Ricoh Theta X vs DJI Osmo Action 3
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Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 3

DJI's 2022 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 3 was released in 2022 and while it is a few years old, it offers incredible 4K120fps video at a very affordable price. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is mostly an incremental improvement, making the Action 3 a great budget friendly action camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Freeze-proof
- Good image stabilization
- 52ft / 16m waterproof without case
- Cons
- Older model
Comparison of the Theta X vs the Action 3
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the Action 3 offers HDR video. Only the Action 3 features slow motion video. Only the Action 3 has image stabilization.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
Feature missing
4K video at 60fps
Max resolution
4K video at 120fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
4K
No slow motion video
Maximum slow motion
8x at 1080p
No image stabilization
Stabilization
RockSteady 3.0
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 Action 3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The Action 3 has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
1350mAh
Battery capacity
1770mAh
Non removable
Removable battery
Removable
30min 5.7K30fps 360° and 55min 4K30fps 360°
Battery life
160min at 1080p
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 Theta X and the Action 3 support SD cards.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
46GB
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSDXC
Storage format
microSD
Feature missing
Maximun storage supported
256GB
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 Action 3 is a lot more compact than the Theta X. The Action 3 weighs a little less than the Theta X.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
Dimensions
2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in / 70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm
6oz / 170g
Weight
5.11oz / 145g
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 Action 3 is a lot more waterproof when using a diving case. The Action 3 beats the Theta X in high heat conditions.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
Feature missing
Waterproof
52ft / 16m
131ft / 40m
Waterproof with diving case
197ft / 60m
32°F / 0°C
Min operating temperature
-4°F / -20°C
104°F / 40°C
Max operating temperature
113°F / 45°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 Action 3 has a slightly better video bit rate than the Theta X.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
60MP
Pixels
12MP
Feature missing
Field of view
155°
120Mbps
Video bite rate
130Mbps
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 Action 3's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to Theta X's. The Action 3's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
Ricoh Theta X
DJI Osmo Action 3
50-3200
ISO range
100-12800
+/-2
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
Ricoh Theta X versus DJI Osmo Action 3 specifications
Name | Ricoh Theta X | DJI Osmo Action 3 |
Year of release | 2022 | 2022 |
Width | 2.04in / 51.7mm | 2.78in / 70.5mm |
Height | 5.36in / 136.2mm | 1.74in / 44.2mm |
Depth | 1.14in / 29mm | 1.29in / 32.8mm |
Weight | 6oz / 170g | 5.11oz / 145g |
Waterproof | - | 52ft / 16m |
Waterproof with diving case | 131ft / 40m | 197ft / 60m |
Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | -4°F / -20°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 113°F / 45°C |
Battery capacity | 1350mAh | 1770mAh |
Removable battery | - | Yes |
Battery life | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° | 160min at 1080p |
Charging time | - | 49min |
Built-in storage | 46GB | - |
Storage format | microSDXC | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | - | 256GB |
Rear screen size | 2.25in | - |
Field of view | - | 155° |
Sensor | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS | 1/1.7" |
Pixels | 60MP | 12MP |
Aperture | F2.4 | F2.8 |
ISO range | 50-3200 | 100-12800 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 10bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 130Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-2 | +/-4 |
360-degree video | Yes | No |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
4K 360 video | 60fps | - |
4K video | 60fps | 120fps |
2.7K video | 100fps | 120fps |
1080p video | - | 240fps |
Slow motion at 4K | - | 4 |
Maximum slow motion | - | 8x at 1080p |
HDR video | - | 4K |
Stabilization | - | RockSteady 3.0 |
Horizon lock | Yes | - |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | - | No |
Webcam mode | Yes | - |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | - | No |
Photo burst mode | - | No |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 1 | 3 |
Stereo audio | No | Yes |
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 | Yes | No |
Voice commands | - | Yes |