RICOH THETA | PANORAMA CAMERA

Ricoh THETA is a bit different image capturing product from all others we have reviewed here. It is a compact, portable, LCD-less, 360-degree panorama camera with WiFi connectivity and a designated iOS app, with Android one on the way.

Capturing images is performed with a press of the shutter button. Nothing else required to be done. Image orientation is automatically adjusted, so there will also be no need for fine tuning of the direction. You only need to select when you want to take a picture.

The iPhone app is one of the best features of this product. The pairing takes only few seconds and it allows you to take, view and share photos easily. Capturing is actually best performed using the app. Any way you hold the Ricoh THETA you might get in the way of your 360-degree image. However, remote capturing allows you to capture images when you are away from the camera. The app is also designed to help you view pictures before you upload them to your computer or share them since the camera does not have a screen. Swiping and pinching commands are also supported. The app allows you to also include the location information if you want to. It is obtained using the phone’s GPS.

We have already mentioned sharing. WiFi connectivity allows you to use the iOS app to instantly share your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr.

All this functionality comes in a surprisingly small package. Having the dimensions of 1.6 x 0.9 x 5.1 inches and weighing only 3.4 ounces enables you to always have it with you should a need for 360-degree images occur without previous planning.

Battery life is surprisingly long and you should have no problems using the Ricoh THETA all day.

Having in mind easy use, or utter lack of complicated settings, as well as its feature packed nature in a small package, the price of $399.95 on Amazon might actually seem as an acceptable thing. [via]

Get it from Amazon here