When comparing Ricoh Theta M15 vs Amkov AMK100S, the Slant community recommends Ricoh Theta M15 for most people. In the question“What are the best 360-degree cameras?” Ricoh Theta M15 is ranked 16th while Amkov AMK100S is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose Ricoh Theta M15 is:
Theta has a button in the middle of the camera body that takes 360-degree images when pressed. This makes using the device very straightforward, if not self explanatory.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Easy to use
Theta has a button in the middle of the camera body that takes 360-degree images when pressed. This makes using the device very straightforward, if not self explanatory.
Pro Excellent portability
Theta is lightweight at just 95 g and small at 42 mm (W) x 129 mm (H) x 22.8 mm. This means that it can be easily carried around in a pocket or bag with practically no additional weight. Theta is therefore very flexible thanks to its size.
Pro Currently available, unlike other options
The Ricoh Theta is already shipping and has an established ecosystem of web apps, mobile apps, and strong user communities on Facebook and Google+. Most other options aren't available yet for purchase.
Pro Good value for money
This 360 cam is one of the cheapest of its kind, it's a perfect size , and it can be connected to the user's smartphone. All of this, plus the ability to capture the world at 360°, for a very reasonable price.
Pro Good accompanying software
Theta comes with Windows and Mac applications for managing captured footage, as well as iOS and Android companion apps that allow images to be taken remotely. Together these render the device extremely useful.
Pro Reasonably priced
At $120, this camera is much cheaper than similar models.
Pro Waterproof case (30 m)
The camera is water resistant at depths of up to 30 meters due to its waterproof housing.
Pro Substantial battery life
The 1000mAh battery lasts for about two hours while shooting 1440p30. Charging the device then takes two hours.
Cons
Con Poor image quality for the asking price
While there's no official word on sensors and image processors, expert reviews suggest that it's within the 5-6.5MP range. Theta produces reasonable images, but better images should be expected, given its price range.
Con Lack of expandable memory
Theta comes with 4 GB built-in memory which can only take videos of 4-5 minutes. Sadly there is no way to expand this memory as there is no external card slot.
Con Field of view isn't correct
The camera lens is only 190x360 degrees (instead of the 220x360 claimed) and only 180x360 degrees can be viewed without distortion. This is from an in-depth review of the Amkov_AMK100S by Jan-Markus Rupprecht, which you can find here.
Con 4:3 square format leaves large black areas
Videos are 1920 x 1440 pixels and include large black areas around the circular image. Even below the circular viewing area, there are unused black areas. The effective image area is therefore only about 1.5 megapixels in videos and in photos it is around 4.5 megapixels.
Con Control LEDs on the camera not visible to user
The LEDs have a white-translucent plastic front and appear simply white in daylight, whether they are lit or not. However, the silicone sleeve shades the LEDs, usually allowing for no direct sunlight to fall on it. In addition, the viewing opening is limited only to a few degrees, so you often cannot tell whether the camera is running or not. In this case, the user must rely on the smartphone app.
Con No additional (removable) protective cover over the actual glass lens
Since the lens protrudes from the housing, you should be extremely careful during transport so not to damage the lens.
Con Watch-type remote control not available separately
While the watch remote and camera are available for purchase as a bundle on eBay (their own store), the watch remote can not currently be purchased separately.
