Meta Three is a new 360-degree camera that produces remarkable 12.5K resolution videos using four vertically oriented 6K sensors.
The state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) camera also features very low parallax (adhesion problems), ProRes and RAW, electronic focusing and live streaming capabilities.
Not to be confused with Facebook’s parent company, Meta. The camera company is a British outfit and is offering the Meta Three for a whopping $42,000.
“The Meta Three not only has a 12.5k resolution, but it’s sharp, the details of this camera are amazing. It’s also very controllable — we can set focus and aperture digitally and instantly,” writes the company†
The company says it uses “high-quality glass” for the pixel-rich 360 camera. The generated data can be stored by four CFast 2.0 cards or four SSDs connected via USB-C.
The company recommends a Varjo VR headsetan extremely high quality headset, to get the full experience of what the Meta Three can achieve.
Low parallax
Anyone who has used a 360-degree camera knows that they are prone to sewing problems. This is when the different lenses that make up a 360° image meet and leave a meaningful line on the video or photo.
The Meta Three uses four lenses, but the company claims that “we got them so close they sew beautifully.”
“In addition, because these lenses are so sharp across the board, they look fantastic no matter where on the overlap you choose to sew them,” adds Meta.
ProRes
Before the Meta Three came the Meta One and Two. All three cameras can record images in ProRes 422 and it gives the ability to shoot a high bitrate of h265.
“That’s important, not just in pixel quality, but also in color detail. You get that film quality from the quality,” says the company.
live streaming
The Meta Three can stream live in 8k through the Ethernet port or HDMI ports using third-party software programs.
The company also offers editing software, Meta Controller, for PC and Mac.
“The controller gives you granular control over the camera, from choosing variable framerate settings, image profiles, encoding options, focus, full shutter speed, WB and ISO controls, along with a whole host of other settings and functions,” writes Meta.
“We’ll show you battery voltage, camera temperature, and shortcuts to the most important features you’ll want to adjust quickly.”
youtuber Hugh Hou got his hands on one of only two Meta Threes currently in existence, where it showed off its incredibly high dynamic range and razor-sharp image.