How to Solve Incorrect Video Orientation in 360 Camera Files

🔎 Understanding the Problem

Incorrect video orientation in 360 footage usually stems from a few key factors. The camera might not have been perfectly level during recording. Metadata errors can also cause the video to display with the wrong orientation. Let’s delve deeper into these potential causes.

• ➡ Camera Positioning: If the 360 camera wasn’t held or mounted correctly, the resulting video might be tilted. Even slight angles can lead to a noticeable disorientation.
• ➡ Metadata Issues: 360 video files contain metadata that defines how the video should be displayed. Incorrect or missing metadata can result in incorrect orientation.
• ➡ Software Glitches: Sometimes, video editing software or players may misinterpret the video’s metadata. This leads to display errors despite the file itself being correct.

🔧 Tools and Software Needed

Correcting 360 video orientation requires the right tools. Several software options cater specifically to 360 video editing and correction. Here are some popular choices.

• ➡ Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional-grade video editing software with robust 360 video editing capabilities. It allows for precise adjustments to orientation and stabilization.
• ➡ Final Cut Pro: Another industry-standard video editor with comprehensive 360 video support. It offers similar features to Premiere Pro for orientation correction.
• ➡ GoPro VR Horizon: A dedicated tool designed specifically for GoPro 360 cameras. It simplifies the process of leveling and stabilizing 360 footage.
• ➡ Spatial Media Metadata Injector: A free tool for injecting or correcting spatial metadata in 360 video files. This can resolve orientation issues caused by metadata errors.
• ➡ DJI GO/DJI Pilot App: If you’re using a DJI 360 camera, the associated app often includes built-in orientation correction features.

✏ Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting Orientation

Follow these steps to correct incorrect video orientation in your 360 camera files. The process may vary slightly depending on the software you choose.

📄 Method 1: Using Adobe Premiere Pro

1. ✔ Import the 360 Video: Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import the 360 video file into your project.
2. ✔ Create a Sequence: Drag the video onto the timeline to create a new sequence. Ensure the sequence settings match the video’s resolution and frame rate.
3. ✔ Apply VR Properties: In the Effects panel, search for “VR Properties.” Apply this effect to your video clip.
4. ✔ Adjust Orientation: Use the “VR Rotation” controls within the VR Properties effect to adjust the pitch, yaw, and roll of the video. Fine-tune these values until the horizon appears level.
5. ✔ Stabilize (Optional): If the video is shaky, consider applying a stabilization effect like “Warp Stabilizer VR” for smoother viewing.
6. ✔ Export the Corrected Video: Export the video with the correct 360 metadata. Choose a 360-compatible export preset or manually configure the settings to include spatial video metadata.

📄 Method 2: Using Final Cut Pro

1. ✔ Import the 360 Video: Open Final Cut Pro and import the 360 video file into your library.
2. ✔ Create a Project: Create a new project and add the video to the timeline.
3. ✔ Apply Orientation Effect: In the Effects browser, search for “Orientation” or “360° Orientation.” Apply this effect to the clip.
4. ✔ Adjust the Parameters: Use the “Pitch,” “Yaw,” and “Roll” parameters in the Inspector window to correct the video’s orientation. Adjust these values until the horizon is level.
5. ✔ Stabilize (Optional): Apply the built-in stabilization feature or a third-party plugin to reduce shakiness.
6. ✔ Export the Corrected Video: Export the project using a 360-compatible preset. Ensure the exported file retains the necessary spatial metadata.

📄 Method 3: Using GoPro VR Horizon

1. ✔ Import the Video: Open GoPro VR Horizon and import your 360 video file.
2. ✔ Automatic Leveling: The software usually automatically attempts to level the horizon. If it’s not perfect, you can manually adjust it.
3. ✔ Manual Adjustments: Use the provided controls to fine-tune the pitch, yaw, and roll until the horizon is perfectly level.
4. ✔ Export the Video: Export the corrected video. GoPro VR Horizon automatically handles the necessary metadata injection.

📄 Method 4: Using Spatial Media Metadata Injector

1. ✔ Download and Install: Download and install the Spatial Media Metadata Injector from Google’s GitHub repository.
2. ✔ Open the Injector: Launch the Spatial Media Metadata Injector application.
3. ✔ Select the Video File: Click on the “Open” button and select your 360 video file.
4. ✔ Inject Metadata: Ensure the “Spherical” checkbox is selected. If you know the correct orientation values, you can manually enter them. Otherwise, the default settings usually suffice.
5. ✔ Save the File: Click on the “Inject” button to inject the metadata into the video file. Save the modified file with a new name.
6. ✔ Verify the Correction: Play the modified video file to verify that the orientation is now correct.

💡 Tips for Preventing Orientation Issues

Preventing orientation issues from the start can save you time and effort in post-production. Here are some best practices to follow during recording.

• ➡ Use a Tripod or Stabilizer: A tripod or stabilizer ensures the camera remains level during recording. This minimizes the chances of tilted footage.
• ➡ Calibrate the Camera: Some 360 cameras require calibration before use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibrate the camera properly.
• ➡ Check Camera Settings: Ensure the camera’s orientation settings are correct before recording. Some cameras allow you to lock the orientation.
• ➡ Record Test Footage: Before recording important footage, record a short test clip to check the orientation. This allows you to identify and correct any issues early on.