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

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 ...

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.

Review

Spatial audio

New firmware improves stabilization

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.

Dual Fisheye plugin by Yoichi Hirota