Garmin Gets in on the Action Cam Action with the VIRB Ultra 30

Garmin Gets in on the Action Cam Action with the VIRB Ultra 30

Published: September 10, 2016 | By: American Luxury Staff

The GoPro has pretty much been synonymous with “action camera” for a few years now, but Garmin is hoping to change that company’s monopolistic dominance of the market with the introduction of the VIRB Ultra 30. An ultra-HD 4K Action Camera with Voice Control and Data Overlays, the VIRB Ultra 30 is a strong new competitor to the GoPro.

The camera’s most notable feature is its 3-axis optical image stabilization, which smooths out bump shots up to 1080p image quality. It’s an important feature—perhaps the most critical feature an action camera can have, since by definition they are designed to be in motion, strapped to a forehead, or a bicycle, or a shark fin.

Voice control is another powerful innovation, one that might be especially welcomed by filmmakers. Like Apple’s Siri, the camera can roll and cut via audible cue, which is useful for saving disk space (so you don’t have to leave the camera running before you pull off an exciting motorcycle trick, let’s say). The feature also subverts the problem of interference that app-controlled cameras often face on film sets with lots of electronic signaling. The VIRB likewise has built-in sensors and GPS capture G-Metrix data to prove how far, how high, and how fast you went, along with a high-sensitivity microphone that captures clear audio in and out of the waterproof case. Its mounts are also compatible with GoPro’s.

The VIRB Ultra 30 measures 2.4 x 1.2 x 1.6 inches and weighs a mere 3.2 ounces. It features ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as Android and iOS integration. Best of all, it costs only $499. Time for action.

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2229 September 10, 2016 Camera, Tech September 10, 2016