Orbitvu Review: The Future of Product Photography?

Are you spending too much time trying to take good product photos? Have your efforts only left you with less-than-stellar results? The search for professional product photography can be a daunting one, especially when you have high expectations. However, the Orbitvu lineup offers an easy and affordable solution to this problem without sacrificing quality or time spent on your photos!

In fact, if you’re a medium-to-large sized business with lots of inventory to shoot, investing in an automated photography studio may save you a small fortune on production and licensing fees.

Orbitvu has many products that make the product photography process automated as much as possible. Their all-in-one studios let you photograph large and small objects, as well as turn them into interactive 360 product photos that can be hosted online. Each of their models suits a specific industry or product size.

To learn more about Orbitvu’s product line and how you can use their studios to improve your product photography, read on. 

What Constitutes Good Product Photography?

Before we dive deeper into the Orbitvu review, it’s important to establish a baseline as to what makes for good product photography so we can get an idea of how Orbitvu measures up next to professional photography.

There are many skills that a professional brings to the table, including a good eye for visual aesthetics, the ability to set your product up in an appealing manner, and creativity.

There are five product photography basics you should follow when taking pictures:

• Keep a Consistent Background: Keep your website looking neat and organized by using the same type of background for all your shoots. The background color depends on your products. You want the product to stand out, not the background. Use a sweep, bendable piece of paper to keep your item the main focus of the image.
• Shoot from a Tripod: Shooting from a tripod lets you keep your photographs consistent and sharp. This will give your website and product line a professional feeling. You can shoot all your products from the same height and angles when you use a tripod.
• Use Natural or Artificial Light: The lighting you choose will greatly impact the final image. Natural light can give your products a softer appearance, while artificial light allows you to highlight features. Photo editing software can help you with contrast and shadows.
• Include all the details: The point of product photography is to inform the customer about the product. Make sure to include all product details in the images, so the customer is fully aware of what they are purchasing. Online pictures may be the only way they have of examining the product before buying it.
• Take a variety of photographs: Take multiple images at different angles and arrangements. If you can, show the product being used. It will help the customer visualize how they can use it themselves.

So with this in mind, how many of the boxes can Orbitvu tick? Let’s find out.

Orbitvu Reviews: Products for All Types of Objects

If you are just beginning to photograph your products, you might not have any of the equipment you need. Orbitvu products are all-in-one automated product photography studios that include backgrounds, lighting, and turntables to make everything as simple as possible.

When you buy any Orbitvu products, you will also have access to the Orbitvu Station and Viewer software. The software works with Mac and Windows, and you can save the images in several different formats, depending on how you want to use them. Every studio is compatible with Canon DSLR cameras.

ALPHASTUDIO XXL is for Large Products

If you have large products or clothing you want to showcase, the ALPHASTUDIO XXL is the best fit. Designed to help you capture images of people and big items, it has a large open space to fit these products. It works for still photography, video, and 360^o image capture.

The ALPHASTUDIO XXL comes with front and backlights, as well as a backlit turntable. Optional features include:

• Top lights
• Positioning and hanging kits
• Camera stand
• Magic table and safety step

The ALPHASTUDIO XXL can take photographs with up to five cameras at once, making the photography process quick and efficient.

ALPHASTUDIO COMPACT is Great for Mid-Size Products

The ALPHASTUDIO COMPACT is a smaller version of the ALPHASTUDIO XXL and is designed to photograph medium to large objects. Perfect for photographing items like small kitchen appliances and luggage, the ALPHASTUDIO Compact is a flexible studio.

There are two versions of the ALPHASTUDIO COMPACT:

• ALPHASTUDIO COMPACT
• ALPHASTUDIO COMPACT PRO

These versions are similar. The main difference is that the PRO version comes equipped with features that are optional on the base version, including:

• Top lights
• Product Positioning Kit
• Side Diffusers
• Manfrotto Stand and XPRO Head

They both come with side and backlights, as well as a backlit turntable. Other accessories that you might consider if you choose this model are:

• Top camera support to capture images from above
• Hanging kits to support unstable products, such as handbags
• Motorized zoom that allows you to operate the camera zoom from the Orbitvu software
• Black/White reflectors to customize the contrast on items

If your product line includes objects of varying sizes, this model will give you the flexibility to take photographs without changing the overall set up.

Alphashot XL Has Different Models

The Alphashot XL is an all-in-one studio. The cameras are controlled by integrated software, capturing the perfect shot. Smaller than the ALPHASTUDIO line, this studio can take still photographs, as well as animated shots and 360^o videos.

This product is flexible and can be used to photograph many different objects, such as bags, shoes, or bottles of wine. There are three versions of the Alphashot XL:

• Alphashot XL: This is a fully equipped studio with LED lighting, backgrounds, camera, and rotating platform. The compartment comes with sliding doors allowing you to place the item easily inside. The turntable is motorized, making 360^o shots simple, and there is an integrated camera stand to get the perfect shot.
• Alphashot XL Pro: In addition to the features of the base model, the Pro version comes with lasers to help center the product. You will have control over six light panels to arrange them for the best lighting and can use five cameras at one time. This version is perfect for professionals but easy enough to use for beginners.
• Alphashot XL Wine: This model is specifically designed to take photographs of reflective objects, like wine bottles. The lighting and attachments prevent unwanted reflections, and the bottle support feature helps achieve the ideal light outline.

The Alphashot XL is the perfect choice for photographing individual items. You can choose which model works best for you and your products.

Alphashot 360 is for Small Products

The Alphashot 360 is an automated studio for small-sized products. If your business sells eyeglasses, jewelry, or electronics, this studio will allow you to take photographs and easily add them to your eCommerce site. It can take still photographs as well as 360^o spins and videos.

The Alphashot 360 comes with:

• Front and top lights
• Semi-transparent turntable
• Backlit background
• USB cables

Buyers can add on the product positioning kit, anti-reflection kit, and vertical camera support. The studio has doors on both sides, allowing the photographer to place and arrange products on the turntable easily. This compact studio can easily fit on a table, perfect for small businesses.

Alphashot Micro is Perfect for Macro Images

The smallest of the Alphashot line, the Alphashot Micro is ideal for photographing small items, like jewelry and watches. This model is a macro photography studio for close-up pictures of small objects. Users will be able to capture fine details and take precise photographs of their products.

Photographing small objects like jewelry, watches, and coins present its own set of challenges. The Alphashot Micro addresses these challenges with tools that make it easy to take clear photographs.

• Spot Lamps: Spotlights allow you to highlight features of the object that might not be visible under normal lighting, such as facets on a gemstone. 
• Inner Reflectors: Reflectors can be inserted inside the studio to allow you to direct the way the light reflects and highlights details on your product.
• Side Reflectors: Side reflectors let you control the contrast you want your items to have.
• Interchangeable Tables: This studio comes with three tables (white, glass, black) to give you options in how you want to display your products.
• Built-In USB Hub: The built-in USB hub allows you to have a cable-free setup and lets you plug your camera directly into the studio.
• Integrated Camera Support: For greater control, the camera is attached to integrated support, with adjustable angle knobs.
• Customizable Function Button: This button can be customized to take photographs quickly, control the lighting, and more.
• Cylindrical Lighting: Six dimmable LED lighting panels travel around the studio with the camera, ensuring ideal lighting at all angles.

For jewelry photography, you can opt for these additional accessories to display your products for the best photographs:

• Necklace Support
• Transparent Nylon Wire Holder
• Ring Fixing Kit

The Alphashot Micro makes it easy, even for beginners, to get the perfect, detailed shot of beautiful jewelry and gemstones.

Use Alphatable & Alphadesk for Flat Photography

For flat fashion photography, the best choices are the Alphatable or the Alphadesk. These products allow you to take flat photographs of clothing and show off your creativity.

The Alphatable is a Self-Contained Device

The Alphatable is a great alternative to traditional fashion photography. It is a space-saving option that doesn’t require much energy while saving you money on your electrical bills. Maximize your workflow and make product photography more efficient with the Alphatable.

The Alphatable comes with powerful LED lighting panels that can be adjusted to give you control over your lighting. The panels can be separately controlled to highlight the features of your clothing. Attach two cameras to the frame and capture big and small images without the need to adjust the zoom.

Integrated capture buttons let you take the photographs without touching the cameras and disrupting the angles and zoom. 

The Alphadesk is a Smaller Version

If you need to take flat fashion photography for your business but don’t have the budget or space for the full Alphatable, the Alphadesk is a desktop version that offers many of the great features of the larger version, including adjustable lighting and an integrated camera support.

Flat fashion photography has never been easier than it is with the Alphatable and Alphadesk.

Use Fashion Studio To Show off Clothes

To take fashion photographs on models or mannequins, the Fashion Studio is a large, all-in-one studio for photographs and videos. Displaying your fashion on a model gives your customer a better idea of the size and fit and may be more likely to purchase it.

How the Fashion Studio Works

The Fashion Studio integrates the Orbitvu software with the studio hardware, automating the camera and lighting settings. You can set up different templates depending on what you are photographing. The model or mannequin is inside the studio box for the photography session. Use the software for easy editing and post your photographs online instantly.

The Pro Model Comes with the Most Features

The Fashion Studio is available in a base model and a pro model. Both include:

• Four segments of top lights
• Main and fill light
• Background fabric wall
• Black and white sliding sides
• Lightweight Stage

The pro model has many more features built-in that are optional for the base model:

• Kick lights and a backlight to highlight the clothing and reduce contrast
• Paper backdrop kit for more options
• Model interaction kit to communicate with the model
• Orbitvu motorized camera stand
• Rails for the motorized stand
• PC and Monitor stand

Other accessories include a hanging board for flat photography, a backlit turntable, and a magic table to display smaller accessories like shoes and handbags.

The options for the Fashion Studio don’t need to be limited to fashion photography. The size of the studio allows you to use it for oversize objects that won’t fit in the ALPHASTUDIO XXL

Orbitvu 360 Degree Turntables

If your business already has a traditional studio setup, you may not be in the market for something as large and integrated as the Orbitvu products listed above. You may just need something to improve the photographs you already take or to add the option of interactive 360 degree photos.

The Orbitvu 360 Degree Turntables are controlled by software for automated still photography, spin video, and 360^o product photography. They are available in three sizes: Mini, Midi, and Maxi. The turntables integrate seamlessly with existing photo studio equipment, making them an easy addition to your studio.

Orbitvu Software Comes Standard

In addition to the hardware, Orbitvu offers software that is integrated with all of their products. This makes it easy to take an image, process it and put it online quickly. Their software allows you to do all the editing you need to connect it to your website and social media accounts.

Automated Imaging Process Makes Editing Easy

Orbitvu prides itself on making the image taking and editing process easy for the user. Their automated imaging process reduces the time it takes to put the pictures on your website and allows you to take product photographs that are consistent with your brand.

The Orbitvu software does several things to make your editing process simple:

• Controls the Camera and Lights: Your camera and lights are automatically connected to the software. You can use predefined lighting settings or make your own template settings.
• Removes Backgrounds: After the photograph is taken, the background is automatically removed. The software can detect any natural shadows in the photo and leave them, giving your photograph a realistic feeling.
• Post-Processing: The Orbitvu software comes with its own photo editing software, so there is no need to export the pictures to another program. You can adjust color, saturation, sharpness, and more with the software.
• Auto Cropping: You don’t need to worry about cropping with the Orbitvu software. You can set your own cropping parameters, and it will take care of it for you. No need to fuss about making sure each picture is cropped identically.
• Multi-Export: You can export your photographs and videos in many different formats and pixel sizes, adjusting them for each platform you use for posting. The software also allows you to change the photo’s background if you want to give it a different feeling than a plain white background.

If you are someone who dreads the photo editing process, this software will make your work a lot easier.

Easily Upload to Your Platform

Orbitvu’s software includes the 360 DegreeHTML5 player to replace Flash and other third-party media players. HTML5 players will make it easy for your customers to view your videos and interactive photos without needing to install any plug-ins. 

The software also makes it very easy to upload your images to your e-commerce platform with plug-ins. It is compatible with different technologies, such as:

• PNG: A popular uncompressed image format used on the internet 
• JPG: A compressed image format commonly used with digital cameras and on the internet
• 360 Degree: An immersive media format that shows a 360 degree view in all directions
• GIF: A format that can be used to make both still and animated images
• MOV: A video file format used by Apple’s QuickTime program

This flexibility in formats makes it easy for you to reach customers across different platforms.

Orbitvu Sun is an Optional Add-On

If you are using an e-commerce platform to run your business, you might consider purchasing the optional add-on Orbitvu Sun. This program is a digital content to e-commerce acceleration platform. It also has tools for marketing your products online.

Orbitvu Sun offers web-hosting plans that provide daily data backups, high-speed image delivery, and updated plug-ins. You can integrate your social media platforms into your e-commerce sites as well as provide interactive product tours. Orbitvu Sun is an all in one service to present your products to your customers.

Orbitvu: A Good Choice for Many Industries

As you can see from the product descriptions above, Orbitvu seeks to fulfill the product photography needs of a variety of industries. From large items to tiny, there is a studio product that will work best for everyone. Here are a few different products we would recommend for the different types of uses:

Electronics

Electronics come in different sizes and can have details that the customers will want to see before purchasing. For the best results, we recommend:

• Alphashot 360: For smaller electronics, such as mobile phones, you will want to get a close shot that shows a great level of detail.
• Alphashot XL: Best for mid-sized electronics, like laptops, the Alphashot XL will give you many options for styling and setup.
• ALPHASTUDIO Compact: Large electronic equipment such as stereo systems require a larger studio, so you won’t have to compromise on space.

Jewelry

When photographing jewelry, you want to get close and show off all the details while also reducing reflections and glare. The best Orbitvu product for jewelry product photography is the Alphashot Micro. 

As stated earlier, the features of this studio allow you to get the best possible image of your jewelry, watches, and other small objects.

Fashion

There are many elements that go into fashion photography, and we recommend checking out our tips on e-commerce fashion photography here. You can choose to focus on flat-lay photography or use a model or mannequin exclusively. The product you choose will depend on which you decide to do.

• Fashion Studio: For the most complete fashion photography experience, the Fashion Studio is the best. Take full photos and videos of models and mannequins and use the accessories for flat-lay photography.
• ALPHASTUDIO XXL: The ALPHASTUDIO XXL lets you film objects large and small as well as models. This product also lets you do 360^o spins and can be used to photograph products in other categories.
• Alphatable and Alphadesk: If you intend only to take flat photographs, the Alphatable (or the Alphadesk if you’re pressed for space) will allow you to do that easily and quickly get your images online.

Hardware

The hardware industry is a large one with many products of different sizes, shapes, and weights. To photograph hardware products, you need a versatile option that lets you capture it all.

• ALPHASTUDIO XXL: Large enough for big hardware equipment, the ALPHASTUDIO XXL will enable you to capture images and videos from all angles, as well as 360^o shots.
• ALPHASTUDIO Compact: For photography medium to larger equipment, the ALPHASTUDIO Compact is the best choice. With many of the same features as the XXL, it takes up less space in your studio.
• Alphashot XL: Use the Alphashot XL to photograph smaller hardware products, like drills. You can adjust the lighting and reflection to get the ideal contrast and light.

Shoes

Shoes can be highlighted in several ways. You can put them on a model, or you can photograph them as an individual object on a background of your choice. Orbitvu has the products you need to capture the best image.

• Alphashot XL: If you are looking to take close-up photographs of the shoes, you should use the Alphashot XL. You will be able to adjust the lighting and the background to customize your image.
• ALPHASTUDIO XXL: If you are using a model, the ALPHASTUDIO XXL will allow you to get photographs of the model wearing the shoes while also zooming in on the shoes. You can use the turntable to show the shoes at every angle.

E-Commerce

Your product choices are broad when it comes to e-commerce product photography. Depending on what you sell on your website, you can choose any of the Orbitvu products. If you sell products of different sizes, you should choose a product that offers flexibility, such as the Alphashot XL. You can fit larger items in the studio while getting close-up shots.

Orbitvu Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?

Of course, everybody wants to know how much these systems cost.

Unfortunately, pricing for the different Orbitvu lineups is not publicly available and you will need to get in touch with Orbitvu to get pricing. This is because Orbitvu products changes based on consumer needs, so they customize the system to fit your needs.

They also offer to rent or lease to own, whatever floats your boat. 

Why Choose Orbitvu

If you are interested in making the product photography process easy and streamline, Orbitvu products will help. There will be no need to lug around and position heavy lights and reflectors. Hanging backgrounds is simple. If the product you choose has the option for it, you can take multiple photographs at once, speeding up the studio session.

Orbitvu’s software lets you easily edit the images and post them onto your website. The different file formats available will make it possible for you to reach a wider audience and make more sales.

However, Orbitvu isn’t going to be for those who travel for their product photography gigs, but instead have stationary studios with lots of products to shoot.