Today Ricoh announced the launch of the Ricoh Theta SC. Developed as the standard-class model of the popular Ricoh Theta series, the Theta SC camera provides effortless usability for first-time 360-degree camera users and a range of basic features. While retaining the same level of image quality provided by the high-end Ricoh Theta S, this mid-class model allows users to easily transfer captured 360-degree images to smartphones and tablet computers, and also lets them to upload their images to the theta360.com dedicated website and for easy sharing over a variety of social media networks. The Ricoh Theta SC is available in four colours (blue, beige, pink and white), priced at £249.99/$299.95. The camera is expected to hit the shelves in early November 2016. In the US, the Ricoh Theta SC is already available to pre-order.

Ricoh Press Release

RICOH THETA SC

The new standard-class addition to the 360-degree RICOH THETA camera line-up
Capable of capturing fully spherical images, and available in four colours

LONDON, 12th October 2016 －Today Ricoh announced the launch of the RICOH THETA SC. Developed as the standard-class model of the popular RICOH THETA series, the THETA SC camera provides outstanding usability even for first-time 360-degree camera users and a full range of basic features and solid specifications.

Since the RICOH THETA was first launched on the market in 2013 as the world’s first 360-degree camera, *1it has been used in a variety of visual fields. It’s an exceptional imaging tool, offering fully spherical images creating unique, and completely unexpected visual results. Launched in 2015 as a high-end model, the RICOH THETA S has satisfied user demands for higher image quality and more specialixed business applications. It has been exceptionally well received by those with a keen interest in 360-degree imaging including photographers and business users alike.

Developed as a standard-class model in the series, the new RICOH THETA SC provides casual, effortless enjoyment of 360-degree imaging, and also signifies the arrival of a new era of virtual reality. While retaining the high level of image quality provided by the RICOH THETA S using a high-performance CMOS image sensor and large-aperture lens, this mid-class model is lighter in weight than previous models.

The RICOH THETA SC allows users to easily transfer captured 360-degree images to smartphones and tablet computers, and also lets them to upload their images to the theta360.com dedicated website and then share them on social media networks.  Users can also upload 360-degree videos directly to Facebook and YouTube.

The RICOH THETA SC is also available in four colours (blue, beige, pink and white), making it your personalized imaging tool, to enjoy every day, everywhere.

*1 As a mass-produced consumer product capable of capturing the scene around, above and below the device in a fully spherical image (as of October, 2013, based on Ricoh research).

Main Features

1．High-resolution, fully spherical images
The RICOH THETA SC delivers high-resolution, fully spherical images with an approximately 14.0 effective megapixel output, thanks to the combination of two outstanding components: bright, large-aperture twin-lens folded optics (with the same F2.0 maximum aperture as that of a high-end model), and a large image sensor. Together they capture beautiful 360-degree images with minimal noise, even when shooting night scenes. The photographer can also create a range of settings via a WiFi-synchronized smartphone or tablet computer, thanks to a completely redesigned user interface that provides intuitive operation through a dedicated application.

The RICOH THETA SC allows the user to upload the spherical images they have captured to the theta360.com dedicated website, then share them on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr and Google MapsTM.  It is also possible to submit captured videos to 360-degree channels such as Google+TMand YouTubeTM.

2. High-resolution, fully spherical videos
The RICOH THETA SC captures high-resolution, fully spherical videos at Full HD quality (1920 x 1080 recorded pixels, 30 frames per second) for a maximum duration of five minutes (after a synthesizing process). The user can effortlessly create flawless videos on a smartphone or tablet computer, without the need for a personal computer. Image size, shape and composition of videos can easily be changed by the user with simple fingertip operation. And, by employing the dedicated THETA+Video image-editing applications,*2 the user can very easily edit captured videos.

Just like fully spherical still images, RICOH THETA SC users can upload their edited videos (a maximum data capacity of 5MB) to the theta360.com dedicated website, and share them on social networks.

*2. THETA+ Video applications operate on iOS8.0. or later, or Android 4.4 or later. Proper operation is not guaranteed with all mobile devices.

3. 360-degree Live-view display
When synchronized with a smartphone or tablet computer, the RICOH THETA SC provides Live-view display (still images only) on the device’s screen. This allows the user to check the outcome of various setting changes on the Live-view screen during shooting. The camera provides a choice of two display modes: Full Screen and Panorama.

4. Stylish, easy-to-operate body design
The RICOH THETA SC is equipped with an LED indicator on its front panel for at-a-glance confirmation of the current mode, and a still-image/video switching button on the side panel. They let users operate the camera smoothly and accurately even when it is disconnected from a smartphone or tablet computer.

5. Other features
·        A large internal memory (approx. 8GB) for storage of approximately 1,600 still images (at L image size)
·        Minimum start-up time lag of 1.5 seconds
·        Self-timer function, with a delay time selectable from a smartphone or tablet computer
·        Interval shooting function, convenient for creating time-lapse videos
·        THETA+ applications usable to edit still images and export image data files for printing

THETA SC - RRP: £249.99
Available: Early November 2016

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