Want to know all about Ricoh Theta V 360 pros and cons, functions, feature and performance? Read this Ricoh Theta V 360 camera review to find out.
Although the Ricoh Theta V offers a good mix of functions and features, they do come at a premium.
Background
The pioneering Japanese brand Ricoh is the company that first figured out how to assemble a standalone handheld device that could capture 360 images. Before that, you needed a complex rig with multiple devices to do the job. VR fans should be thankful to Ricoh since it made crucial breakthroughs in 360 panoramic imagery.
360 cameras can help you to take the ultimate selfie. Not only will it feature you prominently, it will also show the world around you that you can proudly share with others.
Our Review of the Ricoh Theta V 360 Camera
The svelte Ricoh Theta V can help you do just that. Feel great and look good with improvised 360 shots.
Although performance and features are decent, the unit also has a substantial price tag.
Pros
- Good quality 360 visuals
- Compact and slim
- User-friendly
Cons
- Pricey
- Non-removable storage
- Several separate apps needed
Design
There are basically two design configurations for 360 cameras. One is the boxy and rather cumbersome design. Such action cameras are designed for sports, adventure and the great outdoors. The second design type is the lighter and more compact variety geared towards casuals videographers. This latter category is the realm of the Ricoh Theta V.
The compact, slim design means that the Ricoh Theta will slide easily in your pocket. The Theta V sports two lenses on opposite sides at one end. Under one lens, you will find the shutter button. LEDs show the Wi-Fi status and the shooting mode (video or image stills). And last but not least is the power button.
At the bottom of the 360 camera, you will find the microphone jack, tripod screw mount and the micro USB port.
The Ricoh Theta V may not look much different from past models at first sight. But there are major changes and upgrades under the hood.
The intuitive design of the Theta V makes it user-friendly and easy to use.
The Theta V is powered by a Qualcomm processor while image resolution measures 3840 by 1920 at 30 fps.
Quality
With its 4K resolution 360 clips and 14 MP still photos, the Ricoh Theta V offers good quality visuals. Although shots from the Ricoh Theta V are very decent, the Insta360 One is still better.
If you inspect photos closely, you will notice that the image as a whole has an unmistakable blue cast. The sky also likes a bit surreal. Photos from the Insta360 One feel more natural. With the Insta360 One, buildings also look straighter.
However, there is a price to be paid for the Insta360 One. The main drawback of the Insta360 One is that it is heftier and larger to carry out as compared to the slimmer and lighter Ricoh Theta V.
The Ricoh Theta V also does a better job at stitching images and balancing exposure. In fact, stitching with the Ricoh Theta V is nearly immaculate. You can hardly see the line where photos join in the final shot. The same cannot be said for the Insta360 One where you can clearly find where the photos blend.
But there were some more issues with the Theta V. You can see chromatic aberration where there are dark images under an overcast sky. Some trees also took on a rather unnatural hue.
Apps
Whether your phone runs on iOS or Android, there is no way to install 3 separate apps for the Ricoh Theta V. Other competing models require you to install just one standalone app with everything you need to process the image files.
But for the Ricoh Theta V, it’s rather different. You will be installing a video editing app, a photo editing app and yet another app for controlling the camera.
It gets worse on the Mac. There is a file transfer app that you must install for starters. Then you also need the Theta Basic app for viewing images. On top of that, there isn’t any editing tool.
The Insta360 One has just one app that can handle the whole gamut of editing functions, including stitching and fixing the chromatic aberration.
Performance
As far as the Theta brand is concerned, the image quality of the present model surpasses that of predecessors. The 14 MP still photos and 360 clips are a major improvement over what you got from previous versions.
Also, the latest Theta V is more user-friendly as compared to previous Theta models. The shutter button is big. Hence, you cannot miss it. The camera is thoughtfully designed for a smooth and fluid user experience.
Transfer speed from the camera to a smart device is also decent. VR buffs will also like the immersive audio from 4 built-in mics. Image stitching is top-notch.
There are some caveats to be aware of, though. Storage is restricted to 19 GB with no option for memory expansion. There are also some reports of lens flares when shooting in strong sunlight. Waterproof housing does not come cheap. Image stabilization also needs improvement.
Our Final Thoughts
The Theta V is meant for the casual user who is content with decent picture quality and not too bothered about a little chromatic aberration and other related issues.
But if you are very particular about such image-related issues, you may be better off with the Insta360 One.
Also, bear in mind that the Theta V costs more than the Insta360 One. Hence, you should buy it if acceptable picture quality is what you desire, along with a compact build. The Theta V is a good 360 camera but not the best.
