Ricoh's latest Theta 360-degree camera has more internal storage than ever before

Dedicated miniature cameras that support omnidirectional or 360° images and video may seem like gimmicky, or at least superfluous, forms of gadgetry. However, an increasing number of lucrative pursuits may find such technology more and more vital as the need to generate virtual forms (such as walk-throughs or showcases) of their offerings grows. 

This may become particularly pressing for the areas of social media and real estate, even in a post-Covid-19 world. Besides this, a good 360° camera might be the quickest route to high-quality virtual reality (or mixed reality) content. Those, at least, are the arguments Ricoh makes for its new Theta Z1 camera.

Its new 1-inch 23MP CMOS sensor supports spherical images, taken using the Z1's compact form-factor that benefits from an in-built 0.93-inch display and a physical function button. The new Ricoh mini-cam also packs 3-axis rotational stabilization that may ensure smooth one-take all-around stills or recordings.

Therefore, the Z1 is truly Ricoh's new flagship Theta, not the least because it also comes with expanded 51GB internal storage as opposed to 19GB in its immediate predecessor. This is particularly handy as it also supports the RAW (or DNG) format, thus allowing for the option to edit its output using pro-grade Adobe apps. 

However, all of these new 360°-capture advantages don't come cheap: the Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB will start at no less than US$1,049.95 on its May 2021 release. More information on its avaiilability will be issued by the OEM at that juncture.

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