Ricoh is launching the new RICOH THETA SC, a smaller, cheaper version of the Theta S 360-degree camera, featuring a full range of basic features and solid specifications. Since the RICOH THETA was first launched on the market in 2013 as the first 360-degree camera, it has been used in a variety of visual fields, as it shoots fully spherical images. Launched in 2015 as a high-end model, the RICOH THETA S supported higher image quality.

Developed as a standard-class model of the series, the new RICOH THETA SC provides casual enjoyment of 360-degree imaging, and also signifies the arrival of a new era of virtual reality. While retaining the level of image quality provided by the RICOH THETA S using a high-performance CMOS image sensor and large-aperture lens, this mid-class model is designed to be lighter in weight than previous models.

The new camera uses twin f2.0 lenses and two 12-megapixel sensors to capture 360-degree stills and 1080p-quality spherical video.

The RICOH THETA SC allows users to transfer captured 360-degree images to smartphones and tablet computers. It also lets them upload their images to the theta360.com and share on social networks, or upload 360-degree videos directly to Facebook and YouTube.

The RICOH THETA SC also offers a choice of four body colors (blue, beige, pink and white). It costs $300 and it's on sale today at Ricoh's website and other camera retailers.

Features - specs

• Object distance: Approx. 10cm - ∞ (from front of lens)
• Shooting mode
  • Still image: Auto, Shutter Priority, ISO Priority , Manual
  • Video: Auto

• Exposure control mode: Program AE, Shutter speed priority AE, ISO sensitivity AE, Manual exposure
• Exposure compensation, still image: Manual compensation (-2.0 - +2.0EV, 1/3EV step)
• ISO sensitivity (standard output sensitivity)
  • Still image: ISO 100 to 1600,
  • Video: ISO 100 to 1600

• White balance mode
  • Still image: Auto, Outdoor, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent light 1, Incandescent light 2, Daylight color fluorescent light, Natural white fluorescent light, White fluorescent light, Light bulb color fluorescent light
  • Video: Auto

• Shutter speed
  • Still image: (Excluding Manual Mode) 1/8000 seconds to 1/8 seconds, (Manual Mode) 1/8000 seconds to 60 seconds
  • Video: (L) 1/8000 seconds to 1/30 seconds, (M) 1/8000 seconds to 1/15 seconds

• Recording medium: Internal, approximately 8GB
• Number of photos that can be recorded, time
  • Still image: (L) Approx. 1600 images, (M) 9000 images
  • Video (timer per recording): Max. 5 minutes
  • Video (total recording time): (L) Approx. 63minutes, (M) Approx. 171 minutes

• Power source: Lithium ion battery (built in)
• Battery life: Approx. 260 photos
• Image file format
  • Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant,
  • Video: MP4 (Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC)

• External interface: USB 2.0 (Micro USB)
• Remote release: CA-3-compatible
• Dimensions: 45.2 mm (W) x 130.6 mm (H) x 22.9 mm (17.9 mm ) (D)
• Weight: Approx. 102g
• Lens configuration: 7 elements in 6 groups
• Lens_F value: F2.0
• Image sensor_size: 1/2.3 CMOS (x2)
• Effective pixels: Approx. 12 megapixels (x2)
• Output pixels: Equivalent to approx. 14 megapixels (x2)
• Still image resolution: L: 5376 x 2688, M: 2048 x 1024
• Video resolution/frame rate/bit rate
  • L: 1920 x 1080/30 fps/16 Mbps
  • M: 1280 x 720/15 fps/6 Mbps

• Wi-Fi_Communications Protocol: HTTP (Open Spherical Camera API compatible)
• Usage temperature range: 0℃ - 40℃
• Usage humidity range: 90% or less
• Storage temperature range: -20℃ - 60℃