Samsung's new Gear 360 camera is way cheaper than the original
Get your wallet out because you'll finally be able to buy Samsung's new Gear 360 camera starting tomorrow, May 25.
The smaller, more powerful second-generation 360-degree camera will cost $230, which makes it far more affordable than the original's $350 launch price. You'll be able to pick up the camera from Samsung, Best Buy, Amazon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular.
Even better is the promotion Samsung's running: buy a Galaxy S8/S8+ between May 25 and June 19 and you can nab the new camera for only $50.
Though the new Gear 360 is designed to work best with the Galaxy S8/S8+, Samsung smartly added iOS support this time around, opening the camera up to many more users.
Livestreaming to various platforms (Facebook, YouTube, and Samsung VR), real 4K resolution recording, longer battery life, and the camera's new handle/body all contribute to a better 360 shooting experience.
Despite some shortcomings, we praised the original Gear 360 for its sleek looks and effortless connectivity and recording capabilities.
A year ago Samsung was one of the first with a consumer 360 camera and the only one to really nail down the basics, but there's tons of competition now. Every company from Kodak to Garmin have one. And if they don't yet (like GoPro), they will.
The $230 price, however, gives the new Gear 360 an edge; most comparable consumer 360 cameras cost $300 or more.
If you're new to 360 cameras, here are a few examples of the kind of 360 photos and videos you can shoot with the Gear 360:
And here's a 360 photo:
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
