Pocket 8K VR180 for Everyone? $699 CALF VISINSE Spatial Video Camera Review
Education
Introduction
The CALF VISINSE Gen 2 is making waves as a compact and lightweight 3D VR180 camera, packed with features that make it affordable for everyday content creators. With a near 8K resolution, a built-in Ethernet port, and optimization for the Apple Vision Pro, this camera aims to revolutionize the way creators share immersive content. It also integrates seamlessly with the Vision Pro app, allowing for quick streaming and sharing, reminiscent of popular platforms like TikTok.
A New Dawn for VR180 Filmmaking
Unlike its predecessor, the original CALF Generation 1, which targeted professional users, the Gen 2 is designed with everyday creators in mind. It’s perfect for vloggers and casual users who may not have extensive photography knowledge. The Gen 2 simplifies filmmaking into a point-and-shoot experience, delivering both VR180 and 3D spatial videos and photos—making it a substantial upgrade over the Insta360 Evo.
Despite marketing claims of 8K capabilities, the Gen 2 currently provides a true resolution of 7K, yet the sharpness and clarity surpass the Insta360 Evo, as well as the earlier CALF Generation 1. The enhanced resolution is crucial for 3D video since users view the content through headsets, such as the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest 3.
Size and Design
In terms of dimensions, the Gen 2 is impressively smaller than an iPhone 15, measuring about the same height but slightly thicker and weighing around 300 grams. This makes it easy to slip into a pocket, far lighter than the Generation 1, which weighed 850 grams. It also sports a high-quality f/2.0 lens for better low-light performance and less digital noise.
The camera uses a 12-megapixel Sony IMX 577 sensor, but similar to its predecessor, CALF crops the fisheye sensor coverage, creating a unique look with some pixel stretching at the top and bottom of the frame. While this may affect indoor shooting, it allows the camera to maintain a complete 180° field of view while hiding the tripod—a beneficial feature for immersive storytelling.
Features and Performance
One of the standout characteristics of the CALF Gen 2 is its internal camera stitching and automatic calibration, which eliminates the need for complicated post-production work. The AI embedded within simplifies the process, allowing creators to effortlessly upload their content to various platforms, including TikTok and the newly launched CALF Vision Pro platform.
With connectivity options like a dedicated audio jack, a microSD card slot for external storage, and dual USB ports—one being a Thunderbolt 4—this camera caters to modern streaming and recording needs. The robust 3,000 mAh built-in battery nearly doubles the runtime compared to its predecessor, ensuring that you’ll have enough power for outdoor shooting sessions.
The Gen 2 also features a large touchscreen display for easy framing and includes leveling indicators to help maintain straight shots.
Considerations and Limitations
While the CALF Gen 2 camera appears promising, it is still in the pre-production phase, which means some features are not yet fully operational. Current controls for settings are limited to bitrate and timer adjustments, with no options for white balance, ISO, or shutter speed.
Also, while it boasts 9x stabilization, it currently lacks the advanced hand-held stabilization found in the Insta360 Evo. Creators may wish to use a gimbal, especially for VR outputs, to avoid motion sickness for viewers.
There’s also a minor concern regarding chromatic aberration and sharpness drop-off near the edge of the lens. Hence, subjects should ideally be positioned away from the 160°-180° zones to avoid distortion.
Pricing and Future Prospects
The CALF Gen 2's early bird price of $ 699 makes it one of the most affordable VR180 cameras available, with the final retail price expected to be around $ 899. Though it may not surpass prosumer models for professional-quality filming, it is an excellent entry point for casual creators eager to explore spatial video.
This review serves as a preliminary look at a device promising to democratize immersive video content creation. Stay tuned for more comprehensive tests and footage once the camera hits the market!
Keywords
CALF VISINSE, Gen 2, 3D VR180, 8K resolution, spatial video, lightweight camera, content creators, streaming, TikTok, internal stitching, Thunderbolt 4, affordability, immersive content, pre-production.
FAQ
1. What makes the CALF VISINSE Gen 2 different from its predecessor?
The Gen 2 is aimed at everyday content creators, making it user-friendly with point-and-shoot functionality, unlike the Generation 1, which focused on professional filmmakers.
2. What is the resolution of the Gen 2 camera?
While some marketing materials suggest it offers 8K quality, the Gen 2 currently provides a maximum native resolution of 7K.
3. Is the CALF VISINSE Gen 2 easy to carry around?
Yes! The Gen 2 is compact, lighter than many smartphones, and designed for portability, making it easy to take anywhere.
4. What kind of connectivity does the camera support?
It offers a dedicated audio jack, microSD card slot, and two USB ports including a Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed data transfer.
5. When will the CALF VISINSE Gen 2 be available for purchase?
Pre-orders are starting at $ 699, with the final retail price expected to be $ 899. Further details on the release date will be provided soon.