The unique camera has the ability to capture 360-degree images, making it the first to capture perfectly spherical images. In the past, other companies have released similar cameras that could capture 180 degrees and more. Nikon, for example, released a 6mm fisheye that had the ability to capture 220 degrees. Yet, Ricoh came out on top with the release of the first-ever 360-degree image-capturing device.

"I think it's extremely exciting," said photographer Sydney Eick. "The future of photography is here and we're looking at it with the release of the Ricoh Theta. I'm blown away by the technology that is being produced everyday in regards to the photography industry. I can't wait to have the opportunity to play with one of these and hopefully add the futuristic camera to my own personal collection," he added.

The device combines two 180-fisheye lenses as well as two prisms and two sensors to create all-encompassing photographs. The device is aesthetically pleasing, characterized by a sleek and slim appearance as well as LED light accents. The style focuses on minimization and features just three buttons; one to turn the camera on, one to shoot a photo and one to turn on its Wi-Fi capabilities.

The camera is used in conjunction with a smartphone, such as the iPhone or another device such as the iPod Touch. The camera takes a mere 15 seconds for a 1000 by 2000-pixel image to transfer over to the connected phone. Once the upload is complete, individuals can share photographs on multiple social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, etc. The device will have compatibility with the Android later in the year, according to Ricoh.

Currently, the camera is available for a steep price of $399. It is available for preorder in September 2013 in the United States as well as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, where the Ricoh Theta is produced.

"I think this will have wonderful implications on the photography industry. This is something that has never been mass-produced in the past, and now it's available to the general public to use at their disposal. This makes me incredibly excited for the future to come in regards to advances in technology regarding cameras," Sydney Eick said.

ABOUT:

Sydney Eick is a professional portraiture and landscape photographer based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has a passion for photographing a variety of subjects and finds beauty in places that most people tend to overlook. Eick has shot photographs all over the country, as well as abroad, when he briefly lived and worked in China. Eick is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently, Eick specializes in wedding photography but continues to hone his skills as an all-encompassing photographer that can shoot any photo with attention to detail and a steady hand.