Insta360 X3 vs Ricoh Theta X
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Overview of the Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3Insta360'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 The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.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
Weight and size
The X3 is a slightly smaller camera. Both the X3 and the Theta X have similar weights.
Insta360 X3
46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm / 1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in
6.35oz / 180g
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 X3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The X3 has a removable battery whereas the Theta X's battery is not removable
Insta360 X3
1800mAh
Removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
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 X3 and the Theta X support SD cards.
Insta360 X3
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
Only the X3 offers HDR video.
Insta360 X3
4K video at 30fps
Yes
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Ricoh Theta X
4K video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Camera and sensor technology
The X3 features a much higher resolution. Both cameras feature 120Mbps bit rate video.
Insta360 X3
72MP
155°
120Mbps
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 X3's +/-4 exposure compensation is far superior.
Insta360 X3
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Ricoh Theta X
50-3200
+/-2
X3 vs 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 | Yes | - |
| 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 | - |