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Create VR Videos With GoPro's 16-Camera Odyssey Rig

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

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Sure, your GoPro is cool. But you know what's cooler? Sixteen GoPros that capture 360-degree views for virtual reality devices.

The Odyssey, which GoPro first showed off at the Code conference earlier this year, is a "stereoscopic panoramic capture rig created to take your audience on incredible journeys." Launched in limited quantities on Tuesday, the Odyssey boasts 16 synchronized Hero4 Black cameras capable of capturing content in 8K30 video. The device records 360-degree 3D spherical footage optimized for Google's new virtual reality platform Jump.

"Together, GoPro's Odyssey and Google's Jump platform will make it possible for anyone to experience a time or place like they're actually there — through immersive, 3D, 360-degree content," GoPro said.

The whole setup will set you back a cool $15,000, but that includes the panoramic capture rig as well as 16 Hero4 Black cameras, microSD cards, and array bacpacs, along with all the cables you'll need and a pelican carrying case. All 16 cameras are synched down to the "pixel level" to function as a single camera, GoPro said.

At this point, GoPro only has a limited number of Odysseys to go around so if you're interested, you'll need to fill out an application. "Due to Odyssey's limited production, the rig will be available exclusively to qualified applicants," GoPro said. The device is set for delivery "later this year," but GoPro didn't give an exact shipping date.

"Virtual reality is a promising new innovation with incredible potential for commercial and artistic applications," GoPro President Tony Bates said in a statement. "With Odyssey and Jump, GoPro is encouraging content creators to pioneer the new technology — to capture, edit and share immersive content. We already know that GoPro users are some of the most talented content creators in the world, so we can't wait to see how the professional community will use Odyssey to capture life's most memorable moments in a whole new way."

For more on Odyssey and Jump, check out the video below.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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