Ricoh Theta Z1 360 Camera

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Specs

Two 1.0-inch 6720 x 3360 back-illuminated CMOS devices with about 20 million effective pixels
Highly Accurate 360° Image Stitching
Multi-level diaphragm mechanism is installed, F value can be selected from 3 levels of F2.1, F3.5, F5.6
High resolution 360 ° still image equivalent to about 23 million pixels
360° Live Streaming in 4K or 2K
19GB of Internal Memory
A 360 ° movie shooting at 30fps at 3840 × 1920 pixels corresponding to 4 K size
High dynamic shake correction
Electronic shutter can reach 1/25000
ISO 6400 highest sensitivity
Built-in 4-channel microphone supporting 360 ° spatial audio recording in the camera body
0.93 type organic EL panel displaying shooting information at the bottom of the main unit
Supports RAW file format
Built-in large capacity memory of about 19 GB
Still image resolution: [RAW] 7296 × 3648 pixels, [JPEG] 6720 × 3360 pixels
Edit with Lightroom Classic CC & Plug-In
THETA+ Android App
Size: 48 x 132.5 x 29.7 mm (excluding the lens part, the depth is 24 mm)
Weight: 182 g
Scheduled Release Date: Late March, 2019
$999
- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1462792-REG/ricoh_910778_theta_z1_360_camera.html

Tscheckoff

Oh PLEASE come with good low light and bigger than 1/2.3" sensors. Low light performance is still the biggest limitation with actual 360 degree cameras (who needs over 8K raw resiolution if the dynamic range and especially the low light performance sucks). At least those are the biggest limitations with the actual all in one solutions on the market. (I am not talking here about the double or quad GH5s custom setups with those 5000 bucks each fisheye lenses mounted ^^). Sure - The Insta360 TITAN is also quite interesting. But its also qutie pricey and it would be GREAT to get a double lens solution with the TITANs micro 4/3 modules too. Its just more usable (as its smaller and comes with less stitching lines - And maybe doesn´t need a super loud fan ^^). But until then, the new Rico Z1 looks VERY promising.

eatstoomuchjam

Judging by the size, there's pretty much no way it comes with bigger than 1/2.3" sensors. In this size category, a little more resolution (8k would be nice) and something like Insta360's flowstate are key. Better low light will come in time, but for now, 5.7k on the insta360 has just enough resolution to look OK when viewed in a rectangular window with distortion correction applied.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Tscheckoff

Ricoh had been almost monopolist in this category, but managed to lost all and everything (at least outside Japan).

I am not sure they can compete with much faster firms.

Tscheckoff

@Vitaliy_Kiselev

Yep. They were the first with usable / cheaper models. We still have the original Theta lying here ^^. Together with two VIRB360 and now also an Insta360 Pro 2 model. Biggest issue though (even with the Pro 2): The low light performance. Sure - You get more lenses at least with the Pro 2 - But in low list the noise is still HORRIBLE (due to the small sensors). And the new Titan from Insta360 is just inacceptable according the price (at least for us).

About the Z1: Well - Lets wait until tomorrow. It should get released / announced then ...

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Specs

Two 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS devices with about 20 million effective pixels
Multi-level diaphragm mechanism is installed, F value can be selected from 3 levels of F2.1, F3.5, F5.6
High resolution 360 ° still image equivalent to about 23 million pixels
A 360 ° movie shooting at 30fps at 3840 × 1920 pixels corresponding to 4 K size
High dynamic shake correction
Electronic shutter can reach 1/25000
ISO 6400 highest sensitivity
Built-in 4-channel microphone supporting 360 ° spatial audio recording in the camera body
0.93 type organic EL panel displaying shooting information at the bottom of the main unit
Supports RAW file format
Built-in large capacity memory of about 19 GB
Still image resolution: [RAW] 7296 × 3648 pixels, [JPEG] 6720 × 3360 pixels
Size: 48 x 132.5 x 29.7 mm (excluding the lens part, the depth is 24 mm)
Weight: 182 g
Scheduled Release Date: Late March, 2019
Mass retailer price: 126, 900 yen including tax

Tscheckoff

Product page: https://theta360.com/uk/about/theta/z1.html
Press text / news: http://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info2/2019/20190225_027278.html

[added by VK]

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. announced today the launch of the RICOH THETA Z1, the latest model from the family of cutting-edge 360-degree cameras. The RICOH THETA Z1 supports approximately 23-megapixels resolution (6720 x 3360 pixels) 360-degree still image photo shooting as a high-end model of the RICOH THETA camera series, which can shoot spherical images in a single shot, giving consumers the opportunity to adventure, discover and capture life in 360.

Since RICOH launched the world's first 360-degree consumer camera*1 in 2013, the company has stayed at the forefront of this emerging technology as it continues to evolve, and become an integral tool for the burgeoning industries of virtual reality (VR), social media, business, real estate + more. Exceptional imaging and sleek design come together to deliver unique, expected visuals; a seamless integration into any element of everyday life - business or pleasure.

The RICOH THETA Z1 is the flagship model of this series, with RICOH deploying exceptional optical and image processing technologies, cultivated through years of high-performance camera development, to pursue its highest resolution and quality to date. The compact main body is equipped with a 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, enabling approx. 23MP resolution 360-degree still images. It supports a diverse range of shooting modes, such as aperture priority, allowing users to take high-quality images regardless of the setting: outdoors, nighttime, indoors, tropical beaches or snowy mountain views - nothing is off limits. Moreover, it is possible to shoot considerably smooth and immersive 360-degree videos in 4K (3840x1920 pixels) and 30 frames per second (fps) thanks to powerful 3-axis rotational stabilization to compensate for rotational shake.

The main body of the camera, with a 0.93-inch organic EL monitor and a Function (Fn) button, grants users access to a multitude of information at a glance, including number of possible shots, exposure settings, and more, thus greatly improving the operability of the camera itself. In addition to JPEG, RICOH THETA Z1 now supports Adobe® DNG format (RAW) so that users can enjoy professional image editing as with a general digital SLR camera. Basic performance improvements are most evident in the AndroidTM-based system, which now offers flexibility in number of expansions one can add to the Z1 through the installation of additional plug-ins. The overall functionality of the latest model from RICOH not only meets the high demands of serious photographers, offers an optimal performance for professionals and amateurs alike.

Opportunities to use 360 images in innovative ways are increasing at a rapid pace. RICOH THETA is heavily utilized in business use cases around the world. Advanced services leveraging the RICOH THETA V in the real estate and construction are offered by Zillow 3D Home, Matterport Capture, HoloBuilder JobWalk and Ricoh Tours, and future integrations with the new RICOH THETA Z1 and their services are planned.

RICOH'S THETA Z1 will be available to preview up ahead of its official release at the RICOH Imaging booth during CP+ 2019, the world's premier show for Camera and Photo Imaging held at PACIFICO Yokohama this February 28, 2019.

[end of added by VK]

Sadly I see a few (still present) limitations in video mode - AGAIN only 19GB internal memory and very limited bitrate in 4K mode (56MBits only). No RAW video mode (with post stitching and higher bitrates). And no exchangeable battery again.

For pictures / stills though quite interesting (with RAW shooting now - And full manual controllability). And there is a plugin for Lightroom CC classic according the press text. The 3-setp adjustable aperture (F2.1, F3.5 and F5.6) is also great to have for both - Video AND stills. But they should have released it at least with more memory (32GB or more) and a higher bitrate 4K video mode. Pricing is also quite high (nonetheless its a quite unique 1" sensor model with up to 6400 ISO).

Seems like a great / nearly perfect option for 360 stills.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Tscheckoff

I find it interesting for exhibitions. We need exactly quite low bitrate (due to shit speeds in US). Note that due to lower noise bitrate CAN be lower.

One thing I want them to add is 4K crop modes inside 360 image.

Also due to price it is more like declaration as it is not much competitive.

MikeLinn

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Preorder

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1462792-REG/ricoh_910778_theta_z1_360_camera.html

Vitaliy_Kiselev

MikeLinn

MikeLinn

Review

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Review

https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/newproduct/1181787.html

MikeLinn

Spatial audio

MikeLinn

MikeLinn

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Special case for Z1

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1462807-REG/ricoh_910762_ts_2_semi_hard_case_for.html

Vitaliy_Kiselev

New firmware improves stabilization

Vitaliy_Kiselev

In stock at

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Ricoh Co., Ltd. released the “Smart Device” plug-in that can be used with the 360-degree camera “RICOH THETA” series at the RICOH THETA plug-in store.

A plug-in that allows you to control the RICOH THETA series by talking to devices with Amazon Alexa. You can shoot still images and movies automatically.

In addition, by linking with the File Cloud Upload V2 plug-in (published), you can upload the shot images to Google Drive sequentially.

In addition, the version of the basic app "THETA for iOS" has also been updated. The update contents can display shooting information such as shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, and bug fixes.