Exeter Digital Maker Space
Exeter Digital Maker Space
Posted by s.houghton@exeter.ac.uk
14 July 2023
In this report, we examine how the DMS’s cutting-edge 360-degree camera was deployed at a recent event, providing viewers with an unparalleled perspective on the entire space. Join us as we explore the remarkable benefits this innovative technology brought to the event, from enhancing viewer immersion to serving as a valuable monitoring tool for organizers.
The 360-degree camera from the DMS was recently used at an event extensively during a 48-hour hackathon which was linked to a YouTube stream for the audience to view online. The camera was placed in the centre of the environment allowing for a view of the entire space and providing a unique perspective on the individual segments throughout the event including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations.
This brief YouTube video shows the perspective available from the 360 camera and there are also other videos from the same channel where you can pan through the 360 view instead of seeing it all at once.
The Insta 360 Pro 2 Camera has the capability to stream or record 8k footage at 30fps which provides the user with higher quality footage compared to similar devices.
The 360-degree camera helped highlight the event’s scale and show the volume of participants, including the range of projects they were working on. In addition, whilst the camera was live streaming, it was also capturing the video footage for later use which has since been utilized to create a highlight reel of the event, for social media promotion, and passed on to participants for them to share their own experience.
A key benefit that the user noticed through feedback from the audience who were watching was the improvement in how immersive the event felt even when watching through the live stream due to the 360 camera. Being able to watch all the different project types simultaneously alongside showcasing the diversity of people at the event provided a large improvement in the viewing experience. Furthermore, the camera was also used as a form of remote monitoring for the event which allowed organisers to ensure the wellbeing of participants and the integrity of the venue without needing copious numbers of on-site staff for security.
This event showed how the 360 camera was able to provide an immersive event experience online which highlighted the range of activities at the hackathon whilst also functioning as a safeguarding tool for the event. The equipment added immense value to the event and when streamed via YouTube it added a new outlook to the event.
If you want to borrow any equipment or ask any questions, join us at the Digital Maker Space (Forum Library (-1)) on Thursdays 2:00-3:30pm!
-Ethan Earl, Undergraduate