Insta360 X3 vs Ricoh Theta X
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Overview of the Insta360 X3

Insta360's 2022 360 camera: 5.7K video and a large touchscreen
The Insta360 X3 was released in 2022 and is a few years old now, but it still delivers exceptionnal performance and is the best pick if you are looking for the best value for money. The 5.7K30fps 360 video is more than sufficient for capturing amazing footage unless you need to zoom in aggressively. The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.
- Pros
- Great performance
- Good value for money
- Diving case for underwater footage
- Cons
- Average battery life
Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
Comparison of the X3 vs the Theta X
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the X3 offers HDR video. Only the X3 features slow motion video. Only the X3 has image stabilization.
Insta360 X3
Ricoh Theta X
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 30fps
Max resolution
4K video at 60fps
5.7K30fps 360°
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
4x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
No slow motion video
FlowState
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 X3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The X3 has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
Insta360 X3
Ricoh Theta X
1800mAh
Battery capacity
1350mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Non removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
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 X3 and the Theta X support SD cards.
Insta360 X3
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 X3 is a slightly smaller camera. Both the X3 and the Theta X have similar weights.
Insta360 X3
Ricoh Theta X
1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in / 46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm
Dimensions
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
6.35oz / 180g
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 X3 is a lot more waterproof when using a diving case. Both cameras have the same maximum usage temperature.
Insta360 X3
Ricoh Theta X
33ft / 10m
Waterproof
Feature missing
164ft / 50m
Waterproof with diving case
131ft / 40m
-4°F / -20°C
Min operating temperature
32°F / 0°C
104°F / 40°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 X3 features a much higher resolution. Both cameras feature 120Mbps bit rate video.
Insta360 X3
Ricoh Theta X
72MP
Pixels
60MP
155°
Field of view
Feature missing
120Mbps
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 X3's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
Insta360 X3
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.
Insta360 X3 versus Ricoh Theta X specifications
Name | Insta360 X3 | Ricoh Theta X |
Year of release | 2022 | 2022 |
Width | 1.81in / 46mm | 2.04in / 51.7mm |
Height | 4.49in / 114mm | 5.36in / 136.2mm |
Depth | 1.3in / 33.1mm | 1.14in / 29mm |
Weight | 6.35oz / 180g | 6oz / 170g |
Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | - |
Waterproof with diving case | 164ft / 50m | 131ft / 40m |
Min operating temperature | -4°F / -20°C | 32°F / 0°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 1800mAh | 1350mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | - |
Battery life | 81min 5.7K30fps 360° | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° |
Charging time | 90min | - |
Built-in storage | - | 46GB |
Storage format | microSD | microSDXC |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | V30 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | - |
Rear screen size | - | 2.25in |
Field of view | 155° | - |
Sensor | 1/1.9" | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS |
Pixels | 72MP | 60MP |
Aperture | F1.9 | F2.4 |
Focal length | 6.7mm | - |
ISO range | 100-3200 | 50-3200 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 120Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-2 |
360-degree video | Yes | Yes |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | 30fps |
4K 360 video | 60fps | 60fps |
3K 360 video | 100fps | - |
360 video format | INSV | - |
4K video | 30fps | 60fps |
2.7K video | 60fps | 100fps |
1080p video | 60fps | - |
Slow motion at 4K | 4 | - |
Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p | - |
HDR video | 5.7K30fps 360° | - |
Stabilization | FlowState | - |
Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | Yes | - |
Webcam mode | Yes | Yes |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes | - |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | Yes | - |
Photo burst mode | Yes | - |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 4 | 1 |
Stereo audio | Yes | No |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | aac |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 5.0 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | No | Yes |
GPS pairing | iOS Application Android Application | - |
Voice commands | Yes | - |
Gesture commands | No | - |