360 Camera Reviews

Kandao Qoocam 8K review, FAQ, and resource page: first affordable 8K 360 camera for consumers (updated June 13, 2020)

Kandao Qoocam 8K is the first 8K 360 camera for consumers.  At just $589, it is the most affordable 8K 360 camera on the market.  Moreover, Kandao’s CEO stated to me that it has the same detail and video quality as the highly regarded Kandao Obsidian R (which currently costs $4199) albeit in monoscopic 360 video only.  I had the chance to try it out and here are my hands-on impressions.   June 13, 2020 update: Express DNG8 and SuperHDR.

Executive Summary
Specifications and Features (updated June 13, 2020)
Express DNG8 and Super HDR (added June 13, 2020)
Hands-on review
DNG8 Workflow (added April 16, 2020)
Sample video and sample photos (updated December 2, 2019)
Qoocam 8K Pro
Price availability; how to get a discount

Kandao QooCam 8K
Kandao QooCam 8K

Qoocam 8K has two lenses paired with 1/1.7-inch sensors, which are 54% larger than 1/2.3-inch sensors, and have an image circle that is more than 70% larger than the image circle of a 1/2.3-inch sensor.  It is also the first consumer 360 camera to feature 10-bit video, which enables it to capture over 1 billion possible colors, 64 times more than the 16.7 million colors that can be captured on 8-bit video.

Executive Summary:

Here is my hands-on comparison between Qoocam 8K (beta version) and Insta360 One X and GoPro MAX.

Background

Here is an analysis of its image quality and whether the quality is really 8K or just upscaled based on the sample photos and video below.

Here’s the launch video:

Qoocam 8K Specifications and Features:

Qoocam 8KQoocam
LensesTwo 200-degree fisheye lensesThree 220-degree fisheye lenses
Aperturef/2.0f/2.2
Sensortwo 1/1.7-inch 20mp BSI-CMOS sensorsthree 1/2.5-inch sensor
Shutter speed60 secs. to TBA60 secs to 1/4000
ISOTBA100 to 3200
Video resolution7680 x 3840 @ 30fps, 10-bit
3840 x 1920 @ 120fps, 10-bit
3840 x 1920 @ 30fps
3840 x 1920 @ 60 fps
2160 x 1080 @ 120fps
Video resolution (3D 180)no 3D mode3840 x 1920 30fps
3840 x 1920 60fps
Video codecH.264 and H.265.
H.265 200mpbs bitrate
H.264 and H.265
Photo resolution (VR view mode)7680 x 3840
12-bit DNG Raw
DNG8 burst mode
Raw+ mode
4320 x 2160
DNG8 burst mode
Live streaming4K 360 live streaming3D video
180 3D video
360 + 180 3D video
Storage64GB onboard + removable Micro SD up to 256GBRemovable micro SD up to 256GB
Battery3600 mAH
40 mins continuous
2600 mAh
180 mins continuous recording
Audio3.5mm mic input
GPSnonenone
Other featuresremovable lensdepth mapping
refocusing
background editor
HDR
Weight243 grams180 grams
Price$589 available Dec. 2019$399

Highest resolution video: Qoocam’s 8K resolution is the highest among consumer 360 cameras.  In fact, Qoocam 8K’s video quality is comparable to that of the $4199 Kandao Obsidian R, according to Kandao’s CEO.

Kandao Qoocam 8K features a folded optical path
Kandao Qoocam 8K features a folded optical path

10-bit video:  It is also the first consumer 360 camera to offer 10-bit video, a feature that had been available only for high end professional 360 cameras.  10-bit video provides better latitude for adjusting exposure and colors in postprocessing, as well as offering better highlight and shadow recovery.  This video from Kandao shows a demo of the latitude of a Qoocam 8k video.

4K 360 video live streaming (NEW): The Qoocam 8K can live stream in 4K 360 video.  A future Qoocam 8K Pro version will be able to live stream in 8K 360 video (see below re 8K Pro).

8K Express Editing (NEW): with Qoocam, you can edit 8K 360 videos on your phone.  The app generates 4K proxy files automatically when you download videos to your phone.

In-camera DNG8 (see below): Qoocam 8K can take a burst of 8 Raw DNG photos and stack them in-camera with no need to use Kandao Raw+ software.

Express DNG8 (see below):  Qoocam 8K can take a burst of 8 Raw DNG photos and stack them into a single 16-bit DNG photo with less noise and better shadow range.  Unlike in-camera DNG8, the stacking happens immediately after the shot.

Super HDR (see below):  In this mode, the Qoocam 8K takes three Express DNG8 photos (i.e., 24 Raw DNG photos, merged into three photos): one at -3EV, 0EV, and +2EV.  The phone app can then merge and stitch these three Express DNG8 into a stitched HDR photo (in JPG).

Folded optical path: Qoocam uses a folded optical path like the Ricoh Theta, which enables the lenses to be brought closer to each other, resulting in less parallax stitching errors.

Slow motion video: Qoocam 8K can capture 4X slow motion at 3840 x 1920 @ 120fps, 10-bit.  That is the highest resolution, highest frame rate, and highest bit depth slow motion for consumer 360 cameras.  Moreover, Kandao’s AI slow motion can interpolate frames to simulate 4K 960fps frame rate.

High quality photos: photo resolution is 7680 x 3840, which is tied for the highest photo resolution among consumer 360 cameras.  It also has support for 12-bit DNG Raw, DNG8 Raw Burst mode, and Realtime Raw+, which can stack an 8-shot DNG raw burst and convert it to 16bit DNG output within the camera, which can then be stitched in the mobile or desktop app.

Touchscreen: It has a 2.4-inch touchscreen that can be used not only for changing settings but also previewing and reviewing photos and videos.  Unlike the GoPro MAX (reviewed here), you will be able to swipe the screen to look around 360 photos and videos.

Q shortcut button: this customizable button can access commonly used functions.

6-axis stabilization: the original Qoocam had one of the best stabilization for 360 cameras.  The Qoocam 8K likewise has excellent stabilization.

Hyperlapse: capture a stabilized time lapse.

Protective lens cover and ND filters: you can use protective lens covers.  Kandao is also working on covers that function as ND filters.

Dive case: the Qoocam 8K has an optional Dive Case accessory that will enable smooth stitching underwater.  The case design is similar to that of the Theta V and Insta360 One X dive cases, and as with those cameras, it will likely have a very large nadir, further made more conspicuous by three large buttons.

Qoocam 8K Dive Case
Qoocam 8K Dive Case

3.5mm microphone input: Qoocam 8K is one of only a handful of 360 cameras that have a microphone input.

Kandao Qoocam 8K has a 3.5mm mic input jack, and a frame with a cold shoe for a microphone
Kandao Qoocam 8K has a 3.5mm mic input jack, and a frame with a cold shoe for a microphone

Google Street View ready.  Qoocam 8K photos and videos will be compatible with Street View.  However, Qoocam 8K does not have built-in GPS therefore it will rely on a smartphone to provide the GPS metadata.

Built-in 64GB memory and removable Micro SD cards up to 256GB.  Please note: to get the maximum bitrate, Qoocam 8K will require a V30 Micro SD card.

Charge while recording.  The Qoocam 8K can record while charging via USB.  Furthermore, Qoocam 8K supports USB PD, and can charge up to 14 watts using  USB Type C to USB Type C 3.0A charger.

In-Camera DNG8, Express DNG8 and Super HDR

Qoocam 8K is Kandao’s first camera to offer in-camera DNG8.  This means it can shoot a burst of 8 Raw DNG photos, and stack them in-camera.  The stacking does not occur in realtime.  Instead, when viewing the photo gallery from the camera’s screen, the user can tap on the photo to initiate the stacking.  The camera can batch-process all DNG8 modes sequentially.

In addition to in-camera DNG8, Qoocam 8K also has Express DNG8.  The camera takes a burst of 8 Raw DNG photos and immediately stacks them into a single 16-bit Raw DNG photo with very low noise and amazing shadow range.

Qoocam 8K is also the first camera from Kandao to offer Super HDR for supported phones.  In this mode, the camera takes three Express DNG8 photos at -3EV, 0EV, and +2EV, then the phone app merges and stitches them into a stitched HDR 360 photo in the app.  Please note the Super HDR photo is in JPG.  However, the original three Express DNG8 photos remain in the camera and can be merged using third party software.

Hands-on Review

Kandao Qoocam 8K vs GoPro MAX size
Kandao Qoocam 8K vs GoPro MAX size

The Qoocam 8K was larger and heavier than I expected.  It is about the same thickness as the GoPro MAX but almost twice the height.  It is also heavier than a Ricoh Theta Z1 (182 grams vs. 243 grams).  However, it is still as pocketable as a larger but thicker smartphone.

The controls are intuitive, particularly with the touchscreen.  It can get quite hot due to its high resolution, and because it radiates heat through vents in between the camera, although there is a plastic frame accessory that makes it more comfortable to hold.  The plastic accessory frame will not cause the Qoocam to overheat.

Kandao did not have sample photos or videos available for inspection, claiming that the stitching had not yet been finalized as of the launch.  Nonetheless, based on what I saw in terms of overcapture samples and the hardware, the Qoocam 8K appears to have the highest video and photo quality for consumer 360 cameras, certainly at anything close to this price range.  I will be posting a hands-on review as soon as I receive my camera, which Kandao said they would send by the end of November 2019.
Check back here for my hands-on video.

Qoocam 8K DNG8 workflow

One of the most useful features of the Qoocam 8K is DNG8, which together with the Kandao Raw+ software gives the Qoocam 8k the ability to take very high quality photos through image stacking without ghosting.  Here’s the workflow.

1 – Take a DNG8 photo. Switch to DNG8 mode and take a photo, or if you prefer even better quality, take two DNG8 photos.

2 – Import the photos into Kandao Raw+ software, which will stack up to 16 unstitched photos into a single stacked photo.

3 – Edit the stacked photo in your preferred photo editor, such as Lightroom or Photoshop, and save the edited photo as a JPG file.  Do not change the name of the file (other than the file extension).

4 – Stitch the edited JPG file in Qoocam Studio.  If Qoocam rejects the file, it’s probably because there has been a change in the filename, or the file is in a format other than JPG.

Please note that Qoocam 8K can now stack DNG8 photos in-camera (see above).

Sample video and photos

Here is a sample 8K 360 video from the Qoocam 8K:

The sample looks very detailed – as detailed as I would expect from a true 8K 360 video.  This is not just an upscaled video.  On the other hand, the dynamic range seems to have limited highlight range.  The stitching also shows a little bit of warping and ghosting.  The colors appear natural, as with other Kandao cameras.  If this is representative of its image quality, then it appears to have the best image quality among all consumer 360 cameras — not even the Insta360 One X or GoPro MAX come close to this, and I can safely say that it exceeds the image quality of some “professional” 360 cameras, although it does not appear quite as detailed as the Kandao Obsidian R.

Here is a new “low light” sample in 8K 360 video, and my observations after the video:

Although this video was taken at night, it is not really a low light video, as it is very well lit. However, unlit areas outside the tunnel offer a glimpse of the Qoocam’s shadow range. In those areas, there is not much detail, probably because the video was shot in a low ISO. The lights in the tunnel also seem to show almost no chromatic aberration in most areas, although there are some areas that appear to have blooming.

Here is another sample video shot at night (it has already been graded), although again this was also brightly lit and on a tripod.  The sample shows good detail, dynamic range, and color.

Here’s a sample montage of reframed photos and videos by Sujit Chachad:

Here are sample 360 photos:

The photos are not bad, although they seem less detailed than the Ricoh Theta Z1, with some softness at the stitch line.  In the restaurant scene, the women’s complexion seem unnaturally smooth.  It is not clear if this was due to some movement with the slow shutter speed, or if the camera applies aggressive noise reduction.  The colors also appear a bit warm.  Dynamic range is decent, with a good range of highlights and shadows.  In the sunflower scene for example, there are no blown highlights.  In the restaurant scene, all but the brightest highlights are captured, and the details on the woman’s black dress and hair are retained.

Sample photos posted on December 2, 2019:

This outdoor photo shows natural colors and average amount of chromatic aberration (I disagree that the aberration is excessive for a 360 camera). There is some glare and some softness at the stitch line (aimed at the sun).

This indoor photo shows good stitching. There is some luminance noise and some faint green and purple hues in what should be a white wall and ceiling.

This outdoor low light photo shows very good saturation and low noise. However, there is some blooming and fringing in the neon lights, and some chromatic aberration in some of the lights.

This indoor photo again shows good stitching. The colors look accurate, despite having artificial light sources with different color temperatures. There is some noticeable glare in the kitchen lamps, and a little bit of luminance noise in the shaded areas.

Qoocam 8K Pro

Kandao Qoocam 8K Pro will have 8K realtime stitching and live streaming
Kandao Qoocam 8K Pro will have 8K realtime stitching and live streaming

Kandao is also working on a future version of the Qoocam 8K that will be oriented toward professional users.  The Qoocam 8K Pro will have realtime stitching at up to 8K resolution, and will be able to live stream in 8K.  It will have an ethernet port to ensure fast and reliable transmission.  The 8K Pro will also have GPS.  Other features that could be added to the 8K Pro include Prores format support, and SSD support.

Kandao has not stated the price or availability for the 8K Pro model. The Pro model will reportedly be available only to businesses and commercial users.

Price and availability; Qoocam loyalty reward discount

Qoocam 8K will be available for $599, direct from Kandao, or from Amazon.  For existing owners of the original Qoocam, you can get a $30 discount if you upload a photo of your baseplate here.  Although it costs more than most other 360 cameras, it will deliver professional quality video at a consumer price, and is therefore a very good value at that price.

Kandao Qoocam 8K coupon discount code
Kandao Qoocam 8K coupon discount code

About the author

Mic Ty

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  • Can’t wait to know about resolution and if it can take videos too.. but the teaser talks about “new productS”, so maybe there will be more than one surprise! 🙂

    • Thanks Andrea! Yes that’s a good point! I wonder if it’s just grammatical error, or they really have more than one product being launched?

  • Is it odd that you can hear the female voice of “Audio Jungle” in the background. That means that they used the sample audio and haven’t purchased the audio track! Kinda weird since it’s an official promo

    • Yes they’re taking a risk there. They may have downloaded it from a Chinese website that ripped the soundtrack from a demo soundtrack.

  • Looks like I’ll be waiting for your affiliate link and then getting whatever they’re selling! I was their first Kickstarter backer, and while the QooCam initially underwhelmed me, I’ve grown to really, really like it. I expect I’ll like this/these too.

      • The era of relatively low cost “hi-res” photo-centric 360 cams has just started 🙂 Kandao, Insta360, and Ricoh are the big players and have far more R&D and QC resources as well as established reliable supply chain than the kinds of Xphase. Don’t be surprised to see them introduce “hi-res” cameras in 2020 … Xphase had the chance to lock up the hires market with the original Ocam/Starro camera more than 2 years ago and finish up Panono back then, now they are a bit too late to the x-mass shopping party around the corner with supply issues.

    • The RAW+ concept of the QooCam HIGHLY impressed me, but I passed on it for some reason (at this point, I don’t remember why – it COULD simply have been timing/availability compared to last year’s vacation to the Southwest).

      A product refresh has a VERY good chance of being an extremely solid offering. With the discovery recently that even after supposedly adding “raw” support, the Xphase “pro” can only shoot JPEG, unless Kandao somehow really flubs a golden opportunity, it’ll be next to impossible for them NOT to wind up releasing what is going to prove to be a top choice.

        • Based on this, I’m almost surely going to order this as soon as there are some DNG8 and RAW+ DNG samples as long as there are no nasty surprises in those samples.

          You mention that there are no samples because stitching is not ready – but can you ask them for some unstitched DNG8 samples and the results of some “Realtime RAW+” samples?

  • I love the QooCam, but the photos taken with the new cam as shown in the video are not very convincing. I looked at single frames of the video. There is a lot of chromatic aberration, highlights are way blown out, there are visible stitching errors and the details are not as crisp and clear as their campaign suggests. I feel actually underwhelmed if I compare what I see here with what I got from KanDao in the past.

    Another question for you when you talk to them: will this new camera support a Mac workflow? For QooCam they had promised coming updates repeatedly, but have not lived up to their promises.

    • Hi Sascha. I agree the highlight range is not impressive for a photo. But what I’m wondering is whether these are framegrabs from a video, as opposed to photos. 🙂

  • I took the QooCam on my yearly family vacation to Japan last year and loved the results; I have another trip coming up soon and figured this year trip camera would be the Insta360 one x, but maybe Kandao can make its way back into my suitcase? Will it be out by Thanksgiving?

  • I’m going to bet an update to the Obsidian Go with slightly improved specs and a $999 price point to bring it closer to a mass market audience.

    • Hmm those sound like professional specs. This one is supposed to be a consumer camera, so it might not have all those 🙂

    • You missed the “full auto scene detection” and “make it sexy”-button for AI-created auto content. 😀

  • Seems like “Beyond The Max” is a direct dig at GoPro’s newest 360 offering. That being the case, I hope it’s a compact, high-res 360 camera capable of 8K *video*!

  • Hard to figure if this is a consumer happy cam or a professional level one with a price higher than Z1 from Ricoh…

  • What I think? About an announcement to come? Well…I guess it is not difficult to be “beyond the max” since my little Samsung cam from 2016 has still a better resolution than all the current gear on a similar product level (Fuison, Insta One X, Max, …).

    According to the promo teaser the device looks a bit like an Insta360 One X. And I guess it will have a bigger sensor than its competitors. Let’s say 1 inch. Let’s assume more than 6k. Maybe 8. The top looks like the part of a ventilation system. Calcualting power needs fresh air. Maybe a multicore heart inside. Let’s see if the announcement raises the bar and where.

    Enough guessing. My glass orb is getting foggy…

        • Dang, I am *really* hoping for a better VR180 soon. The EVO and Vuze XR are just good enough to tease me, and I was hoping Kandao would stun us with a next-gen QooCam. Sounds like no. Still… this thing looks awesome!

        • Correct. They seem to have accepted that there is not as much demand for 3d 180 or 3d 360 as they would have liked.

  • I expect to wake up early tomorrow to a full write-up, Mic! 😉 The announcement will be at 1AM my time, otherwise I’d stay up. Sounds like it is going to cost me to read what you will write.

    • FINALLY!

      This is the start of a new era! I don’t even care if this camera is great or just good or less than perfect.. it doesn’t matter. Kudos for Kandao for having the yalwnt, the motivation and the courage to bring this first to the market and at a price that is truly fair.

      GoPro Max, sorry but you are dead in the water before you even started swimming. Insta360, your next move 🙂

        • Kandao’s pre-order is now working. Ordered one! Yes, I’m taking a risk not knowing how well it’ll work, but the company has released several highly acclaimed models before, and reviews will be available before it’s shipping. I bet that it’ll have better image quality than the Insta 360 EVO, and handling will be just fine. I’m sure they can address small glitches with firmware upgrades.

  • no really new info other than the price. they basicly got the info from the leaked website. im asuming that we will get alot more info here sinc mic is suposed to be at the event. i hope we get some info on if they are working on a new vr180 camers. but not look good

  • This is just information and photos from the website posted above. Though they do have the price. I’m assuming we will get more info from mic. Supposedly they are at the event.

  • I’m incredibly excited! I’ll keep using my EVO for 3D, but this will be my next 360 camera. Good price for the features. 8K RAW, 4L 120fps, larger sensor, better than expected. I was hoping for 8K under $1200. I’ll be pre-ordering this one as soon as B&H has it.

  • it looks great on paper but i’d wait until we see real world footage because resolution on paper can be very different from real world (numerous examples of in camera upscaled video resolution including big names such as canon). i also have doubt a 200 degree lenses can deliver such high resolution on the border of the lens resulting in blurry image near the stitch lines. even if this camera has flaws, it will push insta 360 one x version 2 out soon and that is my highedt hope for an affordable 8k 360 camera with decent image quality

    • Absolutely, we need to wait for real-world video, but I expect this will raise the bar considerably. If it were VR180, I’d pre-order it anyway because I so very much want a better experience there and see it as a huge potential market. For 360, I can wait.

  • Can anyone confirm if the camera can be used as a conventional camera suggested in the 8 shot DNG burst as well as the obvious 360 aspect? At £529 pounds, wow.

  • Wow, proper raw and 10-bit log(?) video at these resolutions!
    All I learned to miss over the less few (fun) months with the one x …

    Insta360: your turn!

    Btw:
    -no interchangeable front lenses?
    -should be able to get proper quality video into Premiere and use VR-reframe workflow? Who will do the stitching?

  • Wow, proper RAW en 10-bit log video! All I learned to miss over the last (fun) months with the one x.

    Insta360: your turn!

    BTW: apparently no interchangeable front lenses?
    Is there / will there be a no-stitch workflow route with premiere and VR reframe?

  • The team at Kandao is a group of photography enthusiasts. They asked for features, listened actively for feedback from their users and implemented it on this camera and yet they wonder now why they created a hype. 🙂

    Don’t get disappointed: As any product, this will need refinement after release. If you look at how KanDao followed up with QooCam development and compare that to competitors – for example GoPro- you will easily see that it’s a no brainer to invest in this camera if you are in the market. GoPro came out with a beta for Fusion in early 2019 and then apparently disabandoned its Fusion users, as that beta received no further updates or signs of a stable release.

    • Yup. I can’t remember why I skipped the original Qoocam, but unless I see some really nasty surprise in DNG8 or RAW+ samples, I’m definitely buying this. I’ve heard lots of good things about Kandao, and the fact that this will be orderable from B&H and Amazon is a major plus.

      The Xphase Pro appeared to initially have a lot of potential, but both of October’s feature releases were entirely broken and Xphase is doubling down on poor design decisions, in at least two cases providing explanations for technical issues that were immediately disproven by counter-examples this week. Xphase has actively designed their system to keep people from using alternative workflows to their PanoManager app, which had SEVERE regressions in performance in their October releases. So the only functional PanoManager that gives acceptable results is the September release – which means you can’t actually use any of the features they claim to have delivered in October.

  • Hi Mic … why will you wait to get your camera in December ..?? Couldn’t they just give you one to review while you are there … with them ..??!! 🤔

    • Hi Maha! They said I will get my cam this month (Nov 2019). They didn’t want to give me one of their units because they only have 2 or 3 prototypes 🙂

  • Heya Mic, at your next opportunity can you try out the live streaming and let us know if the app allows streaming to business Facebook pages rather than only personal pages? I think alot of people have been waiting for a 360 camera that allows that feature wirelessly (without having to involve a laptop and all sorts of other nonsense) for a while now.

  • Ok so is the Qoocam a game changer if I were going to go for the X phase?
    Specs show the x- phase with twice the resolution.
    Just don’t want to screw up and not do my photos justice.
    Thank you in advance.

    • Hi Bruce! Xphase will definitely have higher resolution. But the stitching on the qoocam is likely better. For dynamic range I’m not sure which one has wider dynamic range.

  • I kinda hate you know. Now I want to buy this cam ! (Kidding about the hate part of course)
    My (little) brain still wants to wait to see the following questions:
    – how is the stitching (as you mentionned) ?
    – how will be the quality of the final results (photos? videos, …? dynamic range? low light conditions? flares?…)
    – how my current computer can handle such footage ? I use proxies but still want to see how could be the limits on my computer. Having big pixels to edit my video is kinda uncomfortable.
    – how is the workflow ? I am used to the insta360 x workflow on computer, I don’t know anything about Kandao software world.
    – what specifications to expect for the insta360 next consumer product iteration?
    -…

    As I already own an insta360 X, I feel that the gopro max is not worth the update, even if there are good improvements. The Kandao cam seems to be a better choice at this price range. But I am waiting for insta announcements…

    As always, thanks for your work.

    • Great questions buddy! Those are what I will find out with a hands-on test. Re insta360, I will have news soon! Stay tuned!

  • I wonder if the heat you mention will cause in issues when under water with the dive case? Fogging for example? I am very interested in this a dive camera and I hope somebody will do a thorough diving review of it soon.

    • Hi Matt! That’s a good point! Maybe they will need some kind of condensation absorbent, kind of like in some dive cases.

    • Also looking at the dive case – could you let me know the launch date & questioning the moisture issue with the heat of the camera
      Also would there be an action case for this?
      As I require a splash proof & dust proof environment for jet skiing & beach

      • I got the impression that the dive case will not be available at launch. I’ll try to find out the availability. There is no action case per se, but there is a screw-on replaceable lens cover and an accessory frame with a coldshoe that can also make the qoocam “splashproof”.

  • Hey Mic, I thought I posted this question earlier but can’t find it now…

    How does the Qoocam compare to the XPhase for sharpness? Is it too early to ask? I was going to pull the trigger on the x phase but I just needed to get your input first. Thank you in advance.

    • Hi Bruce! Xphase will definitely have higher resolution. But the stitching on the qoocam is likely better. For dynamic range I’m not sure which one has wider dynamic range.

  • They may kill a Z1 with this one as it is more resolution for almost half price. I am really thinking to switch but I need to see a sample 360 image first. I am honestly surprised that so many have done review on this camera but could not supply any sample 360 degree image.

    • Hi Mike. The Z1 still has a larger sensor, but i think the Qoocam DNG8 will be as good as, if not better than Z1. But Z1 DNG8 (manual raw burst) will probably be better than qoocam DNG8. Yes I’m looking forward to the samples too. possibly as early as next week!

      • Question – When you say manual raw burst, is that the new “Handheld HDR” mode advertised by Ricoh?

        It was announced but the amount of technical details as to exactly what it is are nonexistent.

        If it’s bursting or burst-stacking in the same manner as the Google Pixels and the Qoocams, that’ll be a huge benefit.

        I’m deciding on my next camera purchase between the Qoocam and Z1 – right now leaning towards the Qoocam due to the fact that they’ve put so much effort into burst stacking. Xphase is pretty much out of consideration after they tried to blame users for flaws in their camera.

    • Hi Ramon. They only said December. They’re trying to do it before Christmas. But that goal seems to be quite aggressive.

    • For me, that’s a feature. I’ve never seen a camera’s built-in GNSS work even remotely well, and I’d rather not waste money on a feature that performs poorly.

    • Hi Bruno. They have a desktop app. The current Qoocam app can render the video in different formats, but has no keyframing capability. But the mobile app has keyframing capability and I’ve told them we users want that in the desktop app as well.

      • Hi Mic
        Thank you,
        what about still images can the desktop app do simple editing like brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness on photos without much hassle ?
        I think I read somewhere this cam can shoot photos while recording am I right ?

  • brainstorming a little here …

    – Since it supports an external battery pack, how about a selfie stick, with a battery inside it (think flashlight tube, put a few 18650’s in it).

    – integrate the power connection into the tripod socket (pogo pins maybe?) so there’s no calbe connection.

    – While they’re at it, put a set of remote shutter / start stop controls, on the end of the handle as well.

    now make all the above work with the underwater housing, so that you have a longer run time during a dive. (possibly even using the selfie stick as a way to dissipate heat, to stop any condensation (fogging) inside the housing)

  • We are all waiting for a 3D capable cheap 8K camera! This one doesn’t have it. Very disappointing. I would never buy a non-3D camera these days. 3D is the real experience!

    • No we’re not. We were waiting for the EVO, then that came and no one I knew could watch any of my footage in 3D, but meanwhile I discovered overcapture and I was converted. No one has 3D TVs, no one has VR headsets, no one wants to wear Google Cardboard. That’s why VR180 is dead at the moment.

      • While Vr180 might be “dead” at the moment, 3D in a VR HMD is awesome. People with kids want to capture them in 3D now while they grow. AR/VR will be a mass market thing in 10 years time. We want these 3D videos we take now on our AR glasses in the future. Not 2D video

  • One thing that gives me trepidation is the heat that you said it produces-almost too hot to handle. Semi conductor devices worst environmental enemy are heat or cold. I wonder how long the camera will last under those extreme heat conditions? I doubt that the best components were used with regard to cost. Insta360 is coming out with their rendition in December. I will see how hot they are before making a decision.

    • Hey pepegot1! The heat from Qoocam 8k is because the body frame is metal and acts as a radiator / heatsink. The Mi Sphere has a similar concept — its metal frame is also used to radiate heat.

      • Amen to this!

        A lot of consumer electronics have their thermal throttling limits set not to protect the internal electronics, but to protect the users.

        Thermal designs that are better for the electronics (such as metal casings) can actually make it harder to control surface temperatures.

        There’s an ISO or IEC safety standard somewhere (I forget the exact one) that cites for certain equipment that no more than a certain temperature rise over ambient is allowed. (I saw the reference in the app notes for an industrial 3D Time-of-Flight camera on heatsinking.) Unfortunately I can no longer find the app note in question, so I can’t find the standard.

        I know that some Sony phones in the past had throttling limits set based on what would create an unacceptable surface temperature rise and not what would damage the internals, and the updated thermal limit behavior of recent Sony E-mount cameras make it pretty obvious it was written by paranoid lawyers. Note that the standard I reference is EXTREMELY conservative – a device will be very uncomfortable to hold in such scenarios, but won’t be hot enough to burn a person unless it’s in direct sun in 100F+ ambient temperatures.

  • Over five weeks have passed since the Kandao Qoocam 8K announcement. Yet, at this date, there are still no real product reviews. The few sample shots were presumably taken by Kandao people. It would make people more confident to place orders for something that has actually been tested by Mic Ty or other independents. The delay raises concern that early testers may be bogged down by NDAs and lengthy back and forth discussions with the manufacturer over possible bugs uncovered in the hardware or apps. Let’s hope I’m wrong, but the delay really does cause Kandao to lose significant December sales to competitors.

    One concern is that the 8k video footage will, besides requiring a high-end RXT or RX graphics card to edit, may simply result in gigantic files without proportionate increase in resolution when cropped to a 16:9 2k view. For instance, in the sample shot where two women are at a table, the adjacent menu is not really legible. Side-by-side comparisons with shots taken with 4k or 5.7k 360-degree cameras would be helpful.

    How much bandwidth or connection speed would it take to stream full 8k 360-degree video?

    • Thanks John! Re editing the 8k videos, I’m able to do it on my gtx 1070 pc. I’ll post sample files for you to try.

  • Message to Kandao: please lend Mic Ty, and some of his 360-camera pro colleagues, working versions of your Qoocam 8k 360 camera for independent review. Thus far, none of the “hands on” comments resemble a full review. If there are problems with the “beta” versions, perhaps it is too early to ship to buyers anyway. Good luck to you, but I am reluctant to sacrifice close to $600 for something not fully tested and fully compared to competing products.

    • Hi Ken. Sorry for the delayed reply. I just saw your comment now. When you start recording, you will capture the sound of the fan powering down but you won’t hear the beep of the power on/off. If I misunderstood your question, please let me know.

  • I’m having issues stitching my DNG8 images from my Qoocam 8K.

    Could you list your workflow from taking a DNG8 picture with the camera to the final product?

    I use Kandao Raw+ to merge the DNG8 but then everything goes sideways from there, I’ve tried everything I can think of and I only get a black blob in equirectangular resolution when I try to stitch with Qoocam Studio when it decides not to call out an error about an “abnormal image”

    I have the latest camera firmware.

  • Good morning, I am evaluating buying this camera to make 360 vr stock videos, do you recommend it to me? Do you know any 360vr video sales platform that works? thanks !!!

  • I just now downloaded the OS X app for the QooCam 8K using the link QooCam Service gave me.

    The developer cannot be verified so I either cancel it or put in in the trash. All this time I have had the camera and I cannot use it. Workflow on an iPad is ridiculous.

    What good is the camera without the software?

    “QooCamStudio” cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.

    macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.

    This item is on the disk image “QoocamStudio_1.5.1.5.dmg”. Safari downloaded this disk image today at 11:30 AM from onedrive.live.com

    Think maybe you should let people know about this???

  • So……when is the Qoocam 8K going to be available on Amazon?

    After researching some reviews & having issues from the Qoocam website, there is no way I will take the risk of buying it a real and timely return policy option. Also this guy doesn’t make me feel any better. Thoughts?

    https://youtu.be/9-Pi5w69Rtk

    Thanks Mic!
    Adam

    • I don’t know if it will ever be available on Amazon.

      I didn’t watch that video but Qoocam 8K has the most detailed video among the consumer 360 cameras I’ve tested. The phone app is buggy but the desktop app is somewhat ok. When Qoocam fixes their app, it will be a solid choice.

  • Hi Mic – do you have any idea when it will be shipping? I have a pre-order with B&H. Every time I contact Kandao they tell me ‘in a few days’.
    This has been going on over a month. I figured you would have a better idea.
    Thanks

  • do have you any news in regards to the release of the qoocam 8k pro? any estimation by when they will relelase it? i want to buy the qoocam, but would wait if its released in the next few month.

    another question, are most of the bugs already solved on qoocam 8k? what is still unsolved?

    thanks a lot
    cheers from Switzerland

    • Hi Luis. Kandao said it is only for commercial clients.

      Re bugs, the phone app and desktop app crash from time to time. Also, sometimes I’m unable to update the camera firmware via the app.

  • In the workflow for Qoocam 360 8k, you mentioned about taking 2 shots with DNG8, do you need to change any settings when taking a second shot?

    • Hi Kiat. If you take two DNG8 shots, Kandao Raw+ can stack the 16 photos for even better quality.
      Best regards,
      Mic

    • There’s no need to change any settings.
      As you know, digital noise is random so two sets of DNG8 shots merged into one DNG16 in Raw+ will result in a much sharper image.
      You only need to select the first dng image of each set as Raw+ will ask to automatically load the rest. This will leave you with two image collections. You will need to manually move the images from one set into the other and thereby making a single set of 16 dng’s, have Raw+ render them and you have yourself a DNG16 image ready for post processing in whatever photo editor you want to use.
      If you have Photoshop Classic, you should learn how to use the 3D menu and its features as that makes removing the monopod/tripod from the nadir that much easier.

  • Hi Mic!

    Nice review of the Kandao Qoocam 8K!

    I just saw a post on another forum about the “Kandao Qoocam 8K Enterprise.” Is that the same as the “Kandao Qoocam 8K Pro”? Any news as to when either of these cameras may hit the market and their price range?

    Thanks!

    Mark

  • After Ben Claremonte confirmed with Kandao that the 8k qoocam suffers from “Thermal Defocusing”, that is the nail in the coffin for this camera. What Kandao has confirmed is, when the camera gets hot, the lenses shift focus to extreme close up. This is what i noticed very obviously when i used the camera, but I didnt know it was heat related. It must instantly overheat, because everything i had was out of focus. I cannot imagine how that could be fixed with firmware, so that thing cannot be anywhere near a recommended buy.

  • Support for this product is horrible! I bought my Quoocam 8K camera less than two months ago and now it wont charge. I charged it three days ago, used it the next and when I went to retrieve the pics, it would not connect. Now it wont charge or connect so I can get my pics or charge it. These pics are for my business and this is costing me more than the $700 I paid for this paperweight. I have tried to contact support but I am assuming there are a LOT of others who bought this worthless product and they haven’t gotten to mine yet. Should have went with the Theta. Quoocam support is worthless

    • Hi Mike.
      1. When you connect your Qoocam to a USB charger, does it turn on?
      2. If it turns on, can you try connecting it to your PC or Mac via a USB Type C cable?

  • … and a jump to 2022…
    In Germany I can see the Kandao QooCam 8K Enterprise and it costs from 1700.- to 2000.- Euro.

    So I wonder: Is that the “Pro” ?
    And what I wonder: Is the Thermal Defocusing” problem solved, or still a point to discuss?

    And, dear Mic, what would you say, is it worth to buy for this big amount of money, if I need a 360 cam in a consumer housing (still small and lightweight), that offers 8k Video and 8k photo with very good dynamicrange?