• 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 SC

  • 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • 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 1/8000 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 SC advantages over Nikon J3

  • Less expensive
    $300 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
  • Newer
    8 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper 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

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Buy the Ricoh Theta SC

Review Excerpt

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
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon J1
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon J2
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon J3
Nikon V3
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon V3
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J3
Nikon J4
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon J4
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon J3
Nikon J5
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon J5
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor
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