Nokia’s OZO virtual reality camera available for pre-order at $60K
Nokia this week announced its OZO virtual reality camera – high-end virtual reality camera, with features like real-time preview, wireless operation, and full 360 audio and video broadcasting. Nokia OZO virtual reality camera is available for pre-order. Nokia is asking an upfront deposit of $5,000 for the $60,000 camera array.
“We’re at the dawn of an exciting new medium that will transform the way people connect to stories, events, and the world around them,” Nokia President Ramzi Haidamus said in a statement.
The OZO virtual reality camera is designed for making 3D films and games that can be watched, explored and experienced through a virtual reality headset.
The OZO camera was first teased back in July, but now we’ve got all the specifications: Nokia’s OZO virtual reality camera is basically a ball synchronized with eight 2K x 2K sensors capable of 30FPS (frames per second) spherical and stereoscopic video capture, each the same distance apart as the human eyeball, full-spherical 360 x 180 degree video coverage, 360 x 360 surround sound, 195-degree angle of view per lens, WiFI camera control and a rechargeable battery.
Because audio is ‘at least half’ of the virtual reality experience, there’s the same number of microphones. OZO virtual reality camera isn’t just capturing the images -The Ozo assembles the feeds from the cameras together in real time, allowing for virtual reality livestreams.
There is an onboard (removable) 500GB SSD (solid state drive) which can record for around 45 minutes continuously.
Nokia’s OZO virtual reality camera isn’t the only such camera on the market. Companies like Lytro and Jaunt have already built 360-degree virtual reality array, but none of them can offer the instant VR experience. Google has partnered with GoPro to create the Odyssey, a rig that holds 16 of GoPro’s action cams.
“OZO is a powerful tool designed for the professional creators who will answer the most exciting and intriguing questions about the possibilities for virtual reality,” Haidamus said.
Nokia’s OZO virtual reality camera is available for pre-order now, with delivery in early 2016.
Nokia’s OZO virtual reality camera Full Specifications
Sensors and Lens
| Presence Capture | Spherical and Stereoscopic Video capture with Spatial Audio Array |
| Video Sensor Type | Progressive Scan with Global Shutter |
| Video Sensor Array | Eight, synchronized, 2K x 2K sensors |
| Video Area Coverage | Full-spherical, 360 x 180 degrees |
| Min Imaging Distance | 0.5m / 20″ (spherical video coverage) |
| Stereoscopic Coverage | Centerline +/- 130(h), +/- 65(v) degrees |
| Lens Interoptic Distance | Effective max. 86 mm / 3.4″ |
| Lens Angle of View | 195 degrees per lens |
| Relative Aperture | f/2.4 |
Video and Audio
| Video Dynamic Range | 60 dB / 10 stops |
| Base Color Temperature | 5,000 degrees Kelvin |
| Base Sensitivity | ISO 400 |
| Audio Sensor Type | Omnidirectional, solid state |
| Audio Area Coverage | Full-spherical, 360 x 360 degrees |
| Audio Dynamic Range | 64dB S/N, 120dB max SPL |
Capture and Output
| Master File Format | MOV wrapped OZO Virtual Reality with 8Ch raw Video and 8Ch PCM Audio |
| Video Compression | Wavelet-based raw |
| Media Module | 500GB, Solid State Media |
| Record Duration | 45 min per Media Module |
| Program Output | 3G-SDI SMPTE 242M, DIN connector |
| Capture Frame Rate | 30.00 fps |
| Cooling System | Passive (fanless) design |
| Battery Pack | Rechargeable Lithium Ion |
| Power Consumption | 12V DC, approx 30W in record mode |
Control and Monitoring
| OZO Remote Application | Available for OSX® 10.10 Yosemite |
| Camera Control | via 802.11 Wifi |
| Monitor Output | HDMI, Stereoscopic Virtual Reality render |
| OZO Creator Application | Available for OSX® 10.10 Yosemite |
| Audio Mix Preview Output | MOV, monoscopic stitched panorama |
| Video Composition Output | DPX, 8K x 4K, 10-bit, sRGB color space |
Weight, Dimensions, and Operating Parameters
| Weight | 4.2kg / 9.3lbs including Battery |
| Construction | Milled Aluminium Alloy |
| Color | Lava Grey |
| Dimensions – camera head only | 264 x 170 x 160mm / 10.4 x 6.7 x 6.3″ |
| Dimensions – with camera mount | 264 x 170 x 238mm / 10.4 x 6.7 x 9.4″ |
| Planned Certifications | CE, FCC Part 15 Class A |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +25C (+32F to +77F) |
| Storage Temperature | 40C to +50C (-4F to +122F) |
