Given the data involved with the images, the Theta has to pair through Wifi, not Bluetooth. Pictures can be recalled on the companion app in seconds, although to view video you'll need to connect to a PC with a cable: there's no way to beam the video without this laborious step. Worse still, our Mac didn't recognize the Theta as a drive, meaning you'll need to use iPhoto or similar to get at your photos and videos. Moving images then have to be reprocessed through a dedicated PC app before you can share a link to the uploaded (and interactive) video hosted on your own Theta profile.

Sensoji rush in Asakusa (in 360 degrees) #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

There's a pop-up menu after processing that offers up embed codes, or share to Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr, but it's far from smooth, especially given the fact that yes, you're already using an app on your smartphone. Presumably the processing weight of stitching together video is too much for a smartphone -- but it remains a frustration in trying to show off what the stick camera is capable of.

There's 4GB of storage built-in, while you can adjust the camera settings (through the app), with ISO ranging from 100 to 1600, and shutter speed up to 1/8000 of a second. Which is fine, but we got our best results with strong indoor lighting or sunny days. The night time video we shot above gives you a good idea of the pros and cons. You get a good impression of the atmosphere of moment, but don't expect low noise results. The product does what it does well: smartphones attempting to replicate the still results aren't nearly as good, or as speedy. From a hardware perspective, apps simply can't do video, either. But then there's the price. In Japan, its priced just under $300 (35,000 yen) which makes it cheaper than its predecessor, but not quite enough to make it a casual imaging toy. Maybe they'll get it right with version three.