Ricoh/Pentax Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB

Ricoh Theta Z1 – 1-inch sensor 360° camera with 51GB internal storage

The Ricoh Theta Z1 is the flagship model in the Theta family. It delivers professional-grade 360° stills and video while remaining small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. The camera combines a durable magnesium alloy body with advanced imaging features for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Compact, robust body designed for everyday use

The Z1 has a lightweight yet robust magnesium alloy body that can withstand severe use. The textured surface gives the camera a refined, high-end feel while improving grip. Because it is small and light, you can carry it easily and keep it at hand for spontaneous 360° shooting.

Large 1-inch sensor and 23 megapixel stills

The camera uses a back-illuminated 1-inch type CMOS image sensor to capture detailed 23 megapixel 360° still images. You can record images in JPEG or in RAW format (Adobe DNG), allowing careful post-processing similar to DSLR workflows.

The optical design reduces common artifacts: the improved lens minimizes ghosts, flares, and purple fringing. You can control depth of field and light intake with the three-step aperture: F2.1, F3.5, and F5.6. In bright scenes, close the aperture to F5.6 for increased sharpness. In darker environments, use F2.1 to let more light reach the sensor. The camera also supports sensitivities up to ISO 6400, so you can capture images across a wide range of lighting conditions.

For scenes with high contrast between bright and dark areas, the Z1 applies automatic Dynamic Range (DR) compensation during normal shooting. This reduces blown highlights and extremely dark shadows to preserve more image detail.

4K 360° video, stabilization and capture modes

The Theta Z1 records 360° video in 4K (3840 × 1920 pixels) at 30 frames per second. It features a powerful 3-axis rotational stabilization system that compensates for rotational shake and helps produce smooth, immersive video sequences.

The camera supports common exposure modes to match your shooting approach: Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), ISO sensitivity (ISO), and Manual (M). Use these modes to fine-tune exposure for stills and video as needed.

360° audio and live streaming

The Z1 includes a built-in 4-channel microphone that records omnidirectional 360° sound, helping to reproduce realistic audio that matches the spherical video. In addition, the camera supports 360° live streaming in both 4K and Full HD, enabling direct broadcasts of immersive content.

Android-based system, display and expandability

The camera runs an Android-based system and uses a powerful Qualcomm processor to handle processing and plug-ins. A 0.93-inch monitor on the main body displays key information at a glance, such as remaining shots and exposure settings.

The Android platform lets you install additional plug-ins for extended functionality. For example, the Time-shift Shooting plug-in helps avoid the photographer’s reflection appearing in images by adjusting capture timing and stitching behavior.

Storage, connectivity and sharing

The Theta Z1 provides 51 GB of built-in memory so you can store many photos and videos without an immediate need to offload files. The camera also offers wireless connectivity via Wi‑Fi for transferring and sharing content.

Power-saving Bluetooth keeps the camera connected to a smartphone without draining the battery excessively. You can post 360° spherical images directly to social platforms such as Facebook, upload to theta360.com, and share on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. The camera can also be used to submit content to YouTube 360 and Google Maps.

Important features

• Small and light 360° camera, fits in a shirt pocket
• 23 megapixel resolution 360° still images, in JPEG or RAW
• Highly sensitive 1-inch type CMOS sensor
• 4K video at 30 frames/s (3840 × 1920)
• 360° sound recording via built-in microphone with 4 channels
• 360° Live Streaming in both 4K and full HD
• 51 GB built-in storage space
• Wireless connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Android operative system and powerful Qualcomm processor

FAQ

Question: How much can I store on the 51 GB internal memory?
Answer: The Z1’s 51 GB of built-in storage holds many high-resolution 360° photos and videos so you can shoot without immediately offloading files. When you need more space, you can transfer files wirelessly via Wi‑Fi or connect to your workflow using supported sharing services.

Question: Can I edit images taken with the Theta Z1 like DSLR files?
Answer: Yes. The camera supports RAW capture in Adobe DNG format, which lets you perform detailed adjustments in RAW-capable editing software similar to DSLR workflows.

Question: How does the camera avoid the photographer appearing in shots?
Answer: The Android-based system allows installation of plug-ins such as Time-shift Shooting. This plug-in adjusts capture timing and stitching to reduce or avoid the photographer’s reflection in 360° images.

Question: Is the audio suitable for immersive playback?
Answer: The Z1 records omnidirectional 360° sound with its built-in 4-channel microphone, helping to reproduce realistic audio that complements spherical video during playback and streaming.

Question: Can I stream live in high quality?
Answer: Yes. The Theta Z1 supports 360° live streaming in both 4K and Full HD, enabling high-quality live broadcasts of immersive content.