Ricoh Theta S Spherical Digital Camera Unveiled At IFA 2015

Ricoh-Theta-S-Spherical-Digital-Camera

Ricoh has unveiled their newest spherical digital camera ‘Theta S’ at IFA 2015. Adopting a dual lens design, this unique digital camera has lenses on both the front and back of the camera to enable full 360-degree spherical imagery to be captured with each exposure.

Specs-wise, the Theta S is configured with 2x 12MP 1/2.3″ image sensors (14.4MP interpolated output) pair with bright f/2 twin lenses, an 8GB of internal storage, a built-in microphone, a micro-USB 2.0 port, a micro-HDMI port and built-in WiFi connectivity for Live View & Control.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Theta S has the ability to capture both 1080p@30fps or 720p@15fps video and up to 14.4MP digital still images. The Ricoh Theta S is now available for pre-order for $346.95. [Product Page]

Ricoh GR II Digital Compact Camera Introduced

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Ricoh has introduced a new digital compact camera ‘GR II’ to its range. Designed to be compact with a portable magnesium alloy body, this high-end camera is equipped with a 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a GR 28mm f/2.8 lens (35mm equivalent), a 3.0-inch 1230k-dot LCD screen, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a micro-HDMI output port and built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity.

Other notable features include High-Speed AF System, Wireless Flash Control, ISO 25600, 4fps Continuous Shooting and DNG RAW & JPEG File Formats support. Powered by Ricoh’s GR ENGINE V image processor, the GR II can record 1080p Full HD video at 30fps.

The Ricoh GR II is currently available for pre-order for $796.95. [Product Page]

Ricoh Theta M15 Takes 360 Degree Photos

Rico Theta M15 CameraRicoh’s Theta M15 is a small, pocket size camera able to take seemeless 360 degree photos in a single snap. These photos don’t just take a wide image, but include an entire 360 degree sphere, top to bottom as well. The resulting images can be viewed like other images, and Ricoh smartly provides some associated software with the camera allowing users to edit the images on a PC, Mac, Android or iOS device.

This is the second generation of the Theta that Ricoh has released with the most significant upgrade in this model being the ability to take short videos with a 360 degree view along with still images. The videos can be up to 3 minutes each, and the videos can also be edited with the included software by modifying the image itself with your finger on touch screens or your mouse.

Ricoh has also announced that they are providing an SDK for the camera so that developers can create custom applications integrating the Theta M15. The Ricoh Theta M15 is available on Amazon for $299.

Ricoh Theta

Ricoh WG-M1: A Particularly Rugged Looking New Action Cam

“GoPro” is quickly become genericized. I’ve seen people say “GoPro” when looking at Sony or JVC. Any company that wants to break into this market had better be bringing a seriously good product with some features that really make it stand out. Ricoh, best known for the Pentax brand, might just have that product with the WG-M1.

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Ricoh is pushing the WG-M1 as the most rugged of the bunch, as it needs no additional casing. The camera, as-is, is shock-resistant, waterproof to 32 feet, cold resistant to -10°C, and features integrated wi-fi capabilities, and a screen. Buttons are large and designed for ease of use, even when wearing gloves or operating a wet camera. Between the included features and the standard tri-pod mount, we won’t be surprised to see a few of GoPro’s customers turn to Ricoh.

At $300, it’s comparable to the top end of the competition, but many of those previously mentioned included features are expensive extras for other cameras. Based on the video sample, it looks like video quality will be excellent as well, though it does top out at 1080p/30 frames per second. Distortion seems to have been kept to a minimum, the color balance looks neutral, and there’s minimal blur to the action. I can’t wait to try it out in person.

[via Ricoh]

Ricoh PJ K110 DLP Projector

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Ricoh has recently introduced a new DLP projector to its line-up, the PJ K110. This entry-level projector supports a native resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and provides 2800 ANSI lumens brightness, 2200:1 contrast ratio and 4:3 aspect ratio. It also comes with a built-in 2W monaural speaker and has D-Sub, HDMI, S-Video and RCA connectors. The PJ K110 will start shipping from March 12th for unannounced price yet. [Ricoh]

Ricoh WG-4 Brings Back rugged outdoor digital cameras


Rugged outdoor cameras for hikers and sporty types were all the rage a few years back but the digital camera market has been concentrating on CSC cameras and DSLRs of late, so these rubberized, shock...

Ricoh Theta Lets You Take 360 Degree Shots With One Click

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Your phone is likely able to take a panoramic shot. Sweet, right? Well, really, it’s just sort of ok. For one, you have to learn how to take that shot, slowly panning and keeping your hand stable. Secondly, if anything is moving across your field of view as you take it, you end up with headless bodies and other hilarious artifacts. Not to mention, you’ll be lucky to get 160-180 degrees in one picture. Ricoh does away with all that noise with the Theta. It features two back-to-back lenses which capture 360 degrees at the single press of a button. Software on your smartphone or PC/Mac then lets you view and explore the pictures you take. It’s a pretty interesting innovation, even if it’s not one for every occasion. If you expect to be out, exploring scenic settings, you may want to have Theta around. If you’re just going to the club, carrying a second digital device might not be worth it. Granted this creates a smaller niche market, and at $399, might be a tough sell for many. Still, it’s nice to know this exists and if it’s your cup of tea, it’ll be available later this month.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ DamnGeeky ]

Ricoh Theta WiFi camera shoots 360-degree photos for $399 (hands-on)

DNP Ricoh Theta WiFi camera shoots 360degree photos for $399 handson

It's a big week for LCD-less WiFi point-and-shoots, but today's offering is a bit more unusual than Sony's lens-camera duo. What would you pay for a 360-degree camera that's compact, easy to use and compatible with an iOS app? $100? Maybe a buck fifty? Ricoh's betting big on a figure far higher -- a "consumer-friendly" $399. And we're not sold. Sure, the Theta is a unique device, but 360-degree images have limited appeal, and the fact that you (and your friends) will need to download a dedicated app just to view them without distortion doesn't help to seal the deal. Still, we're always up for trying out something new, and we're guessing you might be a bit curious, too. Click past the break as we go full circle with Theta.

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Ricoh SP 2100L Monochrome Laser Printer

Ricoh-SP-2100L-Monochrome-Laser-Printer

Ricoh has introduced a new monochrome laser printer to its range, the SP 2100L. Powered by a 360MHz ARM9 processor, this high-speed laser printer is able to print 28 pages (A4) per minute in single-sided black-and-white or 14 pages (A4) per minute in double-sided black-and-white at 1200 x 600 dpi resolution. The SP 2100L will go on sale from July 16th for around 43,000 Yen (about $433). [Ricoh]

Ricoh unveils $800 GR compact with 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, continuous autofocus

Ricoh unveils 16megapixel GR compact with APSC sensor, f28 lens

Though it's a bit late to the large-sensor compact game, Ricoh just jumped into the fray with a model that might tempt the high-end grab and go set: the GR. Following a trail blazed by the likes of Sony and Nikon with its Coolipix A, Ricoh's new advanced compact packs very similar specs to the latter: a 16-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor, fixed 18.3 mm f/2.8 lens, ISO 25,600 capability, pop-up flash, Eye-Fi card compatibility, 1080 / 30p AF video and 4 fps shooting with continuous autofocus for "fast-moving subjects." The similarities end with the price, however, since Pentax's owner is offering the GR for $800 compared to $1,100 for the Nikon, and has eschewed the optical low-pass filter to increase sharpness and further tempt high-end shooters. You'll be able to grab one stateside next month -- check the PR after the break for more.

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