7 mistakes to avoid when shooting a video

Filming with a 360° camera opens up a world of immersive storytelling. Whether you're creating virtual tours, documentaries, or promotional content, 360° video offers a unique perspective that engages viewers like never before. But with this exciting format comes a set of challenges that can compromise your results if not anticipated. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid to improve the quality and impact of your 360° videos.

Also check : How to make successful 360° videos

1. Ignoring camera placement

In 360° filming, camera placement is everything. Unlike traditional videography, you can’t hide behind the lens, your camera captures everything around it. Placing your 360° camera too close to walls or objects can result in unpleasant distortions or incomplete stitching. Likewise, setting it too low or too high can feel unnatural to the viewer. Ideally, you should aim to place the camera at eye level, and position it in a way that keeps key elements of the scene balanced and well distributed across the 360° field.

2. Overlooking lighting conditions

Lighting can make or break your footage. Many beginners assume automatic settings will handle exposure adequately in all conditions, but 360° cameras struggle with high contrast scenes. Uneven lighting can create harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, or visible seams between lenses. To avoid this, shoot during golden hour when the light is soft and balanced, or use HDR mode if your camera supports it. Always monitor your footage in a preview mode to ensure consistent exposure before recording long takes.

3. Using the wrong settings

Each 360° camera has different capabilities, and default settings aren’t always ideal. To get the best results, familiarize yourself with your device. Check your resolution, frame rate, white balance, and stitching mode before each shoot. For smooth movement, a higher frame rate (like 60 fps) helps, while shooting in 4K or higher ensures clarity, especially if viewers will zoom or pan through the scene. Manual white balance is crucial to avoid shifts in color temperature between scenes.

4. Forgetting the stitch line

One of the most common technical mistakes in 360° filming is placing subjects or important elements directly on the stitch line, the area where the camera's two (or more) lenses merge. This often results in warped or disjointed visuals. To avoid this, position key subjects slightly off-center from the lens divide. Some cameras provide a live preview or a stitching guide to help you plan your framing more precisely.

5. Moving too quickly

360° video is meant to be exploratory and immersive, allowing viewers to look around freely. Fast camera movements, such as walking quickly with the camera or performing rapid pans, can cause motion sickness and disorient the viewer. Slow, deliberate movements or static shots with gentle camera transitions work best. Use a tripod or gimbal to reduce vibration if you need to move, and avoid rotating the camera unless it's crucial to the narrative.

6. Not considering the viewer’s perspective

When you film in 360°, you're no longer controlling the viewer’s gaze. This makes sound design, visual cues, and composition even more important. Don't let the action happen behind the viewer without guidance. Use ambient sounds or spoken directions to draw attention. Also, avoid placing key visual elements too close to the camera, as this can lead to disproportionate and uncomfortable viewing experiences.

7. Neglecting safety and surroundings

Filming in 360° requires awareness of everything around you, not just for technical reasons, but also for safety. If you're filming in public or outdoor environments, be cautious of traffic, unstable ground, or unwanted bystanders who may appear in the shot. Always check your surroundings before recording. If you're on a set, ensure that tripods are stable and cords are taped down to avoid tripping hazards. Your camera’s wide field of view will catch even the things you didn’t plan for.

Why choose THETA for your 360° camera?

When it comes to filming in 360°, the camera you choose makes all the difference. Ricoh’s THETA series has become a trusted name among content creators, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, and for good reason.

First, THETA cameras are designed specifically for 360° capture, which means they combine compact design with high-end optical and processing technologies. Whether you're shooting real estate walkthroughs, travel vlogs, training content, or immersive virtual tours, THETA offers an intuitive and reliable way to film your scenes in full spherical view.

What sets THETA apart is the seamless user experience: from the easy-to-use mobile app to built-in stitching and automatic horizon correction, everything is made to simplify your workflow. You don't need to be a tech expert to get professional-looking results.

Models like the THETA X and THETA Z1 also offer impressive specs, from high-resolution sensors and large-aperture lenses to RAW shooting and real-time preview screens. With their fast startup time, extended battery life, and durable build, they’re ideal for creators on the move.

And let’s not forget: Ricoh is a pioneer in 360° imaging, having introduced one of the first consumer-ready 360° cameras over a decade ago. That expertise is reflected in the quality, innovation, and continuous updates provided with every new model.

If you're serious about 360° video and want a tool that balances performance with simplicity, THETA is one of the best choices on the market.

Conclusion: Getting it right with 360° Video

Filming in 360° is a powerful tool, but it's not as indulgent as traditional videography. Small oversights can become very noticeable when your viewer can look anywhere at any time. By being mindful of camera placement, light, movement, and the viewer’s experience, you’ll elevate your work and create content that’s not only technically sound but also deeply immersive.

Remember, the best 360° creators are those who think like the viewer, anticipating how the scene will be explored and what experience it will offer. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, your 360° videos will stand out for all the right reasons.