If you’ve ever used a GoPro, or even just filmed an event with your smartphone’s camera, you might have noticed that the footage doesn’t quite capture the full experience. A startup founded by ex-Apple engineers, called CENTR, wants to change that with its new device, which can shoot panoramic video from the center of the action.

Already in use by videographers with clients such as Red Bull and the US Army, CENTR’s palm-sized device combines four HD image sensors into a single, enveloping panorama. It uses a system of 20-variable image calibration to stitch the images together automatically and also lets you choose between 4K resolution or 1080p, which will help you conserve battery power. It’s designed to fit into both GoPro and standard tripod mounts, weighs nine ounces and can record audio through three built-in microphones.

It would be perfect for capturing all the action on a hike or bike ride, as well as for a group of people around a table, or for videoing a concert or sporting event. But it could also be a game-changer for businesses that want to build relationships with their customers. For example, a trainer, coach or therapist could use it to observe their client’s non-verbal cues during sessions.

But the CENTR’s real killer app is likely to be its ability to serve as a supercharged action cam, which can film fast-paced, 360-degree, high-definition footage that you can view in virtual reality. Banta likens it to being able to “see another dimension” of your activity. The company hopes to raise $900,000 on Kickstarter in order to start production next February and get it into the hands of consumers.

The company is offering early-bird pledges of $299, which will get you one of the first devices when they’re ready to ship. If the centr camera is as good as it looks, it’s going to give GoPro a run for its money.

While we’re waiting to see if the centr can deliver on its big promise, it’s fun to speculate about other possible uses. For example, we’ve all seen a colleague look up at their laptop screen, which is way below eye level. The centr could solve that problem by allowing users to flip the video image 180 degrees, so they can be seen at eye-level while they’re working on their laptop.

You can check out the CENTR in action below and support its Kickstarter campaign here. It’s already raised more than half of its goal with a month left to go. It will retail for $399, but you can reserve yours on the Kickstarter for just $300. The earliest backers will receive their cameras in February. We’ll have more on the actual CENTR once we’ve had time to test it ourselves. But the concept is definitely intriguing and we wish them luck.