Ricoh Theta Gaussian Splatting: Which Models Work and How to Export

Spatial Studio has no Ricoh-specific file support. Theta footage goes through the standard 360 path: a 2:1 equirectangular video at 3840x1920 or higher, or a ZIP of 360 photos. Here is which Theta models meet that bar and how to capture with them.

The short answer

Some Theta models can, some can't. Spatial Studio has no Ricoh-specific raw-file support. Theta footage goes through the general 360 path, which needs one of two things:

• a 2:1 equirectangular 360 video at 3840x1920 or higher, or
• a ZIP of at least 30 equirectangular 360 photos at 3840x1920 or higher.

By Ricoh's published specs, the THETA X, THETA A1, THETA Z1, THETA V and THETA SC2 all record 360 video at 3840x1920 or more. The older THETA S and THETA SC record video at 1920x1080, below the minimum, so their video will not pass.

Most of those models record 4K 360 video at exactly 3840x1920, which is the minimum. Expect less detail than from a 5.7K or 8K camera. We have not published a Theta test of our own, so process a short clip before you quote a client.

Which Theta models can make a splat

Sources: Ricoh THETA lineup and specs for X, A1 and Z1; the Ricoh 360 blog for SC2 and SC; Ricoh Imaging's launch notes for THETA V and THETA S.

The low frame-rate modes, such as 8K at 2 to 10 fps, are untested with Spatial Studio. Start with a 30 fps mode.

Exporting Theta video for Spatial Studio

1. Check the frame. The file must be a single 2:1 equirectangular image per frame: the width is exactly twice the height, such as 3840x1920 or 5760x2880. If you see two fisheye circles side by side, convert it to equirectangular before you upload.
2. Keep the full sphere. Don't reframe, crop or export a flat or "little planet" view. The reconstruction needs every direction.
3. Keep the resolution. Don't let an app or a transfer step downscale the file.
4. Check the length. Videos need to be at least 30 seconds. Paid plans accept files up to 25 GB; the Free plan takes up to 2 GB and 10 minutes.
5. Choose 360 handheld when you upload. Spatial Studio checks the size and rejects 360 video that is not 2:1 or is smaller than 3840x1920.

Camera settings before you walk

• Exposure. THETA X, A1 and Z1 offer manual, shutter priority and ISO priority modes. Fix exposure where you can, so brightness doesn't jump between rooms. On the A1 and Z1, Ricoh notes that manual settings are changed from a smartphone.
• White balance. Pick a fixed preset instead of auto. THETA X and Z1 also let you set a colour temperature between 2500K and 10000K.
• Lenses. Clean both before every room. A smudge sits in the same place in every frame.

The capture route

This follows the 360 handheld guide inside Spatial Studio.

1. Mount the Theta on a selfie stick or pole, fully extended, held in front of you and inclined forward so the camera stays clear of your head.
2. Set the angle before you walk. Move by walking, not by swinging or tilting the stick.
3. Start at the doorway, walk slowly along the room edges, then make a pass through the middle.
4. Walk the route forwards and then back once. You get a second pass, and you stay fully visible for the automatic operator masking.
5. Slow down at doorways and repeat the hardest transition before you leave.

If you use the photo ZIP path instead, stand still for each shot, fire the camera with the app or a remote, and take short, even steps so neighbouring photos overlap heavily. A ZIP can hold 30 to 4,500 photos.

From Theta footage to a client tour

1. Open Spatial Studio generation and choose 360 handheld.
2. Upload the video or ZIP. You see a credit quote before generation starts.
3. Review the splat: doorways, the floor under your route, windows, mirrors and thin objects.
4. Set the opening view, then add hotspots for notes, photos, video and documents.
5. Add more scenes if the property needs them. A tour can mix splat scenes with ordinary 360 panoramas, so Theta still photos can sit next to the splat as panorama scenes, even from a model whose video is too small.
6. Add a contact button that opens your client's own form, then publish and test the link on a phone.

Tour analytics show views, unique views, view time, devices, traffic sources and CTA clicks.

Frequently asked questions

Does Spatial Studio support Ricoh Theta files directly?

No. There is no Ricoh-specific raw support. Upload a 2:1 equirectangular video at 3840x1920 or higher, or a ZIP of 360 photos at that size.

Is the THETA X good enough for a Gaussian splat?

Its 5.7K 30 fps mode clears the minimum with room to spare. How good the splat looks depends on the route, the light and the room, so test a short clip of your hardest room first.

Can I use my old THETA S?

Not for video, which records at 1920x1080. Its 360 photos are 5376x2688, so a photo ZIP passes the size check, and the photos can also go into a tour as 360 panorama scenes.

Theta or Insta360 X5?

We have not run a matched test. The X5 records 8K 360 video and its raw .insv files upload with no export. See the X5 guide and test the camera you already own first.

Related guides

• 360 camera to Gaussian splat workflow
• Insta360 X5 Gaussian splatting
• DJI Osmo 360 Gaussian splatting
• Indoor capture checklist
• 360 tour vs Gaussian splat tour