Ricoh announced a new buoyancy compensator for Ricoh Theta cameras that makes it easy to shoot 360-degree video underwater. The device does not require batteries and can keep its location/position underwater, enabling realistic 360 shooting.

Ricoh also released a new firmware update version 1.20.0 for the Theta X 360 camera:

• It is now possible to select “8K 10fps” and “8K 2fps” for the video size in the shooting settings.
  * When playing an 8K video, use the basic app for computer (Windows/Mac). Playback is not possible using the camera or basic app for smartphone.
• The live view previously operated at a frame rate of 30 fps. However, its default setting has been changed to the “Low power” mode which operates at 15 fps in order to reduce power consumption. This change improves battery life* from approx. 220 images to approx. 250 images. To operate the live view at a frame rate of 30 fps, select “High image quality” in the new “Live view setting” function.
  * This figure is a guide based on Ricoh measurement methods, and differs according to usage conditions.
• The “Auto switching to live streaming” function was added. It is possible to select “On” or “Off” for this function. If this function is set to “On”, the camera automatically enters live streaming mode when the camera with the shooting screen displayed is connected to a computer with a USB cable. This function is set to “Off” by default.
• Some parts of the user interface have changed to make it easier to use.
• Stitching has been optimized when shooting underwater with the camera attached to the Underwater Housing TW-2. If you set the white balance to “Underwater,” the stitching will also switch to the one optimized for underwater shooting.
• Bug fix