360-degree product photography captures a series of images of a product placed on a turntable, which are then combined into one file. This creates a smooth, continuous view of the product from every angle, offering customers the experience of virtually holding it in their hands. This article lists essential pieces of 360-degree product photography equipment for shooting 360-degree photos and shares five practical steps for capturing them.
What 360-degree product photography equipment to use: A list of essential gear
To begin shooting 360-degree product photos, you’ll need to gather essential gear, including lighting equipment, a turntable, a camera, and other necessary tools.
Lighting equipment: Studio lights and lighting accessories are crucial for achieving high-quality 360-degree images.
When it comes to 360-degree product photography equipment, you can’t overlook the importance of high-quality, high CRI, and flicker-free lighting. One poor frame can require an entire re-shoot! Below are the lighting equipment needed for shooting 360-degree images, including studio lights and some accessories.
Studio lighting comes in various types, with the most straightforward distinction being between continuous light sources and strobe lighting. Both can be effective for shooting 360-degree product images.
Using the right lighting can also reduce the time spent on image editing, which can be quite time-consuming when working with a set of 360-degree product images (for example, a set of 48 frames). This is particularly important if you’re shooting 360-degree product photography for Amazon, where white backgrounds are often a requirement. In such cases, consider using a high-key lighting technique, where the light is focused on the background, and place a clear acrylic riser on the turntable to prevent harsh shadows.
Lightboxes can be useful for shooting highly reflective objects in 360 product photography, but they can also be challenging since placing objects on a turntable inside a box can be tricky. Learn more about when to use a lightbox in product photography.
For the backdrop, choose a material that matches the turntable’s surface color. For instance, if you're using a white paper backdrop, use a white acrylic top or cut a circular piece from the backdrop and place it on the turntable’s surface.
Pro tip: If you’re new to studio photography and looking for lighting solutions, we recommend continuous lighting like COLBOR CL60 as it’s typically easier to work with.
Turntables: Choose the right type based on the size, weight, and number of the products
The second 360-degree product photography equipment you should invest in is turntable. This gear comes in a variety of types, ranging from manual models to continuous-spin motorized versions, stop-motion photography turntables, and even fully automated, computer-controlled systems. The price of these turntables depends mainly on their size, weight capacity, and the level of automation they offer for shooting 360-degree product images. When selecting the best turntable for your needs, consider the following factors:
Size of the products you plan to photograph: A general guideline is to choose a turntable based on the largest item you will be shooting in 360. Smaller objects will usually work well on larger turntables. It's also important to leave some clearance between the object's sides and the turntable surface—around 2 inches is typically recommended. This ensures that you don’t capture the turntable’s edge in your 360-degree shots or have to edit it out later.
Weight of the products: Make sure the turntable can support the weight of the objects you need to shoot. Additionally, consider the torque needed for rotating larger or heavier items, especially if the turntable is driven by a center-mounted motor. In such cases, it might be wise to opt for a turntable with a higher weight capacity to ensure smooth operation.
Number of products: This will affect your workflow. If you need to photograph many items, a turntable with automated 360-degree image capture—integrated with a camera that starts and stops with the turntable—can streamline the process and save you time.
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless options are ideal for eCommerce 360-degree product photography.
Cameras are also essential 360-degree photography equipment products. There are various options, including mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, mobile phone cameras, and point-and-shoot models. If your goal is to use 360-degree product images for eCommerce to boost your online sales, we highly recommend avoiding mobile phone cameras. Entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras, starting at around $400 with a lens, can provide excellent image quality for your 360 product shots. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend checking out Moman for affordable yet reliable shooting gear. This allows you to invest more in a higher-performance camera.
Other equipment needed for 360 product photography
To achieve high-quality 360-degree product photography, you'll also need the following equipment:
- Tripod or camera mount: This keeps your camera stable, ensuring sharp, clear images.
- Remote trigger: This helps avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
- Photo editing software: Programs like Adobe Lightroom or similar can be used for adjustments, color correction, and cropping.
- 360-view software: This is used to convert your photos into a 360-degree interactive image.
If you’re looking to capture higher-quality photos, this article on product photography equipment introduces more professional gear.
How to capture 360-degree product photos
Follow these 5 simple steps to set up, shoot, edit, and upload your 360-degree product images.
Step 1: Set up your 360-degree product photography equipment
Proper setup is essential before you begin shooting. Ensure your camera is mounted securely on a stable tripod with a remote shutter release, and that you have proper lighting, a smooth-turning turntable, and a seamless background. Also, make sure your product is perfectly prepared for the shoot.
Step 2: Adjust camera settings for optimal focus in 360-degree photography
To maintain sharp focus throughout, use a high f-stop. Some cameras offer time-lapse settings that allow you to automate the shooting process, reducing the need to manually trigger the shutter release.
Step 3: Start shooting
For 360-degree photos, it's recommended to take between 24 and 72 images. More photos create a smoother result, but be aware that the more frames you capture, the longer the load time for interactive images.
Step 4: Edit your 360-degree photos
Use a photo editing software like Lightroom to batch-edit your photos for consistency. Check for any inconsistencies—such as differing shadows or lines from the turntable—and make necessary adjustments. Retouching might be required to smooth out wrinkles in the background.
Step 5: Upload to your e-commerce platform
When uploading your 360-degree product images, consider the file type and size. MP4 files are compatible with most eCommerce platforms, while GIFs can also be used but may appear lower in quality on sites like Shopify.
Conclusion
As you have read above, 360-degree product photography equipment is essential for capturing high-quality, interactive images. By selecting the right gears—such as suitable lighting, a stable turntable, a dependable camera, and powerful editing software—and following the proper shooting steps, you can create professional-grade visuals for your eCommerce site. No matter which equipment you choose, we wish you success in your 360-degree product photography endeavors!
