Harlowe has a cheaper solution for lighting 360-degree shoots

Companies like Bushman already sell omnidirectional camera lights for 360-degree shots, but they start at over $300, more than half the price of popular 360-degree cameras from companies like DJI and Insta360. Harlowe, a company known for its lighting accessories aimed at influencers and hobbyists, launched a $95 alternative called the Omni 360 that illuminates evenly with a soft, diffused glow in all directions.

The Omni 360’s 2W light output can be boosted up to 4W as needed, but neither mode is bright enough to fully illuminate a dark environment. It’s ideal for providing additional lighting to subjects closest to the camera, which can reduce harsh shadows on a face or create mood-enhancing highlights. The 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 while perched on a tripod.

An IP54 rating means the Omni 360 can survive dust and splashes, but it’s definitely not designed for underwater filming. Although consumer-grade 360-degree cameras have tripod screw mounts on the underside, they do not include mounts on top for additional lighting. Harlowe’s solution to this problem is a pair of lightweight aluminum cages designed for the Insta360 X5 or 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 to attach the Omni 360, although positioning it on top will help ensure that light is less visible in 360-degree footage.