Garmin, the global leader in Satellite Navigation has announced the next generation of HD action cameras, VIRB X and VIRB XE. Compact and capable of shooting rich, high-definition, wide-angle footage, VIRB X and XE boast an all-new form factor allowing for more mounting options. Waterproof to 50 meters, the updated camera design is even more rugged, and doesn’t require an external case for underwater shooting.
VIRB X and XE delivers enhanced video and audio modes to the action camera community, along with a new user experience with G-Metrix. Using a multitude of built-in sensors and wireless options, G-Metrix captures action data like speed and g-force and turns it into animated data overlays, creating a richer viewer experience.
Garmin’s free mobile and desktop software allows users to tell their adventures in greater detail and create compelling action videos in a breeze. G-Metrix works seamlessly within the Garmin ecosystem no matter what the activity. Whether users want to analyse their power output by overlaying Vector™ data, show off high G-loading during an aerobatic flight, relive the runs made and vertical feet covered during a powder day with the help of fēnix® 3, or see the acceleration and highlight top speed on the racetrack, with G-Metrix VIRB X and XE become the ultimate action cameras.
“With the updated design, enhanced recording options, built-in sensors and the introduction of G-Metrix, VIRB X and XE represent a bold step forward in the evolution of action cameras for consumers and professionals alike,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “We are extremely excited to bring these cameras to market, and see not only the content that users share, but also how far, how fast, and how crazy their adventures really are.”
Designed for Action
Shooting rich, wide-angle footage, VIRB XE is designed to shoot professional HD footage at 1440p/30fps and 1080p/60fps with super slow-mo, image stabilisation and different zoom levels. VIRB X shoots crisp HD footage at 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps with slow-mo and zoom options. With the still image sensor, both versions can capture sharp still photos and photo bursts with up to 12MP image quality. Additionally, VIRB XE has a Pro Mode with more advanced manual camera adjustments such as white balance control, sharpness control, color profile control, ISO limit and exposure bias.
Meant to withstand the toughest environments, both VIRB XE and VIRB X are waterproof to 50 meters and don’t require an external case. Featuring a hydrophobic, flat glass lens, underwater shots are crystal clear while transitions in and out of the water are unobstructed by droplets. With the updated design, VIRB X and XE boast a new microphone for extremely clear audio, even underwater, and Bluetooth Audio connectivity for Bluetooth-enabled headsets or microphones. VIRB X and XE also have improved, more professional and secure mounts with a non-slip allen head tightening system, allowing maximum torque for impact and vibration resistance.
G-Metrix uses the action data recorded by a variety of built in and connected sensors of VIRB X and XE to charge the next action video with more excitement and emotion. With G-Metrix, VIRB X and XE utilise internal sensors like the high-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope, and compatible devices and accessories like an HRM-Run, fēnix 3 multisport watch or Vector power meter to track movements in real time and capture more performance data. Additionally VIRB X and XE are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled OBD tools to capture true vehicle data like speed, RPM and throttle position.
Through the built-in Wi-Fi, users can now connect VIRB X and XE to the VIRB Mobile app on both smartphones and tablets. With VIRB Mobile, users can get a live stream of video to setup shots and see what’s being recorded, control and view multiple cameras, or even quickly edit and overlay G-Metrix data, making it easier than ever to upload and share video content. Additionally, when connected to the mobile app, users will never lose their camera with the VIRB tracking feature, which records the last known GPS position of the camera for easy recovery.
Compact and Easy to Use
With the updated form factor, VIRB X and XE take the guesswork out of using action cameras and capturing great video. A high-contrast 1” display allows for fast and straightforward camera configuration, and with one-touch controls, users can easily wake the device and start and stop recording with a simple switch. There is also a dedicated photo button to take stills at any time, even while the camera is recording.
Using removable and rechargeable batteries, VIRB X and XE can get up to 2 hours of battery life at 1080p and store video and data on microSD cards. The cameras also feature weatherproof contacts for rugged charging and powering on the go.
Editing Made Simple
VIRB Edit™, Garmin’s free desktop editing software, can automatically generate great, ready-to-share videos with the G-Metrix data collected by VIRB. Or, users can choose manual controls to review and edit footage, adjust the G-Metrix data gauges and add music. Using the GPS timestamp, VIRB Edit can also automatically sync footage from multiple cameras for seamless angle switching in multi-camera compilation edits. Users will even be able to create custom performance gauges and graphs for a more unique video. The VIRB Mobile app can also be used for quick edits, or while on the go, on both smartphones and tablets. With the app, users can quickly cut footage, overlay MotionMetrix gauges and add music, which makes uploading and sharing content faster and more painless.
VIRB X and XE will be available for purchase in summer 2015. VIRB X will have a suggested retail price of £239.99, and VIRB XE will have a suggested retail price of £319.99.
VIRB X and XE are the latest solutions from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, geocaching, golfing, dog tracking, or capturing it all on VIRB action cameras, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.
Editor: We will be testing and reviewing a VIRB XE shortly so watch this space