Ricoh today announced an affordably-priced mid-range 360-degree spherical video camera called the Theta SC. The $300 camera delivers the same high level of image quality provided in the Ricoh Theta S — with a high-performance CMOS image sensor and large-aperture dual lenses — in a more lightweight package. It captures 14-megapixel, high-resolution stills and records high-definition (HD) video clips for up to five minutes in duration onto 8GB internal storage. The resulting spherical images can be easily uploaded to the dedicated theta360.com website; posted and shared via Facebook, Google+, Google Maps and YouTube; as well as shared via Twitter and Tumblr.
First introduced in 2013, Theta cameras are unique in their ability to allow consumers to record fully spherical images that show the entirety of a scene in photos or videos. The pocket-sized Theta SC is the fourth-generation Theta, joining the award-winning, top-of-the-line Theta S and entry-level Theta m15 series cameras.
Like its predecessors, the Theta SC boasts a stylish and sleek design, lending itself to quick and convenient operation. The camera can be handheld with one-button operation or placed on a flat surface or tripod to be remotely controlled by a smartphone and the newly updated Theta S app.
Ricoh’s updated Theta S app for iOS and Android devices is designed to be even easier to use — making capturing, viewing, managing and sharing fully spherical imagery a snap. When synchronized with a smartphone or tablet computer, the Ricoh Theta SC provides Live-view display (still images only) on the device’s monitor. This allows the user to check the outcome of various setting changes on the Live-view screen during shooting. The camera provides a choice of two display modes: Full Screen and Panorama.
The Ricoh Theta SC is equipped with an LED indicator on its front panel for at-a-glance confirmation of the current mode, and a still-image/video switching button on the side panel. These controls let users operate the camera smoothly and unerringly even when it is disconnected from a smartphone or tablet computer.
Pricing and Availability
The Ricoh Theta SC is now available at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for $299.95 MSRP in beige, blue, pink and white.
