This affordable 'point-and-shoot' camera could be the GoPro of virtual reality

Behold: a 4K, stereoscopic, 360-degree virtual reality camera that costs less than some iPhones.

At $799, the Vuze stretches the definition of the word "affordable" for most people. But that price puts it squarely in the range of what enthusiasts will spend for early access to new tech. And it's largely without competition; on the low end there are devices like the $499 Samsung Gear 360, which shoots somewhat distorted, non-stereoscopic (meaning not-3D) video on two fish-eye lenses. On the high end there are devices like the $60,000 Nokia Ozo and comparatively cheap $5,000 six-GoPros-strapped-together option.

But as a consumer-priced device for making virtual reality video, the Vuze, which is now available for pre-order from HumanEyes, stands alone. Its $799 kit includes the camera itself, a mini-tripod, a headset, and the necessary app and software to run the device.

Here's what you need to know about it.

HumanEyes wants you to use this like a GoPro.

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It's small and sturdy enough to stow in a backpack.

The Vuze mock-up we saw last week looked a little bigger than this image from their website makes it look, but it's still smaller than a dinner plate.

It uses eight cameras placed around its edge to pull off 360-degree, stereoscopic 4K shooting.