Guide: Understanding 4K Resolution

What is 4K Resolution?

4K resolution, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, or over 8 million pixels on the screen. This represents an image four times more detailed than Full HD (1080p) and ensures impressive sharpness and precision on compatible screens.

In the context of cameras and 360° cameras, 4K generally refers to the ability to capture video at this resolution, maintaining a high level of detail when played back on a 4K screen. The term "4K" refers to the width of approximately 4000 pixels. This resolution delivers images so detailed that individual pixels are nearly invisible to the naked eye, even up close. The result: incredibly realistic and immersive visuals.

The Importance of 4K for 360° Cameras

360° cameras leverage 4K resolution to provide an immersive experience by distributing the resolution over a complete spherical view. The Ricoh THETA X 360° camera captures highly detailed images, ensuring sharpness even in distant areas of a scene. 4K enhances the clarity and fluidity of immersive videos, delivering total immersion, making it the standard for high-quality 360° videos.

4K improves visual experiences by offering four times the sharpness of 1080p, with precise details and realistic textures. Thanks to HDR, it enhances color depth and contrast, making images more vibrant. On large screens or projectors, 4K ensures a sharp and immersive image, ideal for home theater setups.

Ricoh THETA 360° 4K Solutions

Ricoh THETA combines practicality and quality, enabling 360° image capture in a single click, thanks to specially developed lenses and integrated stitching software. Two flagship models in the series offer 4K solutions:

• Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB: Designed for demanding photographers seeking professional performance, the Ricoh THETA Z1 51GB features a 1-inch large sensor capable of capturing exceptional quality images with an extended dynamic range. It records videos in 3840 x 1920 px at 30 fps, ideal for low-light or high-contrast scenes, and supports native RAW format for full post-processing control. Compact, robust, and equipped with 3-axis stabilization to reduce shaking, it also offers aperture priority, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity modes, along with manual exposure control, ensuring precision and faithful detail reproduction for impeccable results.

• Ricoh THETA X: In addition to 4K resolution for its spherical photos, the Ricoh THETA X allows live streaming of 360° videos in 4K via a plugin. You can install it through the device’s screen by accessing the Theta Plugin Store via Wi-Fi or using the desktop app by connecting the THETA X via USB. To stream, use the "Wireless Live Stream" plugin, enter the RTMP URL and stream key, and then start streaming by selecting the desired resolution. This solution is ideal for sharing live content on social media platforms like Facebook or YouTube. With a removable battery, touchscreen, and expandable storage via a microSD slot, the Ricoh THETA X stands out as a versatile and high-performance tool for demanding content creators.

Conclusion

4K resolution marks a significant advancement in visual quality. It delivers sharp images, vibrant colors, and an immersion level unmatched by lower resolutions. The two 360° solutions from Ricoh THETA provide clear and precise images or even high-quality live video streaming, offering unparalleled visual experiences.