Ricoh Theta M15 vs Ricoh Theta S

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.