When comparing Ricoh Theta M15 vs 360Fly, 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 360Fly is ranked 20th. 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 No stitching artifacts
Unlike most other 360-degree cameras, 360Fly only uses a single lens, meaning that there's no need for stitching the video.
Pro Suitable for recording sports or other outdoor activities
360Fly is dust-resistant (IP6X certified), water-resistant up to 50 meters, and shock-resistant up to 1.5M. This makes it a great device for recording extreme sports or general outdoor recording.
Pro Excellent overall design
The camera has an appealing design: rounded in shape with divots much like a golf ball. There is a solid construction to the whole of the body and the free app is easy to navigate and use. Overall the design of every component of the device is well thought out, making for a pleasant experience for the user.
Pro Companion apps allow previewing, editing, and playing back recorded videos
The 360Fly allows the user to use their app on Android, iOS, Windows or OSX. The user can then connect to the camera and get a real-time live preview, edit, and playback recorded videos. The smartphone apps connect to the camera over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the desktop apps can be connected via USB.
Pro Comes with a GoPro adapter mount
Thanks to the adapter, the user can easily use any GoPro mounts.
Pro Built-in image stabilization
When the user is shooting, the camera's built-in stabilization reduces any vibration that could inhibit the quality of the shot.
Pro Great battery life
The user can record more than two hours of footage on a single charge.
Pro Can shoot underwater
360Fly is water-resistant up to 50 meters. An example of underwater footage can be found here.
Pro Can quickly upload videos to social media
From within the provided 360Fly app, users can edit and upload videos to their social media accounts (such as Facebook or Twitter).
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 Blind spot at the bottom
Due to where the lens is placed, the camera can only capture 240 degrees vertically, with a blind spot at the bottom.
Con Doesn't work well in low light
Video quality decreases significantly in low light settings. You can watch an example here.