If you’re planning to create a virtual tour for an apartment, office, restaurant, or any other space, one of the first questions is:
Where do I get 360° panoramas?
They’re the core of any tour — the images users explore and move through.
Let’s break down all the available options: from capturing panoramas yourself to generating them via 3D graphics.
🎥 Option 1: Shoot With a 360° Camera
What you’ll need:
- A 360° camera (e.g. Insta360, Ricoh Theta, GoPro Max)
- Tripod
- Remote shutter or timer
Pros:
- Full control over the process
- Instant results
- Low cost (if you already own the equipment)
Cons:
- Risk of technical issues (light flares, stitching errors, motion blur)
🧑💼 Option 2: Hire a Professional Photographer
What’s included:
- On-site shooting with 360° equipment
- Post-processing (retouching, stitching, color correction)
- Virtual tour assembly (navigation, interface, hotspots)
Pros:
- Professional quality
- Minimal effort required from you
- Full support at every step
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to DIY shooting
📷 Option 3: Stitch Photos Using Our Software
What you’ll need:
- A panoramic tripod head (to shoot from one fixed point)
- A fisheye lens (for full field of view)
- Our specialized software for stitching and export
Simply upload your photos, enter lens parameters, and get a ready-to-use equirectangular panorama for your virtual tour.
Pros:
- No need to buy an expensive 360° camera
- Full control over the capture and editing process
- Excellent quality when done properly
Cons:
- Requires the right lens and a stable tripod setup
🧑💻 Option 4: Render a 3D Panorama
Two ways to do this:
- Order a render from a 3D visualization expert
- Export a spherical panorama directly from architectural software like 3ds Max, Blender, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, etc.
Pros:
- Showcase how the space will look
- Full creative freedom in layout, furniture, lighting
- No need for physical access to the space
Cons:
The panorama is a visualization — not a real photo
💡 Which Option Is Right for You?
| Option | Best When… |
|---|---|
| 360° camera | The space is ready and you have the gear |
| Pro shoot | You want fast, high-quality results |
| Stitching software | You have a fisheye lens + tripod and want full control |
| 3D render | The space isn’t built yet or you need a design concept |
✅ Conclusion:
There are many ways to get a 360° panorama for your virtual tour.
The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and how ready the space is.
Not sure where to start? Just contact us — we’ll help you find the right solution.
