Ricoh Theta S Review
Specifications
| Type |
Compact Spherical Digital Camera |
| Sensor |
1/ 2.3” ( x 2 ) |
| Equirectangular Resolution |
Photo: |
| Live Streaming |
USB: 1280×720/15fps |
| Lens |
F2.0 |
| Lens Construction |
7 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Focus System |
Type: FIXED |
| Storage Media |
Internal memory: approx. 8GB |
| Interfaces |
microUSB: USB2.0, HDMI-Micro（Type-D） |
| Power Supply |
Power source: Lithium ion battery (built-in) – (charge via USB Cable) Video Recording: Max. 25 minutes per recording or 4GB limit – Temperature override Video (total storage time): |
| Physical Specifications |
Dimensions (W x H x D): 44 x 130 x 22.9 mm (17.9mm excl. lens protrusions) Weight: approx. 125g |
| Metering System |
Exposure control: Auto |
| Exposure Compensation |
Still image: Manual compensation (-2.0 - +2.0EV, 1/3EV step) |
| Exposure Modes |
Still image: Auto, Shutter Priority, ISO Priority, Full Manual Priority |
| Object Distance |
Approx. 10cm - ∞ (from front of lens |
| ISO Sensitivity |
Still image: ISO 100 to 1600 |
| White Balance |
Still image: Auto, indoors, outdoors, shade, cloudy, incandescent lamp 1, incandescent lamp 2, daylight color fluorescent lamp, natural white fluorescent lamp, white fluorescent lamp, light bulb color fluorescent lamp |
| Shutter |
Type: Programmed AE electronic shutter mechanism |
| File Formats |
Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant, |
Conclusion
If you want to capture 360 x 180-degree spherical panoramas as easily as possible, the Ricoh Theta S is hard - if not impossible - to beat. The same is true of its sister camera, the Theta m15, but the S makes a more compelling case for itself thanks to its higher recording resolution.
The device itself is also nicer to use than the Theta m15 with more intuitive controls, while its 8GB storage capacity is a useful bonus over the m15's 4GB, though restricted storage was never the m15's biggest problem.
The Theta S is undoubtedly a significant improvement over the m15, but its £299/$347 price tag does make it 50% more expensive. It's a lot to ask for what's essentially a one-trick-wonder product that's far less versatile than a conventional camera. It's also expensive when you consider that, despite the improvements over the m15, image quality is still poor when compared to even a budget point and shoot camera.
A cheaper alternative option for capturing spherical panoramas would be to use a smartphone app that automatically snaps multiple adjacent images and stiches them together. These apps can give good results outdoors, but they often struggle to produce seamless panoramas in more confined spaces. Then there's the traditional, no compromise method of setting up a camera on a tripod with a panoramic head. However, even a budget panoramic head like a Nodal Ninja will set you back upwards of £180, and though you can achieve superbly detailed images with a decent camera and lens, the process takes time and skill.
Ultimately the Ricoh Theta S does fill a niche and it's just about worth the money, providing your main priorities are convenience and usability.
| Ratings (out of 5) | |
|---|---|
| Design | 4 |
| Features | 3 |
| Ease-of-use | 4.5 |
| Image quality | 3 |
| Value for money | 3.5 |
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