Ricoh has come a long way since it first released the THETA 360º camera line way back in 2014. In this post we talking about the new THETA Z1 and see the sweeping upgrades Ricoh has made over the past few years.
Ricoh THETA Z1 vs The THETA Line
| THETA M15 | THETA S | THETA SC | THETA V | THETA Z1 | |
| Effective Pixels | (Not Specified) | 12 MP (x2) | 12 MP (x2) | 12 MP (x2) | 20 MP (2) |
| Sensor Size: | (Not Specified) | 1/2.3 CMOS (x2) | 1/2.3 CMOS (×2) | 1/2.3 CMOS (x2) | 1.0-inch Type (x2) |
| Total Memory: | 4GB | 8GB | 8GB | 19GB | 19GB |
| F-Stop: | (Not Specified) | F/2.0 | F/2.0 | F/2.0 | F/2.1 F/3.5 F/5.6 |
| Lens Configuration: | (Not Specified) | 7 Elements in 6 Groups | 7 Elements in 6 Groups | 7 Elements in 6 Groups | 14 Elements in 10 Groups |
| Size: | 42 mm (W) x 129 mm (H) x 22.8 mm | 44 mm (W) x 130 mm (H) x 22.9 mm | 45.2 mm (W) x 130.6 mm (H) x 22.9 mm | 45.2 mm (W) x 130.6 mm (H) x 22.9 mm | 4.8 mm (W) x 132.5 mm (H) x 29.7 mm |
| Weight: | 95g | 125g | 102g | 121g | 182g |
| Colors: | White, Pink, Yellow, Blue | Black | White, Blue, Pink, Beige | Gray | Black |
| Object Distance: | 10cm – ∞ (from front of lens) | 10cm – ∞ (from front of lens) | 10cm – ∞ (from front of lens) | 10cm – ∞ (from front of lens) | 40cm – ∞ (from front of lens) |
| Still Image Shutter Speed: | 1/8000 sec. to 1/7.5 sec. | 1/6400 sec. to 60 sec. | 1/8000 sec. to 60 sec. | 1/25000 to 60 sec. |
1/25000 to 60 sec. |
| Still Image ISO Sensitivity: | ISO 100 to 1600 | ISO 100 – 1600 | ISO 100 – 1600 | ISO 64 – 1600 | ISO 80 to 6400 |
| Video ISO Sensitivity: | ISO 100 to 400 | ISO 100 – 1600 | ISO 100 – 1600 | ISO 64 – 6400 | ISO 80 to 6400 |
| Live Streaming ISO: | N/A | ISO100 – 1600 | (Not Specified) | ISO 64 – 6400 | ISO 80 to 6400 |
| Video: | Full HD | Full HD | Full HD | HDR | HDR |
| Max. Stills Image Resolution: | (Not Specified) | 5376×2688 | 5376×2688 | 5376×2688 | 6720×3360 |
| Max. Video Resolution: | 1920×1080 / (Mbps not specified) |
1920 x 1080 / 16 Mbps | 1920×1080 / 16 Mbps | 3840×1920 / 56 Mbps | 3840×1920 / 56 Mbps |
| Max. Live Streaming Rates: | N/A | 1920 × 1080 / (Mbps Not Specified) |
(Not Specified) | 3840×1920 / 120 Mbps | 3840×1920 / 120 Mbps |
| Video FPS: | 15fps | 30fps | 30fps | 30fps | 30fps |
| Photos Per Battery Life: | Stills: 200 (Video Not Specified) |
Stills: 260 (Video Not Specified) |
Stills: 260 (Video Not Specified) |
Stills: 300 photos Video: 80 minutes |
Stills: 300 Video: 60 Mins. |
| Stills Storage Capacity (“Large” Files): | 1200 Photos | 1600 Photos | 1600 Photos | 4,800 Photos* | 350 Photos (RAW) |
| Stills Storage Capacity (“Medium” Files): | N/A | 9000 Photos | 9000 Photos | (Not Specified) | 2400 (JPEG) |
| Max. Recording TIme Per Clip: | 5 Mins. | 25 Mins. | 5 Mins. | Max. 5 minutes / 25 minutes | Max. 5 minutes / 25 minutes |
| Total Video Storage Capacity (“Large” Files): | 60 Mins. | 65 Mins. | 63 Mins. | 40 Mins. | 40 Mins. |
| Total Video Storage Capacity (“Medium” Files): | N/A | 175 Mins. | 171 Mins. | 130 Mins. | 130 Mins. |
| Shooting Modes: | 1. Auto 2. Shutter priority 3. ISO priority |
1. Auto 2. Shutter Priority 3. ISO Priority 4. Manual |
1. Auto 2. Shutter Priority 3. ISO Priority 4. Manual |
1. Auto 2. Shutter Priority 3. ISO Priority 4. Manual |
1. Auto 2. Aperture Priority 3. Shutter Priority 4. ISO Priority 5. Manual |
| Ports: | micro USB: USB 2.0 | Micro USB: USB 2.0 HDMI-Micro (Type-D): HDMI 1.4 |
Micro USB: USB 2.0 | Micro USB: USB 2.0 Microphone Jack | USB Type-C: USB3.0 |
| 360º HD Live Streaming: | x | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tripod Mount: | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Street View Connectivity: | x | ✓ | ✓ | (not specified) | (not specified) |
| Long Exposure: | x | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio For Video Recording: | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4-Channel Microphone: | x | x | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth: | x | x | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image Stabilization: | x | x | x | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Bracket Shooting: | x | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Recording: | x | x | x | x | ✓ |
*The file size was not specified. This was the only number provided regarding stills capacity.
Pixel And Sensor Size
We’ve been slogging along with only 12 MP for so long. The THETA Z1 finally delivers 20 MP and two (relatively) sizable 1.0-inch type sensors. As a result of this overhaul, the Z1 delivers better details, dynamic range, and highlights. We can now prioritize quality over quantity and shoot beautiful RAW footage and 7K still images.
THETA Z1 ISO:200 Shutter speed:1/8 F value:2.1 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
User Interface
For years, THETA devices have relied on several strategically placed blinking lights to convey device status and mode. We are very pleased to see that the THETA Z1 has a proper screen. The old way was effective. However, it’s so much easier having the ability to get a live reading of your Z1 without the help of an additional smartphone app.
Remaining Crowd Pleasers
As mentioned above, Ricoh is constantly refining this line. A positive outcome of that development is that they already delivered a ton of useful features prior to the THETA Z1. That said, we’re most excited to see increased image stabilization, bracketing, and the 4-channel “360º” microphone back on the spec sheet.
THETA V EV:0.0 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
