Olathe, KS—Garmin International announced the VIRB, a Full HD 1080p action camera series that combines features to make it easier to capture life’s memories with a rugged and waterproof (IPX-7) housing.
A 1.4-inch, antireflective Chroma color display helps make setup and playback simple, while using minimal power so VIRB can record up to three hours of Full HD video on one charge. Onboard video enhancement features include digital image stabilization to combat shakiness and lens distortion correction that gives users the option to automatically remove the fisheye look that is common with action cameras. VIRB can take 16 megapixel stills with photo burst and time-lapse options, and VIRB can capture stills while recording video. Also included are a micro HDMI output for video playback and a microSD slot that holds up to a 64GB card.
VIRB Elite incorporates all the above features plus has data sensors and high-sensitivity GPS, an accelerometer and altimeter. Its Wi-Fi capabilities allow users to connect to free mobile apps for iPhone and Android. VIRB Elite also comes with specific activity profiles so users can track location, speed, elevation and heart rate (monitor sold separately) while recording. This data can be reviewed on the device or can be embedded into the video during the editing process.
Both VIRB and VIRB Elite feature ANT+ connectivity for remote control functionality with other Garmin products, and for data transfer with other fitness sensors. Through ANT+, users can control several connected VIRB devices. When they move the slider forward to record on the master device, all connected VIRB devices will record as well.
“Action cameras are growing rapidly in popularity, and VIRB has some game-changing key features—like a color display, extended battery life, optional GPS and compatibility with existing Garmin products—that set it apart from other cameras on the market,” said Dan Bartel, vice president, Worldwide Sales, Garmin. “Our customers already embrace an active lifestyle, whether they’re hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, trail runners, boaters or pilots, so a Garmin action camera is a compelling option to them. With GPS and enhanced wireless capabilities in VIRB Elite, users can capture not only what they were doing, but also where they were and how they did it—and then share it with their friends and family.”
Garmin also offers an optional dive case for deep-sea adventures, as well as a variety of mounts to secure VIRB to handlebars, helmets and surfboards. VIRB snaps into the mounts, and the teeth linkages secure VIRB in place to prevent drooping and sagging in high vibration environments. An industry standard mounting adapter is also available.
In addition to Garmin’s mobile app, which allows VIRB users to preview, playback and operate the device remotely, there’s free desktop software to edit and upload VIRB and VIRB Elite videos. With this software, users can edit footage, embed sensor data in the video and upload to social media sites, such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
VIRB is available for an SRP of $299.99, and VIRB Elite is $399.99. garmin.com
