Ricoh has unveiled a smaller version of the Theta S 360-degree camera. While the smaller version is cheaper, it provides the same image quality and performance as the flagship camera.

Ricoh's Theta lineup have been receiving praises due to their ability to produce captivating spherical images and videos with a single click. The new Theta SC is no different. The smaller version of the camera is equipped with two f2.0 lenses can capture images in 14 megapixels. It can also record high definition (HD) video clips.

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The new Theta SC is also 20 percent lighter and has the same battery life and internal memory (8GB) as the Theta S. However, the shutter speed is slightly faster with a maximum of 1/8000 vs. the 1/6400 of the Theta S.

Images can easily be uploaded to the Theta website (theta360.com) with a video format compatible to VR presentations used by Google+, Facebook, and Youtube.

Although the Theta S and Theta SC may be similar, the latter is cheaper. It also comes in a variety of colors including pink, white, beige, and blue. The retail price of the Theta SC begins at $299.95. The smartphone is now available on RicohImaging.com and other retail outlets nationwide.

The President of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation said that "Our goal is that the Theta SC will introduce more people to 360-degree spherical imaging."

Meanwhile, Ricoh has also unveiled an updated Theta S app for both iOS and Android devices. The update streamlines the overall workflow of capturing and sharing images.