Nikon launches 360-degree action camera for $500

After DJI started encroaching on GoPro's market with cameras that work with its drones, the action camera maker decided to finally expand into the UAV market. Others, however, are still looking for opportunities in this area. Nikon has announced its KeyMission 360, a portable 360-degree action camera that makes its traditional counterparts such as the KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 "a whole lot less interesting," according to Wired.

At $500, though, users will have to really want a high-end action camera that can record every angle. The Nico360, which was launched on Kickstarter, promises to do this at a fifth of the cost. The advantage with Nikon, of course, is having an established brand behind the product.

The KeyMission 360 has a 20MP sensor on each side and is able to shoot 360-degree stills in 30MP. Videos can be recorded in 4K, which most users would expect in an action camera at this price point. The device is water- and shock-resistant, and can handle depths of 100 feet and falls of six feet. It can even survive temperatures as low as 14 F or -10 C.

Nikon is preparing for a future in which many users will want and expect to be able to record 360-degree videos. The company is including a mobile VR headset so people can easily enjoy their new videos if they do not have a headset already.

Many other companies are using the 360-degree video boom to make cameras for professionals. For many consumers, however, portability seems to be a popular feature of 360-degree cameras. Nikon's move makes a lot of sense in that context. Many of these kinds of cameras coming from China makers tend to be small while some are made for action as well.