Ricoh GR

Jan 25, 2022

The RICOH THETA X 360-degree camera, streamlining business with the first RICOH THETA series camera equipped with a large touch screen

Ricoh Company, Ltd. (President and CEO: Yoshinori Yamashita) today announced the launch of the new RICOH THETA X. As an advanced model of the RICOH THETA series of 360-degree cameras able to shoot 360-degree still images and videos in a single shot, this new model is equipped with a large touch screen display, achieves high-resolution images and has been de-signed in pursuit of usability and outstanding quality.  

Keeping in line with the original product concept for RICOH THETA, the RICOH THETA X has a compact, lightweight body that can be easily carried around anywhere, and the new RICOH THETA X offers high-resolution image equivalent to a maximum of approximately 60 megapixels (output pixel).

In a first for the RICOH THETA series, the new model is equipped with a large 2.25-inch full-color touch screen display, improving operability during standalone camera use. Also a first for the RICOH THETA series, the new model also supports use of an interchangea-ble battery and an external memory card for more efficient and reliable shooting in a business setting.

Background

Since the RICOH THETA was released as the world's first* 360-degree camera in 2013, it has been utilized in a wide range of fields as a tool that expands the possibilities of photographic and video expression. Recently, with the need to balance efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with economic activity, 360-degree content has penetrated the business world as an important tool for improving sales activities and boosting business efficiency, particularly for the advanced remote viewing of real estate properties and automobiles or to record and manage progress at building and construction sites. In the "new normal," the use of this type of content is expected to expand in numerous industries and businesses from facility showcases to educa-tional, healthcare and nursing settings, in addition to those industries where THETA is already in widespread use.

*As a mass-produced consumer product capable of capturing the scene around, above, and below the device in a fully spherical image (as of October 2013 based on Ricoh research).

FEATURES

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, adjusting shooting settings and view cap-tured 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 all been renewed. Incorporat-ing a new sensor with approximately 48MP, it is now possible to capture high-resolution 360-degree still images with a maximum output of approximately 60MP. Two image sizes are availa-ble to match the scene: 11K for a high-resolution bright-light indoor photography, and 5.5K to capture images easily and efficiently in other scenarios. In addition, enhanced image stabiliza-tion 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 and the memory storage capacity can be increased with the use of an external memory card (microSDXC).

Even when shooting long hours or capturing many images, users can continue shooting without worrying about remaining battery levels or storage capacity. The separately sold Rechargeable Battery DB-110 can be used as a spare battery.

4. Increased compatibility with smartphone

The RICOH THETA X can easily make a wireless connection to a smartphone without the need to enter an SSID by establishing a Bluetooth connection. Incorporated MIMO* wireless communication technologies and real-time processing such as top/bottom correction while shooting videos made possible to transfer still images and videos from the RICOH THETA X to a smartphone at higher speeds**.

*Multiple Input Multiple Output technology that communicates using multiple antennas.

** Approximately 1.5 times faster compared with 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

Continuing on from the RICOH THETA V and RICOH THETA Z1, the RICOH THETA X utilized an Android-based OS, allowing third-party developers to develop and release applications (plug-ins) to expand the function of the camera. Additionally, the RICOH THETA X is equipped with a large touch panel monitor, significantly extending the scope for plug-in development. It is now also possible to easily set up the “client mode” (a mode used to directly connect the RICOH THETA to a wireless router) without using a smartphone. This allows plug-ins to be in-stalled and firmware to be updated simply by operating the RICOH THETA X itself without using a computer or smartphone, making it easy to expand functions to suit the user's needs.

6. Linking with image sharing services

The RICOH THETA X links with image sharing services provided by Ricoh to improve user's workflows. It links with RICOH360 Tours* for the real estate industry to provide a dedicated RICOH THETA X plug-in that streamlines on-site photography

* RICOH360 Tours: 360º panorama tour production service provided by RICOH

7. Additional Features

• With built-in GPS and support for A-GPS function, accurate positional information can be ob-tained from the device.
• The camera employs magnesium alloy for the body exterior, ensuring robustness and excellent heat dissipating properties.
• Through the USB Type-C port on the side of the main body, power can be supplied to the camera even during tripod use without using the optional extension adapter.
• Time Shift Shooting mode allows the photographer to capture an image without being in the frame, and continuous shooting mode continuously captures 20 still images per second (when shooting 5.5K still images).
• Incorporates a touch shutter function that allows a photo to be taken by tapping on the touch screen display in addition to pressing a shutter button.
• Images can be registered as favorites from the list of images shown on the touch screen display. The images marked as favorites can be viewed on the THETA app on a smartphone.
• Still image playback orientation can be selected in shooting settings. The RICOH THETA X features AI Auto which utilizes AI recognition technology to identify the subject in images captured and display from that point.
• Exposure compensation and white balance can be adjusted with the camera itself before livestreaming.
• Easily switch between various shooting modes (still image, video, custom settings, livestreaming, plug-in) using only the mode button on the camera.