360 video has opened up tons of new creative opportunities for filmmakers even when they're not shooting in 360 mode. The apps included with new cameras such as Insta360's ONE X2 can reframe and cut video into compelling 2D footage, and new modes that incorporate AI are creating possibilities that were previously unheard of.
In this video, 360 video creator and YouTuber Ben Claremont explores some of the new features recently released in Insta360's Shotlab, and it's pretty crazy how far AI has come and what it's able to figure out with these effects.
Claremont demonstrates four new shots that can be utilized if they were shot with an Insta360 ONE X2, the Insta360 ONE RS, and the older Insta360 ONE R: Cinelapse, Freeze Throw, Center Stage, and Clone Loop.
Cinelapse takes two walking scenes, intelligently figures out what the key elements are, and then clips them together with a fast-motion transition. It's pretty trippy but can result in some cool effects.
Freeze throw involves throwing a camera in the air with the software detecting the apex of the throw to create a 360 still image before the footage is brought back down to earth. While I'm iffy on the concept of throwing a camera, the effect is pretty interesting. Drop it, though, and you'll be out several hundred dollars. I guess this is why the Insta360 Titan isn't supported with this effect?
Center stage does pretty much what it says it will do, which is actively work to keep a subject framed in the shot, though it's hard to see how this works differently than the existing tracking modes.
Clone loop adds a new party trick where if you want to clone yourself in footage, you don't need to be stationary. The software can track a subject and clone movement from around the camera into the frame automatically. It's an effect that would be very difficult to edit in traditional video software.
If you're looking to breathe new life into your old 360 camera or want to step up your 360 filmmaking, these effects should definitely be worth a look.
