Nikon J1 vs Ricoh Theta S

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon J1 vs Ricoh Theta S

1 inch 116.2mm²
10.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Nikon J1 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the J1.

1/2.3 inch 28.1mm²
14.5 megapixels
7.30mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Ricoh Theta S Review.
How does it shoot? Ricoh Theta S in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the Theta S.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Ricoh Theta S conclusion.

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Ricoh Theta S

Rear display
Yes vs No
Review photos on the back of the camera
Larger sensor
1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
RAW file ability
Yes vs No
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Yes vs No
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/6400 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
6400 vs 1600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh Theta S advantages over Nikon J1

Less expensive
$350 vs $650 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Thinner
22 mm vs 29 mm
Thinner
Newer
9 years vs 13 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
More pixels
14.5 vs 10.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
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
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
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
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read J1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read Theta S User Reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

Kit with 10-30mm Lens

Kit with 10-30mm Lens
Kit with 10-30mm and 30-110mm Lenses
Kit with 10mm and 10-30mm Lenses

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh Theta S

Ricoh Theta S (Black)

Review Excerpt

Very small body, with solid feel; Fast AF; No-nonsense interface. Excellent video capture, Good picture quality.
Body could be smaller for sensor size; High ISO isn't as good as other compact system cameras; Battery life below average; Weak flash; Confusing controls.
Read our Nikon J1 Full Review

360-degree spherical panoramas at the click of a button; Puts you back in the moment like no other camera; Good ergonomics and control layout; Great still image quality, and can shoot videos too; Upload panoramas to Google Street View
Very reliant on your smartphone or tablet; Battery and storage can't be replaced or upgraded; Handheld shots suffer from Gigantic Hand Syndrome; Hard to get yourself out of the shot; Video image quality is only modest; Interval timer has a long shot delay
Read our Ricoh Theta S Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1

Nikon J2

$500
1 inch

$550
1 inch

Less expensive
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Ricoh Theta S

Nikon J2

$290
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$550
1 inch

Rear display
Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1

Nikon J3

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels

$617
1 inch

Higher effective ISO
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J3

Ricoh Theta S

Nikon J3

$290
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$617
1 inch

Rear display
Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1

Nikon S1

$500
1 inch

Wider angle kit lens

$199
1 inch

Less expensive

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S1

Ricoh Theta S

Nikon S1

$290
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$199
1 inch

Rear display
Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon S1

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon J1

Nikon AW1

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels
Wider angle kit lens

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon AW1

Ricoh Theta S

Nikon AW1

$290
1/2.3 inch

Built-in Wi-Fi
Thinner

$797
1 inch

Rear display
Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon AW1

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J1

Nikon J4

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels
Has anti-aliasing filter

$350
1 inch

Touchscreen
In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J4

Ricoh Theta S

Nikon J4

$290
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Longer exposure

$350
1 inch

Rear display
Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon J4

Compare Other Cameras?