OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Action cameras Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Action cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Ricoh THETA M15 Review | 96 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Video resolution:1080pBattery life:40 minWaterproof depth:0 mElectronic image stabilization:noMaximum 4K frame rate:0 fps

Ricoh THETA M15 Review: Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Action cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

Score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

4.0

Technical score

20%

7.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 95% of action-cameras
4.0

Technical score

Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

30%

3.2

Video

22%

6.6

Photo

14%

3.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

3.3

Battery

11%

4.4

Connectivity & Audio

10%

2.5

Display & Design

â–¼Worse than 98% of action-cameras
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on 579 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 80% of action-cameras
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of action camera Ricoh THETA M15

Technical score
Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

30%

3.2

Video

22%

6.6

Photo

14%

3.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

3.3

Battery

11%

4.4

Connectivity & Audio

10%

2.5

Display & Design

4.0
User score
User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on 579 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Popularity:
Ricoh THETA M15 has a popularity score of 6.7 points, which is lower than 51.2% of action cameras.
6.7
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

60%

4.6

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.0
Video resolution
1080p
Video resolution
1080p
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This action camera records video at 1080p, which is lower than that of 69.9% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
This action camera has a maximum 4K frame rate of 0 fps, which is lower than that of 65.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 34.2% of action cameras.
Maximum 1080p frame rate
15 fps
Maximum 1080p frame rate
15 fps
â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <30 fps – >240 fps
This action camera has a maximum 1080p frame rate of 15 fps, which is lower than that of 100% of action cameras.
Video bitrate
?
Video codecs
H.264
Video codecs
H.264
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This action camera supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
?
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor size
1/2.3"
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
This action camera has a sensor size of 1/2.3", which is larger than that of 18.3% of action cameras.
Main camera aperture
f/2 f
Main camera aperture
f/2
â–² Better than 77% of models
This action camera has a main camera aperture of f/2, which is wider than that of 77.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 16.7% of action cameras.
Photo resolution
?
Field of view
360 °
Field of view
360 °
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
This action camera has a field of view of 360 °, which is wider than that of 89.8% of action cameras.
Show more
Built-in display
no
Built-in display
no
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This action camera does not have a display. 72.6% of action cameras have a display.
Screen size
0 inch
Screen size
0 inch
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <0 inch – >2.5 inch
This action camera has a 0 inch screen, which is smaller than the screens on 86.6% of action cameras and the same size as the screens on 13.4% of action cameras.
Touchscreen
no
Touchscreen
no
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This action camera does not include a touchscreen. 57.9% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
Secondary screen
no
Secondary screen
no
â–¼ Worse than 9% of models
This action camera does not have a secondary screen. 8.7% of action cameras have a secondary screen.
Secondary screen resolution
N/A
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This action camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature is present on 92.5% of action cameras.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth version
N/A
GPS
no
GPS
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This action camera does not support GPS. 13.9% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
This action camera does not include USB Type-C. 42.2% of action cameras use USB-C.
Show more
Battery life
40 min
Battery life
40 min
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <60 min – >162 min
This action camera runs for 40 min per charge, which is shorter than the battery life of 97% of action cameras and equal to the battery life of 0.6% of action cameras.
Battery power
?
Charging time
3 h
Charging time
3 h
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
This action camera charges in 3 h, which is longer than the charging time of 75% of action cameras and equal to the charging time of 13.8% of action cameras.
Fast charging
no
Fast charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 19% of models
This action camera does not support fast charging. 18.8% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 1% of models
This action camera does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
Show more
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This action camera is not rated for underwater use. 51.8% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
Not waterproof without a separate housing case
IP rating
?
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
This action camera has a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C, which is higher than that of 23.4% of action cameras and equal to that of 50.4% of action cameras.
Minimum operating temperature
0 °C
Minimum operating temperature
0 °C
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <-20 °C – >0 °C
This action camera has a minimum operating temperature of 0 °C, which is higher than that of 74.5% of action cameras and equal to that of 22% of action cameras.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
This action camera does not include an external memory slot. 95.8% of action cameras include an external memory slot.
Built-in 4 GB storage only.
Show more

Ricoh THETA M15 vs the average action camera

246810TotalVideoPhotoDisplay & DesignConnectivity & AudioBatteryRuggedness & Storage
  • 0.8 f wider main aperture
    Main camera aperture
    2 f
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <2 f – >2.8 f
    This action camera has a lower main camera aperture than the average action camera (2 f vs 2.8 f). The average action camera main camera aperture is 2.8 f.
    2 f vs 2.8 f
  • 190 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    360 °
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
    This action camera has a higher field of view than the average action camera (360 ° vs 170 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 170 °.
    360 ° vs 170 °
  • Invisible selfie stick
    Invisible selfie stick support
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports the invisible selfie stick effect, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras support an invisible selfie stick effect.
  • Has a multi-lens main camera
    Multi-lens main camera
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera has a multi-lens main camera setup, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras include multi-lens setups.
  • Supports 360° capture
    360° capture
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports 360° capture, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras support this.
  • 7.2 mm thinner
    Thickness
    22.8 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <21.1 mm – >42 mm
    This action camera is thinner than the average action camera (22.8 mm vs 30 mm). The average action camera has a thickness of 30 mm.
    22.8 mm vs 30 mm
  • Invisible selfie stick
    Invisible selfie stick support
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports the invisible selfie stick effect, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras support an invisible selfie stick effect.
  • 0.8 f wider main aperture
    Main camera aperture
    2 f
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <2 f – >2.8 f
    This action camera has a lower main camera aperture than the average action camera (2 f vs 2.8 f). The average action camera main camera aperture is 2.8 f.
    2 f vs 2.8 f
  • 190 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    360 °
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
    This action camera has a higher field of view than the average action camera (360 ° vs 170 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 170 °.
    360 ° vs 170 °
  • Has a multi-lens main camera
    Multi-lens main camera
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera has a multi-lens main camera setup, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras include multi-lens setups.
  • Supports 360° capture
    360° capture
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports 360° capture, the average action camera does not. 13.2% of action cameras support this.
  • 7.2 mm thinner
    Thickness
    22.8 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <21.1 mm – >42 mm
    This action camera is thinner than the average action camera (22.8 mm vs 30 mm). The average action camera has a thickness of 30 mm.
    22.8 mm vs 30 mm
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • No electronic stabilization
    Electronic image stabilization
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This action camera does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • 4,800 ISO lower max ISO
    Maximum ISO
    1,600 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >6.4k ISO
    This action camera has a lower maximum ISO than the average action camera (1600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average action camera reaches a maximum ISO of 6400 ISO.
    1,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • 50 min shorter battery life
    Battery life
    40 min
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has shorter battery life than the average action camera (40 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    40 min vs 90 min
  • 1 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    3 h
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (3 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    3 h vs 2 h
  • 2 fps lower slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a lower slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    0 fps vs 120 fps
  • 16.7% worse value for money
    Ricoh THETA M15 has a worse value-for-money score than the average action camera (5.97 vs 7).
    5.97 vs 6.97
  • 12.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ricoh THETA M15
    the average action camera
    Ricoh THETA M15 has a lower user score than the average action camera (7.10 vs 8.000).
    7.1 vs 8
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • No electronic stabilization
    Electronic image stabilization
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This action camera does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • 2 fps lower slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a lower slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    0 fps vs 120 fps
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • 45 fps lower 1080p frame rate
    Maximum 1080p frame rate
    15 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <30 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a lower 1080p frame rate than the average action camera (15 fps vs 60 fps). The average action camera reaches 60 fps at 1080p.
    15 fps vs 60 fps
  • 4,800 ISO lower max ISO
    Maximum ISO
    1,600 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >6.4k ISO
    This action camera has a lower maximum ISO than the average action camera (1600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average action camera reaches a maximum ISO of 6400 ISO.
    1,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • Does not have a display
    Built-in display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This action camera does not have a display, the average action camera does. 72.1% of action cameras have a display.
  • 85 mm taller
    Height
    130 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <40.5 mm – >124.5 mm
    This action camera is taller than the average action camera (130 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.
    130 mm vs 45 mm
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2014
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2014 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in November 2014.
    2014 vs 2018
  • No remote control support
    Remote control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This action camera offers weaker remote control support than the average action camera (no vs accessory).
    Only smartphone app control, no dedicated remote.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This action camera has fewer microphones than the average action camera (1 vs 2). The average action camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 50 min shorter battery life
    Battery life
    40 min
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has shorter battery life than the average action camera (40 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    40 min vs 90 min
  • 1 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    3 h
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (3 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    3 h vs 2 h
  • No removable battery
    Removable battery
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This action camera does not have a removable battery, while the average action camera does.
  • No external memory slot
    External memory slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    This action camera does not include an external memory slot, the average action camera does. 95.2% of action cameras include an external memory slot.
    Built-in 4 GB storage only.
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    0 m
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    Not waterproof without a separate housing case
    0 m vs 1 m
  • 128 GB smaller microSD limit
    Maximum microSD capacity
    0 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >1k GB
    This action camera has a lower maximum microSD capacity than the average action camera (0 GB vs 128 GB). The average action camera supports microSD cards up to 128 GB.
    0 GB vs 128 GB
  • 4 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    4 GB
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.068 GB
    This action camera has less internal storage than the average action camera (4 GB vs 0 GB). The average action camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 0 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
maartech.com
12/05/2015
Summary of the review
Ricoh Theta m15 hands on review
I
indiatoday.in
29/10/2015
Summary of the review
Ricoh Theta M15 review: A camera for 360 degree images
L
livemint.com
18/08/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Ricoh THETA m15
P
photofacts.nl
09/10/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Ricoh Theta m15Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Photofacts
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 579 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Ricoh THETA M15

  • Captures full 360-degree spherical panoramas with a single button click
  • Extremely compact, lightweight, and pocketable design
  • Seamless real-time automatic image stitching without manual alignment
  • Handy smartphone companion application for remote shutter and exposure control
  • Clever lens placement that naturally hides the user's hand/body from the shot
  • Instant photo review via wireless connection to a smartphone

What we don't like about Ricoh THETA M15

  • Poor overall video resolution and significant compression artifacts
  • Low-light capture is heavily prone to high digital grain and image noise
  • Clunky physical interface requiring complex button holds while powered off to switch to video mode
  • No built-in LCD screen or live view finder on the device itself
  • Limited to a small 4GB internal storage capacity with no expandable SD card slot
  • Lacks an integrated physical battery life indicator
  • Severe exposure seams and digital blending errors in high-contrast environments
  • The plastic chassis feels cheap and flexes easily under pressure

Verdict

The Ricoh Theta M15 is a highly portable 360-degree spherical camera weighing just 95g, featuring dual fisheye lenses that capture seamless wraparound images and Full HD video at 15 fps. Its primary characteristics include a minimalist three-button design, 4GB of internal storage for approximately 1,200 photos, and built-in Wi-Fi for remote operation via a dedicated smartphone app. Main pros include its pocketable form factor, ease of use with one-click stitching, and the ability to capture immersive environments without traditional composition concerns. However, notable cons include its low 15 fps video frame rate, lack of an expandable SD card slot, absence of an LCD screen for live preview, and relatively short maximum video recording time of 3 minutes per clip.

Compare Ricoh THETA M15 with other products in the Action cameras category

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