The new RICOH THETA X is equipped with a completely redesigned CMOS imaging sensor, main processor, and lens unit. The new sensor’s resolution is approximately 48 megapixels, which allows shooting high-definition 360° still images equivalent to a maximum resolution of approximately 60 megapixels.

THETA X also allows you to choose between two image sizes depending on your preferences: 11K for high-definition shooting in bright situations or 5.5K for casual and efficient shooting.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at THETA X’s still images specs, the image quality comparison between THETA X and other THETA series cameras, and our recommendations for when to use 11K and 5.5K.

THETA X 11K Auto (1/2sec ISO64)

Photo by Sam Rohn

THETA X Still Image: The Advantages of 11K

THETA X has two settings for image quality, 5.5K (equivalent to about 15 megapixels) and 11K (equivalent to about 60 megapixels), and you can easily switch between them on THETA X’s touchscreen.

Setting 11K in the settings menu on THETA’s touchscreen allows you to shoot in even higher resolution. You’ll notice the benefits of 11K particularly when shooting in HDR mode while THETA is in a fixed position in bright indoor locations, such as real estate interiors.

THETA X 11K HDR

Photo by Yuqing guo

When you zoom in on the details, the high definition of 11K image resolution will be very apparent. When you want to shoot beautiful and clear images of real estate or facilities try shooting in 11K HDR mode.

THETA X Still Image: The Advantages of 5.5K

The default setting for THETA X is 5.5K. 5.5K and 11K each have their strengths, as shown below, so you can choose between them accordingly.

Comparison between 5.5K and 11K

At 5.5K, the file size is reduced compared to 11K (5.5K = approx. 4MB/image, 11K = approx. 10MB/image). The image quality at 5.5K is almost the same as that of THETA V and THETA SC2, but with the newly designed wireless module the image data transfer speed to smartphones is about 1.5 times faster than THETA V, which is one of the biggest improvements in THETA X.

In addition, the newly designed main processor will reduce the processing time for HDR synthesis mode to about 1/3 of the time compared to THETA V.

There is also a difference in the default ISO sensitivity upper limit in Auto mode: ISO 800 for 11K and ISO 1600 for 5.5K. (You can also change the upper limit in the settings.)

In a dimly lit scene where high sensitivity is required, 5.5K shooting will probably result in less blur.

If you want to shoot handheld in dimly lit places such as construction sites, or shoot a lot for real estate or facilities, 5.5K is the way to go, with less noise, more speed, and more efficiency!

Image Comparison of THETA X 11K, 5.5K, THETA V and THETA SC2

*Please check the detail model names of each image data here, if you see this site with your mobile phone.

THETA X Still Image: Other Advantages

One of THETA X’s strengths, especially compared to THETA SC2 and THETA V, is that it has less purple fringing, which tends to occur on window frames with large differences in brightness between the interior and exterior.

When photographing bright rooms with windows, THETA X can capture crisp, beautiful images with less axial chromatic aberration.

THETA X Still Image: Differences from other THETA models

There are other models in the RICOH THETA series, such as the entry-level THETA SC2 and the flagship THETA Z1.

The main advantage of the flagship model THETA Z1 is that it has a large 1.0-inch image sensor and supports RAW shooting. At night or in dimly lit scenes, its large image sensor helps you to take clearer photos with less noise. It also supports RAW, so if you want to develop 360-degree images yourself by using photo editing software then we recommend using THETA Z1.

THETA Z1 is the model with the highest image quality and lowest noise overall. However, if you often use JPEG for efficiency, THETA X might suit you as it allows you to change shooting settings and review the images on the screen directly on the camera.

For easy and fine 360° photography, give THETA X shot!

THETA X 11K HDR （1/1250sec ISO50)

Photo by Sam Rohn

Special THANKS to Sam Rohn and Yuqing Guo!

For RICOH THETA X’s new video features, please see the article below!

What are RICOH THETA X’s new video features?

Photo by Sam Rohn