The Ricoh Theta V (pronounced “Vee” not “Five”) Finally the long-awaited 4K version of the popular Ricoh Theta, along with two new accessories!
Straight away I spotted it still suffers with its predecessors distinctive red dot flare. Im surprised they haven’t managed to fix this
3D Audio
TA-1 microphone
At first glance, the Theta V looks identical to its predecessor, the Theta S. However, there are tiny holes on the Theta V for four microphones for spatial audio – two on the top, one in front and one on the back. The Theta records not only the cardinal direction but also the elevation. The TA-1 attaches to the base of the Theta to record 3D spatial audio.
Price £649.98 RICOH THETA V 360 Degree Spherical Camera with 3D Microphone
or for £249.99 RICOH TA-1 3D Microphone on its own.
Underwater Housing Case
TW-1 waterproof case
This is supposed to make it possible to use the Theta V underwater 30m (equivalent to JIS Class 8) Carrying case, strap, scratch protection sheet and anti-condensation sheet are included.
Price £579.98 RICOH THETA V 360 Degree Spherical Camera with Underwater Housing Case
or £179.99 RICOH TW-1 Underwater Housing Case for THETA on its own.
Remote playback with the Amazon Fire TV stick
You’ll be able to playback your footage in 360 degrees on a monitor such as TV. The Theta V also functions as a remote control which can be used to select the image file and move displayed 360 degree image up, down, left, and right. It can also zoom-in and out. Cool feature to make it easier to show off to your mates. Hopefully this will expand to work on the likes of Google Chrome cast as well.
Based on what I can see so far, the Theta V is undoubtedly an improvement on the Theta S. The question is how it will compare to the likes of the insta360 one and other 360 cameras?
Seeing the same old red dot flare has disappointed me somewhat, so for now at least i’m swaying more in favour of the insta one.
Theta V is already available for preorder from Amazon £399.99 (shipping on the release date, September 24).