With its groundbreaking two-camera simultaneous image capture, the original Ricoh Theta was the world’s first 360-degree single-shot camera. This pocketable imaging marvel has spawned several cottage industries based around its ability to capture a full 360-degree image instantly. Today Ricoh announced the Ricoh Theta V, the first Theta to offer 4K video and live streaming.
With its low price and streaming capabilities, the Ricoh Theta has opened up new markets, from Real Estate virtual walk-throughs to live 360-degree content that can be shared on Facebook or YouTube, or can be used in Virtual Reality systems.
Ricoh Theta V Key Features
- Two 180-degree lenses; image stitched together for 360-degree image
- 4K 360 video
- 4K 360 live streaming
- 12MP still images
- Improved still image quality
- Faster data transfer speed
The Ricoh Theta V consists of two 1/2.3″ CMOS sensors with 12MP resolution, placed back to back. The images are recorded and stitched together on the fly. While the 12MP resolution is slightly lower than that of the predecessor Theta IV, the Theta V is the first in its line to boast 4K UHD video. It is fronted by dual f/2.0 lenses that capture 180 degrees each.
ISO range has been expanded to 64-6400 (the Theta S, by comparison, had a range of 100-1600), and several new white balance modes have been added. Maximum shutter speed is an action-freezing 1/25000 sec, and built-in memory has been more than doubled, from 8GB to 19GB. Recording time varies depending on resolution, from 5 to 25 minutes.
The camera can produce JPEGs as well as MPEG-4 AVC/H.264. It is also H.265—ready for when that format becomes available. It can capture Monoral AAC-LC and spatial sound. The lenses focus as close as the front of the lens, and the battery can last for up to 260 images or 65 minutes of video. Ricoh also claims the data transfer speed has been sped up with high-speed data transfer that Ricoh says is 2.5 times faster than previous Thetas, making it easier to process images on matched mobile devices.
Ricoh is also developing software plugins that include remote playback using a wireless display adapter, so users can watch 360 degree videos on a large screen.
The Ricoh Theta V will be available from Adorama for .
Expanding 360-Degree Ricoh Ecosystem
Ricoh is also expanding the Theta ecosystem. The company is introducing the Ricoh Underwater Housing Case TW-1 ( at Adorama), a hard plastic case which provides JIS Class 8 underwater capabilities and can be submerged as far as 30 meters.
The Ricoh 3D Microphone TA-1, which will be available from Adorama separately for , brings full 360-degree 3D spatial audio recording capability, which is a great feature when using headphones and a VR rig. Just as the image moves as you move, so to will the audio orientation, making Virtual Reality experiences seem more realistic. The microphone was developed jointly with Audi-technical Corporation, a long-time microphone maker.
