GoPro Max vs Ricoh Theta X
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Overview of the GoPro Max

GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Theta X
Quick links:
Video performance
Neither camera offers HDR video. Only the GoPro Max features slow motion video. Only the GoPro Max has image stabilization.
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
1440p video at 60fps
Max resolution
4K video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
2x
Maximum slow motion
No slow motion video
Max HyperSmooth
Stabilization
No image stabilization
Why it matters:
A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.
Battery life
The GoPro Max offers a slightly better battery capacity. The GoPro Max has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
1600mAh
Battery capacity
1350mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Non removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Battery life
30min 5.7K30fps 360° and 55min 4K30fps 360°
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Theta X features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Theta X support SD cards.
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
46GB
microSD
Storage format
microSDXC
1TB
Maximun storage supported
Feature missing
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Weight and size
The GoPro Max is a lot more compact than the Theta X. The GoPro Max weighs a little less than the Theta X.
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
Dimensions
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
5.43oz / 154g
Weight
6oz / 170g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Waterproofing and usage conditions
The Theta X beats the GoPro Max in high heat conditions.
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
16ft / 5m
Waterproof
Feature missing
Feature missing
Waterproof with diving case
131ft / 40m
14°F / -10°C
Min operating temperature
32°F / 0°C
95°F / 35°C
Max operating temperature
104°F / 40°C
Why it matters:
Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.
Camera and sensor technology
The Theta X features a much higher resolution. The Theta X features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
18MP
Pixels
60MP
155°
Field of view
Feature missing
78Mbps
Video bite rate
120Mbps
Why it matters:
A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.
Camera settings
The two cameras have a similar ISO range. The GoPro Max's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
GoPro Max
Ricoh Theta X
100-3200
ISO range
50-3200
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
+/-2
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
GoPro Max versus Ricoh Theta X specifications
Name | GoPro Max | Ricoh Theta X |
Year of release | 2019 | 2022 |
Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 2.04in / 51.7mm |
Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 5.36in / 136.2mm |
Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.14in / 29mm |
Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 6oz / 170g |
Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | - |
Waterproof with diving case | - | 131ft / 40m |
Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | 32°F / 0°C |
Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1350mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | - |
Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° |
Charging time | 120min | - |
Built-in storage | - | 46GB |
Storage format | microSD | microSDXC |
Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | - |
Rear screen size | 1.69in | 2.25in |
Field of view | 155° | - |
Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS |
Pixels | 18MP | 60MP |
Aperture | F2.0 | F2.4 |
Focal length | 13-27mm | - |
ISO range | 100-3200 | 50-3200 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 120Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-2 |
360-degree video | Yes | Yes |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | 30fps |
4K 360 video | - | 60fps |
360 video format | GoPro 360 file | - |
4K video | - | 60fps |
2.7K video | - | 100fps |
1440p video | 60fps | - |
1080p video | 60fps | - |
Maximum slow motion | 2x | - |
Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | - |
Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | 1080p30 | - |
Webcam mode | - | Yes |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | No | - |
Photo burst mode | No | - |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 6 | 1 |
Stereo audio | Yes | No |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | wav | aac |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.0 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | Yes | Yes |
Voice commands | Yes | - |
Gesture commands | No | - |