This Camera Has A Hell Of A lot To Prove

Perfection takes time. Everyone knows that, especially electronics manufacturers. The tech revolution has a really fast learning curve, but let’s face it: there has been a lot of sloppy mistakes.

The Theta S will still capture the full spherical images you love now with two 12 megapixel sensors that interpolate with each other to produce a high-resolution 14.4 megapixels, and it can record video in full HD (1,920 x 1,080 at 30fps) for 25 minutes.

One of those mistakes was Ricoh’s Theta camera. Back in 2013, it was still new and novel for a camera to take complete 360 stills. The stick-shaped camera was very pricey though, and sadly, that was the least of its problems. Ricoh used a typical point-and-shoot camera resolution to capture a much, much larger 360-degree digital canvas, which resulted in poor quality images low on detail.

But, like I said, perfection takes time. That’s why when the Theta S camera launches globally in October, it’s a hell of an improvement from its predecessor. Is it perfect? Not exactly, but baby steps, people.

Not only double the resolution of the previous model, it also boasts a f/2.0 lens (which is the kind of lens we see on flagship smartphones), so we can be sure to get a lot more light at the same time we get less noise and blur.

The Theta S will still capture the full spherical images you love now with two 12 megapixel sensors that interpolate with each other to produce a high-resolution 14.4 megapixels, and it can record video in full HD (1,920 x 1,080 at 30fps) for 25 minutes - I will remind everyone that the predecessor could only record for 5 minutes before the battery died.

Because Ricoh finally joined the 21st century, you can share your 360-degree image not just on Ricoh’s own site, but also on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube’s own 360-degree channel, and most importantly, Google Maps.

The two lens system ensures that best end result for your images, because each lens can be set with different levels of exposure. This means the resolution of your photos will be 5,376 x 2,688. Obviously, it’s capable with streaming live video via built-in USB.

Because Ricoh finally joined the 21st century, you can share your 360-degree image not just on Ricoh’s own site, but also on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube’s own 360-degree channel, and most importantly, Google Maps. That’s right, your photos can be uploaded to Google Maps for the world to use.

The new camera also has remote viewing, which means you can adjust the camera settings from your smartphone - including ISO (up to 1600), white balance and shutter speed.

You can expect around 260 shots per charge.

Theta’s Wi-Fi has also gotten an overhaul so that it’s four times faster than the original.

It hits shelves in the US, Europe and Asia at the end of October for $349.