Rico Theta V Review: DSLR from 360 degrees

There is no shortage of 360 degrees portable cameras. The most famous in our circles is Samsung’s Gear 360, but this only works with Samsung and iOS phones. Insta360 “One” and “Nano” cameras are also common, although the latter only works with the chosen iPhone models. If the price is not an object, one of the leading devices in this category is the RICOH THETOH camera. It is small, but it packs the 4K sensor and the ability to record the peripheral sound (with a separate unit). The camera function can be extended with a variety of additional ingredients, such as one to broadcast on YouTube or download media to Google photos. I think Theet V is a great camera, and I have little complaints with it. However, you may need a good reason to spend approximately $ 400 on one.

Specifications

Goodness

Not very good

design

The most surprising aspect of Theta V is its smallness. A 131 mm (5 inches) length and 45 mm wide (1.7 inches), it is easily suitable for any pocket or bag. It is easy to keep the camera somewhat, but it does not bow to fit your hand like Gear 360 – it’s flat as a smartphone. Unfortunately, there is no waterproof – and this is what 0 Tw -1 aims.

At the front of the Teta V, you will find a lens, microphone, ablution of shutter and lighting buttons for Wi-Fi/Capture. On the back side is another lens and another microphone.

On the right side, there are more controls – power button, Wi -Fi switch, and a button to switch between video and take pictures. It is somewhat difficult to use side control items, because the buttons are flat with the frame and do not stick to them. The upper part of the unit contains other microphones, adding a total four Microphones.

At the bottom there are three connectors – MicroUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, and a special outlet for the optional 3D microphone, and a triple leg holder. One of the missing features of the TTA V is a microSD card, which has most other cameras at a 360 -degree angle. As such, you are stuck with 19 GB internal storage.

programming

Theet V app

Although you can connect the TETA V to a computer and copy of photo and video like a model camera, the Mobile Companion app provides more functions. Once the Wi-Fi network selects the camera in the system settings, you can see a live preview, adjust the capture settings, take pictures, start/stop recording the video. There is a slight delay in the inspection, but otherwise, it works well.

The first tab, which was already transferred from Theet V. Tapping, displays an element that opens it in a 360 -degree exhibitor, where you can be able to change the width. There is a button at the bottom to switch to VR mode. The images are recognized by the TETA v as the images infidels in Google’s photos, so that you can view them in the photo app as well.

The second tab contains a list of all the media stored on Theet V, including files that have not yet been transferred to your phone. The eavesdropping of the transfer process will begin, if it is not already copied. When you download videos on your phone, you have the partition option below videos to 1080 pixels, since some devices cannot play 4K media without stumbling.

Settings menu has some useful options. You can change the Wi -Fi password, which may be a good idea if your photos are ever sensitive – by default, the password is included in the camera network name. The frequency can also be switched from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz, or you can prepare Bluetooth (which can only be used to control the shutter, not to copy the recordings). Fixed programs can be updated from the application, which is a nice touch – most accessories such as a computer are required for system updates.

In general, the Teta V app is good. The interface is not the best, with the user interface elements do not match both iOS and Android, but it works functionally.

Theeta+ application

The main app does not have almost any editing abilities, so if you want to touch your photos and videos, you will need to download the separate “Theta+” application. It contains a huge set of filters, display situations, and text options that you can run. It is like an Instagram photo editor on steroids.

The first tab allows you to choose from some different image modes, including a mirror ball (which looks like you are in a bubble), a small planet, and a double screen (which contains two mirror balls, each from the opposite perspective), flat, and straight. You can pull your finger around the screen to change the perspective. Examples of each option below; I used the 1: 1 crop option for all of them, but other occasional ratios are available.

Mirror ball (left) and a small planet (right)

Double (left) screen, flat (medium), and rectum (right)

The second tab contains a few general filter options (in black and white, benis, etc.), and the third tab contains many photo adjustments (exposure, contrast, brightness, etc.). There is a floating button on the top right for the explanatory comments feature, which allows you to include the text and stickers in the same image – not only the highest two -dimensional display. It is a great feature.

In addition to the possibilities of fixed images, you can also create an animation revolving around your finger. This is especially useful if you share the media in a place that does not have a 360 -degree photo model, such as Twitter.

Once you cut the media according to your desire, you can save it on your phone, or share it directly on various social media sites. The TETA+ is definitely good, as soon as you get used to the interface that lasts somewhat (especially with the explanatory comments feature). It is a must for anyone who buys this camera.

As a side observation, there are a number of reviews of stars 1 of people who are unable to open any images from the home screen. I did not face this problem on the 2016 Google Pixel, which is running Android 9.0, but you don’t even have to choose pictures from the TETA+application. If you open a picture in the regular Theeta application, there is an “editing+” option in the surplus list.

camera

The main reason behind the high price of the TETA V is the quality of images and videos at the professional level, as well as manual controls. While some of the 360 ​​-degree consumer cameras can now record them in 4K, they do not match the ingenuity of Theet V.

For example, Samsung Gear 360 has ISO of 1,600, while Theet V can reach 3200. It is similar to comparing the smartphone camera with DSLR; Not everyone needs one, but in the hands of an experienced photographer who knows how to balance the speed of shutter and ISO, it is much more useful.

First, image quality. The photos taken on Theet V look very good. In automatic mode, the pictures are alive with a good balance in color. It is extremely difficult to discover the “division” in each image, where the separate is captured from each wide -angle lens together, unless you hold the camera with your hand (instead of installing it on a 3D stick).

I found that the automatic situation was good enough in most situations – including in dark areas – I didn’t need to switch to hand. As with DSLR, there are cases in which manual mode provides a better image. If your hands are fragile, you can increase the shutter speed to reduce the failure to reduce. If you take a picture of the night sky, the ISO will appear more stars.

1/8 second. Exposure time, ISO-1600

1/2 seconds. Exposure time, ISO-3200

The mobile phone application has a full manual mode (where ISO and the speed of the shutter must be formed), and the first “priority” (where you set one and the other is automatically calculated). And again, you can always allow the camera to know what is better, with cars.

Theet V is not sagging when it comes to the video, too. Although you cannot manually adjust the ISO and STTETER Delles for video recordings, they automatically correct the white noise. Each file is limited at a height of 25 minutes, assuming that the camera does not heat before that.

Should you buy one?

Maybe not. Theet V is a very good camera. Photo quality and video are good, the program is free of errors, and great mobile editing tools. Additional accessories, such as a 3D microphone of Audio Technica and underwater condition, can provide more functions. The lack of water -built -in insulation and the microSD card opening is the main defect.

As it is the TETA V, I really don’t see a reason for the purchase of most people. The camera costs about $ 400, depending on where you buy it, which is much more expensive than most competing cameras. The Xiaomi camera is $ 2660 at the present time, and the Samsung Gear Live is less than $ 100. Unless you fully benefit from the manual mode of Theet V and the first -party accessories (which are also very expensive), it is difficult to justify the price.

As mentioned in the title, Theta V is very similar to DSLR. There are a lot of settings, and you can take excellent photos if you know what you are doing – but most people will be satisfied with cheaper options.

Purchase it if …

• You have $ 400 to spend on a 360 -degree camera.

• You need the highest possible quality in a portable shape factor.

Do not buy it if …

• You want a 360 -degree camera for informal use.

• You do not completely need manual controls.

• You need something waterproof.

RICOH Theta V is available from Ricoh, Amazon, B&H, Adorama and Best Buy.