Ricoh Theta SC
| Ricoh Theta SC | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Camera |
| Subtype | 360-degree Camera |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Developer | Ricoh |
| Price | $199.99 |
| Website | https://theta360.com/uk/about/theta/sc.html |
| Requires | Theta Application |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Memory | 8GB Internal Memory |
| Display | |
| Resolution | (Images: 2048 x 1024 (M); 5376 x 2688 (L)) (Video: 1280 x 720 pixels, 15 frames per second; and 1920 x 1080 pixels, 30 frames per second) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | MicroUSB, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi |
| Power | Lithium ion battery (built in) *2 |
| Device | |
| Weight | Approx. 102g |
| Size | 45.2 mm (W) x 130.6 mm (H) x 22.9 mm (17.9 mm *4) (D) |
Ricoh Theta SC is a 360-degree camera that can capture images and videos with amazing clarity and resolution. The camera can be operated manually and from a remote device like a smartphone or tablet. The spherical images and videos captured using Theta SC can be viewed, edited, and shared through the Theta app. The Ricoh Theta SC Camera comes with a price tag of $199.99.
Contents
Hardware
The Ricoh Theta SC Camera has a very different shape than any other cameras (conventional or 360-degree) consumers knew before. It’s sleek, leaner, and taller than a smartphone. The 360-degree camera’s compact design and simple layout ensure life’s most precious moments are captured for posterity.
The Theta SC Camera is sturdy; its smooth powder coated metal finish makes it very comfortable to handle. The controls are simple enough for anyone to operate. On the side of the camera, there are three controls – the on/off power button, the wireless button, and the capture mode button. The power switch indicator turns blue when the power is on and the blue light flickers when the battery is low. The wireless button, situated below the power button, controls the wireless function. To turn on the self-timer function, switch on the power button while holding the wireless button. The third and last button on the side of the camera is the capture mode button which allows the user to hop between the still-image and video capture modes.
On the face of the Ricoh Theta SC Camera, there is the lens, shutter button, and three indicator lights. The indicator above the shutter button signifies the camera status, the wireless indicator lights up when the Wi-Fi is on and flickers when it’s off, and the last indicator differentiates between the video and camera mode.
The bottom end of the camera contains the tripod mount hole and a USB port. The top end of Theta SC contains the microphone and speaker vents.
How to Use Ricoh Theta SC Camera
The Ricoh Theta SC Camera can be handheld or mounted on a tripod. A single press of a button is all it takes to operate the camera. It can also be remotely controlled with the help of a smartphone (iOS and Android) that has the Theta app.
The camera contains two large aperture lenses and high-performance image sensors. The lens and sensors capture high-definition videos (5 minutes max.) and 14-megapixel HD images. With the help of smartphone apps provided by Ricoh, users can upload, edit, and share the content. The camera has a 1.5-second min. start-up time lag.
Features
Captures Spherical HD Images
Like the Theta S, the Ricoh Theta SC Camera also has a f/20 maximum aperture. The large aperture along with the sensors and two 14-megapixel lenses delivers HD quality spherical images. These features combine to produce clear images even in a low lit environment.
Along with the Ricoh Theta SC Camera, the consumers also get a new redesigned and updated version of the Theta app. The tablet and smartphone app provide the users the freedom to upload, change settings, adjust, and share the images.
Ricoh has a special website – Theta 360, where the captured spherical images can be uploaded by the user and shared on various social media channels such as Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The Theta app has a special feature that allows the user to export the edited images for printing. The camera’s 8GB internal memory can accommodate around 1600 large, still, images.
Captures Full HD Resolution Spherical Videos
No professional video recording experience is needed to record high-quality video content. The Ricoh Theta SC Camera can capture video with the resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps. The one restriction that the camera places on video capture is that the user can record videos that are 5 minutes or less.
The recorded video can be transferred to a tablet or a smartphone that has the Theta app installed in it. The app provides the user with the necessary tools to edit the composition, shape, and the size of the video. Ricoh allows users to upload the video to Theta 360 website and share it on social media networks such as YouTube, Google Maps, etc. The video editing app provided by Ricoh works only on Android 4.4 or higher and iOS 8.0 or higher. With the Ricoh Theta SC Camera, it’s possible to create time-lapse videos by invoking the Interval Shooting function.
Ricoh gives the users two video resolution options to choose. The obvious choice of most users would be the high-definition quality 1080 pixels with 30 frames per second. Alternatively, videos can also be recorded at 720 pixels resolution with 15 fps.
Live-view Display
The Ricoh Theta SC Camera can be connected to a smartphone or tablet using a Wi-Fi wireless network. Once both the gadgets are connected the live-view display feature will allow the user to see the image that’s about to be captured on the monitor of the smartphone or tablet. The user can choose between the Panorama or Full-Screen mode.
Software
The new redesigned Theta app truly unleashes the power of the Ricoh Theta SC Camera. The camera has one-press operation feature, but with the help of the Theta app, the camera can be operated remotely. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
Technical Specifications
| Part | Spec |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 45.2 (W) x 130.6 (H) x 22.9 (D) (in mm) |
| Weight | 102g |
| Internal Memory | 8GB |
| Object Distance | 10cm – infinity (from the front of the lens) |
| Shooting Mode (Still Images) | Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority, ISO Priority |
| Shooting Mode (Video) | Auto |
| Shutter Speed (Still Images) | 1/8000 seconds to 1/8 seconds |
| Shutter Speed (Video) | 1/8000 to 1/15 seconds (M); 1/8000 to 1/30 seconds (L) |
| Standard Output Sensitivity (Still Images) | ISO 100 to 1600 |
| Standard Output Sensitivity (Video) | ISO 100 to 1600 |
| Image Size | 2048 x 1024 (M); 5376 x 2688 (L) |
| Video Size | 1280 x 720 pixels, 15 frames per second, 6Mbps (M);
1920 x 1080 pixels, 30 frames per second , 16Mbps (L) |
| Exposure Control Mode | Program AE, ISO Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure |
| Exposure Compensation | Image: Manual compensation (-2.0 to +2.0EV, 1/3EV step) |
| Image Format | JPEG |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Communication Protocol | HTTP |
| Output Connector | MicroUSB, USB 2.0 |
| Battery | Built-in Li-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | Approximately 260 photos |