Ricoh Upgrades 360 Image Quality with THETA Z1; More Info at B&H

Photography News: Ricoh brings vastly improved image quality to its
popular 360-degree camera line with the release of the THETA Z1 and its
pair of 20MP 1″ back-illuminated CMOS sensors

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/camera?src=hash” target=”_blank”gt;#cameralt;/agt;–B&H Photo would like to share the announcement of the Ricoh
THETA Z1 360 Camera. This latest model to Ricoh’s immensely popular
360-degree camera series is now the flagship and boasts the best image
quality ever delivered by the company in 360 degrees. Much of this
improvement is due to the use of large 20MP 1″ back-illuminated CMOS
sensors and an updated image processing algorithm that enable stills
capture at up to 23MP (6720 x 3360) and recording of 4K (3840 x 1920)
video at 30 fps and with 3-axis stabilization.

Larger sensors also mean better image quality in more situations,
because the sensitivity can be boosted to ISO 6400, and there is a
multi-level aperture mechanism with three levels of control. Beyond the
sensors, the Ricoh
Z1 has a redesigned image processing algorithm that will help create
the sharpest and cleanest images possible in any given situations.
Dynamic Range compensation is automatically applied to limit loss of
detail from blown-out highlights and deep shadows. There are plenty of
other modes to choose from, as well, including HDR Rendering, Interval
Composite, and Multi-bracket shooting.

Ricoh THETA Z1 360 Camera

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1462792-REG/ricoh_910778_theta_z1_360_camera.html

Product Highlights

• Highly Accurate 360° Image Stitching
• Dual 6720 x 3360 1″ Type CMOS Sensors
• 360° 4K Videos and 23MP Photos
• Selectable f/2.1, 3.5, 5.6 Aperture
• 360° Live Streaming in 4K or 2K
• Twin-Lens System with 4-Channel Mics
• 19GB of Internal Memory
• Edit with Lightroom Classic CC & Plug-In
• THETA+ Android App
• Status Display, Magnesium Alloy Body

Image quality is important and, for professionals, there are numerous
options for manual control. This includes aperture-, shutter-, and
ISO-priority modes, in addition to full manual operation (manual mode
requires the use of a smartphone). The previously mentioned multi-level
aperture now provides the choice of f/2.1, f/3.5, and f/5.6 for handling
bright situations. Still images can be saved as DNG raw files for
maximum flexibility while RICOH THETA Stitcher for Adobe Photoshop
Lightroom CC makes editing easier. Backing up this image quality is a
four-channel microphone array for 360-degree spatial audio recording.
With 360-degree audio and video being recorded, the Z1 will provide a
completely immersive virtual reality viewing experience.

Massive changes to the imaging pipeline, fortunately, did not mean a
change in overall design, with the THETA
Z1 using tri-fold structure technology for a thickness of just 24mm.
A 0.93″ OLED display provides rapid access to essential shooting
settings and information. A new function button can then help you switch
between display modes and select modes. The body is also tough, with
magnesium-alloy construction and a luxurious texture. Tripod screw holes
are metal for durability and it uses the now-standard USB 3.0 Type-C
connection for fast transfer.

Connectivity and upgradeability are an important part of the THETA
system and the Z1
features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in. The THETA+ app makes it
simple to share and edit photos and an internal capacity of 19GB can
hold up to 2400 JPEGs without issue. Coming soon is a new feature called
Time-shift Shooting that will make it possible to capture images without
the photographer being in the frame. New accessories include Lens
Caps and a Semi-Hard
Case.

About B&H Photo Video

As the world’s largest source of photography, video, and audio
equipment, as well as computers, drones, and home and portable
entertainment, B&H
is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force and
excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. B&H has
been satisfying customers worldwide for 40 years.

Visitors to the website can access a variety of educational videos and
enlightening articles. The B
and H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational
content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product
overviews from our in-house specialists. You can view the B&H Event
Space presentations from many of the world’s foremost experts and
interviews with some of technology’s most dynamic characters. Tap into
this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here.
In addition to videos, the B&H Explora
blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides,
and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals.

When you’re in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H
Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The techno-carousel
spins all year round at the counters and kiosks at B&H. With hundreds of
products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive
and compare all the latest gear.

Contacts

Shawn C. Steiner
B&H Photo Video
212-615-8820
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/