Ricoh Theta X vs GoPro Max
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Overview of the Ricoh Theta X
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
Comparison of the Theta X vs the GoPro Max
Quick links:
Video performance
Neither camera offers HDR video. Only the GoPro Max features slow motion video. Only the GoPro Max has image stabilization.
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 60fps
Max resolution
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
No slow motion video
Maximum slow motion
2x
No image stabilization
Stabilization
Max HyperSmooth
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
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
1350mAh
Battery capacity
1600mAh
Non removable
Removable battery
Removable
30min 5.7K30fps 360° and 55min 4K30fps 360°
Battery life
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min 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 GoPro Max support SD cards.
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
46GB
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSDXC
Storage format
microSD
Feature missing
Maximun storage supported
1TB
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.
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in / 51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm
Dimensions
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
6oz / 170g
Weight
5.43oz / 154g
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.
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
Feature missing
Waterproof
16ft / 5m
131ft / 40m
Waterproof with diving case
Feature missing
32°F / 0°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
104°F / 40°C
Max operating temperature
95°F / 35°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
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
60MP
Pixels
18MP
Feature missing
Field of view
155°
120Mbps
Video bite rate
78Mbps
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.
Ricoh Theta X
GoPro Max
50-3200
ISO range
100-3200
+/-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 GoPro Max specifications
Name | Ricoh Theta X | GoPro Max |
Year of release | 2022 | 2019 |
Width | 2.04in / 51.7mm | 2.52in / 64mm |
Height | 5.36in / 136.2mm | 2.72in / 69mm |
Depth | 1.14in / 29mm | 0.98in / 25mm |
Weight | 6oz / 170g | 5.43oz / 154g |
Waterproof | - | 16ft / 5m |
Waterproof with diving case | 131ft / 40m | - |
Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | 14°F / -10°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 95°F / 35°C |
Battery capacity | 1350mAh | 1600mAh |
Removable battery | - | Yes |
Battery life | 30min 5.7K30fps 360° 55min 4K30fps 360° | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p |
Charging time | - | 120min |
Built-in storage | 46GB | - |
Storage format | microSDXC | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating |
Maximun storage supported | - | 1TB |
Rear screen size | 2.25in | 1.69in |
Field of view | - | 155° |
Sensor | 1/1.7" BSI-COMS | 1/2.3" |
Pixels | 60MP | 18MP |
Aperture | F2.4 | F2.0 |
Focal length | - | 13-27mm |
ISO range | 50-3200 | 100-3200 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 78Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-2 | +/-4 |
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 (MP4) | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) |
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 | 1 | 6 |
Stereo audio | No | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | wav |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 4.2 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | Yes | Yes |
Voice commands | - | Yes |
Gesture commands | - | No |