Ultracker Aleta S2C is a 360 camera that can capture 12K (66-megapixel) 360 photos and shoot 360 video in 4K. With one of the highest photo resolutions on the market, it is emerging as the virtual tour camera of choice, and it is now available in the US. I’ve been using Aleta S2C since August 2018 and here are is a detailed hands-on review, with full-resolution sample photos. June 13, 2019 update: major firmware update adds 7 new features
Table of Contents:
Summary and Review
Specifications and features (updated June 13, 2019)
– Street View compatibility
– Time lapse mode
How to shoot and stitch on Aleta
Sample photos
– WDR sample photos
– HDR sample photo (firmware 1.03.37)
– Firmware 1.04
How to update the firmware
Summary; Price and availability
Updates
June 13, 2019 update: major firmware update adds 7 new features
December 28, 2018 update: Street View compatibility + improved stitching.
October 31, 2018 update: new samples with improved stitching
August 31, 2018 update: availability, how to shoot, new samples.
June 18, 2018: New sample photos from prototype.
May 15, 2018: features updated, price and availability updated
Executive Summary and Review, Tutorial, Comparisons, and Sample
Here is a review, tutorial and comparison of the Ultracker Aleta S2C.
Background
There are many 360 cameras on the market, and they’re leapfrogging each other with video resolution. But most 360 cameras have a photo resolution of only around 16mp and very few have a resolution higher than 32mp. Seeking to fill the need for high resolution photo, Ultracker’s Aleta S2 is a new 360 camera that captures 12K (66 megapixel) 360 photos. There will be two versions of the Aleta S2: S2C (Light) and S2 Pro (Professional), which differ in video quality. The S2C is now available, while the S2 Pro is still being developed.
Here is a product video:
June 2019 update
Aleta S2C has undergone many changes, most recently in June 2019 with firmware 1.06 and app 1.02, which added 7 new features:
1. revamped UI: the UI has been revamped with new animated exposure settings (see below)
2. improved auto white balance
3. intelligent auto HDR: the Aleta can now automatically choose the number of exposures and exposure interval to optimize the dynamic range of the HDR photo (see below).
4. HDR deghosting: automatically remove ghosting or doubled images from subjects that move during the HDR photo (see below).
5. object removal: automatically removes the photographer or moving objects from the photo (see below)
6. hot pixel mapping (“defective pixel removal”): automatically maps out hot or dead pixels for long exposures, e.g. astrophotography (see below)
7. long exposure bracketing: the auto exposure bracketing mode can now use long exposures for low light conditions.
Ultracker also offered a new discount code for 360 Rumors readers.
Ultracker Aleta S2 and S2C Specifications and Features
Here are their specfications. Note: Aleta S2 and S2C specifications are the same, except for the video framerate at 4K.
| Lenses | five 2.6mm fisheye lenses (four horizontal + 1 zenith) |
| Aperture | f/2.2 |
| Field of view | Fully spherical |
| Sensors | five 14mp CMOS sensors |
| Photo resolution | 11520 x 5760 (66mp) |
| Video resolution | 3840 x 1920 @ 30fps (S2 model) 3840 x 1920 @ 10fps (S2C model) 3072 x 1536 @ 24fps 1920 x 960 @ 30fps |
| Time lapse | 7680 x 3840 @ 2fps 5760 x 2880 @ 3fps |
| Live streaming | HDMI, Wi-Fi, RTMP, RTSP |
| Audio | Line in, Microphone input |
| Stabilization | 9-axis IMU (gyroscope, accelerometer, e-compass) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Micro USB Micro HDMI |
| Storage | Micro SD |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Battery | 18650 Li-ion battery (2600 mAh) x 2 |
| Operating temperature | -10C to 40C (14F to 104F) |
| Operating humidity | 0 to 90% |
| Dimensions | 103mm diameter x 158mm height |
| Weight | 425g |
One of the key features of Ultracker is its in-camera optical flow stitching. For users who prefer to stitch with their own software, it is also possible to save the photo as five unstitched photos.
Aleta also features WDR, an HDR mode that blends and stitches two exposures automatically, and HDR mode (which is actually an exposure bracketing mode). The in-camera stitching and HDR mode will be particularly useful and convenient for virtual tour photographers.
Intelligent HDR exposure setting (added June 12, 2019)
With Firmware 1.06 or higher, the Aleta can analyze the dynamic range of the scene and automatically choose the number of shots (3, 5, or 7 shots) and exposure intervals (from 0.5EV to 2.5EV) to maximize dynamic range.
HDR deghosting (added June 12, 2019)
Firmware 1.06 added a new feature to automatically remove ghosting in HDR images. Ghosting occurs in HDR when an object moves in between the multiple exposures of an HDR photo. With this feature, the ghosting effect can automatically be corrected.
Street View compatibility
As of firmware 1.03.37, the Google Street View app can now control the Aleta S2C and wirelessly import its photos with GPS metadata. The only current limitation is that in HDR mode, Street View keeps crashing. Hopefully, Ultracker will fix this issue. Firmware 1.03.37 also improved the stitching quality (see below).
Time lapse mode
In addition to photos, Aleta S2C also has a time lapse mode. Here is a sample shot by Ultracker:
Object removal (added June 12, 2019)
Firmware 1.06 and app 1.2 added a new object removal feature, which removes any moving subjects in the photo. This can be used to remove the user from the photo automatically. The user simply has to keep moving while the photo is being taken in Object Removal mode. This feature appears as a new exposure mode (you’ll need to swipe to see it). Here is a demo.
Hot pixel mapping (added June 12, 2019)
One of the new features in firmware 1.06 is the option for hot pixel mapping (“remove defective pixel”). This feature can help improve image quality for long exposures, especially for astrophotography, by mapping out hot pixels.
How to shoot and stitch with Aleta S2C (updated April 26, 2019)
Shooting with the Aleta is easy. You can either shoot with the on-camera controls, or the app. The on-camera control is limited to a shutter (although it can use a self-timer). Startup takes a while on the prototype (around 30 seconds, including the time to read the Micro SD card). However, there is a standby mode that can allow it to resume shooting in a couple of seconds.
To change settings, you need to use the app. You can download the app on the iTunes app store or Google Play Store. Once the app is installed, you can connect the camera to the app using your phone’s Wi-Fi. The password will be shown on the LCD display of the camera. By default, it is 88888888 (eight 8’s). I recommend turning on the camera (waiting for it to complete its startup), launching the app and then tapping on the app’s Wi-Fi icon on the upper right side. In most cases, the app will connect to the camera automatically. In my experience, this connection method is more reliable than using the phone’s Wi-Fi settings to connect to the camera.
Aleta S2 stitches photos automatically in-camera, in 360 equirectangular format, saved into the Micro SD card. You don’t need to do anything. However, it also has the option to save a photo as five unstitched photos, for stitching with 3rd party stitching software (this is called “Raw mode” even though the photos are JPG not Raw).
Aleta S2C has noticeable fan noise and the battery life seems quite short. On the other hand, it uses inexpensive Type 18650 batteries which are readily available for low cost at many electronics stores.
The Aleta S2C’s standard photo mode has limited dynamic range and excessively high contrast, but it has three waysto increase dynamic range: WDR mode, HDR mode, and auto exposure bracketing. WDR mode can be used for both photos and videos. The user can adjust the intensity of the WDR effect. From the app’s main screen, tap on the three dots on the bottom left corner, tap on the WDR icon, and adjust the slider. You’ll be able to preview the effect in realtime. WDR will not result in ghosting and can be used for day or night photos.
HDR mode is a true in-camera HDR mode for photos. It can take 3, 5, or 7 shots and fuse them in-camera. To use this feature, switch to photo mode on the left side of the screen and choose Day or Night (it doesn’t work for Sports or Manual), then make sure HDR is selected. To adjust the settings, tap on the three dots on the bottom left corner and tap on the gear icon to bring up the Settings. In the Settings screen, scroll down and tap HDR Mode. There are three presets, and a manual option:
Weak: 3 shots, 1.5EV exposure intervals, HDR effect 60
Medium: 5 shots, 1EV exposure intervals, HDR effect 80
Strong: 7 shots, 1EV exposure intervals, HDR effect 60
Manual: user selects number of shots, the exposure interval, and the intensity of the HDR effect.
Finally, auto exposure bracket takes a bracket of 3, 5, or 7 shots, with constant ISO and of course aperture. Each exposure is stitched identically to the other two exposures, making it easy to fuse them in an HDR program such as Photomatix. See below for samples. To use AEB mode, tap on the exposure mode and tap on the right arrow to bring up additional exposure modes, one of which is AEB Org mode.
To change the settings on AEB mode, tap on the 3 dots on the bottom left, tap on the gear icon to bring up the settings screen, and scroll down and tap on AEB mode. The settings for AEB are similar to those of HDR mode except there are no presets.
Aleta S2C retains the most recent settings for exposure mode and self-timer. For example, you can set the self-timer to 10 seconds, and the exposure mode to HDR, and Aleta S2C will retain those settings even if it is powered off. It is therefore possible to shoot a virtual tour without using your phone, although I recommend using a phone to check your composition.
Aleta S2C Sample Photos and Photo Quality (updated January 11, 2019)
Aleta S2C’s strength is its excellent detail, which is made possible because each of its five lenses uses the full sensor, unlike most 360 cameras that fit a circular fisheye into rectangular or square sensor, and thus are unable to use a significant portion of the sensor. By using the full sensor, the Aleta maximizes the detail from each of its sensors.
Although Aleta S2C has a fifth lens that faces the zenith, its stitching is on the whole less smooth than some professional 360 cameras such as the Insta360 Pro. This is because each component image from the Aleta S2C has very little overlap with the other images, and therefore it is much more difficult to get smooth stitching. However, Ultracker has been working hard on improving its stitching with every update. The latest update (Firmware 1.04 released January 11, 2019) improves the stitching noticeably, as seen below.
Another issue with Aleta S2C is that its slowest shutter speed is not very slow (up to 4 seconds, as of firmware 1.03.37), which forces it to use higher ISOs in low light. This is partly mitigated by a night WDR mode (see below), which can increase the dynamic range of high ISO shots. However, a future update will extend the shutter speed limit significantly.
Aleta can also be vulnerable to flare under some circumstances, and there is some visible chromatic aberration.
WDR Sample Photos
In August 2018, Ultracker added a WDR (wide dynamic range) mode. Although WDR and HDR both increase the dynamic range, WDR is different from HDR in that WDR uses only a single photo, whereas HDR uses multiple exposures. WDR takes two exposures and fuses them into a single photo. Here is a cropped photo showing the dramatic difference with and without WDR:
There is also a separate Night WDR mode for low light:
Although the WDR mode does increase the dynamic range significantly, the result appears to too artificial in my opinion. Rather, to get the best quality from the Aleta S2C, it is necessary to use the HDR mode (see below).
Aleta S2C AEB mode (formerly HDR mode)
Aleta S2C’s HDR mode is actually an exposure bracketing mode. It takes three exposures at -2EV, 0EV and +3EV. The three exposures are stitched identically and saved into one folder.
With decent HDR software, you can get much better results from the “HDR” exposure bracketing mode than the WDR mode.
Firmware 1.04
Firmware 1.04 improves the stitching and enables a slower shutter speed for night HDR mode. You can download firmware 1.04 here. See instructions below on how to update the firmware.
Stitching in small spaces is generally more challenging for many 360 cameras.
The stitching in the nadir has been improved. Until now, there had been a tendency for the nadir to appear distorted. The new firmware corrects the distortion:
Note that the toilet bowl in the issue has a slight stitching error, but that is because it was closer to the camera than the minimum stitching distance of around 3 feet.
I also noticed the LED banding is gone, but I don’t know if it just so happened to be the right shutter speed to avoid banding, or if there was some other change that somehow avoids LED banding altogether:
How to update the firmware
Updating the firmware on the Aleta S2C is simple.
- First ensure that the battery is charged, or use the AC adapter to plug the Aleta S2C to a power outlet.
- Copy the firmware zip file to the root directory of a Micro SD card. Do not unzip the file, and ensure that there are no other zip files in the Micro SD card.
- Insert the Micro SD into the Aleta S2C and power it on. After the startup sequence wait around 15 seconds. You’ll see that the LED display will turn upside down and state, “Firmware updating.” Allow the firmware to finish updating. The camera will reboot automatically.
SUMMARY; PRICE and AVAILABILITY (updated: January 11, 2019)
Ultracker Aleta S2C has excellent resolution and detail. When used in exposure bracketing mode (“HDR” mode) with a good third party HDR software, Aleta S2C can produce very good images that are better than any other 360 camera for $1200 or less, as of December 2018. Indeed, I found it has more detail than even the Insta360 Pro or Insta360 Pro 2 (see this virtual tour camera buying guide and comparison). At the same time, Aleta has a very fast workflow thanks to its in-camera stitching. Its bracketed “HDR” photos can also be easily batch processed in Photomatix HDR.
The Aleta S2C does have several downsides to be aware of. Its stitching is seldom perfect, and you can often see some warping somewhere in the photo. You also need to mindful of its minimum stitching distance, which is around 3 feet. There is also noticeable chromatic aberration and flare. White balance is usually inaccurate, and unfortunately it doesn’t have a true Raw DNG mode. Finally, it is not very good for low light due to the limited shutter speed (4 secs.).
In summary, I would recommend Aleta S2C for photographers who want to be able to take high resolution photos quickly, and are either able to tolerate some imperfections in stitching, or are willing to repair those imperfections in post processing. The standard photo mode has very limited dynamic range and the WDR mode has unnatural tone mapping therefore good third-party HDR software is practically a necessity for the Aleta. The HDR software I’ve been using is Photomatix Pro, which is available for 15% discount using this link and the discount code 360rumors.
Where to buy; Discount
As of January 2019, the price of the Aleta S2C is around $1210 on Amazon with Free Prime shipping. However, for a limited time, you can get a 20% discount using the code VWSSRELS . Thank you very much for supporting 360 Rumors at no additional cost to you so I can do more tests and reviews. Ultracker’s official website is here.
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Photo - 9.0/109.0/10
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Usability - 9.0/109.0/10
Note that exposure difference with at least one of the cameras.
Interesting. Yes needs some work with stitching and exposure.
A good example of higher resolution photos possible from a multi-lens camera. Pump up that video resolution a bit and they might have something.
This will be great for still 360’s.
All it needs is HDR support & RAW output.
Hi,
Just had a further email from Aleta, they have provided the following two outdoor samples;
https://goo.gl/maps/XSbvPyhinNH2
https://goo.gl/maps/m6JNyu6Dzqq
They again wanted to stress that this is a prototype camera and the quality is not reflective of the final product.
I have no link to this company other than first seeing the Aleta S2 preview on this website and taking an active interest in it. I’ve had plenty of other 360 cameras, but the photo resolution has never really inspired me. Personally, I think the Aleta S2 however looks like a step in the right direction.
Mic – fantastic site! Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you very much Mike!
Best regards,
Mic
Hi Mic,
Great write up
Some guidance please
I am looking to use 360 degree camera shots in a virtual tour scenario, but based on accident investigation scenarios. Will be indoor and outdoors.
I do have DSLR camera and fish eye but the ides would be to have a camera like the Aleta, but is the quality good enough for walk throughs and tour type scenario please?
Hope that makes sense?
I would appreciate any advice, I will spend the money if required but has to be for the right product hence my shout for help
Thanks in advance
Jim
Thanks Jim! TBH, Theta Z1 and XPhase are better than Aleta S2C. Theta has excellent dynamic range, has very good stitching, and is the easiest. Here is my Z1 review: https://360rumors.com/ricoh-theta-z1/ XPhase is the most detailed (as detailed as a DSLR panorama) but stitching is not perfect. Here is my xphase review: https://360rumors.com/xphase-review/ See if the Xphase stitching is adequate for your purposes. If yes, then get Xphase. If the stitching is not perfect enough, then i’d recommend Z1.
I have asked Ultracker.com if the Aleta S2 will come in black and I have been told that it depends on customer feedback.
Here is a sample of the S2 in black;
http://tinypic.com/r/f3xahd/9
I think you will agree that it looks better than the original yellow version, and more practical.
I encourage you to email them, providing your feedback.
sales@ultracker.com
Hi,
Here are some more samples I’ve just been sent;
Indoor
https://goo.gl/maps/k8FmzbGnVxz
Day
https://goo.gl/maps/tyM34j21T3y
Night
https://goo.gl/maps/1H7M3zJ8xSC2
stitching is very bad, photo quality the same…
will I get the single photos out of the camera to stitch it on my own?
The website for Ultracker does not work any more, looks like another hi res 360 camera plan bites the dust along with Sphericam 2 and NCTech Iris360 Pro, why is it that no one is producing a really High Resolution one shot camera capable of producing High Quality 360 x 360 still images, the Panono is the closest but does not quite cut it with 36 low res lenses and no 4 k Video.
Hi Brian. Personally I’m quite happy with Panono. It doesn’t do video but the photo quality is waaaay better than anything else. I plan to compare it to a DSLR panorama soon.
Best regards,
Mic
So nice! Finally 🙂
Support tiny remote control (not phone)?
Merge 3 HDR photos into One by cameta itself?
Hi KK. yes it can do this in the future, after firmware update.
Best regards,
Mic
Hi Mic, the camera and specs look very impressive. But the samples are terrible and would not inspire confidence. I can’t understand how a marketing team would release such bad samples. I presume it will improve with some more development and as always I look forward to your expert analysis. I wouldn’t buy a 360 camera without first looking at your in-depth review, it has never let me down yet.
Joe, I have found this with many 360 camera manufacturers. Seems they do not like to release full resolution images and try to play down their actual optical and processing qualities until final release to market. I agree this seems a strange practice, maybe it is about IP and competitive edge rather than marketing for potential customers? The true proof will be in the hands of reviewers using actual production cameras and not in prototypes in the hands of tech boffins who are not 360 photographers with experience in getting the best out of the camera in the field.The choice of Google street view is an odd one to show images as well, as Google recompresses and tweaks images for their site… I doubt any professional marketing teams are involved here, just the boffins and other Aleta employees.
Some good points there Steve, time will tell.
Hi Joe. I will take sample photos for direct comparison with 360 cameras and ILC panos.
Are you getting a production camera Mic, or a pre-release version that will have different firmware to final release? I assume this company will be active in honing their firmware and software after release to iron out any bugs…
Hi Steve. I believe the one they’re sending me is a prerelease version.
Best regards,
Mic
Thanks Mic, Well I am sure the you will be able to provide back to them very valuable feedback and provide to us all your considerable skill and knowledge of how this camera performs vs others such as Panono, and I guess focussing on the potential of the camera if this is not the final version we can all buy 🙂 Stitching and processing is tweak-able with firmware and software improvements, issues with the lens performance and dynamic range of the sensors less easy to adjust later. I hope that raw output is possible. So much more useful than jPG in post processing of the stitched images. Regards, Steve
Cool, this is a camera I have been waiting for since the end of 2016 🙂 I mentioned it many times in posts. Methinks I shall be buying one 🙂
Hi Steve yes I was trying to tag you on Facebook but for some reason other Steve Swaynes kept coming up instead… Glad you saw the article!
best regards,
Mic
Is there going to be an interval mode and can you run a few minutes of 7680 x 3840 @ 2fps through Cupix?
Hi Scott. It should be possible to do that. This camera seems well suited for Cupix doesn’t it? 🙂
The specs are intriguing and I do like the footprint including the inset perimeter lenses which appear to be well protected by rubber nubs. In addition to video, it would be interesting to see how quickly and repeatably full resolution photos can be captured in sequence (or interval).
I agree with Scott, interval shooting is very important for flexibility in various types of usage situations. Regards, Steve
Looks very promising.
I realize the images are from a prototype.
I hope all of the weaknesses I noticed are fixed (exposure difference between the lenses & stitching).
The HDR function is VERY important to me.
I hope it actually has a good range or an adjustable range with the app.
Can’t wait for your review.
I’ll definitely order this based on your review of a shipping product.
Thanks Mike!
Support Google pixel phone?
Does this camera support google pixel (XL) 2 and HTC U11?
I don’t know yet but i will find out! thanks Stephy!
Best regards,
Mic
The image quality is very bad. In addition, see the difference in white balance between the panoramas frames. I was expecting a better quality than Iris, but it seems to be very bad.
Some info I got from the company today:
Thanks for your interest in our camera. Don’t worry it will be black for sure.
For the features you mentioned:
1. The ability to output RAW images as well as JPG.
A: Now it can take five individual JPG. In the next version they can be saved as DNG as well.
2. Variable HDR modes that are user selectable.
A: We already have HDR function to take 3 exposures with 0.1 second interval, and the user can select the EV increment.
Now we are working on WDR which will directly output a combined HDR image. This function is scheduled in our first main update after release.
3. A good live preview smartphone app for iOS.
A: Working on it and is going to finish this week.
4. Good auto levelling of images to get the horizon level in stills and also in real time for video.
A: We have 9-axis sensor so we will add the horizon / direction info for the player to display image in right horizon level.
For real-time video leveling we have plan do it, but its not at our first priority though.
The camera should be available in July and we will keep inform you once we have updates. Thank you.
Best regards,
Gary.
it’s really interesting. could be a good all-in-one 360° camera for virtual tours. I’d like to test it
The info that Stephen received from Gary about all the planned features is great.
This is what I’ve been waiting for.
Hopefully, the camera will be available in July from Amazon.
I’m ready to purchase.
Just want to add – the variable HDR mode is the one standout feature that’s so important to me.
http://www.ultracker.com – Appears to have gone, I hope this is just temporary and the Aleta S2 is still going.
Maybe try contacting them through here:
https://www.taiwantrade.com/company/ultracker-technology-co-ltd-18175.html#
Excellent, thanks for the link.
Ultracker is still around. I have two of their prototypes…
Thanks for the update Mic, I was a little worried for a minute there.
Hi Mike
I’m one of their pre order customer from Taiwan.
Aleta S2C is still going on.
I just ask them, If u have anymore questions you can contact them through
https://goo.gl/forms/5w1n56NCPQeIRhK13
:O Now that one has my name written all over it! Reasonably affordable and a brilliant photo quality. I’m one of those for who 360 photo’s are nr.1 and 360 video nr.2.
I saw the video resolution is only 4K? For the S2C then and the S2 will be higher quality video (and price)?
And as wanted feature: Stabilisation that follows the camera. If I turn a corner, the view should also turn a corner. Perhaps it already has that? I saw e-compass as stabiliser sensor mentioned?
And both mic input AND line input? That gives room for some serious audio work. You can then hook up just about anything!
Nevertheless, unless anything pops up that tops 66MP 360 images (other then my Panasonic with a Nodal Ninja) I think this will be my next one. Definitely!
I saw the camera had been already selling. Look forward for your review Mic!
I want to believe the camera will be the best of all.
Anton, where is it selling? I just did a Google search and could not find a single instance of anyone offering the camera for sale, even on advanced order…
Sorry, did not see the link on Ultracker site:
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoods.ruten.com.tw%2Fitem%2Fshow%3F21823162092163&edit-text=
It’s available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Aleta-Camera-Camcorder-Standard-Adapter/dp/B07F1HHM8B?keywords=Aleta&qid=1535606571&sr=8-5&ref=mp_s_a_1_5
Great job! I will post an update tomorrow with some new samples — stay tuned!
Best regards,
Mic
It seems that this version does not finally incorporate RAW / DNG format… can someone confirm this question?
No DNG format yet afaik
Not available.
HI Mic – just received the Aleta S2C from Amazon.
It was not clear from the description that it does not come with batteries.
So now I have the camera without batteries. I understand it uses 2 18650 batteries.
Is that correct? What capacity & brand are you using?
If anyone else can answer this please do.
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike! Congrats on the Aleta! According to Ultracker, they responded to you by email. Apparently, including batteries in the shipment makes it much harder to ship which is why they didn’t include the batteries.
Best regards,
Mic
Does not appear to be available on Amazon and no availability date either. Also no way to order on the Ultracker site. Is this available?
Kyle,
The Purchase link on the top of the Ultracker website links to Amazon and to the local website in Taiwan. I bought one of the first in-stock from Amazon – think they only had about 5 in stock and it sold out in a few days.
Congrats Dave!
Hi Mike,
Ultracker recommended Sony VTC5/6 18650 batteries but I couldn’t find any so I bought Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh batteries instead. So far, they are working great – I’m still learning how to use the camera and the documentation is somewhat sparse.
Thanks Dave!
I have found that with every manufacturer in Asia. I cannot understand why they cannot pay a native English speaker to convert their manuals into meaningful accurate instructions. The Japanese are perhaps the worst offenders as they seem to consider it as disparaging to their staff person who translated the original into English, to haver to then get a foreigner to correct the appalling grammar… 🙁
Hi Mic: No news so far about Aleta?. Have you plans of a final product hands on review soon?. I´m delaying my purchasing decision to hear from you. Thanks for your dedication.
Hi Ramon! I will check with them again
I’m in the same Boat as Ramon, waiting on a review of the final product before hitting the button. (I nearly did after a few beers after work today when I saw it was back on Amazon, but it’s alot of money to shell out)
I’m in the same ball park. Love the idea of a 66 mg image but waiting so see some reviews on actual usage. It is now 10/23/18. Has anyone used the current version of the camera? Is their any raw and WDR usage yet? When is this thing going to actually hit the market and be reviewed? If it is decent I’ll pull the trigger on it.
It’s getting really frustrating, I jump online most weeks and google Aleta S2 review and get nothing. It look like it would be perfect for my line of work, but won’t commit until I see more reviews. I have joined the Aleta S2 facebook page but that does not help much as no one posts any reviews.
Hi Chris. I’m sorry but they haven’t sent me the release version yet. FWIW if you order through amazon you can always return it.
I have been checking their posts on Facebook. All the images they are posting supposedly taken with this camera are disappointing. Like the person doing the shots is not a skilled photographer with a good knowledge of 360 photography. Maybe it is the the camera, maybe it is the current state of the software, maybe it is the people running the marketing of that company… The specs say this S2 can yield 3 times the pixels of my Theta S, I sure aint seeing results that convince me this is the device to buy, yet…
Hi Ted well they said they would send me the final version but they haven’t yet so i can’t review it yet, unless i review the prerelease version which they said was different.
does it shoot in 3D?
Hi Bonga. no it is only 2d 360.
ok white balance seems slightly out with a very slight blue cast
WDR makes a massive difference, i would like this to be the main picture format
the main picture format seems blown out in high light areas WDR fixes that
would like to see an HDR
There is an issue in the Nadir, They need to fix this also allow for stickers to cover if necessary with client or owners options.
The quality seems very good, you are getting just below an DSLR full Frame on a 8mm lens taking 4 shots in quality apart from the hight lights which need sorting by WDR
I for one would stop using my DSLR on nearly all shoots except super high quality and just use this for all real estate work under 1M USD above DSLR
Video does not interest me at all simply as I am a photographer, would love ability to see if you could create a 180 stereo shot.
Get it for sale please in europe at a price just below a 1000 GBP
HDR
just needs pumping up a bit and this would be a prosumer model for real estate, crime scene, etc
Hi Neil yes i agree, the detail is somewhat similar to a circular fisheye with 4 shots on a 24mp dslr. I also agree about the colors being a little off. And yes the WDR mode is awesome. I will ask them to remove the watermark
About time lapse mode – does camera save each frame as JPG/RAW image or create as video? My use case is in street view shooting, so stitched & geotagged JPG’s would be the best option.
Hi Jukka. For the timelapse mode it creates a video (instead of giving you the individual frames). And just to clarify, aleta doesn’t shoot dng raw yet. Its so-called ‘raw’ mode is actually just unstitched jpg.
Best regards,
Mic
Hi,
Aleta S2C can shoot 12K time-lapse, and the output is .JPG images, not video.
The interval can be set as 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds.
For other resolution, like 4K, 6K, 8K, you may choose output .jpg image or .mp4(H264) video.
For 4K, the shortest interval is 0.1 second.
For 6K, the shortest interval is 0.3 second.
For 8K, the shortest interval is 0.5 second.
its crap very hard to update the firm ware, rubbish wait for a better one
The process for updating the firmware is pretty simple: download the firmware in zip format. Transfer the zip file to your micro sd card. Insert the micro sd card into the camera and turn it on and wait for it to install and reboot. That’s all….
Hi Mic,
I think the coupon code has expired. Do u have any new coupon codes for the same product ? Is it possible to please get a new coupon code ?
Thanks
Nithin
Hi Nithin. I will try to get a new code.
Hi Mic,
Were you able to get a new code ?
Thanks
Here’s the new code. just got it yesterday https://360rumors.com/ultracker-aleta-s2c/#price
Thank you so much. You are doing a great job !
I wonder about 9 of 10 point for image quality if there are following problems: chromatic aberration and flare, stitching errors, WB, dynamic, wrapping lines and ghosting.