photo sphere

This is a hollow ball with a remote control camera shock-mounted inside it. The ball has a small pliable window, possibly inset slightly to reduce scratches and dirt. If it were colored to look like a big “eye”, you'd always know which way the camera’s pointing. And it could come in various sizes, even as large as a beach ball.

Much of the time, a game ball is being dribbled, or it’s spinning. By design, it would be constantly taking pictures (at least between bounces), although sensors could let it intelligently decide which to save (face identification would be useful). Blurred shots could be automatically rejected. I’d add a couple of indicators, for advance notice that the camera has stored some good pics. It should have a remote, too, so you can manually get a snapshot.

Have this in volleyball size to take action shots during a game. Just before each serve, wipe the lens window, and play.