Just two days ago, I received my copy of the new Ricoh Theta Z1 360 camera. This camera is the new flagship of the Theta line, which happens to feature some of the best integration with Google Street View among any 360 cameras, thanks to direct integration with the street view app. This functionality is immediately available with the Theta Z1.
The reason this camera is exciting is not because of pixel count, it’s actually on par with other 360 cameras. The justification for this cameras higher price ( it costs a cool thousand bucks) is that it utilizes dual 1-inch CMOS sensors to capture photons and create delicious (eye-candy) photo spheres. Furthermore, it has adjustable aperture for the lenses.
The advantages of the one-inch sensor (as compared to the smaller 1/2.3" sensors found in many consumer 360 and point & shoots cameras) are well known to photographers. These sensors at once capture more dynamic range, and allow you to use higher ISOs before noise takes over. This matters if you want to shoot in relatively low light without having to use long exposures, or if you want to capture wide dynamic range without having to take multiple shots. This is advantageous both for still photos where you want to freeze action, and for video.
I have only used the Theta Z1 for a couple of days but can attest to the fact that it will capture images that are clean and full of detail in environments where my other two 360 cameras — a GoPro Fusion and an Insta360 One X — are unable to keep up.
I have not yet mounted the Z1 on my helmet and had a chance to go on a ride through a park on a gorgeous day, but that is what’s next on my agenda. Ultimately, once I have a good collection of images, I’ll publish a follow-up with examples.
Anyhow, I would not make this Z1 the first 360 camera you buy. For the best overall experience, especially on any one of the video focus, and who is shooting outdoors, I think the Insta360 One X has much to recommend it—smaller size, lighter weight, lower price, interchangeable batteries, removable storage and powerful software on both PC and mobile. It’s hard to compete with that, although Street View-focused photographers might want the super tight integration of the Ricoh Thetas with the Street View app.
