Further developing immersive experiences AVsupport has recently completed Australia’s first conversion of a Qoocam3Ultra 8K 360 camera into a 3D 180VR Mod. Whilst the custom housing was designed and 3D printed by Siyang Qi in the US, the development is equally supported by the manufacturer Kandao with special 3D versions of their 360 editing software, delivering stunning 3D 8K 10Bit HDR footage, and challenging what’s technologically possible to view in common VR headsets and online streaming platforms like Youtube360, DeoVR and Meta which can deliver to those platforms.

Modded 8K Qoocam3Ultra 3D180VR on DJI RS4 Mini with Intelligent Tracking module

With the recent release of Apple Vision Pro (and VisionOS 2) we have seen a push of developments in the sector, creating new benchmarks for immersive viewing experiences. Notably there have also been some recent announcements by Blackmagic Design at the most recent NAB2025 demonstrating their latest (probably US$ 30,000ish) URSA Cine Immersive dedicated 3D Camera featuring dedicated workflow to AVP via the upcoming Davinci Resolve 20 (currently in Beta), as well as inroads by Sony showcasing their US$125,000 flagship camera system Venice with a new US$ 25,000 extension system enabling 8K stereoscopic capture for the first time as well as some other advancements in camera tracking and VR workflows.

Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive, image courtesy of Blackmagic Design

Whilst it is obvious that top-of-the-market professional tools will handle and behave differently than a modded ‘Prosumer’ price class imaging device, it is noteworthy that it is now possible to deliver 8K imaging deriving from 96MP sensors, and that in 10Bit HDR, including on-board Ambisonics immersive audio (a full sphere surround sound format) supporting head tracking. This breaks down barriers for entry-level productions and special projects whilst maintaining credible quality and professional output.

Qoocam 3 Ultra 3D 180VR back

AR-VR-XR content production and use of of headsets, goggles and 3D displays is set to increase dramatically over the next decade, promising a seismic shift away from a 2D world into a new era of how we perceive and understand our 3 dimensional environment. AVsupport is actively engaged in the process with developers in creating pathways to deliver those immersive experiences.

Sony VENICE Extension System Mini. Image credit: CineD

As an extension of the ongoing work as a Google Local Guide to put the City of Newcastle’s (NSW) bike paths as 360 streetview imagery on the map, this has now also become a testbed for scenic 3D 180VR rides that now can be enjoyed by everyone over the world as viewers can immerse themselves in remote locations as if they are truly there. The currently 4-part mini series features sections of the about 8km ride from Tighes Hill along Throsby Creek to Nobby’s beach, featuring scenic highlights like Honeysuckle, Nobby’s Beach, the breakwater and lighthouse, and finishes currently at Newcastle City main beach.

Best to watch this in a capable VR headset, the best platform currently to view this in 8K is DeoVR, that said the original files will look better when viewed locally on a headset than streamed (please ask for demo).

If you’re watching this in VR on a headset, simply click on ‘Watch in App’ to start immersive VR session (you may need to download the app. make sure you check best resolution settings in ‘cog’ bottom right).

The first ride (Ep.1) on the eScooter takes you from the Islington Park Footbridge
along Throsby Creek and Wickham beach, under the Wickham traffic bridge and past the Fishermen’s Coop, Wickham boatsheds and Yacht club. Furth along the newly redeveloped sections of the Honeysuckle foreshore precinct, past along cafe’s and restaurants, finishing off near the Rydges Hotel looking across the harbour to the cruise ship terminal

Motion warning: This video includes camera moves that may induce nausea and discomfort for some viewers. Best watched seated

[3D 180VR 8K] Ep1 – Newcastle Bikepaths

Part 2 on this ride takes you from the Rydges Newcastle
along the Honeysuckle Marina all the way to Nobby’s Beach

[3D 180VR 8K] Ep2 – Newcastle Bikepaths

The ride continues in Part 3 from the Nobby’s Surf Pavillion
right out to the harbour entrance breakwater.
The return path shows the majestic lighthouse above the cliff of Nobby’s Head, as we go up all the way to the lighthouse
to reveal the views from above, the ocean and the city, and coming back to the pavillion.

[3D 180VR 8K] Ep3 – Newcastle Bikepaths

In Ep4 we are taking the ride from Nobby’s Beach
all the way to Newcastle Beach (SLSC)
going back to finish up at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths

[3D 180VR 8K] Ep4 – Newcastle Bikepaths

For Apple Vision Pro users, I also uploaded a special experimental version utilizing Apple’s latest MV-HEVC codec here for 6-DOF immersive viewing.

I hope you enjoyed watching this series. If you did, please give it the thumbs up and subscribe.

Please get in contact if you’re interested to learn more about this project, or if you would like to provide me with some feedback.

[3D 180VR 8K] Ep5 (current 10′ finale) – Newcastle Bikepaths

This almost 10 minute ride (and currently the finale of this series) takes you from the Shortland Esplanade scenic lookout
overlooking Newcastle City Beach
past the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
to the newly created South Newcastle Beach Skate Park
all the way to the iconic Bogey Hole
If you were to walk up the steps, you’d end up on the fabulous King Edward Park Lookout, a great spot for whale watching 😉 You can also faintly see the Bogey Hole on the bottom left from there.

This is shot beginning of May which is start of Winter in Australia / NSW.

Shot on #Qoocm3 Ultra 3D 180 VR, 8K HDR 10bit, graded to suit in Resolve Studio 20.

So, Why 3D180VR, and who is it for?

According to Google’s Ai,

 The best content for 3D 180VR is immersive, high-quality content that allows viewers to feel like they are in the scene. This includes things like documentaries, action-packed adventures, and even educational experiences. The key is to create content that takes advantage of the 3D and 180-degree perspective to provide a sense of depth and presence.

Types of Content:

Immersive Storytelling:

Think of documentaries, mini-series, or even short films that use the 3D aspect to draw the viewer into the narrative.

Action-Packed Experiences:

Content that allows viewers to experience the thrill of a roller coaster, a surfing adventure, or a high-octane car chase, with the 3D enhancing the sense of speed and movement.

Educational Content:

3D 180VR can be a powerful tool for education, allowing viewers to explore a historic site, dissect a human body, or learn about the solar system in a new way.

Interactive Experiences:

While not strictly 3D 180VR, some content might incorporate interactive elements within the 180-degree frame, allowing viewers to explore and manipulate elements within the scene.

[3D 180VR] Deko3D_Bathing Lady assembly 8K

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