While they do have the GoPro Spherical, the Odyssey is on a whole other level with its 16 GoPro HERO4 Black cameras, and Google Jump software. This rig was introduced at Google I/O, and while it seemed like a Google invention, it's being branded as a GoPro rig. Either way, there has definitely been a partnership between the two companies, as the Google Jump software is a big reason why this camera solution stands out. Here's more from GoPro on the rig:

First announced at Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, Odyssey offers a 360-degree camera array for stereoscopic 3D content capture. Features such as genlock camera synchronization, multi-camera control and extended battery life aim to eliminate challenges faced by content creators at the forefront of immersive content capture. Together, GoPro's Odyssey and Google's Jump platform will make it possible for anyone to experience a time or place like they're actually there - through immersive, 3D, 360-degree content.

Jump has three parts:

  • A specialized camera, the GoPro Odyssey
  • An assembler that uses advanced computer vision and the computing power of the Google cloud to process the footage
  • A player:  YouTube

The assembler and YouTube are slated to launch later this year as the cameras become available. Learn more at g.co/jump.

We've got a new video shot with the camera (control with the WASD keys):

Here's more on Jump from Google's presentation earlier this year:

The catch here is the price and availability. Though these are being built by GoPro, they are only being sold through an exclusive Limited Access Program, which means that you'll have to apply just to get your foot in the door to buy one. If you are accepted into the program, you'll then have to fork over $15,000 when it's available sometime this year — which is quite the sum for a rig like this. You're paying for more than just the hardware, obviously, as the software is a huge part of it. Clearly this is going to be for professionals and high-end operations, so I wouldn't expect there to be too many of these in the wild — which is unfortunate, especially since this looks like one of the better rigs yet. Here's more on who they are selecting and what is included:

Those interested in participating in the LAP can sign up now through the end of the year at GoPro.com/Odyssey.  GoPro and Google will work together to select content partners who will be granted access to purchase the limited-quantity Odyssey rig and showcase the full potential of 360-degree content. Odyssey will be offered at $15,000, which includes:

  • 16 HERO4 Black cameras, fully loaded with custom firmware
  • 16 array bacpacs with syncing cables
  • Custom-built ultra-rugged Pelican case
  • Microphone
  • Warranty
  • Support

At this price, the Odyssey is aimed at a very specific crowd. Most people will have a better chance at being able to afford the GoPro Spherical, which should come in around 1/3 the price of the Odyssey. Either way, this is being considered a professional tool, and it has a professional price tag to go along with that.

Here are some full specs on the Odyssey, which includes 16 GoPro HERO4 Black cameras:

SIZE & WEIGHT

  • Dimensions: 294.6mm x 65.8mm
  • Weight: 6.57kg (14.5lbs)

VIDEO RESOLUTIONS & FORMAT

  • 2.7K 4:3
  • 30 NTSC frames per second, 25 PAL frames per second
  • Output resolutions (via Jump)
  • 2k x 2k over under panoramic MPEG4 video with a bit rate of 150Mbit/s
  • 8k x 8k over under panoramic MPEG4 video with a bit rate of 600Mbit/s
  • h.264 codec, .mp4 file format (after stitch)

POWER

  • 16 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (rated at 1160mAh, 3.8V, 4.4Wh) 1
  • Support for external power(AC/DC) via XLR connector

AUDIO

  • 16 internal microphones: Mono
  • External microphone support: Stereo supported with 3.5mm Mic Adapter 2 (Zoom H2N external recorder kit included)
For more on all of this, head on over to the GoPro Odyssey page, where you can apply to buy one.

Source: GoPro

GoProGoPro OdysseyGoogle JumpGoPro HERO4
Cinematography & Cameras