A 360 degree product photo is a set of images taken as the product turns on a turntable, then joined into a viewer shoppers can spin. You need a fixed camera, a turntable, a clean backdrop, even light and a repeatable routine. The settings below are general guidance, so adjust them to your product and gear.
The Basic Equipment
- Camera: Any camera with manual control works, including a phone on a stable mount.
- Tripod or fixed stand: The camera must not move at all during a spin.
- Turntable: Manual or motorized, with marks or steps for equal turns.
- Backdrop: White or neutral paper, a sweep, or a light tent for small items.
- Lights: Two or more soft sources to reduce harsh shadows.
- Remote trigger: A cable, app or timer so you do not touch the camera.
Setting It Up
- Place the turntable on a stable table and center the product on it.
- Position the camera at a fixed distance and height, framing the product with a little space around it.
- Set up soft lights on both sides, and add a top light if the product has a flat top.
- Use a plain backdrop that continues behind and under the turntable.
- Lock focus manually so the product stays sharp as it turns.
Camera Settings to Try First
Use manual mode so exposure is identical in every frame. A moderate aperture, roughly f/8 to f/11, usually keeps the whole product sharp. Pick a low ISO to limit noise and set white balance manually, not on auto. Shoot raw if you can, so you can adjust all frames together later.
How Many Frames
| Frames per spin | Result |
|---|---|
| Around 12 to 18 | Quick to shoot, rotation looks stepped |
| Around 24 to 36 | Common balance of smoothness and effort |
| 48 or more | Very smooth, larger files and longer shoots |
Divide 360 by the frame count to get the turn per shot. For example, 24 frames means a turn of 15 degrees each time.
Editing and Publishing
Edit the first frame, then apply the same adjustments to the whole set. Crop all frames the same way and export at a size suited to your store. Then load them into a 360 viewer plugin or a service that builds a spin from an image sequence. Check that file sizes are reasonable so the page loads quickly.
FAQ
Do I need a motorized turntable?
Not necessarily. A manual one works if it has clear marks, but a motorized unit saves time on larger catalogs.
How do I handle shiny products?
Use large, soft light sources and a light tent or diffusion to soften reflections. Shiny items take extra testing, so allow time.
The Short Version
Lock the camera, light evenly, shoot equal turns in manual mode and edit all frames together. A simple setup is enough to create a spin viewer that helps shoppers see the product from every side.
