RICOH THETA V 360-Degree Camera Ricoh Theta

Product Introduction

<Key Features of the New RICOH THETA V>

1. High-definition 360° spherical still images and videos
・The camera features a new image sensor that supports high-speed data readout and Qualcomm Incorporated's "SnapdragonTM" as its main processor, significantly improving the quality of still images and videos while achieving low power consumption. Furthermore, by integrating image processing technology cultivated through the development of high-performance cameras such as our digital SLRs and GR series, we have renewed the exposure accuracy and white balance algorithms. This allows for high-definition 360° spherical images equivalent to approximately 14 million pixels in still image output, with tuning that produces accurate and natural depictions even in automatic shooting.
The captured 360° spherical images can be posted directly to Facebook or Line, or uploaded to the dedicated website theta360.com for sharing on SNS such as Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. It is also possible to post spherical images to YouTubeTM's 360° channels and Google MapsTM.

2. High-quality 4K compatible 360° video
・The camera can record high-definition, smooth 360° videos at 3840 x 1920 pixels, equivalent to 4K size, at 30fps (frames/second). This allows for a more realistic enjoyment of creating immersive VR video content and watching videos on a large monitor. In addition to H.264, the video recording file format also supports the latest video compression standard, H.265 (Note 2).
Note 2: The dedicated application only supports H.264. H.265 is a specification aimed at future application support through API disclosure.

3. 360° spatial audio recording for overwhelming realism
The camera body has a built-in 4-channel microphone that supports 360° spatial audio recording. By recording 360° omnidirectional audio, including not only horizontal but also vertical directions, it is possible to reproduce the sound and video of the shooting environment as it is, with 360° video and audio linked. Furthermore, by using the dedicated accessory "3D Microphone TA-1" (sold separately) (Note 3), scheduled to be released at the same time, natural sound with a wealth of information from low to high frequencies can be recorded.
Note 3: The "3D Microphone TA-1" is equipped with a microphone unit developed by Audio-Technica.

4. High-speed data transfer
By improving the wireless communication module and speeding up data processing, the communication speed has been increased by up to approximately 2.5 times (Note 4) compared to conventional models. This allows for comfortable transfer and viewing of large capacity image data resulting from higher image quality.
Note 4: Measured value in comparison with "RICOH THETA S" using data of the same size. According to Ricoh's research.

5. World's first! (Note 5) "Remote Playback Function" to enjoy 360° video on a large screen monitor
The "Remote Playback Function" for 360° video is built-in as a plug-in. By using general-purpose receiving devices (Note 6) such as compatible wireless display adapters, 360° still image and video data recorded in the camera can be mirrored and played back on large displays or projectors, allowing users to enjoy immersive 360° video by operating the camera itself.
Note 5: Among consumer 360° camera products. According to Ricoh's research.
Note 5: For verified devices, please check our website.

6. Dual communication with Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Constant connection with a smartphone via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is possible. Shooting from a smartphone is possible with only BLE connected, and the camera can be powered on from the basic application when it enters sleep mode, improving ease of use. With a Wi-Fi connection, all functions such as live view display and image transfer on a smartphone can be used, allowing for different usage scenarios.

7. Extendable functionality with plug-ins
By adopting an Android-based operating system, excellent scalability with a high degree of freedom is achieved. With the newly equipped "Remote Playback Function" as a start, various plug-ins currently under development, such as the "External Memory Recording Function," will be introduced in the future, enabling diverse uses such as switching between various extended functions from a smartphone application. In the future, we envision an environment where general developers can add and use plug-ins they release.

8. Planned future updates through functional expansion
The camera has high expandability, allowing for regular performance improvements through firmware updates for the main unit and applications.

9. Supports 4K 360° live streaming output
The camera supports real-time output of high-quality 360° spherical video equivalent to 4K size. By live streaming (Note 6) 360° spherical video via the internet, it is possible to share time and space as if you were at the shooting location.
Note 6: Delivering requires a PC with high image processing performance and a high-speed communication environment.

10. Others
・Capable of shooting at an ultra-high shutter speed of up to 1/25000 seconds
・Supports high-sensitivity shooting up to ISO 3200 (in manual mode)
・Built-in large capacity memory of approximately 19GB, capable of shooting approximately 4800 still images
・Still images can be edited and data for printing can be exported using the THETA+ app.
・Improved accuracy of zenith correction processing through the cooperation of the built-in acceleration sensor and the newly installed gyro sensor
・Shortened the minimum shooting interval for interval shooting, allowing shooting at intervals of 4 seconds, approximately half of the conventional time
・360° underwater shooting up to a depth of 30m is possible using an underwater housing case (sold separately)