Abstract: Single-unit, 360-degree cameras are provided with lighting arrays and a multifunctional lumens, as well as systems and methods for mounting, moving, and/or cooling the cameras such that the operator, lighting, and carriers of the camera are at least substantially invisible to the lens of the camera when taking a spherical image.

Abstract: Methods of creating a 360 degree camera as a single unit with an integrated lighting array are provided. The lighting array is invisible to the camera when acquiring a spherical image. The creating includes selecting a housing for the 360 degree camera, the housing (i) configured to carry the integrated lighting array and (ii) having a plurality of surfaces that includes at least a first outer surface and a second outer surface; and, positioning a plurality of lenses on the housing to collect a plurality of imaging spaces that are stitched together to form the spherical image. In order to keep the lighting array at least substantially invisible to the lenses of the camera, the methods can include defining a plurality of blind spaces, n, each of which includes a blind area on the housing.