Calling it OZO, the next generation camera captures audio and video in 360 degrees. The real time preview allows filmmakers to see through the camera’s lenses, with a VR headset in 3D with headtracking, instantly, without sending the data to a render farm to be stitched together after capture. “OZO aims to advance the next wave of innovation in VR by putting powerful tools in the hands of professionals who will create wonderful experiences for people around the world”.
Advertisement
“We expect that virtual reality experiences will soon radically enhance the way people communicate and connect to stories, entertainment, world events and each other”, Nokia executive Ramzi Haidamus said in a statement. “With Ozo, we plan to be at the heart of this new world”.
Nokia unveiled OZO at an event in Los Angeles where representatives of major studios and production houses were invited.
The product is another signal that Nokia aspires to return to devices beyond network equipment after exiting mobile phones past year. Pricing and exact camera specifications will be revealed at a later date.
OZO will be produced in Finland. The fairly compact device features eight cameras with synchronized global shutters and eight integrated microphones which gather directional audio while filming. It can also dish out footage in low resolution within few minutes, for director’s immediate creative perusal on location. “Software built for OZO enables real-time 3D viewing, with an innovative playback solution that removes the need to pre-assemble a panoramic image – a time-consuming process with solutions now in the marketplace”.
Ozo is a custom built camera that the company says is designed specifically for professional VR filmmakers.
Advertisement
Still, in developing the Ozo Nokia has joined the likes of Samsung and GoPro by producing a tool for shooting VR footage.
