360 Photos
Here you will learn the steps to use the Ricoh Theta V 360 cameras to capture 360 photo and videos. You can then publish the 360 media in a variety of ways for the world to see!
About 360 cameras:
The Ricoh Theta 360 cameras capture a spherical image, so not only does the camera take a picture in a full circle around its stationary point, it also takes the picture above and below the camera. The thumbnail image of a 360 photo will appear distorted due to the fact that it is making a 3D image into a flat 2D image. Think of it similar to a map of the Earth- the continents look a little skewed on a paper map due to taking what fits on a 3-dimensional spherical globe and flattening it out into a 2D image on a piece of paper.
(Image source: https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/360-degree/index.html)
Charging the Ricoh Theta 360 Cameras:
Connect the camera to the computer using the provided USB cable. The power lamp lights green when charging starts. (The lamp flashes in green when the remaining battery level is low.) The power lamp is unlit when charging is complete.
Using 360 cameras:
The Ricoh Theta 360 cameras work very much like any other digital camera, with the main difference being that there is no viewfinder on the camera. Below is a description of the various ways to use the 360 cameras:
- For quick use: Press the power button on the side of the camera, hold the camera either in front of you or above your head (depending on how much of yourself you want to capture), and press the capture button on the front of the camera. You will here a beeping sound when the photo has been taken.
- For quick use with a timer: From the off position, press both the wireless and power button at the same time to turn on the camera. Place the camera, then press the shutter button to start the 5 second timer. An audible countdown sound can be heard, and a picture will be taken after 5 seconds. This is ideal for instances where you want to take a picture, but don't want to be in the picture or you want to stand further away from the camera.
- For use with a remote: You can use the phones that come in the kit as a remote for the 360 cameras. The benefit of using the phone as a remote is that you can be further away, or not in the picture at all. To set up the phone as a remote:
- Turn on the camera and hold down the power button until the blue light comes on, it will blink for a few seconds. Also turn on the phone with the corresponding number (for example, use phone #01 with camera #01). *Red light indicates that the camera needs to be charged.
- When the camera icon lights up, click on the Wifi button on the side of the camera.
- On the phone, go into the settings and connect to the camera's WiFi signal (WiFi name will start with "THETAY" followed by the same digits that are on the bottom of the camera).
- The phone should have the password memorized, but if prompted for the password, it is all the digits in the WiFi name (also printed on the bottom of the camera).
- Once connected to the camera, open the Ricoh Theta app on the phone.
- Press the big, grey circle button to capture an image.
Setting up the tripods:
Your VR kit comes with 360 cameras and tripods/ selfie sticks. The 360 cameras have a metal groove in the bottom which can be used to screw on to the tripods and selfie sticks. Use the different tripods mainly to vary the height from which the image is taken:
- Selfie stick: Use for images to be taken around eye level and above, with people in the picture
- Medium-sized tripod: Used for most images. Tripod can be placed on the ground or on a prop to make it taller. The legs of the tripod are flexible so it can be placed on an uneven surface and still make a level image. The flexible legs can also be wrapped around an object to get images in unique locations (for example around a tree branch)