When comparing Ricoh Theta M15 vs Ricoh Theta SC, the Slant community recommends Ricoh Theta SC for most people. In the question“What are the best 360-degree cameras?” Ricoh Theta SC is ranked 11th while Ricoh Theta M15 is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Ricoh Theta SC is:
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.
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 Straightforward to use
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.
Pro Comes with a protective sleeve for carrying and storage
The protective sleeve is not only highly practical, but it also looks very sleek and doesn't add much bulk.
Pro Reasonable stitching quality
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.
Pro Highly portable
The camera is small, making it easy to carry around. It can easily fit into a trouser pocket.
Pro Offers good degree of manual control over image capture
Allows manually tuning ISO, white balance, shutter speed, noise compression, and exposure compensation.
Pro Perfectly placed shutter button
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.
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 Pre order only
Con Non-removable battery
The device's battery cannot be replaced.
Con No expandable storage
The camera is limited to the 8 GB of storage that it comes with.
Con Doesn't support live streaming
Con Short recording time
One charge can only record for 5 minutes.
Con Low resolution video
Videos are recorded at 1080p and 30fps, which is relatively low as far as 360-degree cameras go.
Con The device can be easily damaged
You have to be extra careful in how you store the device due to its protruding lens design and the fact that it can easily fall over.