Battle Of The Panoramic Cameras: Sprocket Rocket VS Spinner 360°

We have tested two of our panoramic cameras, the Spinner 360° and the Sprocket Rocket 35 mm Panoramic Camera set against each other for a duel. We will study the main differences between the two cameras, and see their strengths and weaknesses while trying to determine which one will give the best result.

To make it a fair test we equipped both cameras with the same Lomography Color Negative ISO 400 film. These two cameras have a smaller frame count than usual but we shot up to 10 frames. We used it on a bright sunny day with some frames shot in full sun, and others with shade to create some contrast.

The first thing that comes to mind is how you handle the camera. The Sprocket Rocket is lightweight, making it easy to carry with you, and fairly compact to fit in any bag. It feels effortless in your hands when shooting and is not an interference during your experience.

Due to the different design, the Spinner requires a more space to accommodate its body. These characteristics cause this camera to be less flexible compared to the Sprocket Rocket. Both cameras are a no-brainer when you need to take a picture which may be the best thing, especially when you want to immerse yourself in the moment but still carry a lasting memory with you.

With the spinner, the only evaluation you have to do is consider the camera's 360 degree spinning feature that will capture all around you. But it is also fun to test the different speeds your handle can turn. If you calibrate the rotation, you can gain a few frames by using less film. There is no focal distance to set, only aperture for sunny f16, or f8 for cloudy conditions.

The Sprocket Rocket has two focusing distances set up, one for close ups at 0.6 to 1 m and one that goes to infinity. The aperture is f10.8, for cloudy weather and f16 for sunny days. Here you should remember that the shutter speed is at 1/100 or bulb mode. Since we focused on landscapes and panoramas, most of the pictures were fixed on infinity.

Both of the cameras have the great gift of a wide angle view that it is impossible to not appreciate. To get such a wide image is special. Filling the frame to the edge sometimes, those extra millimetres are what sets your image apart. Getting all the elements included is a gift for every photographer.

Let us know which camera has won the battle for you in the comments below.

written by eparrino on 2023-08-12 #gear #landscape #panoramic #360 #lomography-color-negative #spinner #sprocket-rocket