New Ricoh THETA X 360 Camera Update: HDR-DNG for Enhanced Flexibility and Higher Quality Photos

RICOH360 recently announced the latest firmware with an update for the Ricoh THETA X (FW2.61.0) 360 camera that introduces a new feature called HDR-DNG (High Dynamic Range Digital Negative). This ensures greater reliability in producing consistent images and recovery options. HDR-DNG captures a wider range of tones and details in both highlights and shadows compared to standard digital camera RAW files.  

This upgrade responds to users who want more control over their images, offering better contrast, white balance, and extensive shadow enhancement compared to inconsistent JPEGs. This is often crucial for professionals working with leading 3D virtual tour software, where JPEGs frequently require color correction. It is also important for members of the THETA 360 Users Facebook Group , who aim to document large projects that may have noticeable errors compared to neighboring panoramic images.

This latest Ricoh THETA camera will be the first in the series to include HDR-DNG shooting capabilities. But the upgrades go well beyond this feature. The Ricoh THETA X packs in significantly higher image quality, with a resolution equivalent to 60 megapixels (11K). This translates to incredibly detailed 2D photos and 3D virtual tours that allow you to zoom in closer than ever before—perfect for viewing every inch of a scene or capturing intricate details.

Shooting in HDR-DNG gives you more control over the image content. White balance, shadows, highlights, and exposures, and stitching can be edited in post-processing. Real estate photography locations can be demanding, and HDR-DNG can address inconsistencies in certain aspects of the image. Remember that it contains a large amount of information captured by the camera’s dual sensors, as color depth and dynamic range are far superior to JPEGs.

In the process of working with HDR-DNG, multiple RAW images are rendered in HDR at different exposures and output in a 16-bit DNG format, then automatically combined into one image. Not only does this benefit the resulting image, but it also significantly reduces editing time by eliminating the need to manually combine multiple images after shooting.

This feature is similar to the RAW shooting plug-in "Dual Fisheye" (referred to as "DFE ") for the Ricoh THETA Z1. Compared to the Ricoh THETA Z1, the Ricoh THETA X has advantages in resolution (11K) and built-in GPS.

It's essential to understand the key differences between HDR-DNG and standard RAW files. Both formats are lossless, retaining all sensor data without compression; however, HDR-DNG is compatible with a wider range of software due to its open standard, whereas standard RAW files can vary by camera brand.  

Moreover, HDR-DNG captures a broader spectrum of brightness levels, preserving more detail in highlights and shadows, which is particularly beneficial in high-contrast interior scenes. Overall, HDR-DNG stands out as a powerful option for those looking to elevate their 360 photographic work.

When it comes to post-processing many programs now support HDR and advanced correction tools, allowing users to fully leverage the enhanced dynamic range and detail that HDR-DNG files provide.

We encourage readers to try it out and share their results. Click here to download the HDR-DNG mobile Plugin.
You can also watch the below video to see how beautiful HDR-DNG images are compared to images taken with the other settings on the THETA X.
https://youtu.be/N6y1TXaKQq8

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