 360 video mode might have a higher available frame rate.

12-bit RAW video or 10-bit All-I 4:2:2 video. The Obsidian Pro has two options for recording format.  Either 12-bit KDRaw video or 10-bit All-I 4:2:2 video.

Live streaming resolution: 8K 360.  Obsidian Pro can also be used for live streaming in 8K 360.

Eight 24mp APS-C size sensors.  This has the largest sensors among all-in-one 360 cameras (i.e., excluding rigs).  The Z-Cam V1 Pro has nine Micro Four Thirds sensors, while Insta360 Titan has eight Micro Four Thirds sensors.

Electronic aperture control.  The Obsidian Pro has electronically adjustable aperture from f/2.8 to f/16, in 1-stop increments.

Electronic focus control.  Excluding rigs, this is the first 360 camera to feature adjustable focus.  The Obsidian Pro can focus at two distances – one optimized for near subjects and the other for general subjects.

14-bit RAW photos.

14 stops dynamic range, with DNG8 option for even better dynamic range in low light.

Image stabilization with nine-axis IMU.  Obsidian Pro is one of the few professional 360 cameras with image stabilization.  Although it is not the first stabilized professional 360 camera, the nine-axis IMU appears to be an industry-first.

Ambisonic 360 audio support.  Obsidian Pro has support for 360 microphones for immersive ambisonic audio.

Color touchscreen.  The Obsidian Pro has a full color high resolution touchscreen panel, making it easier to control.

8-in-1 SSD.  Instead of using separate SD cards for each sensor, all 8 sensors record to a single SSD drive with 4TB, 8TB or 16TB capacity.  At 16TB, it is enough to record 90 mins in 12-bit KDRaw or 100 minutes in 10-bit 4:2:2 video.

Super VC Liquid cooling.  The Obsidian Pro is the first 360 camera that I am aware of that features liquid cooling.

Wi Fi 6.  The Obsidian Pro is compatible with the new Wi Fi 6 standard.

Built-in GPS for Street View.

10-gigabit ethernet port.

Price and availability

Price and availability have not yet been announced but will likely be revealed on or shortly before CES 20201 (January 11-14, 2021).

About the author

Mic Ty

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        • Well, given that their Qookam 8K ended up being priced very competitively, it’s possible they might end up pricing the Obsidian Pro lower than what we would expect from a similar camera sold by Zcam.

          I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks.

          What I was hoping was for them to introduce a VR180 version of their Qookam 8K. But if they don’t get around to it, somebody else will.

  • I don’t understand why these companies are pushing for 30fps. At this low frame rate motion sickness is far more present and the sense of immersion is reduced.

    For 360 or 180 3D videos, the norm should be 60fps. It’s so much more comfortable to watch.

    What’s you think Mic?

    • Hi Vincent. I’m guessing the Obsidian Pro has a high framerate mode but the 12k headline looks great for publicity.

  • Kandao Obsidian R is being stitched and streamed with our software, not software live(kandao live) produced by Kandao.

    I was looking for a different camera because the quality was worse than Instagram Titan, but it’s good news.

    I hope to buy a camera and start developing software as soon as soon as possible.