Garmin Launched VIRB and VIRB Elite actioncams

Garmin Launched VIRB and VIRB Elite (left) actioncams

Garmin yesterday has announced it’s a new product category: actioncams. Its first two camcorders, the VIRB and VIRB Elite, each with a waterproof casing and Full HD recording.

The base VIRB model shoots at either 1080p/30fps or 720p/60fps. It features a 1.4-inch color viewfinder/playback screen that’s illuminated with reflected ambient light, thus saving the power that would otherwise go into illuminating a back light. Other features include IPX7 waterproofing (meaning that it can withstand being submerged to one meter/3.3 ft for 30 minutes), two-way ANT+ wireless connectivity with other Garmin devices (which can be used as remote controls), video enhancement options such as digital image stabilization and lens distortion correction, and the ability to shoot 16-megapixel stills even while simultaneously recording video.

The cameras feature a 1.4-inch color viewfinder/playback screen that’s illuminated with reflected ambient light

The VIRB Elite's additional features include GPS, an accelerometer and an altimeter, which allow location, speed and altitude data to be embedded within the footage

The VIRB and VIRB Elite can shoot up to three hours on one charge of its 2,000-mAh lithium-ion battery of 1080p footage, and have a 1.4-inch reflective display for low-power reviewing of footage, using ambient lighting rather than an active backlight.

The VIRB Elite’s additional features include GPS, an accelerometer and an altimeter, which allow location, speed and altitude data to be embedded within the footage. It also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, so it can be be remotely controlled using an iOS or Android smartphone app. Additionally, in Ski Mode, it automatically starts recording when you’re heading down the slopes, but pauses as you’re taking the lift back up.

Both VIRB models feature digital image stabilisation technology, to smooth out footage, and can capture 16MP stills while filming. Footage can be shot in three modes - wide, medium and narrow. The lens distortion correction facility should eliminate the fish eye effect that makes vertical shapes like trees appear curved. 

The VIRB will sell for US$299.99, with the VIRB Elite going for $399.99. Both cameras are expected to hit US shops in September and UK stores in October.

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Write by: RC - Thursday, August 22, 2013