The Ricoh Theta S is an evolution of the original Theta spherical camera. It captures 360-degree still images and videos and features built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone integration. With a faster lens (F2.0), more than double the resolution, and larger sensors, it provides improved image quality and faster performance over the earlier model.
A new feature with the Theta S is the ability to stream in real time. Either one of the USB and HDMI ports can be used for streaming.
Camera Name | Theta S |
Camera Type | 360 degrees spherical |
Brand | Ricoh |
Year Introduced | 2015 |
Discontinued | Yes |
Lens | Spherical, F2 (x2) |
Optics | 7 elements in 6 groups (each lens) |
Field of View | 360 degrees (the two lenses combined) |
Focusing | Fixed focus 10.2 cm / 4 in. to infinity |
Sensor Format | 1/2.3 inch (x2) |
Sensor Megapixels | 12 MP (x2), 14 MP effective combined |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Resolution | 5376 x 2688 (the two sensors combined, flattened image) |
White Balance | Still image: Auto, Outdoor, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent light 1, Incandescent light 2, Daylight color fluorescent light, Natural white fluorescent light, White fluorescent light, Light bulb color fluorescent light |
| Video and streaming: Auto |
ISO Range | Still: ISO 100 to 1600 (auto and manual) |
| Video and streaming: ISO 100 to 1600 (auto) |
Exposure Modes | Still image: Auto, Shutter priority, ISO priority, Manual |
| Video: Auto |
| Live streaming: Auto |
Exposure Compensation | Still image: +/- 2 EV, 1/3 EV steps |
Shutter speeds | Still image: 1/8 - 1/6400 seconds (auto), 60 - 1/6400 seconds (manual) |
| Video: L: 1/30 - 1/8000 seconds (auto), M: 1/15 - 1/8000 seconds (auto) |
| Live streaming: USB: 1/15 - 1/8000 seconds (auto), HDMI: 1/30 - 1/8000 seconds (auto) |
Self-timer | Yes (requires firmware update) |
Stabilization | No |
Interval Shooting | Yes |
HDR Mode | No |
Live View | Yes, via smart phone |
Video Mode | Video: 1920 x 1080/30 fps/16Mbps (Full HD), 1280 x 720/15fps/6Mbps (M) |
| Streaming (USB): 1280 x 720/15fps |
| Streaming (HDMI): 1920 x 1080/30fps (Full HD), 1280 x 720 (30fps, 720 x 480/30fps (adjusts automatically to connected display) |
Video Recording Time | Clip length: 25 minutes or 4GB file size |
| Total Recording Time: 65 minutes (Full HD), 175 minutes (M) |
Vdeo Sound | Built-in microphone, AAC |
GPS | Via smart phone over Wi-Fi |
Tethering | Wi-Fi |
Camera Controls | Via smart phone |
File Formats | Still image: JPEG(Exif Ver2.3) |
| Video: MP4 (Image: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC |
| Live streaming: Motion JPEG |
Built-in memory | Approx. 8GB |
| Holds approx. 1600 photos (L), approx. 9000 photos (M) |
| Video total recording time approx. 63 minutes (L), 171 minutes (M) |
Memory Card Slots | None |
Back LCD | No |
Weather Sealed | No |
Connectivity | microUSB: USB 2.0, HDMI: Micro type-D |
| Compatible with remote release CA-3 |
| Wi-Fi |
Battery | Built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable |
Battery Life | Approx. 260 photos |
Size (W x H x D) | 44 x 130 x 22.9 mm / 1.7 x 5.1 x 0.9 in. |
Weight | 125 g / 4.4 oz |
Accessories Included | USB cable, soft case |
Optional Accessories | Cable release CA-3, hard case TH-2, underwater housing TW-1, tripod mount extension adapter TE-1, strap attachment |
Notes | Smart phone required to adjust camera settings |