360-Degree Product Images - Advantages, Disadvantages, Costs, and Alternatives
360-degree product images are a popular content format due to their relatively simple creation. But is it always a sensible choice?
What characterizes 360-degree product images?
360-degree product photos are a type of visual content used in e-commerce, primarily in online shops and for online product presentations. They offer a semi-interactive and comprehensive view of a product.
The item or object can be interactively rotated and inspected – usually around the horizontal axis.
Important differentiation: 360-degree photos are primarily attributable to photography. There are also 360-degree views based on 3D visualization, but generally, the term refers to the combination of photos.
The advantages of 360-degree photos for online shops:
- Almost complete view: 360-degree photos offer a comprehensive view of a product, showing it from almost all sides, depending on the shot. Typically, the photos are created on a turntable, allowing for a complete all-around view.
- Interactivity: Unlike conventional static images, 360-degree product photos are interactive. Customers can click and drag the image or use on-screen controls to rotate the product in the available directions.
- Engagement: The interactivity of 360-degree images can lead to higher engagement (more clicks and scrolls) and longer dwell times on the product page.
- Better understanding of the product: The ability to view a product from multiple angles helps customers understand its shape, size, and design more accurately.
- Fewer returns: With a comprehensive view of the product, there is less likelihood of the customer being surprised by the product's appearance upon arrival, which can lead to a reduction in product returns.
- Versatile integration: 360-degree photos can be easily integrated into e-commerce platforms, product pages, or even Augmented Reality (AR) experiences.
Create 360-degree product photos yourself or have them created?
Smartphones have become very capable cameras: from less than 1-megapixel resolutions in the 2000s to over 100 MP today, with multi-lens systems for various zoom options, AI-driven enhancements, and 8K video.
Since 2020, Apple has also begun integrating LIDAR technology into its premium smartphones and iPads. Other manufacturers plan to follow suit.
With LIDAR technology in hand, even 3D scanning of products becomes possible, albeit only in semi-professional quality. This technology enables simple photogrammetry of structures or surfaces and can assist with 3D modeling. More on that below.
There are essentially 3 ways to create 360-degree product images using photography. Here are the corresponding advantages and disadvantages.
1. Do-it-yourself with a smartphone:
Advantages:
Cost-effective: Using a smartphone is a budget-friendly option compared to specialized hardware or agencies.
Convenience: It's easy to take 360-degree photos yourself, allowing for greater flexibility in capturing product images.
Quick setup: You can start taking pictures immediately without needing additional equipment or waiting for a service provider.
Self-control: You have complete control over the process and can take pictures at your own pace.
Disadvantages:
Limited quality: The image quality may not meet the professional standards achieved by specialized equipment or agencies.
Time-consuming: Manually taking 360-degree pictures can be very time-consuming, especially if you have many products to photograph.
Requires skill: Obtaining consistent and high-quality images may require photographic skills and experience.
2. Specialized hardware for automatic image production:
Advantages:
High-quality output: Specialized hardware ensures professional results.
Time-saving: Automated systems can photograph products quickly, streamlining the image production process.
User-friendly: Many specialized devices are designed to be user-friendly, making them easy to operate even for laypeople.
Disadvantages:
Expensive investment: The acquisition costs for specialized hardware can be significant, making it less suitable for small businesses with limited budgets.
Maintenance and updates: Hardware may require regular maintenance and software updates to ensure optimal performance.
Limited flexibility: Some automated systems may not be suitable for all types of products or may not allow for individual customization of the image capture process.
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