- The A1 is the third Ricoh Theta mannequin, after the Z1 and X variations
- It guarantees the very best construct high quality of the three, and 8K timelapse recording
- Obtainable for preorder in June 2025, worth TBC
Ricoh says it has accomplished its 360 digicam lineup after asserting the brand new Ricoh360 Theta A1, which is the premium decide of three fashions, following the Z1 and X iterations.
Whereas it may well file 360-degree photos, it’s greatest not to consider the Theta A1 as a direct Insta360 X5 / GoPro Max rival, however extra as an honest various to a number of the greatest timelapse cameras, primarily designed for skilled use instances, however with full 360-degree protection.
For one, the Theta A1 is waterproof, rustproof, and is housed in an excessive temperature-resistant casing. It additionally has a long-lasting battery life and is supplied with a spread of video codecs designed for long-term recording, minimizing file sizes and energy consumption.
Its image-making abilities embody 60MP stills, 8K video at a most 10fps and right down to 2fps with knowledge charges as little as 8Mbps, plus 2K and 4K reside streaming.
In contrast to different Theta fashions, the Theta A1 doesn’t have a contact show, which makes it trickier to deal with for on-the-move recording. Coupled with its modest body charges, it’s firmly planted within the skilled area; primarily, the Theta A1 is designed to hold out long-term recording on location, together with timelapses on building websites.
Within the product announcement, Ricoh has outlined three skilled atmosphere use instances for the Theta A1’s 360-degree abilities: promotion and communication, progress monitoring and distant inspection, and documentation and auditing.
In plain converse, these functions cowl all the things from visible excursions, interactive floorplans, common seize of building websites or industrial services for plan compliance checks, plus insurance coverage, high quality management, and upkeep with full 360-degree protection.
Like different Theta fashions, the A1 is appropriate with the Ricoh360 app, which affords capabilities similar to distant taking pictures, cloud storage, plus footage edits and sharing.
What’s not clear but is the Theta A1’s worth or availability. Ricoh touts pre-orders for later this month, with pricing to observe. For context, the Theta Z1 prices $1,150 / £1,150, whereas the Theta X for customers is $600 / £750. Anticipate the Theta A1 to come back in north of the Z1.