360 cameras have come a long way since they were first introduced to consumers nearly 5 years ago. I detailed in previous post the best 360 cameras for those on a budget and now it’s time to update you for 2021. In this post I’ll take you through the best 360 cameras under $300, which is considered pretty cheap for this type of product. You may not be able to enjoy the absolute best features but you can still get a decent camera in this price range. Let’s take a look at your options alone with their pro’s and cons.

 

$209.99
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$299.93
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4 new from $299.93
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$299.99
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as of 18th March 2020 6:40 pm
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Last updated on 14th March 2024 9:46 pm

 

Best Cheap 360 Cameras in 2021

GoPro Fusion – Best Cheap Option 

My recommendation for the best cheap 360 camera of 2021 has to be the GoPro Fusion. This is the only cheap 360 camera that can shoot 5K video which can compete with much more expensive cameras. The Fusion was released in 2018 and quickly became the most powerful 360 of the time. It still holds up to this day and is able to shoot stabilized, high quality 360 video. GoPro recently released the GoPro Max which is their next generation 360 camera. The company subsequently slashed the price of the Fusion which can now be had for as little as $210!

This is an absolute steal considering the quality of the photos and videos the Fusion is capable of shooting. The downside is that you’ll need two fast SD cards for it to work and you’ll also need a reasonably powerful desktop/laptop to stitch the files together.

PROS:
  • High Quality 360 Video
  • Excellent Stabilization
  • Waterproof/Shockproof
  • An Excellent Action Camera
  • Very Cheap

CONS:
  • Needs Two SD Cards
  • Needs Powerful Laptop

Check Price on Amazon

 

 

Ricoh Theta SC 2

The Ricoh Theta SC 2 is the newest of Ricoh’s 360 camera line-up. It represents the second generation of their budget SC range which offers much of the functionality of their more powerful cameras. The SC 2 can shoot 4K 360 video and 15 mexapixel images, you can also make use of Night Mode and auto HDR mode for improved image quality in different lighting conditions. Ricoh are well known for their lens and processor technology so while 4K resolution isn’t considered the best option any more the camera somewhat make sup for it with excellent color and dynamic range capabilities.

The SC2 is available for $300 which seems to me like a fair price, however if you are willing to spend a little bit more you may want to consider the Ricoh Theta V which is a slightly more powerful camera with more memory.

PROS:
  • Excellent Design
  • Night/Low Noise Mode
  • High Quality Optics
  • Works Great with Just a Phone

CONS:
  • Limited to 4K video
  • No Expandable Memory

Check Price on Amazon

Xiaomi Madventure (Mi Sphere)

If you are looking for a waterproof 360 camera that’s also pretty awesome at shooting photos then the Madvenure is probably the camera for you. The Madventure is covered in water resistant coating which makes it one of the few 360 camera to be water resistant. What makes the Madventure stand out is its photography capabilities; it can shoot 24 megapixel images, RAW, Bracketed and HDR. If you want super high quality 360 images in a small form factor then this is the camera for you.

At only $300 this is a great value option for those more interested in still 360 images rather than video. While the Madventure can still shoot 360 video at 4K resolution it’s not it’s main selling point. Many people have used this camera to create professional virtual tours and continue to do so to this day.

Check Price on Amazon
PROS:
  • Excellent Quality 360 Photos
  • Waterproof
  • 6 Axis Stabilization
  • RAW Photos

CONS:
  • Lower Quality Video
  • App can be Buggy

Rylo

best 4k 360 cameras 2018

For a time the Rylo was my 360 camera of choice. It was the first 360 camera to offer truly great stabilization as well as an easy to use app for reframing 360 video. Unfortunately the camera never got a sequel and the company was sold off. If you are willing to take the risk of no future updates or support then you can get the still very decent Rylo for just $150. The Rylo can shoot 5.8K resolution video and features that awesome stabilization I mentioned before.

The Rylo was one of the first 360 action cameras and has lasted the test of time, just be well aware that you won’t be getting any help from the company should any problems arise with your camera.

PROS:
  • 5.8K High Quality 360 Video
  • Excellent Stabilization
  • Excellent Editing App
  • Very Cheap

CONS:
  • Photo Quality Not as Good
  • No Support from Company

Check Price on Amazon

 

 

The 360 Guy

The 360 Guy

Owner of threesixtycameras.com. Writer, photographer and videographer. You can see my YouTube channel for guides of how to shoot 360 video. I've written for The Times, Digital Photography School and Sunday Express. 

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