Ricoh Theta SC2 Bundle Ricoh - Review 🏆

The Ricoh Theta SC2 is a 360-degree spherical camera that allows users to capture their surroundings in stunning 4K resolution. Part of Ricoh's Theta series of cameras, the SC2 is an easy-to-use device that enables anyone to create immersive 360 content.

With two fisheye lenses and four image sensors, the SC2 captures everything around it in a single shot. The resulting 360-degree photos and videos can then be viewed in virtual reality headsets or online platforms, giving the viewer a sense that they are standing within the scene.

The SC2 builds upon Ricoh's previous Theta models by adding improved image quality and video capabilities. Key features of this versatile 360 camera include high-resolution spherical photos, 4K video recording, live streaming functionality, and intuitive sharing options.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at the design and performance of the Ricoh Theta SC2. We'll examine its image and video quality, connectivity options, ease of use, battery life, and included accessories. We'll summarize the pros and cons of this 360 camera to help you determine if it's the right model for your needs.

Design

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 45.2 x 130.2 x 22.9 mm and weighing just 125 grams. This makes the camera easy to hold and carry around for capturing 360 degree photos and videos on the go.

The body is made of high-quality plastic with a smooth matte white finish and minimal buttons and ports, giving it a clean and simplistic look. There are just two buttons on the camera - the shutter button on the front and the power button on the side. The microUSB and micro HDMI ports are neatly concealed under a flap on the side.

Overall, the SC2 has a solid yet travel-friendly build that feels durable enough for regular use. Its lightweight and compact form factor means it can easily slip into your pocket or bag when you're on the move. The minimalist design keeps things simple when operating the camera as well.

In addition to the Theta SC2, Ricoh offers the Ricoh GR III, a high-performance compact camera designed for street photography enthusiasts. With a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, the GR III delivers exceptional image quality in a pocketable design. It features a fast 28mm f/2.8 lens, built-in image stabilization, and a user-friendly interface. The camera also includes advanced features like a touch screen, customizable controls, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a versatile choice for photographers on the go.

Image Quality

The Ricoh Theta SC2 captures photos at 15 megapixels, which is a decent resolution for a 360 camera. It uses two 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensors, each with an ultra-wide angle lens to capture the full 360 view.

The image quality is quite good overall. Photos are sharp and detailed in daylight conditions. The f/2.0 aperture helps bring in more light. Images have good contrast and vivid colors straight from the camera. Low light performance is also decent, with minimal noise in dim indoor lighting. The dynamic range could be better, as highlights tend to get blown out in high contrast scenes.

One downside is that there can be some visible stitching lines between the two lenses, especially if viewing photos zoomed in. The software stitching works well for the most part, but some seams may be noticeable.

Additionally, the Ricoh THETA SC2 BEIGE is designed with a stylish beige finish, making it a fashionable choice for everyday use. This model offers intuitive operation with preset modes and a user-friendly interface. For more details, visit the Ricoh THETA SC2 BEIGE page.

Overall, the image quality and resolution meet expectations for a consumer 360 camera at this price point. The Ricoh Theta SC2 captures pleasing, shareable photos and videos. Just don't expect DSLR-level image quality. For casual 360 photography, the image sensor and lenses deliver good results.

Video Quality

The Ricoh Theta SC2 can shoot 4K video at 30 fps, capturing high quality spherical footage. The resolution of 3840 x 1920 provides crisp and detailed video that looks great when viewed in VR headsets.

Lower resolutions are also available, such as 2K at 30 fps and full HD 1080p at 30 or 60 fps. The high frame rates allow for smooth playback and the ability to create slow motion effects in post production. Shooting in 60 fps is especially useful for fast action scenes or sports videos.

The camera uses dual fisheye lenses to capture a 360 degree field of view. Advanced image stitching helps minimize the seam between the two lenses, providing a more seamless spherical video. Overall, the 4K video capabilities make the Theta SC2 well-suited for professional quality cinematic VR productions.

Connectivity

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wirelessly transferring images and videos to your smartphone or tablet. It can connect directly to iOS and Android devices through the Ricoh Theta app. The Bluetooth connection allows for remote shooting control.

For Wi-Fi, it supports standards 802.11b/g/n on 2.4GHz band for transferring files. The range is approximately 10 meters, but can vary based on environmental factors. File transfer speeds are decent over Wi-Fi.

The camera does not have any ports like USB-C or microHDMI. So wireless connectivity is the only option for transferring your content off the camera to another device like a computer. Some users may have preferred a wired transfer option for faster speeds or greater reliability.

Ease of Use

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has a very intuitive and user-friendly interface. The camera itself only has two buttons - the power button and the shutter button. All other controls are handled through the accompanying Ricoh Theta app.

The app is available for both iOS and Android and connects to the camera via Bluetooth. The connection process is quick and painless. The app provides full manual control over all of the camera's settings and shooting modes. It has a simple, clean layout that is easy to navigate.

You can remotely control the camera and view a live preview from your smartphone screen. The app makes it easy to review, edit and share your 360 photos and videos. It also enables firmware updates to the camera.

Overall, the interface and controls are nicely designed for simplicity. Between the two buttons on the camera and the well-made app, the Theta SC2 offers effortless operation and shooting. The controls are intuitive enough for beginners but provide all of the advanced functionality that more experienced users would want.

Battery Life

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has a built-in battery that provides enough power for approximately 300 shots per charge based on CIPA standards. This is a decent battery life for a camera of this type.

Charging is done by placing the camera on the included USB charging stand. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours. The battery is not removable, so you'll need to charge the camera by placing it on the stand.

The battery life is similar to other 360 cameras in this price range. 300 shots per charge should be sufficient for most users' needs, but you may want to bring the charging stand with you on longer shoots. Overall the battery performance is good but not outstanding.

Accessories

The Ricoh Theta SC2 comes with a few useful accessories in the box. It includes a soft pouch to protect the camera when not in use and a USB Type-C cable for charging and transferring data.

One of the most useful accessories included is the detachable base stand. This allows you to set the Theta SC2 down upright on a flat surface. It can stand securely while capturing 360 photos or videos.

For mounting and positioning, a basic tripod socket mount is built into the bottom. This lets you attach the Theta SC2 to any standard tripod or selfie stick. Ricoh offers an optional dedicated selfie stick as an available accessory for the camera.

The stick connects via Bluetooth and has a button allowing you to remotely trigger photos or videos. This is quite helpful for capturing immersive selfies and including yourself in 360 scenes.

Some other optional accessories are the TA-1 3D Microphone for enhanced spatial audio recording and the TS-1 iPhone plugin for live streaming 360 footage to social platforms. The camera is compatible with several third-party accessories too like the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod.

Pros and Cons

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has a lot of great features but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Compact, lightweight spherical design makes it very portable
• Shoots high quality 4K video and 12MP photos
• Live streaming capability
• Intuitive touch screen interface
• Good built-in image stabilization
• Waterproof construction
• Comes with useful accessories like selfie stick and carrying case

Cons

• Battery life could be better
• Limited zoom capability
• No swappable storage
• App connectivity can be spotty
• High price point

Overall, the Ricoh Theta SC2 produces great 360 content but may leave some users wanting more battery life, storage and zoom options. Still, it's a top choice for ease of use and high quality spherical video. Determining if the pros outweigh the cons depends on your budget and needs.

Conclusion

The Ricoh Theta SC2 is an excellent 360-degree camera that produces high-quality photos and videos. It has a sleek and compact design that makes it very portable. The image quality is superb with 12MP photos and 4K video recording capabilities. Connectivity options are plentiful with WiFi, Bluetooth and USB-C built-in.

It's very easy to use with intuitive controls and Ricoh's companion app. Battery life is decent, providing enough power for a day's worth of shooting. The included accessories like the selfie stick further expand its capabilities.

Overall, the Ricoh Theta SC2 is a great choice for anyone looking to capture 360 content. It's simple to use yet produces professional-level spherical images and video. The compact form factor means you can take it anywhere. Image quality and video resolution are top-notch.

For these reasons, I would highly recommend the Ricoh Theta SC2 as an excellent 360 camera for both personal and professional use. It's the perfect way to start creating immersive 360 content.