Here’s a checklist of what you’re going to need to start creating virtual tours:

1. 360º Camera
2. Monopod
3. Counterweight
4. Editing Skills
5. Virtual tour software

As the 360 industry is constantly updating the best cameras are changing frequently, so I’ve created a constantly updating list that you can find here.

The second thing you’re going to need is a good Monopod, not a tripod. What’s the difference? The footprint in the nadir point of the 360 image, you can easily remove a monopod compared to a large wide legged tripod. Find my recommendations here.

This is optional, but I strongly recommend adding counterweights. Due to monopods having smaller legs, when the camera is attached they can become top heavy. Many if not most people have had there cameras take a tumble because of a sudden gust of wind, causing usually irreparable damage to the camera. Don’t make that mistake. You can find the some counterweights here.

Now this is what takes the time. You can have all the gear, but if you can’t edit the images then you’ll have images that look dull, uneven with obvious errors. I recommend using Affinity Photo, but there are some other options available. Check out here for editing software and head to my editing tutorials to help get you started.

This one is a biggy and there are many choices depending on what your needs are, whether you want to add to google street view, or create a more immersive tour where you can include an audio description, interactive links, hotspots, music, or text. You can find a list and my recommendations here.

Here’s a checklist of what you’re going to need to start creating virtual tours:

1. DSLR camera with
2. Wide angle fisheye lens
3. Panoramic head
4. Tripod
5. Counterweight
6. Stitching Software
7. Editing Skills
8. Virtual tour software

The choices here are many and everyone tends to have their own preference, but the most popular are usually the Canon 5D Mk III, Sony A7R IV, Nikon D850 to name a few. Just remember that the body upgrades and change frequently, it’s the lenses you want to spend more on.

Nikon has a much wider selection of lenses for various types of photography, so has Canon. Sony has much less lenses and they are expensive (but good quality). I believe Canon or Nikon would be a better choice for you if budget is limited. Most popular choices are Canon 8-15mm Fisheye, Samyang 8mm/2.

There are many panoheads you could choose, but don’t scrimp and go for the cheapest as the slightest movement can create huge stitching headaches later in post. The most popular are Nodal Ninja, Kalahari V2.

There really is an endless choice here, all comes down to preference, either go for lightweight, compact and easy to carry with twist locks or clips it’s up to you. Also good to have a built-in bubble level.

This is optional, but I strongly recommend adding counterweight. Some people just hang there bag on the hook which saves buying actually weights.

Now this is where things start to be a little more time consuming. You will need to use programs like PTGUI which is the most popular, or there’s HUGIN which if free, but not as easy to use. There are others out there, but I haven’t used them myself.

You can have all the gear, but if you can’t edit the images then you’ll have images that look dull, uneven with obvious errors. I recommend using Affinity Photo, but there are some other options available like the expensive monthly fees for Photoshop. Check out here for editing software and head to my editing tutorials to help get you started.

This one is a biggy and there are many choices depending on what your needs are, whether you want to add to google street view, or create a more immersive tour where you can include an audio description, interactive links, hotspots, music, or text. You can find a list and my recommendations here.