Vecnos, a new startup venture spun out of and funded by Ricoh, has unveiled its first product today – an ultra-compact 360-degree camera. This intriguing Vecnos product is a proprietary four-lens optical system, with three lenses on the side and one on the top. This enables the camera to be ultra-slim and pen-shaped.
Vecnos has also announced that users will be able to use the Vecnos app to easy enhance and share their images and videos on social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram.
• Read more: Best 360 cameras
Vecnos CEO Hidenao "Shu" Ubukata says: "Enabled by advances in technology, combined with new social networking platforms, we are building a new generation of cameras, with our first product designed to reinvent the selfie for a younger consumer. Our objectives are to combine ease of use with advanced capabilities for shooting, enhancing and sharing images, in beautifully and elegantly designed products that people will want to use. We aim to inspire a new generation."
Apparently both the 360-degree camera and app will be available in 2020, but there aren't any further details available on when exactly they will appear. There doesn't even seem to have been an official name released either.
We're certainly intrigued at the design of this product. It's reminiscent of the DJI Osmo Pocket in its shape, but has the added ability to shoot 360-degree footage. This Vecnos camera certainly seems like it could be a significant step forward in the design of compact camera technology.
While details on specs, pricing and a potential release date are yet to be confirmed, we'll be eagerly awaiting to see just how this new 360-degree camera measures up.
Read more
Best GoPro cameras in 2020: from the latest Hero8 Black to the thrifty Hero 5
Best selfie sticks for your smartphone, GoPro or camera in 2020
Best camera under $200/£200 in 2020: cheap cameras with a bit more power