Ricoh is unveiling its latest 360-degree camera this morning. Dubbed the Ricoh Theta V, the $ 430 4K camera is the latest in the line which launched in 2013 with the Ricoh Theta.
Available for pre-order now, and shipping in mid-September, the Theta V features 3,820-by-1,920 resolution video capture. That’s a massive improvement on the earlier Theta S, which offered a sub-1,080p 1,920-by-960, and the Theta SC, which allowed for 1,920-by-1,080 recording.
Perhaps the biggest usability improvement to the Theta V is the inclusion of remote playback. Users can now wirelessly stream their video to an external display directly from the camera. Previous devices in the Theta line (except the developer-only Theta R) required users to export their raw footage into a computer to stitch the image and create a useable video. That’s now all done on the device. Videographers can watch their footage on any display, and move the POV by moving the camera itself.
Above: The Richo Theta V TA-1 microphone
The Theta V boosts sound quality as well. Four microphones capture data from their respective dimensions, creating spatial audio that allows users to hear where the sound is coming from within the recording. Theta V owners can also buy the optional TA-1 3D microphone to further improve audio quality. However, at the price of $ 329.99, the accessory is nearly 75% of what the camera alone costs. Ricoh marketing materials indicate that the price is tentative and may change before launch.
Above: Ricoh Theta V TW-1 Waterproof Housing
As a final bonus, Ricoh also announced a waterproof case for the new camera. With a provisional price of $ 230, the Underwater Housing Case TW-1 offers protection underwater down to depths of 30m.
