Google has teamed up with Chinese imaging company, Yi Technology to introduce the next gen Jump camera – the YI HALO. The virtual reality (VR) camera makes production easier for VR filmakers and footages from the camera run through Google’s Jump Assembler, which uses advanced computer vision algorithms and the computing power of Google’s data centers to create 3D 360 video.
The YI HALO has 17 4K action cameras (16 Horizontal view unit cameras and 1 Up view unit camera) and can capture 8K by 8K stereoscopic 360-degree VR footage at 30 frames per second (FPS), or 6K by 6K at 60 FPS. It weighs less than 3.5kg (including the battery) and its internal battery lasts up to 100 minutes of continuous shooting (1 hr 40 mins) or more.
The camera features a small screen which shows the status of each camera, battery life and other stats. An accompanying Android app doubles as a remote control and live preview tool. HALO will go on sale starting Summer 2017 for $16,999, with units available today to select creators.
Also, Google has launched the Jump Start to bring more Jump Cameras to filmmakers. The program will give selected filmmakers free access to a Jump Camera (over 100 of them) and unlimited use of the Jump Assembler for their VR film. Applications for Jump Start, is currently ongoing and ends on May 22.
Source: Google Blog
