VR 180 Workflow
This post is dedicated to my evolving workflow with VR180. This medium is still new and there is a ton to learn when shooting and editing for this style of content. I will be putting everything I learn and try in this post and will eventually break it down into a step by step video once I feel I have a grasp on the material.
STEP 1: Capture Using Your VR 180 Camera
(For this walkthrough I’m using the K1 Pro, Insta360 EVO & Insta360 ONEX)
STEP 2: IMPORT ALL FOOTAGE
You can create any file structure that fits your workflow, however, the one thing you need to make sure you do is separate out the cameras.
STEP 3: PROCESS FOOTAGE FOR EDITING
Z CAM K1 PRO
Use VR180 CREATOR and STITCH VIDEOS
This will create 360 aspect top/bottom footage with an added vignette
When adding into the timeline you’ll need to change the X axis to 50%
INSTA360 EVO
Bring into Insta360Studio 2019
Export to Top/Bottom Stitch - Left Eye on Top
INSTA360 ONEX
Bring into Insta360Studio 2019
Export to Top/Bottom Stitch 360 video- Left Eye on Top
This allows you to use the 360 and change perspectives while in edit phase
Step 4: Create Proxies
Depending on your system you’ll need to use proxies to edit. I always suggest creating proxies because it will put less strain on your system and the whole edit goes super smooth. I'm working off a Macbook Pro and was able to edit with proxies no problem.
Control-click one or more clips in the Final Cut Pro browser, then choose Transcode Media.
In the window that appears, select the “Create proxy media” checkbox then click OK.
Wait for all the files to finish. See the status under your background tasks in Transcoding and Analysis.
Turn on Proxies. In Your Project Window click on View -> Media/Proxy
Step 5: EDITING WITH FCPX - Setting up the Timeline
1. Before you start editing you need to make sure your settings are correct. Create a custom timeline with the settings below.
Resolution: 5760x5760
Frame Rate: 29.97
Projection Type: 360 | Stereo 3D
2. Open the 360 Viewer. In your Project window click on View -> 360 Viewer or click F7 if you have the default keyboard commands on.
Step 6: Edit Your Video
Because FCPX does not have a VR180 workflow you have to edit while seeing the full 360 image. When using a VR180 camera you’ll have a duplicate image that is cut off on both sides. The part of the image that will be seen in the final edit is the center square. You can disregard any edits to the outer edges and only focus on editing in that center square of the image.
Step 7: EXPORTING
This method will result in all the footage with an added vignette & the correct aspect for VR180 ready for upload
Once the video is finished export it using “Master Export”
Settings: ProRes 422
You will end up with a massive file
Use the app VR180 CREATOR and use CONVERT FOR EDITING
Add in the Exported File and switch Output field of View to 180 Video
For all the ZCam footage you will have a double vignette however I didn’t notice that it caused any issues when viewing through the headset but something to keep in mind if you notice too much darkening.
Step 8: FOR VR HEADSET VIEWING USING SKYBOX
Method 1
After MASTER EXPORT has been converted using VR180 CREATOR APP use this video file to play on the SKYBOX app. If there is issues then go through method 2.
Method 2
Start with MASTER EXPORT
Use Compressor to convert down to a 4k file.
Settings: “Publish to YouTube” - “Up to 4K”
Add finished video to Skybox either by transferring to device or using AirScreen
Step 9: UPLOADING TO YOUTUBE
Start with File That was exported using Step 7. Your file will be titled the original file name but with -converted added to it.
Use PREPARE FOR PUBLISHING in VR180 CREATOR application to inject the data YouTube needs
Drag file into software
Input Stereo Layout: Top/Bottom
Input Field of View: 180 Video
YouTube Mono Preview: On
Export
You’ll get your file name with “-injected” added on to it.
Use this new file for uploading to YouTube