Giroptic 360cam vs Ricoh Theta S

The camera has a curved LED screen with two buttons - one on each side. These allow for basic functions (such as switching between various modes, starting or stopping an action or turning the device on or off) to be carried out. More complex configuration can be done via the companion application.

It is possible to view images and videos via Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.

360cam has native apps both for Android and iOS mobile devices.

Images and videos can be sent instantly to desktop or mobile devices as well as cloud storage over WiFi.

GPS can be used to geotag photos. Geotagging is compatible with Google PhotoSphere and these images can then be added to Google's Street View.

The camera has 3 built-in microphones for capturing surround sound audio.

There is no need to use an extra tool (such as a desktop app or a cloud service) to stitch the image together as it is done entirely in-camera.

360cam is IPX8 certified, meaning that it can be safely submerged and used underwater at depths of up to 10 meters. Additionally, an Underwater Lens Cups accessory can be purchased to allow for filming underwater without water distortion.

A Light Bulb Adaptor accessory can be purchased, allowing the camera to be screwed into a light bulb socket where it can charge and be used as a home security camera. This is done by streaming a live feed to a mobile or tablet device or cloud video surveillance service.

As it uses the universal mounting system, 360cam can be used with a large selection of mounts.

Furthermore, there are optional accessories that can be purchased, such as Light Bulb Adaptor (which allows for the camera to be used as a home security device), Underwater Lens Cups (which permits filming underwater without water distortion), and POE Video Streaming Base (which provides Ethernet connectivity).

The camera uses a gyroscope and an accelerometer for image stabilization.

Burst picture mode allows for photos to be taken at a set interval. The camera will utilize much less battery when in this mode: it can take photos for a period of up to 24 hours if set to take a picture every minute.

360cam can directly upload footage to YouTube. The camera is also natively supported by YouTube, meaning that it is possible to completely navigate videos taken with the 360cam, both on the web and when using a mobile app.

The camera has three 185-degree fish-eye lenses that it uses to capture 1080p videos and 8MP photos. It captures 300 degrees vertically.

360cam is capable of streaming videos to a mobile or tablet device or a cloud-based video streaming service over WiFi. A POE Video Streaming Base accessory can be bought optionally, so to provide Ethernet connectivity.

Giroptic 360cam supports HDR, meaning that the user can capture and recreate scenes just as they appear before his/her eyes.

Giroptic 360cam offers MicroSD storage of up to 64 GB.

Allows manually tuning ISO, white balance, shutter speed, noise compression, and exposure compensation.

This device is very easy to use. Simply switch between photo or video capture by pressing a toggle on the side of the camera and then press the button on the front of the camera.

The camera is small, making it easy to carry around. It can easily fit into a trouser pocket.

The protective sleeve is not only highly practical, but it also looks very sleek and doesn't add much bulk.

The Ricoh Theta app is reasonably successful at stitching. While artifacts and splicing issues can occur, they will usually not be noticeable during a casual viewing, only revealing themselves upon closer inspection.

The smartphone app allows previewing the footage that the camera is capturing. It can also adjust settings such as exposure and white balance.

You can set intervals between images and the number of images you wish to take.

You can live stream to YouTube in dual fisheye mode.

HDR mode allows the user to capture exactly what they see before them and helps take overall better-looking photos. HDR is particularly useful when capturing landscapes, low-lit scenes and scenes in which there is excessive sunlight.

The app allows you to capture and publish your photo spheres instantly to Google Maps for people all over the world to explore.

The shutter button is placed far from the power button in order to avoid accidentally turning off the camera instead of pressing the shutter button.

Ricoh Theta S has a built-in service for uploading pictures and videos on social platforms such as Google+ and Flickr, making the whole process of uploading your work as seamless as possible.

The camera takes crisp 14.5MP stills with well judged colors. There's little noise or artifacting, and only minor stitching issues. It performs well both in daylight and in dim environments.

Ricoh Theta has a standard tripod/monopod mount.

Provided you take care with the lenses, the camera is more than able to hold up to casual use. It's made of a grippy, hard plastic and works in a temperature range of 0-40C.