Physical Tours Versus Virtual Property Tours: What's Better?

There is a debate afoot in the Real Estate industry. New 360-degree photography and video, as well as fully immersive virtual reality property tours, are changing the way that we show potential buyers around properties. This new technology has delighted many agents who are reaping the time- and cost-saving benefits offered by VR. On the other hand, there are the traditionalists, who argue that you simply cannot beat the human interaction and true engagement with a property that you get from viewing it in person. 

10 Of The Best 360° Videos On YouTube

Here at EYESPY360, we are all about 360° virtual tours, as you probably know! We love the opportunities that 360-degree photography and video can offer for broadening our experiences of the world and making things easier for everyday life. So, whilst this is a little off-topic for us, we wanted to share with you a few of our favourite 360-degree videos on YouTube. Enjoy!

The Rise of Virtual Reality Arcades

Remember the old days when you and your mates used to go down to the local arcade and spend hours on those awesome old eighties monoliths? Those were the days!

EYESPY360 Now Taking Pre-Orders For The Brand New Ricoh Theta V

Something we’ve all been waiting for is the release of the RICOH THETA V later this month. Here we bring you a sneak preview of this long-anticipated camera!

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CLICK HERE TO SEE A PREVIEW

EYESPY360 ARE NOW TAKING PRE-ORDERS

FOR THE BRAND NEW RICOH THETA V

As compact as their two previous Theta cameras, the THETA V is lightweight and sleek with two 12 megapixel CMOS sensors, capable of 5376 x 2688 images. These two sensors are also placed very closely together which allows the camera to produce really seamless 360-degree images.

Ricoh tell us that they have “changed the exposure accuracy and white balance algorithm by combining image processing technology”, which according to them, significantly improves the quality of still images and video. The THETA V will also produce higher definition images, even in low-lit environments. What’s more, there is now even better sound quality with the new omnidirectional audio recording functionality. Users will be able to take advantage of the four built-in microphones. There is also an external microphone available, presumably for use at concerts or sports games etc., which inevitably boasts even more enhanced sound quality. Similarly, waterproof casing is also available from October for those who want to take shots among the fishes!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THETA HERE

The camera’s internal memory is a generous 19 gigabytes, and this will allow you to take 4,800 images, 40 minutes of 4K video, or 130 minutes of 1080p video. If you did want more memory though, it’s worth noting that there is no SD card slot. As with the THETA S, the V’s videos can be a maximum of 25 minutes each. It also uses the same smartphone application, except now transfer speeds are significantly faster. You will now have the ability to display your 360-degree pictures on a TV with a compatible wireless adaptor, allowing you to show off your captures on a large screen.

Retailing for £399.99, the THETA V seems to have the whole package, as many people can agree that the THETA S’s video quality was its main flaw, but Ricoh seem to have fixed any previous qualms with this new THETA V. The minimum interval for those using the interval shooting feature has been reduced by about half the time of previous models. Now you can take pictures at an interval of four seconds. You can also shoot using the ultra-high shutter speed of up to 1/25000 seconds.

In terms of using the camera with EYESPY360's software, this is a step up from current 360-degree offerings, as the 4K resolution will really bring your virtual tours to life.

Overall, we think that the RICOH THETA V is a really exciting, top range product which will be snapped up in seconds on its release date. EYESPY360 are really proud to be promoting this camera, and you can pre-order yours now along with a Manfrotto Tripod (MMXPROA3B), a Google Cardboard VR Headset, a Case, window stickers and setup instructions for £430 plus VAT and shipping costs.

If you want to be one of the first to have this camera, then please contact us to pre-order as soon as possible, as we will be selling on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information email us on contact@eyespy360.com or call us for free on 0800 999 5360.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A PREVIEW

See below for a table of features that the Ricoh Theta V boasts:

Price
Suggested Retail Price	£399.99
Sensor
Maximum Resolution	5376 x 2688
Effective Pixels	12 megapixels
Sensor Size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS
Processor	Snapdragon 625
Image
ISO	Auto, 64-6400
White Balance Presets	9
File Format	JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Field of View	190.00°
Number of Lenses	2
Maximum Aperture	F2
Autofocus	Single Live View
Normal Focus Range	10 cm (3.94″)
Photography Features
Minimum Shutter Speed	60 sec
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/25000 sec
Exposure Modes	Program Shutter priority ISO priority Manual
Metering Modes	Multi
Exposure Compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography Features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Videography Notes	360 degree
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 56 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 3840 x 1920 @ 30p / 16 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone	Multiple
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage Types	Internal memory
Storage Included	19GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless Notes	802.11ac + Bluetooth LE
Remote Control	Via smartphone or wired switch
Physical
Durability	Waterproof with housing
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery Life (CIPA)	260
Weight (inc. batteries)	121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz)
Dimensions	45 x 131 x 23 mm (1.77 x 5.16 x 0.91″)
Other Features
Orientation Sensor	Yes
GPS	Optional
GPS Notes	Via smartphone

How EYESPY LIVE Will Reduce Property Marketing and Showing Costs

Estimates suggest that estate agents currently spend around £650 million a year on property viewings alone. That is a huge wastage for the industry and could spell doom for some, particularly smaller agencies. Luckily, however, technological developments in the property sector (PropTech) are already helping alleviate some of this substantial cost.

How Police Are Using 360° Photography and Virtual Reality in Crime Scenes

Technology has long played a significant role in law enforcement, from Internet monitoring of chat rooms online to CCTV and other surveillance equipment. And now, with the maturing of 360° photography and virtual reality, crime scene reconstruction is now more accurate than ever.

How 360 Virtual Tours Are Transforming Property Marketing

The real estate agent’s task of taking a property from listing to sale (or let) is rife with time-wastage. Whether it’s showing people around properties that they clearly have no interest in, negotiating infuriating city traffic to reach one property after another for viewings, or any of the myriad niggling tasks in between, there is a chasm in efficiency. So, too, is the journey of the buyer or tenant, who currently views an average of between 12 and 15 properties before finding their next home. There really must be a better way to market property.

Sponsoring PPW Bangkok Conference 2017

EyeSpy360 is a proud sponsor of the Property Portal Watch Conference BKK in Bangkok. We will be there for the entire duration 7 – 10th May 2017. Looking forward to coming home with some new friends and partners. If you’re in property and in Bangkok during the above dates and want to see the future, get in touch.