Phone or 360 camera: which should you use?
Both work with Astra3D. The right choice depends on how many spaces you capture, how fast you need them and how much you want to spend before your first tour.
When a phone is enough
You are starting out
No upfront hardware cost. Try virtual tours with the device in your pocket.
Small to medium spaces
Apartments, shops, cafés, clinics, hotel rooms and showrooms.
Occasional projects
A few tours a month, where a couple of extra minutes per spot does not matter.
Detail matters
Phone cameras often capture sharper detail per photo than consumer 360 cameras.
When to bring a 360 camera
High volume
Dozens of spots a day, where capturing in one shot saves hours.
Busy places
Malls, events or streets where people keep walking through the frame.
Outdoors and large venues
Campuses, resorts and heritage sites with many spots and changing light.
Tight spaces
Bathrooms and corridors where turning with a phone is awkward.
You do not have to choose once
Many teams start with AstraPano, win their first clients, and add a 360 camera such as an Insta360 when volume grows. Astra3D accepts both in the same tour, so you can capture most rooms with a phone and use a camera only where it saves time.
Start with the phone you have
Create a free account and capture your first space.