The Garmin Virb 360 ($799.99) is one of the most expensive 360-degree cameras on the market right now. It's built well, with a tough waterproof design and integrated GPS. And when you opt for its top-end 5.7K video option, it delivers footage that's sharp and lifelike. But software support for stitching video together could be better, as could battery life. There are a few cameras we like better, including the GoPro Fusion, which is also on the pricey side, or the budget-friendly, Editors' Choice Samsung Gear 360.

Design

The Virb 360 ($949.99 at Amazon) departs from the taller form factors we've seen from many 360-degree video cameras. It's squat, measuring 1.5 by 2.3 by 2.8 inches (HWD) and weighing in at about 5.6 ounces. There's a lens on each of the two longer sides, a monochrome information LCD and control buttons on the top, and a switch to start and stop recording on the shorter side. A small tripod, which doubles as a grip for the camera when folded, is included.

The camera doesn't have any sort of mounting hardware incorporated into the body. Instead it ships with two accessory clips, one with a standard tripod socket and another with a GoPro accessory mount. Each clips onto the bottom, blocking access to the battery compartment. That's not a huge deal as the battery is charged in-camera, and the micro USB port to provide power is located on the short side, opposite the Record switch. The micro HDMI port and microSD slot are also in this compartment.

There are three buttons on top, under the monochrome LCD: Power, OK, and Wi-Fi. They double as menu navigation controls, and the OK button also takes a picture. You can set a self-timer in the menu, up to 60 seconds in length, so you don't necessarily have to use your phone to control the camera and stay out of a shot.

Battery life varies based on video quality. We netted 37 minutes of 5.7K footage and 67 minutes of 4K footage on a full charge. Thankfully we were able to record all of our 5.7K video without overheating, although Garmin does warn that heat can be an issue when recording at the highest resolution. The YI 360, which costs half as much as the Virb, also records at 5.7K, but shut down due to excessive heat after about a half hour of recording, and managed about 45 minutes in total after being given time to cool down.

The Virb is waterproof without a case. It's rated for use in water as deep as 33 feet. That's similar to the GoPro Fusion, also waterproof without a case, but the Fusion is limited to use in 16 feet of water.

Software

Phone control via Wi-Fi is available. The Garmin Virb app, available for Android and iOS, shows a live preview from the Virb's lenses. It lets you snap images, start and stop video capture, record time-lapse footage, or broadcast live to Facebook or YouTube.

The app shows a live feed from the lenses, and allows you to transfer 4K video over to your phone. You can't transfer the 5.7K footage—this needs to be stitched using desktop software. At this point, the GoPro Fusion ($199.00 at Amazon) is the only 360 camera we've seen with stitching support for larger than 4K footage via a mobile app; the Fusion records at a slightly more modest 5.2K.

Desktop software is available for macOS and Windows, but they aren't equally functional. The Mac software can ingest and stitch 5.7K footage, but can only output at 4K quality. Garmin promised to update it "soon," but there have been no updates since October. You'll need to stitch video using the Windows software to take advantage of the Virb's top resolution setting.

The Virb records a lot of extra data beside video. It has an integrated GPS and motion sensors and can overlay various bits of data onto your video. It's optional, but if you want to see a live speedometer on top of your video it is an option. Both the mobile and desktop apps support the feature.

Video and Imaging

You've got several options when it comes to capturing footage with the Virb. By default the camera is set up to stitch footage in real-time, but your resolution is limited to 4K at 30fps. You can also choose to record with either lens at 1080p with a constrained 16:9 frame, at your choice of 60 or 120fps. That allows the Virb to double as a traditional action camera, much in the same way that you can with the Samsung Gear 360.

But if you're happy with the rather soft look of 4K spherical video, you needn't spend $800 on a camera. The Gear 360 sells for less than $200. The real reason to put money into the Virb is to shoot at 5.7K. Garmin calls this Raw capture mode, although video is still compressed. It records a separate video file for each lens and requires you to stitch the footage using Garmin's desktop software before editing and sharing.

And the 5.7K video looks quite good. It's just about double the resolution of 4K—about 16MP each frame instead of 8MP—so everything is clearer and crisper, especially objects in the distance. And while there's no way to hook up an external mic, the internal audio is also solid, and records in four channels. The directional audio is a plus when viewing in a headset, as it can give cues as to where to direct your eyes.

Still images are essentially frame grabs from video. At about 15MP resolution they're crisp, with good detail. You're limited to shooting in JPG format—there is no option for Raw image capture.

Conclusions

The Garmin Virb 360 delivers strong 360-degree video at 5.7K resolution, but it doesn't come easy or cheap. At around $800 it's twice as expensive as the YI 360 VR ($159.00 at Amazon) , which also supports 5.7K, and a pricier option than the GoPro Fusion. You get quality video for your money, but you do have to put the effort in to use desktop software to stitch it together.

On the lower end of the price spectrum, we still recommend the Samsung Gear 360 as our Editors' Choice. It's very affordable, selling for less than $200 regularly, and while its 4K footage doesn't match the Virb, YI, or GoPro in quality, it's a better choice for anyone simply wanting to dip their toes in the 360-degree pool. If you want to dive in and don't mind spending the type of money it takes to get the Virb, the Fusion is a stronger performer, with better software and a rugged build.

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