Companies like Bushman already sell omnidirectional camera lights for 360-degree shoots, but they start at over $300, which is more than half the price of popular 360-degree cameras from companies like DJI and Insta360. Harlowe, a company known for lighting accessories that cater to influencers and amateurs, has released a $95 alternative called the Omni 360 that evenly illuminates with a diffused soft glow in all directions.
The Omni 360’s 2W of light output can be boosted to up to 4W as needed, but neither mode is quite bright enough to fully illuminate a dark environment. It’s best suited for providing additional lighting for subjects nearest the camera that can reduce harsh shadows on a face or create mood-enhancing highlights. Buttons atop the Omni 360 control can be used to make brightness and color temperature adjustments, but hands-free gestures are also supported for setups where you don’t want to risk bumping or moving the camera when it’s perched on a tripod.
An IP54 rating means the Omni 360 can survive dust and splashes, but it’s absolutely not designed for underwater shoots. While consumer-focused 360-degree cameras do feature tripod screw mounts on the underside, they don’t include mounts on top for additional lighting. Harlowe’s solution to that problem is a pair of lightweight aluminum cages designed for either the Insta360 X5 or the DJI Osmo 360 that can be purchased with the Omni 360 as part of an optional $159 bundle. The cages add a cold shoe mount to the top and side of each camera for attaching the Omni 360, although positioning it on top will help ensure the light is less visible in 360-degree footage.