How would you like to be able to take 360-degree group shots? If you like shooting underwater 360 videos, check out the Ricoh Staythee, an accessory for Theta, Insta360 and GoPro that enables you to capture underwater 360 videos and photos hands-free.
Shooting underwater 360 videos can be a challenge in several ways. One of the common problems is that the dive case used for many 360 cameras has a very large and distracting nadir.
One solution is the Staythee, a buoyancy regulator that lets you shoot with your 360 camera underwater dive case hands-free. The dive case can shoot upside down, with the nadir facing the surface of the water, or upright, with the nadir facing the ocean floor.
Here’s a sample video:
Staythee works with Ricoh’s own Theta X, Theta V, and Theta SC2. Staythee also works with Insta360 One X, One X2 and Insta360 X3, as well as GoPro Max, Hero 9, Hero 10 and Hero 11. Because the weight is adjustable, you can use it to match your camera’s weight. Please note that you’ll need a dive case specifically designed for your camera.
To prevent your camera from floating away, use Ricoh’s Reel Strap, which is a 2 meter long line that is nearly invisible. Ricoh Staythee and Reel Strap are available directly from Ricoh.
Looks like they don’t (yet) support the dive case for the Insta360 One R/RS with the vertical battery. Too bad!
Is there any example of the actual 360 video from the THETA?
Hi Caig. These video samples were posted by Ricoh, so I believe they were shot with a Theta (probably Theta X) but I don’t have a 360 video sample. I’ll ask for one.
I cooperated with an NSF-funded LTER (long-term ecology research) group to evaluate the TW-1 case.
https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/product/underwater-housing-tw-1/
The video from the TW-1 was not nearly as good as the video shown in the example in the article. Also, the promotional video appears to contain a mix of THETA video and non-THETA video. It’s not clear which portions of the video are from the THETA and which are from a DSLR or similar underwater camera.
I’m assuming that the videos were taken with a THETA X using the TW-2 case (which is $349)
The actual 360 video footage or still 360 images would reveal how much of the TW-2 case is visible. Maybe they can loan you the case for review?
I’m also curious if they used the RICOH THETA underwater light filter setting that is built into the camera or if the video was edited after the shoot to compensate for the lack of red light in the deeper underwater.
This was the sample from the TW-1 and THETA V. It appears that the technology is now considerably better with the TW-2 and THETA X? However, it’s difficult to judge without the actual unedited video footage from the THETA X underwater inside of the TW-2 case.
https://youtu.be/jV1KYq2SmOw