When comparing Amkov AMK100S vs Panono Camera, the Slant community recommends Panono Camera for most people. In the question“What are the best 360-degree cameras?” Panono Camera is ranked 25th while Amkov AMK100S is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose Panono Camera is:
Panono uses 36 camera modules to take 108 MP photos with zero blind spots. Because Panono avoids using wide angle lenses, instead opting for a large amount of camera modules with normal lenses, the device can avoid much of the distortion that's commonly found in 360-degree cameras.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Reasonably priced
At $120, this camera is much cheaper than similar models.
Pro Waterproof case (30 m)
The camera is water resistant at depths of up to 30 meters due to its waterproof housing.
Pro Substantial battery life
The 1000mAh battery lasts for about two hours while shooting 1440p30. Charging the device then takes two hours.
Pro Takes completely spherical, high quality 108 MP photos
Panono uses 36 camera modules to take 108 MP photos with zero blind spots. Because Panono avoids using wide angle lenses, instead opting for a large amount of camera modules with normal lenses, the device can avoid much of the distortion that's commonly found in 360-degree cameras.
Pro Google Photosphere compatibility
Images taken with the Panono are Google Photosphere compatible. As such, they can be even used on Google Street View.
Pro You can take photos by throwing the camera in the air
This can be achieved by the accelerometer which will trigger the camera at the highest point.
Pro Fully automated stitching
Once the image files are uploaded to the cloud, they are automatically stitched within minutes. Panono provides high quality stitching and is therefore convenient for users who want to save time.
Pro Offers HDR mode
Panono Camera can capture high dynamic range photos due to HDR mode. Its settings can be enabled via the iOS or Android app.
Pro Panono apps offer a range of services
Panono has apps for Android and iOS mobile devices which allow camera settings to be changed (exposure time, ISO, White Balance). The camera can also be triggered remotely, previews can be viewed, images can be transferred to the cloud for stitching, and the user's own and other public panoramas can be viewed by pointing the mobile device in the desired viewing direction. Additional features include HDR and Anti Shake mode, while there are direct sharing options too (website embedding via iFrame, Facebook, Twitter).
Pro Water-resistant
The camera is resistant to light rain.
Pro Highly durable
This device has two shells to secure its interior while the green rubber stripes help make it more flexible in case it drops.
Pro Can be used with standard tripod screws
With the Panono tripod adapter, the camera can be mounted on a tripod and charged while it is still in use.
Pro Viewing images on a mobile device is done by pointing the device in the desired direction
Panono images can be accessed via apps for Android and iOS mobile devices and via browsers. Viewing images is achieved by pointing the mobile device in the desired viewing direction. This approach is easy to grasp by any user and no additional software is needed.
Cons
Con Field of view isn't correct
The camera lens is only 190x360 degrees (instead of the 220x360 claimed) and only 180x360 degrees can be viewed without distortion. This is from an in-depth review of the Amkov_AMK100S by Jan-Markus Rupprecht, which you can find here.
Con 4:3 square format leaves large black areas
Videos are 1920 x 1440 pixels and include large black areas around the circular image. Even below the circular viewing area, there are unused black areas. The effective image area is therefore only about 1.5 megapixels in videos and in photos it is around 4.5 megapixels.
Con Control LEDs on the camera not visible to user
The LEDs have a white-translucent plastic front and appear simply white in daylight, whether they are lit or not. However, the silicone sleeve shades the LEDs, usually allowing for no direct sunlight to fall on it. In addition, the viewing opening is limited only to a few degrees, so you often cannot tell whether the camera is running or not. In this case, the user must rely on the smartphone app.
Con No additional (removable) protective cover over the actual glass lens
Since the lens protrudes from the housing, you should be extremely careful during transport so not to damage the lens.
Con Watch-type remote control not available separately
While the watch remote and camera are available for purchase as a bundle on eBay (their own store), the watch remote can not currently be purchased separately.
Con Battery life
Between 12 - 15 images per charge (which takes 10 hours) on HDR mode.
Con Only for stills (no video)
Panono Camera is only able to capture photos, and not video footage.
Con Inefficient workflow
Connecting to the panoramic ball camera via WiFi, having to enter a password and download the preview to one's phone, then connect to a router with internet access so to upload to the cloud service (into which the user must login on their phone) to get the final stitch, is all too much work.
Con Final stitching requires an internet connection
After images are taken by Panono, an instant low-resolution and unstitched preview is sent to the companion app over WiFi. For stitching, the images must be downloaded from the camera and sent to the cloud via WiFi (USB transfer is planned). If no internet connection is available, or the service is down for whatever reason, no final stitching on images can be done.