Announcing the release of our new product RICOH THETA X! l RICOH360 Blog

We’re pleased to announce our latest entry in our series of RICOH THETA 360 cameras. RICOH THETA X will be released in March! With RICOH THETA X we have achieved high-definition image quality equivalent to approximately 60 megapixels while maintaining the compact and lightweight form factor that endows RICOH THETA with excellent portability, a hallmark of the product line since its inception.

As a first in the RICOH THETA lineup, the THETA X is equipped with a large 2.25-inch full-color touch panel which allows THETA X to be used without the aid of a smartphone, enhancing its ease of use and portability. THETA X also supports battery and memory card replacement, enabling efficient and reliable shooting in any situation.

In addition to capturing travel memories and scenery, RICOH THETA is being used worldwide in real estate and construction. As a new product, RICOH THETA X, has been designed with the hope that it will be used not only in these industries, but also in a variety of other industries, including educational, medical, and nursing care sites.

RICOH THETA X has been designed to be much easier to use, even for people who have the preconception that 360 cameras are difficult to operate. We hope you pick up RICOH THETA X and expand the possibilities of your life and business.

So, let’s take a quick look at the functions of RICOH THETA X!

Features of the New RICOH THETA X

1. Large 2.25-inch touch screen display for significantly improved operability

The RICOH THETA X is equipped with a large, user-friendly 2.25-inch touch screen display. With the ability to preview the scene before capture, adjust shooting settings and view captured images, a range of operations from capture to viewing can be done without using a smartphone, offering vastly improved shooting efficiency.

2. High-resolution 360-degree still image and video capture

The CMOS image sensor, main processor, and lens design have been renewed. Incorporating a new sensor with approximately 48MP makes it possible to capture high-resolution 360-degree still images with a maximum output of approximately 60MP. Two image sizes are available to match the scene: 11K for high-resolution bright-light indoor photography and 5.5K to capture images easily and efficiently in other scenarios. In addition, enhanced image stabilization realizes vivid and smooth shooting for 360-degree videos to be captured at a 5.7K-equivalent resolution of 5760 × 2880 pixels at 30 frames per second (fps).

3. Ability to switch battery and memory cards

For the first time in the RICOH THETA series, the new RICOH THETA X is powered by an interchangeable battery. The separately sold Rechargeable Battery DB-110 can be used as a spare. An external memory card increases memory storage capacity (microSDXC). Users can continue shooting without worrying about the remaining battery levels or storage capacity even when shooting long hours or capturing many images,.

4. Increased compatibility with smartphone

The RICOH THETA X easily connects to a smartphone by establishing a Bluetooth connection without the need to enter an SSID.

Incorporated MIMO*1 wireless communication technologies and real-time processing such as top/bottom correction while shooting videos make it possible to transfer still images and videos from the RICOH THETA X to a smartphone at higher speeds*2.

*1　Multiple Input Multiple Output technology that communicates using multiple antennas
*2 Approximately 1.5 times faster than the conventional camera RICOH THETA V while shooting 5.5K still images under the same condition according to actual measurements taken by Ricoh.

5. Improved expandability of the camera body

As with the RICOH THETA V and RICOH THETA Z1, the RICOH THETA X utilizes an Android-based OS, allowing third-party developers to develop and release applications (plug-ins) expanding the camera’s functionality. Additionally, the RICOH THETA X’s large touch panel monitor significantly extends the scope for plug-in development.

Simple “client mode” set up (a mode used to directly connect the RICOH THETA to a wireless router) without using a smartphone. Plug-ins can be installed and firmware updated simply through through the RICOH THETA X itself without connecting to a computer or smartphone, making it easy to expand functionality to suit the user’s needs.