Ricoh has announced the Theta SC2, a second-generation ‘enthusiast’ 360-degree camera that’s a part of its growing Theta lineup.

The Ricoh Theta SC2 serves as a successor to the Theta SC and brings with it new and improved features. Inside, it features a 14-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 4K video (3840 x 1920 pixels) at up to 30 frames per second. Here is what else we know about it:

• 14GB of internal memory, plus a Micro SD card slot
• Monoaural microphone
• OLED display with a dedicated button for self-timer mode
• Lens has 7 elements in 6 groups
• Maximum aperture of f/2.0
• Bluetooth and wireless LAN dual communication
• Preset shooting modes like Face Mode, Night View, Underwater Mode, and Lens-by-Lens exposure, for capturing scenes in mixed lighting
• Weighs 0.23 lbs
• Dimensions of 1.78×5.14×0.9 inches

Since its release in 2013 as the world’s first hand-held 360° camera, “RICOH THETA” has been used in a multitude of environments and offers unlimited potential for image expression. 360° photography has become increasingly relevant, due to the rapid growth of the Virtual Reality market, the increasing number of social media services that are compatible with 360° images, and the growing demand for 360° images in the business market.

The new RICOH THETA SC2 is an easy-to-use model, perfect for the 360 enthusiasts, allowing anyone to capture high-quality spherical images. It snaps photos at approximately 14 megapixels, as well as smooth, immersive 360°spherical video at 30 frames per second in 4K (3840 x 1920 pixels). Additionally, the RICOH THETA SC2 comes with a variety of shooting modes such as “Face” mode, which recognizes human faces and applies skin smoothing, and “Night View” mode for shooting low-noise footage after the sun goes down. These modes allow the photographer to configure the camera with minimal effort.

The status OLED display (Organic EL display) in the lower section of the RICOH THETA SC2 body, allows at-a-glance checking of a range of information such as setting modes and remaining battery power. RICOH THETA SC2 also features a new button that lets the user switch to self-timer mode, making the camera much easier to operate in a standalone manner. Staying true to the product concept of a compact, lightweight body, the RICOH THETA SC2 can be used as a live blogging camera that people can carry with them to record the events of their day. The line-up features four different Fresh Colours, allowing users to select a color of their choice. This is the perfect camera for people who enjoy sharing pictures and videos on social media, or for those who wish to start using a 360° camera.

Other features and specs include a faster data transfer speed (videos transfer up to 4x faster), Bluetooth connectivity, a 1.5-second startup time, and new accessories (e.g. a remote control and a waterproof case).
The Theta SC2 will come in pink, blue, beige and white (the same colors the SC shipped in) when it ships ‘mid-December 2019’ for a suggested retail price of $299.95.

More info on Ricoh’s website.