Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB 360-Degree Action Camera

Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB 360-Degree Action Camera Summary

Based on the previous model, the new flagship Ricoh THETA Z1 360-Degree Action Camera has been updated with 51GB internal flash drive memory, arriving as the ‘THETA Z1 51GB’. This enables the compact action camera to record nearly two hours (around 110 minutes) of 360° 4K video or around 6350 images at 23 megapixels. The compact camera is ultra slim and weighs just 182g so you can put it in your pocket ready to record street scenes, travel and just about anything you can think of.If you love editing your images you can capture Adobe DNG RAW files to post process or simply shoot JPEGs ready to share.

Features at a glance

• Immersive 360-Degree 4K videos and 23 megapixel images
• Larger 51GB internal memory for longer recording times and more image storage
• 3-axis image stabilisation
• 4 built-in microphones for spatial audio
• Livestream high-definition 360° video in real-time to your social media channel
• Durable Magnesium Alloy Body weighing just 182g

Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB 360-Degree Action Camera in More Detail

Two 1-inch sensors record realistic spherical 4K video which can be live-streamed in real time or recorded straight to the larger internal flash drive. Images recorded by the camera are stitched automatically creating high dynamic range realistic spherical images with less blown out skies and lighter shadows. You can even choose from various aperture settings to change your depth of field depending on which subject is being captured.

• 23MP resolution 360-degree still images using a large sensor and a new type of lens unit
• A new image processing algorithm and shooting modes to suit the scene
• High-quality 4K 360-degree videos using the latest image stabilization technology
• Intuitive main body user interface (UI)
• Support for RAW file format, increasing the joy of editing

Product Summary

RICOH THETA Z1 Features

Striving for ease-of-use with amazing high performance

• Records natural 360° images using 7K (6720 x 3360, approx. 23MP) still image shooting and highly accurate image stitching.

• Demonstrates superior noise reduction performance even when shooting at night or indoors with low light due to the equipped 1.0-inch type back illuminated CMOS image sensor.

• Using a newly developed lens unit reduces ghosting, flare and fringing. Aperture mechanism improves perceived resolution and reduces blown out highlights.

• Supports various shooting scenarios using a variety of shooting modes.

• Produces incredibly realistic spherical video by 4K (3840 x 1920, 29.97fps) quality.

• It is possible to save in RAW (DNG) format for the first time in THETA series. (Can also save in JPEG at the same time.)

• Supports 360° live streaming in 4K. Transmits excellent quality real-looking image to the world.

• Equipped with a 4-channel microphone. 4 microphones are built into the camera to independently record sound from 4 different directions when shooting video.

• Uses Qualcomm's “Snapdragon". Transfer speed for both still images and videos has been dramatically improved.

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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. 23MP resolution 360-degree still images using a large sensor and a new type of lens unit

The camera is equipped with a 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, one of the largest for consumer 360-degree cameras. It incorporates two units that can support about 20M effective pixels, achieving high-resolution 360-degree images equivalent to about 23M still image output pixels. Moreover, it supports the best of ISO6400 high-sensitivity shots, showing its strength in night and dark indoor shots. The lens unit uses Ricoh's original tri-fold structure technology, allowing for a slim body of just 24mm*2 despite the large image sensor.

A multi-level aperture mechanism is newly equipped, allowing users to set the F-number to one of the three levels of F2.1, F3.5, and F5.6.  In places where the camera can take in a lot of light, by closing down the aperture, the resolution of surrounding areas increases. Moreover, the newly designed lens unit keeps ghosts, flares, and purple fringing down.

2. A new image processing algorithm and shooting modes to suit the scene

Renewed the image processing algorithm achieved to get low- and high-sensitivity, low-noise, and high-resolution images. Moreover, Dynamic Range (DR) compensation is automatically made for normal shooting, effectively reducing blown out and pitch-black shadows for outdoor locations with brightness contrasts. The camera offers a range of shooting modes, including HDR Rendering, Interval Composite shooting that can be used to record star trails, and Multi-bracket shooting that can take continuous shots with up to 19 settings.

3. High-quality 4K 360-degree videos using the latest image stabilization technology

The camera has 3-axis rotational stabilization while shooting videos to show superior image stabilization. This makes it possible to shoot high-resolution, smooth 360-degree videos in 3840 x 1920 pixels, equivalent to 4K size, and 30 fps (frames per second). Aperture-priority automatic exposure (Av), Shutter-priority automatic exposure (Tv), ISO sensitivity automatic exposure (ISO), and Manual (M) have also been added to the exposure settings, allowing for more meticulous video settings.

The camera has a 4-channel microphone that supports 360-degree spatial audio recording built into its body. Recording omnidirectional audio including both horizontal and vertical directions makes it possible to reproduce sound and video as it was in the environment where the video was shot by linking 360-degree video and audio together. This delivers the enjoyment of creating immersive VR video content and watching videos on large monitors more realistically.

4. Intuitive main body user interface (UI)

The camera has a 0.93-inch organic EL (OLED) monitor that displays shooting information in the lower part of the main body. With nothing but the camera itself, shooting information can be checked at a glance, including remaining battery, shooting mode, the number of possible shots, F-number, and ISO sensitivity.

The new function (Fn) button can be used to switch what is displayed on the organic EL monitor, switch between normal shooting and self-timer shooting, switching between three plug-ins, and switching light out and silent mode.

Shooting settings from a smartphone can be saved as My Settings in the camera (one for still images and one for videos).

5. Support for RAW file format, increasing the joy of editing

In addition to the existing JPEG format, RAW (Adobe DNG) and JPEG files can be saved in the camera. RICOH THETA Stitcher, an application for stitching in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC, will be provided free. After processing files recorded as RAW, the plug-in can be used to generate spherical images in which the seams are invisible. Details about zenith corrections, directional corrections, and stitch distance setting can be freely changed. As with a general SLR camera, users can enjoy professional editing of hues and image quality.

6. A variety of ways of sharing

Users can directly post 360-degree spherical images shot using the camera to Facebook or upload them to the theta360.com dedicated website and share them on social networks such as Twitter and Tumblr. Unique cropped images can also be shared with Instagram. It is also possible to submit captured spherical videos to YouTubeTM 360-degree channel and images to Google MapsTM.

"Remote Playback" for 360-degree video is installed as a plug-in. Using a general-purpose receiver equipment*5 such as a compatible wireless display adapters it is possible to mirror playback of 360-degree still images and video data stored on the camera. This allows users to enjoy powerful 360-degree video on large displays or over projectors by operating the camera.

7.Robust and luxurious design

The camera employs a lightweight and robust magnesium alloy for the body materials. It not only ensures robustness that can withstand severe use, but texture casting on the surface gives a luxurious texture that is suitable for a high-end model.

Metal tripod screw holes are set in anticipation of use in harsh environments. Moreover, the external connector uses the next-generation standard of USB 3.0 (Type-C) to allow for even smoother transfer speeds. The shape is top–down symmetrical, so it can be inserted either way.

8. Superior scalability through updates and plug-ins

Following on from the RICOH THETA V, the camera uses Qualcomm's SnapdragonTM and an Android-based operating system. Firmware updates facilitate continuous functional expansions and performance improvements.

Users can access a variety of expanded functions by installing various plug-ins. Besides Ricoh genuine plug-ins, an environment was built for adding and using plug-ins releases by general developers through the RICOH THETA Plug-in Partner Program.

9. Other features

Can shoot using a high shutter speed of up to 1/25000 seconds

Internal large capacity memory of approximately 19GB which can shoot around 2400 still

Images (JPEG)

The THETA+ application can be used to edit still images and export image data files for printing

Dual communication using Bluetooth and wireless LAN

Easy wireless connection from the basic apps for smartphones (Will be released soon)

The new plug-in “Time-shift Shooting" enables users to avoid having the photographer's reflection in images (scheduled for release in March)

Specifications