Calf Visinse (gen 2)

Affordable VR180 camera with good features on the spec sheet. Finally a new VR180 camera after the Insta360 EVO.

Calf Visinse is a new VR180 photo and video camera on the market. Videos with 7.2K @ 30 fps or 6K @ 50 fps are advertised, and a touchscreen for preview and easy handling is provided.

Thanks to the higher resolution of 7680 × 3840 pixels compared to older cameras like the Insta360 EVO (6080 × 3080 pixels), the images look quite sharp.

However, the colors and dynamic range are significantly inferior to those of the more expensive Canon Dual EyeFish. The Calf (Gen 1) also lacks some data at the top and bottom of the image. Strictly speaking, the camera does not produce a full hemisphere of 180°x180°, but rather an estimated 180°x160°.

The device features an integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which enables an on-screen spirit level for precise alignment—a crucial function for 3D VR recordings. This ensures the medium’s orientation matches perfectly the headset’s rotation, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, it supports livestreaming via an Ethernet port, offering a stable and high-quality streaming solution. Equipped with f/2.0 lenses, the camera delivers excellent performance in various lighting conditions. It also includes a built-in image stitching feature, automatically converting fisheye images into an equirectangular format, eliminating the need for manual post-processing on a PC.

An upcoming firmware update will boost the video resolution from 7.2K to 8K (7680 × 3840), ensuring even sharper and more detailed visuals. While the device includes a fan for cooling during extended use, users should note it may introduce background noise in audio recordings. However, an external microphone input is available for improved sound quality. The camera comes with 32 GB of internal memory, with a 64 GB version planned for future release, catering to various storage needs.

The Calf Visinse costs more than half the price of the first Calf camera: $699.

For those who prefer Short Angle 3D over VR180, more affordable options are now available. All iPhone 16 models, alongside the iPhone 15 Pro (Max), support Spatial Photos and Videos. Xreal’s Beam Pro also serves as a budget-friendly 3D camera, with a detailed review coming soon. Acer’s upcoming SpatialLabs Eyes, priced at $550, offers a traditional 3D camera with a wide horizontal angle, ideal for enhancing immersion in VR.