Ricoh Unveils Enhanced Ricoh Theta S Fully Spherical Portable Camera

Ricoh Unveils Enhanced Ricoh Theta S Fully Spherical Portable Camera

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Denver, CO—Ricoh released the Ricoh Theta S, the newest model in its Theta series of spherical cameras that capture 360º scenes surrounding the photographer. Unveiled in Berlin at the IFA consumer electronics show, the camera features high resolution, fully spherical photo and video capture in one shot, a live preview function and greater compatibility with social media platforms.

The Theta S, which retains the lightweight portability of the current model—the Ricoh Theta m15—captures spherical images of nearly 14 megapixels. It can also record spherical video in Full HD 1,920×1,080 at 30 frames per sec, with a maximum recording time of 25 minutes.

“We are delighted to offer users increased value and richer 360º experiences with our new Ricoh Theta S,” said Noboru Akahane, Ricoh Imaging’s president and CEO. “The model’s enhanced image quality and other exciting new features are sure to expand the scope of Ricoh Theta fans in all-new fields.”

The better quality images are enabled by an enlarged image sensor, fast f/2.0 lenses that allow more light through Ricoh’s proprietary ultrasmall, twin-lens folded-optical system, and enhanced image-processing technology. In addition, bulb mode for long exposures produces spherical images with less visual static, even in low-light settings. 

Other features include a fully updated design and user interface. Usability was improved with an elegant but practical sure-grip black rubber coating and face-mounted LED mode indicator. Its internal memory was also increased to 8GB.

Spherical images can be uploaded to theta360.com, shared via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, and posted to Google Maps, Google+ and YouTube’s 360º Channel. The application program interface (API) for the camera is based on Google-supported Open Spherical Camera API for compatibility with Google’s services.

In addition, the Ricoh Theta S app for smartphones and tablets can be used to configure settings and instantly view spherical photos and video via wirelessly connected devices. An improved Wi-Fi module transfers data four times faster than the current Theta. 

Coinciding with the launch of the Theta S, Google Maps introduced the new Google Street View app that allows viewers to capture and publish photo spheres instantly to Google Maps. The app also offers the ability to shoot photo spheres and connect to spherical cameras. This new capability to connect to spherical cameras makes it easier than ever to create Google Street View experiences.

The Ricoh Theta S will go on sale at an SRP of $349 in late October. ricohimaging.com

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