Ricoh Theta V 4K Spherical Camera Announced
Now with 4K video capture and streaming, faster Wi-Fi
By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Aug 31, 2017
Ricoh Imaging has announced the long-awaited next generation of the Theta series of spherical cameras, the Theta V. This new model retains the form factor of the previous Thetas, but adds 4K video recording which can be saved in the H.264 codec or streamed in real time at bit rate of 120 Mbps.
The Theta V is launching at $429 USD and is already available for pre-order, with an estimated delivery date of September 15th in the US.
The Theta V in video streaming mode
Videos are captured with audio recorded by a 4-channel microphone. Besides capturing (and streaming) 360 degree video the Theta V is, like its predecessors, also capable of capturing 360 degree still images. The effective pixel count is 12 MP utilizing its dual 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensors.
The Theta V produces standard JPG files which can be viewed conventionally or interactively via a 3D viewer (such as theta360.com, the free Theta app for smartphones and desktop, or third-party solutions).
Among the various new features are:
- First Theta supporting 4K video
- Stream 4K video or save in H.264 codec
- At US $429 the Theta V is affordable compared to competition (such as the Nikon Keymission 360)
- Faster Wi-Fi (up to 50 Mbps)
- 19 GB internal storage
- Optional 3D 360° spatial microphone
- Optional underwater housing
- Built-in 4-channel microphone
We have not had our hands on the Theta V yet, but for a general idea about how it works you can check out our review of the Theta S.
New to the Theta system? Learn more about the Theta's capabilities!
Our forum supports spherical image sharing: any link to a photo on theta360.com will automatically be converted into a widget similar to the one below.
We recently used the Theta S to cover this year's Photokina trade show. We feel that the interactivity of these images takes event photography to a new level:
360-degree view of the Pentax booth taken with the Theta S (click to pan and zoom)
If you have yet to try out a Theta, we invite you to explore the world of possibilities that this innovative platform opens up.
Product Photos
Click on any thumbnail to enlarge.
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Ricoh Theta V Key Specifications
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Resolution | 2 x 12 MP |
|
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3 inch | |
| ISO Range (photo) |
100-1600 (auto), 64-3200 (manual) |
|
| ISO Range (video) | 64-6400 | |
| Image Capture | ||
| Shutter Speeds (photo) |
1/8s-1/25000s (auto) 60s- 1/25000s (manual) |
|
| Shutter Speeds (video) | 1/30s-1/25000s | |
| Stabilization | None | |
| Optics | Two F2.0 spherical lenses with 7 lens elements |
|
| Min. focusing distance |
10.2 cm / 4 inches |
|
| Focusing | Fixed focus | |
| Recording Formats | ||
| Video Mode | 3840 x 1920p at 29.97 fps (56 Mbps MP4 via H.264) 1920 x 960p at 29.97 fps (16 Mbps MP4 via H.264) |
|
| Still Photo Mode |
12 MP JPG, 5376 x 2688 |
|
| Video Sound | 4 channel microphone built-in External microphone input AAC-LC audio format |
|
| General | ||
| Viewfinder/LCD | None. Live view via free smart phone app |
|
| Weather Sealed | No | |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion rechargeable, charged via USB port. Not replaceable |
|
| Media Slot(s) | None. 19 GB flash memory built-in |
|
| Wi-Fi |
Built-in, 2.4 GHz (20 Mbps), 5 GHz (50 Mbps) |
|
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, external microphone |
|
| Tethering Support | Wireless tethering with free app for smart phone | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 45 x 131 x 23 mm / 1.8 x 5.2 x 0.9" | |
| Weight |
121g / 4.27 oz |
|
| Colors | Grey | |
| US Launch Price (Body) |
$429.00 | |
Full specifications for the Theta V are available in our camera database.
Press Release
Building on the success of previous THETA models, the Ricoh THETA V is designed to provide you with an immersive 360° video and audio experience in a small form factor. Record with the camera pointing in one direction, and in the end, see and hear from all directions.
The THETA V features two 12MP sensors and a twin-lens optical system that captures two wide-angle images and automatically stitches them into one complete spherical image. It allows you to capture comprehensive 360° 4K videos and 12MP photos, as well as live stream 360° footage in 4K. Additionally, a built-in 4-channel microphone captures high-quality audio from four directions and with seamless transitions between the channels. Moreover, an optional designated 3D microphone (TA-1) is supported that allows you to add 3D 360° spatial audio to your 360° video content.
The THETA V records to approximately 19GB of internal memory. Once you've recorded your video, simply pull up the included THETA iOS/Android app on your smartphone or tablet, and with the swipe of your finger rotate the 360° image in any direction to see it from different angles. See what you missed while you were there. The THETA app also lets you preview your shots before you shoot, live stream to platforms such as YouTube Live, and perform a variety of other functions.
The THETA V is designed to provide the combined 360° image with minimal stitching artifacts so that your images look more professional. The camera is very compact and can be kept in pretty much any pocket. An optional waterproof housing (TW-1) is also available that will let you take your THETA V up to 100 ft underwater, opening up another world of 360 possibilities.
Key Features
Capture 360° 4K videos and 12MP photos, and live stream 360° 4K footage
Built-in 4-channel microphone with high-quality and seamless transition recording
19GB of internal memory
Includes THETA app for iOS/Android
Designed to combine dual images with minimal stitching artifacts
Optional 3D 360° spatial microphone and underwater housing supported
Video Resolution
3840 x 1920 at 29.97 fps / 56 Mbps in H.264
1920 x 960 at 29.97 fps / 16 Mbps in H.264
Photo Resolution
5376 x 2688 (12MP)
Live Streaming Resolution
3840 x 1920 at 29.97 fps / 120 Mbps in H.264
1920 x 960 at 29.97 fps / 42 Mbps in H.264
Twin-Lens Folded Optical System
Two wide-angle lenses, each with 7 elements in 6 groups
f/2.0 aperture
Recording Capacity
Approximately 4800 photos
Total Video Recording Time: 40 minutes in 4K, 130 minutes in 2K
Battery Life
Approximately 300 photos
80 minutes of video
Capture Modes
Photo: Auto, Shutter Priority, ISO Priority, Manual
Video: Auto
Live Streaming: Auto
Exposure Control Modes
Program AE
Shutter Speed Priority AE
ISO Sensitivity AE
Manual Exposure
Wireless LAN Transfer Speeds
2.4 GHz (20 Mbps)
5 GHz (50 Mbps)
Interested? You can already pre-order the Theta V and support the forum by following these links:
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