• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon J3 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 J3

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $600 (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
  • 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

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Nikon J3
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Buy the Ricoh Theta S
Ricoh Theta S (Black)

Review Excerpt

  • 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 J1

Nikon J3
Nikon J1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon J1

Ricoh Theta S
Nikon J1
  • $290
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon J3 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 V3

Nikon J3
Nikon V3
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon V3

Ricoh Theta S
Nikon V3
  • $290
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon V3

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J3
Nikon J4
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon J3 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

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon J3
Nikon J5
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon J3 vs Nikon J5

Ricoh Theta S
Nikon J5
  • $290
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta S vs Nikon J5

Compare Other Cameras?