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Time for a new VIDEO CAMERA

christopher

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So, I have had two contour cameras over the past four years and both of the. Have failed me MULTIPLE times.

I am ready to buy a new camera.

What's the HOT ticket this season??

Is the GoPro still at the top or has it been superseded ??

More than anything else I want a camera that won't run out of battery on a cold day and won't fail for no particular reason without warning.


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christopher

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Anyone know anything about this new camera..??
http://sites.garmin.com/virb/

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/20/garmin-takes-on-gopro-with-virb-action-camera

Garmin takes on GoPro with VIRB and VIRB Elite action cameras
Aug 20, 2013 at 19:03:31 GMT

garmin-virb-elite.jpg


Garmin has taken a leap into the rugged action camera market with the Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite, designed to capture video and stills in extreme conditions. In a market segment currently dominated by GoPro, the VIRB steps into the ring with a 1.4-inch display, 1080p video capture, integrated weatherproof housing and ANT+ connectivity. The VIRB Elite is a step-up model with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Both are capable of 16 megapixel still images, as well as time-lapse photography.

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Press Release
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Press Release:

Garmin® Enters the Action Camera Market with Compact, Waterproof, Easy-to-use HD Cameras, VIRB™ and VIRB Elite™


Garmin VIRB Elite offers built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
OLATHE, Kan./ August 20, 2013/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced VIRB, its first true HD 1080p action camera series. From action sports to family vacations, VIRB combines a unique feature set that makes it easier than ever to capture life’s memories. VIRB features a rugged and waterproof (IPX-7) housing, so there is no extra case necessary to withstand the elements. The unique 1.4-inch Chroma™ color display makes setup and playback a breeze and uses minimal power so VIRB can record up to three hours of true HD (1080p) video on one charge. On-board video enhancement features such as digital image stabilization and lens distortion correction ensure that footage recorded with VIRB will look great, even before editing. VIRB can capture high quality still photos while the video camera is recording. VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, plus has built-in WiFi, data sensors and a high-sensitivity GPS. Both VIRB and VIRB Elite feature ANT+™ connectivity for remote control functionality with other Garmin products, and for data transfer with other fitness sensors.

“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, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “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.”

VIRB has a sleek, aerodynamic design that makes it fun and simple to record HD video- just move the slider forward to record. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can record up to three hours of HD (1080p) video with one charge, and can be easily changed on the go. The WideVü lens captures all the action, and the high-resolution Chroma display makes it easy to change menu settings, set-up and playback shots, but has reflective technology so it doesn’t drain the battery. The 1.4-inch screen uses ambient light (instead of a battery-draining backlight) to illuminate the screen and make it easy to see in bright sunlight.

VIRB is durable enough to capture even the most extreme activities right out of the box. With the rugged external housing, VIRB has an IPX-7 waterproof rating (can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes), so it can record activities like skiing and kayaking without additional protection or fear of damage. An optional dive case is available for deep-sea adventures, as well as a wide variety of other rugged mounts to secure VIRB to handlebars, helmets, surfboards and more. VIRB easily snaps into the mounts, and the teeth linkages tightly secure VIRB in place to prevent drooping and sagging in high vibration environments. There is even an available industry standard mounting adapter, making it easy for existing action camera users to get started with VIRB.

Users don’t have to be professional cinematographers to get great footage with VIRB. Video enhancement features ensure quality footage, even before the editing process begins. The digital image stabilization technology corrects camera shakiness for smoother footage, and the lens distortion correction feature gives users the option to automatically remove the fish-eye look that is common with action cameras. In addition to high quality video, VIRB can take 16 megapixel stills with photo burst and time lapse options. VIRB can even take stills while recording video. VIRB also has a micro HDMI output for convenient video playback and a microSD slot that can hold up to 64GB card (64GB microSD card can hold over seven hours of 1080p video).

VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, as well as high-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer, altimeter and WiFi. WiFi capabilities allow users to connect to the free mobile applications for iPhone and Android. VIRB Elite comes equipped with specific activity profiles so users can track location, speed, elevation, heart rate (monitor sold separately) and more while recording. This data can be reviewed right on the device, or can be embedded into their video during the editing process.

Additionally, in Ski Mode, the VIRB Elite is able to recognize the difference between going down the mountain and going up the ski lift. In this setting, VIRB Elite automatically turns on and starts recording when going down the mountain, and then goes into standby mode once on the ski lift. This mode saves battery and memory space, and keeps the user from forgetting to record when going down the mountain. This allows VIRB Elite to record all the action while users focus on their activity.

VIRB allows many current Garmin customers to take advantage of the Garmin ecosystem. In addition to the optional accessory remote (available Q1 2014), the Edge® 810, fnix™, quatix™, Oregon® 600 series, and many more can control VIRB allowing users to start and stop recording and take stills right on the device through ANT+ wireless communication (for the full list of device compatibility, visit garmin.com/virb). Also through ANT+, users are able to control several connected VIRB devices. Just move the slider forward to record on the master device, and all the other connected VIRB devices will record as well. VIRB Elite is compatible with other sensors with ANT+ connectivity such as the heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and tempe™ temperature sensor. This data can then be embedded into the video during the editing process, or viewed on the display of VIRB Elite.

To complement VIRB Elite, Garmin is launching a mobile application for preview, playback and remote functionality, along with a free desktop software application to edit and upload VIRB and VIRB Elite videos. With this software, users can easily edit their footage and embed sensor data in the video, then share with family and friends or upload to social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

VIRB and VIRB Elite will be widely available for purchase in September 2013. VIRB MRP is $299.99, and VIRB Elite MRP is $399.99. VIRB is the latest solution from Garmin’s outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, hunting or geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to garmin.com/outdoors, garmin.blogs.com and twitter.com/garmin.

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Garmin VIRB Garmin VIRB

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christopher

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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F6CGI3XkAiQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

GoBigParts

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I have one of these and have been happy with it.

New small Cam that can be mounted in many ways.

http://www.gobigparts.com/EGO-HD-MINI-EXTREME-SPORT-CAMERA.html

ego-cameras.jpg


I sure do like the price on them.


• Perfect camera designed for extreme sports enthusiasts
• A mini-sized Mountable camera that records HD video and is Wi-Fi enabled
• Slim profile will fit in the palm of your hand, measures 1.6” x 1.2” x 2.5” high, less likely to be knocked off by tree branches or flying debris
• Capture 12.0 MP photos and Full HD 1080P videos hands free
• Cutting edge image stabilization technology
• Continuous photo mode takes pictures every 2-3 seconds
• Also records HD 720P at 60 frames per second, 1080P at 30 frames per second for smooth video capture
• Wi-Fi enabled to work with Smart Phones, Tablets and Computers- can control up to 5 units at the same time
• No extra wireless module attachment needed for live wireless streaming, wi-fi range is 100 meters line of sight
• The Ego will accept up to a 32GB micro SDHC card, to record thousands of still images or hours of video
• The camera includes a rechargeable Battery. Estimated battery performance is 1.5 – 2.0 hours of video
• Includes a clear protective cover, universal flat surface mount, and 1 additional adhesive pad
• Many different mounts available for attaching the Ego to many different surfaces making this camera useable in virtually any sport you participate in
• Waterproof housing also available for wet conditions


Here is a small video clip I made with it with some of our first snows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxN10u3UEOA
 

christopher

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By FAR and away my #1 issue with camera's is COLD WEATHER battery life.

I have yet to find one that was really intended for SNOWMOBILING.

How does this little one stand up?
 

shelbwyo

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Id say the new go pro that you posted about looks pretty sweet. Stick the add on battery to that bad boy and should last all day.
 

GoBigParts

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By FAR and away my #1 issue with camera's is COLD WEATHER battery life.

I have yet to find one that was really intended for SNOWMOBILING.

How does this little one stand up?

To be honest if battery life is your number one issue this may not be the camera for you. I love mine and for what I use it for I have no issue. But I turn mine on and off as needed I can't and don't just let it run all day because it only had a 2 hour record time and then the battery will need to be charged. Most cameras will run out of storage before you can record all day anyway. This one has a removable storage micro SD card.

I will say that last winter I did have really good luck with getting to the 2 hour point before the battery died.

I bought the camera more on price and features. The WIFI, android and iphone apps are really nice for aiming, setting up, playback and changing settings on the camera. At the time only real expensive cameras had this feature. There are a lot of setting that can be changed as well. I also like the form factor of the camera. The video I feel is as good as the Go Pro.

There a nice selection of mounts as well.
 

christopher

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I also turn mine on and off throughout the day, I just find that the rather tiny batteries can't withstand the cold and my total burn time PLUMETS to minutes and not hours.

What attracts me most to the new GoPro is that LARGE rear battery pack they offer.

pdp_image_BatteryBacPac_H3Plus_ReplacementHousing_PDP1.jpg




pdp_image_BatteryBacPac_H3Plus_NoHousing_PDP2.jpg
 

GoBigParts

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Nice battery in that one.

For size purposes here is a catalog image where you can see it in a persons hand. Oh and no clear case is needed for riding. I never used anything more than the dust cover that is comes with.

SM2014-0318.jpg


SM2014-0319.jpg
 

GoBigParts

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thats tiny like the contour was.

I like it for a helmet and action cam. Now I'm starting to think of a really nice HDDV camcorder for getting shots of my friends riding and not just my helmet or sled POV.

I have a old DV camcorder but it is not HD and it uses tape. My Samsung S4 takes a way better video that is in HD than my old camcorder can do.

Does anyone have thoughts on a good camcorder that is HD and takes really good video?
 

o2bncamo

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Go Pro has a new hero 3+ that might be worth looking at. It has longer battery life, and is smaller and lighter then the hero 3.
 
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tkuss

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In my somewhat decent opinion, get a Go-Pro, and get an extra battery. Get 2 extra's if your really concerned with it. My and my friends go-pros work great in cold weather. Plus in my opinion, go-pro offers the best video quality out there for a "helmet cam"
 

christopher

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As of right now, that is my plan.
Only thing stopping me are the rumors of the GoPro 4 coming out in November/December..
 
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Msteel900

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Don't buy the go pro extra battery pack. Gets you a extra 20-30min battery life. Your better off buying extra battery's. Takes good video but battery life isn't good. I want to switch to a different camera I just don't know what one.
 
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