Parsippany, NJ—The Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB is the latest model in the company’s family of 360º-capable cameras. Ricoh enhanced the high-end model, which shoots high-res spherical images in a single shot, by significantly increasing its internal storage capacity. Previous Theta Z cameras had a 19GB capacity; the Theta Z1 51GB boasts 51GB of internal storage.
In addition to now supporting 23-megapixel (6,720×3,360 pixels) 360º still images, its Android-based operating system also offers performance improvements. Using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, the system provides increased flexibility in the number of expansion plug-ins users can install on the camera. Subsequently, the new camera’s overall functionality meets the demands of both professionals and amateurs alike.
Since Ricoh launched the first 360º consumer camera in 2013, the company has continued to evolve this emerging technology. Moreover, it is becoming an integral tool for the virtual reality (VR), social media, business and real estate industries. In addition, with the recent need to balance health safety practices with economic activities, Ricoh believes the use of 360º content will expand into new areas.
Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB Features
The flagship model of the series, the Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB employs the latest optical and image–processing technologies in camera development. A high-performance image–processing algorithm achieves low– and high–sensitivity, low-noise, high-resolution images.
In addition, dynamic range compensation is automatically made for normal shooting; it reduces blown–out as well as pitch-black shadows for outdoor locations with bright contrast.
Moreover, its compact main body houses a 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor; the sensor achieves 23MP of resolution for 360º still images. It also supports a range of shooting modes, such as aperture priority. Subsequently, users can take high-quality images regardless of the setting—outdoors, nighttime, indoors, beaches or snowy mountains.
It is also possible to shoot smoother immersive 360º video in 4K (3,840×1,920 pixels) at 30 frames per second. The camera’s 3-axis rotational stabilization compensates for rotational shake.
In addition, a 0.93-inch organic EL monitor and a function (Fn) button on the main body grant access to information at a glance. Displayed data includes the number of possible shots as well as exposure settings.
What’s more, in addition to JPEGs, the Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB now supports the Adobe DNG format (RAW). As a result, users can enjoy professional image editing as they do with a DSLR camera.
Notably, users can directly post 360º spherical images shot with the camera to Facebook. They can also upload them to the theta360.com dedicated website and share them on social networks like Twitter and Tumblr. Moreover, unique cropped images are shareable with Instagram. It is also possible to submit spherical videos to 360º channels and images to Google Maps.
Additional Features
Other features include storage of 6,350 JPEG images with its enhanced 51GB capacity; shutter speeds of up to 1/25,000 seconds; dual communication using Bluetooth and wireless LAN for easy connection to smartphones; and the ability for users to edit still images and export image data files for printing via the Ricoh Theta+ app.
In addition, the company is providing Ricoh Theta Stitcher, an application that enables image stitching in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, free of charge.
The Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB launched with a suggested retail price of $1,049.95.
