• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Ricoh Theta SC

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 7 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Ricoh Theta SC advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/2.8
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    8 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.5 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    7 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S520

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh Theta SC
Ricoh Theta SC (Beige)
  • Ricoh Theta SC (Beige)
  • Ricoh Theta SC (Blue)
  • Ricoh Theta SC (Pink)
  • Ricoh Theta SC (White)
All Theta SC Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Nikon S520
Samsung NV30
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S520 vs Samsung NV30

Ricoh Theta SC
Samsung NV30
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Ricoh Theta SC vs Samsung NV30

Compared to Sony DSC-S780

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-S780
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S520 vs Sony DSC-S780

Ricoh Theta SC
Sony DSC-S780
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Ricoh Theta SC vs Sony DSC-S780

Compared to Sony DSC-W120

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-W120
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S520 vs Sony DSC-W120

Ricoh Theta SC
Sony DSC-W120
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Ricoh Theta SC vs Sony DSC-W120

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS3

Nikon S520
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S520 vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Ricoh Theta SC
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Ricoh Theta SC vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD1200 IS

Ricoh Theta SC
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Ricoh Theta SC vs Canon SD1200 IS

Compare Other Cameras?