Obsidian GO

The Obsidian GO features a 360-degree recording capability, which allows users to capture immersive videos. It is equipped with six lenses that provide a wide field of view of 220 degrees, allowing for detailed 3D panoramic video shooting at 4K quality. The camera can shoot at a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth motion capture. Supported photo formats include JPG and DNG, while videos are recorded in the MOV format. The built-in stabilization helps maintain video quality, while HDR support enhances the dynamic range of shots. The manufacturer has included depth-aware stitching software and a 2.4GHz wireless remote as standard accessories. Users can store footage on six micro SDXC cards with a capacity support of up to 128GB. Additionally, the camera operates on a Canon LP6 battery or can be powered externally, making it flexible for various shooting situations.

The Obsidian GO stands out due to its lightweight design, making it one of the easiest professional VR cameras to transport for outdoor shoots or travel. Thanks to its capability of shooting in 4K 3D panoramic video, it holds significant appeal for VR content creators who require high-quality immersive video. The extensive field of view provided by its six lenses enriches the viewing experience, capturing every detail in the environment. With the option to record to multiple micro SD cards simultaneously, it ensures ample storage for lengthy recording sessions, an excellent feature for dedicated professionals. The included depth-aware stitching software adds various output options for editing, allowing flexibility based on project needs. Notably, its built-in stabilization technology helps to eliminate shakiness in footage, which is critical for action shots or dynamic outdoor environments.

Despite its advantages, the Obsidian GO does come with notable drawbacks. The camera's battery life, rated at about two hours, may not be adequate for extended shooting periods, especially in high-demand situations such as events or long adventures. Additionally, the complexity of the stitching process, requiring specialized software for optimal results, may deter less experienced users who seek straightforward operation. The camera is inherently niche, designed specifically for VR content rather than catering to the broader action camera market, which may limit its usability for general video or photography tasks. Finally, the pricing of the Obsidian GO is on the higher side compared to similar action cameras, which could be a barrier for the casual user searching for budget-friendly options.

Comparing the Obsidian GO to previous models in the Kandao series reveals important upgrades and changes. One significant advancement is the enhancement of the panoramic capabilities, now achieving 4K resolution where earlier models may have offered lower resolutions. The number of lenses has also increased, allowing for a much wider field of view than in previous iterations. The introduction of built-in stabilization improves the overall quality of the video significantly compared to older versions that lacked this feature. Furthermore, the ability to use multiple storage options with six micro SD cards concurrently enables a higher storage capacity than found in previous models, which typically supported fewer cards. Although the previous models provided users with decent video quality, they often fell short in terms of battery life, which remains a limitation in the Obsidian GO as well.

The Obsidian GO is primarily aimed at semi-professional content creators, particularly those focused on VR and immersive media production. Its advanced features, like high-resolution 3D video and extensive storage capabilities, make it an appealing choice for professionals needing quality output and flexibility in their projects. However, the camera’s technical requirements and limited battery life suggest that it may not be well-suited for casual users, vloggers, or those seeking a simple action camera for outdoor usage. It perfectly fits adventure enthusiasts who require a lightweight camera with high-quality capture capabilities during their explorations or productions in dynamic environments.