Dear Users
I just shot a Google Virtual Tour using my Theta S. I’m not sure if the quality is as good as it could be. I wanted to ask you, the more experienced users if you think that this is the best quality that this camera can achieve and if not, what could be done to improve it. I did brighten the images using software after the shoot.
Here is the link that should take you to the tour
On the mobile app, do you have HDR enabled? There’s light from the window and the side of the car you’re taking is indoors in a shadow of the primary light source on some shots.
Are you using automatic mode or did you manually experiment with a lower ISO to try and reduce the noise?
Hi Craig
I was just using the factory settings. I’m just researching how to you enable HDR.
If you have any info on how to enable it I would be grateful for you to share?
I found this article but I can’t find these settings on my phone app.
https://community.theta360.guide/t/taking-hdr-images-in-ricoh-theta-beginner-level/134
I was using auto mode.
Thanks for your time Craig
Andy
Hi Craig
Just updated the firmware in the camera and now it’s there. Sorry for being a dimwhit!
Andy
Hi Craig
I have found the HDR Rendering section.
When I take a photo I was expecting it to take 3 bracketed images but it only takes 1.
So I then went into the settings and found “multi bracketed” shooting method. But when I select this option and then go back to take a photo I just see a black screen which is attached. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong please?
Press the plus sign near the top of the app and add your first bracket setting. Create at least 3 settings.
I think you also tried the HDR rendering, right?
In normal shooting mode, you can select the option for HDR Rendering.
You won’t see the HDR option unless the app is in normal shooting mode.
Default HDR (did not set bracketing manually). Intentionally difficult shot with camera next to window with sunlight coming through window.
Rotated view of same image.
Same image
The above is set with automatic HDR, not manual bracketing.
This is a one option, one button setup. It is easy and may be good-enough for your indoor shots of the automobiles. Most likely, you won’t have the camera in direct sunlight from a window like I have it in the test shot, so your noise should be lower.
Hi Craig
When I press the + button it opens the new window with those settings but then with half a second goes back to the black screen again before you can make any changes.
Have you heard of this issue before?
Very annoying!
Andy
I have not seen this problem.
Do you have the newest firmware installed on your camera? With the desktop application:
Newest version for the RICOH THETA S is 1.90
Have you used the automatic HDR?
In “Normal Shooting” mode, there is an option for HDR. The camera and app will work together to automatically create a tone-mapped image for you, which should reduce the noise of the black areas of the car bodies on your indoor shots.
If you use the bracketing, you’ll need to use Photoshop to merge the images. Though, you’ll have much greater control and better effects if you use that technique.
You can also manually set the ISO low to try and reduce the noise on a single shoot, then adjust for lighting.
The automatic HDR might resolve your problem and could be the easiest solution.
Hi, @Saltz54 Andy.
As Craig(@codetricity) mentioned above, THETA S/SC HDR shooting would have been much better result for you. I used to publish a lot of virtual indoor tours on Google Street View with my THETA SC. Now I always use THETA V.
Caption; Ikimono Fureai-no-sato, Osaka/Japan
When you use HDR settings, you should notice the following known issue “Spilt yellow water”
It sometimes happens due to the dying fluorescent lamps(Power-line flicker). To avoid such annoying result, you should choice the manual shooting with fixed ISO100 and Ev+0.7-1.3 or bracketing mode.
Hope this helps.
Toyo
PS.
Oops. Do not forget recommending the business owner to replace them asap.
Great tips! and nice shot. Thanks for contributing this.
Thanks Guys.
I went and re shot it using my canon and fish eye lense. Much clearer.
I may revisit trying to use my theta S in the future
Thanks for the update. The primary advantage of the THETA S would be in workflow optimization. If you have to take several scenes a day (like different showrooms), it will be faster.
If are just taking a few shots, the DSLR is going to be a better picture.
The THETA is often used to take the interior of the cars for used car sales.
Hope you keep experimenting with the THETA S. It’s great for quick, high-volume shots. It can also be good to share draft 360° scenes with people before you use bulkier gear.
Great advise thank you
Andy
I do not think DSLR shooting is a great solution for poor image quality. Because we are discussing many tips and experiencies regarding RICOH THETA S/SC/V here in THETA360.guide.
Andy(@Saltz54) , You are one of the greatest SV Trusted Photographers in your country.
However, you should review your PTGui settings(check the seam line in Panorama editor again) before the business owner will be aware of the artifacts.
Toyo
Yes I was going to re do that image before letting the Client know.
Thanks for pointing it out. I’m already on the case.
Andy
Hi, @codetricity How’ve you been?
I’ve replaced the image captured by THETA SC with that of Z1.
Google Maps link
[Caption] Ikimono Fureai-no-sato, Osaka/Japan
However, I have another problem.
I need to improve my shooting skill.
Thanks,
Toyo
Yellow again!!
Image above is shot by Dualfisheye Plug-in HDR-DNG -/+3 mode.
Old fluorescent lights may cause this issue. In this case, we should use BKT mode and classical method of HDR.
Ooops…I should recommend the business owner to replace them before opening the shop.It’s a real headache.
Hope this helps,
Toyo
