All of a sudden, 360-degree content is the rage – or, at least, that’s what YouTube, Facebook, and a bunch of camera makers would like you to think. These cameras can shoot a spherical (or nearly spherical) panoramic image – in one shot – and are being driven to the forefront by the growth in virtual reality. Ricoh has been making its Theta-series of 360-degree cameras for some time, but its new Theta S is the most refined yet. Image resolution has increased, and it now supports Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video capture. Despite its simplicity and ease of use, there are still some early-gen shortcomings. But, for a consumer gadget, it’s the most fun we’ve had from such a camera.
Features and design
Jim Malcom, president of Ricoh in the Americas, told Digital Trends that for a camera like this to win consumers, it has to be easy to use, and it doesn’t get simpler than the Theta S. Imagine holding a TV remote control in your hand. That’s essentially what it feels like in your hand, and it even looks like one too. Measuring 1.7-inches wide, 5.1-inches tall, and 1-inch deep, the Theta S is not any larger than a smartphone and it fits comfortably in most clothing pockets.
Read the full review over at DigitalTrends.
