Ricoh’s newest 360-degree camera runs on Android with a smartphone processor

Ricoh's newest 360-degree camera is powered by its own Snapdragon processor and the Android operating system.

The newly announced Ricoh Theta V takes 360-degree video into the 4K world with a resolution of 3840 x 1920, which is a big step up from the Ricoh Theta S that shot videos at 1920 x 960. To accomplish this resolution bump, the Theta V features a new pair of 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors

On top of rendering sharper images with more detail, the Ricoh Theta V resolves a cleaner pictures with a wider dynamic range despite relying on the same f2.0 lenses of the Theta S. 

Ricoh’s latest camera also boasts two times higher maximum ISO sensitivity of 6400. The maximum shutter speed is also dramatically faster 1/25,000 second, which might come in handy for high-speed action.

At the heart of the Ricoh Theta V is a Snapdragon 835 processor, the very same mobile CPU we’ve seen in the latest smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. 

Embedded in the processor are also new wireless transmitters that enable the camera to transmit 4K video and photos to a smartphone 2.5 times faster.

What’s more, this 360 camera runs on a modified version of Android, allowing Ricoh to implement plugins including one that will allow it to connect to and control Miracast-enabled displays.

Alongside the Theta V, Ricoh also introduced a batch of new accessories including a 3D Microphone TA-1 to capture spatial audio and an Underwater Case TW-1 for aquatic adventures.

The Theta V is an interesting development considering Ricoh arguably paved the way for 360-degree cameras. Over the past few years we’ve seen competitors rise in the mobile space with the Gear 360 and most recently the 360 camera module for the Essential Phone PH-1.

The Ricoh Theta V looks to bypass the need for a mobile device, while being the most capable 360-degree camera we’ve seen yet.

Preorders for the $429 (about £330, AU$540) Ricoh Theta V and $269 (about £210, AU$340) 3D Microphone TA-1 start today with shipping slated for mid-September. The Underwater Case TW-1 will arrive later this October for $199 (about £150, AU$250).

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