Satellite navigation experts Garmin have just announced two new dedicated HD outdoor action cameras, the VIRB and VIRB Elite – offering several features that up the ante in the outdoor action cam market.
Rugged, durable and the only cameras we’ve heard of with combined GPS capabilities, the VIRB series feature a 1.4inch colour Chroma display, meaning the screen can be seen easily in direct sunlight, and are claimed to be user friendly. The cameras can handle being dropped or stepped on without damage, and when accidentally submerged in water will withstand depths of one metre for up to 30 minutes.
Able to record for 3 hours at 1080p following a full charge, the VIRB and VIRB Elite have Digital Image Stabilisation for smoother-looking footage and Lens Distortion Correct to avoid a ‘fish-eye’ look. 16 megapixel stills can be taken while recording and both devices can be mounted on wrists, shoulders or handlebars for an action viewpoint.
Garmin claim the footage itself is ‘easy to edit, upload and share’ using their free editing software (available from the Garmin site), which allows users to import footage, cut and paste it to create videos, before uploading directly to YouTube.
The slightly more costly VIRB Elite has an additional high sensitivity GPS, accelerometer, altimeter, WiFi and a white casing as oppose to black, and is compatible with Garmin’s free mobile app for iPhone and Android. Both gadgets have ANT+ wireless communication for remote functionality with other Garmin products.
Due for release in October, the VIRB will cost £269.99, while the VIRB Elite will retail at £349.99.
RELATED LINKS:
www.garmin.com