GoPro Max vs Ricoh Theta X
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Overview of the GoPro Max
GoPro MaxGoPro'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
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
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
Ricoh Theta X
51.7mm x 136.2mm x 29mm / 2.04in x 5.36in x 1.14in
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 dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
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
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
Ricoh Theta X
1350mAh
Non removable
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 removeable 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
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
Ricoh Theta X
46GB
microSDXC
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.
Video performance
Neither camera offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Ricoh Theta X
4K video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
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
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
Ricoh Theta X
60MP
Feature missing
120Mbps
Camera settings
The two cameras have a similar ISO range. The GoPro Max's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Ricoh Theta X
50-3200
+/-2
GoPro Max vs 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 | - |