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

Garmin,
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.

The
unique 1.4-inch Chroma™ color display makes
setup and playback a breeze and uses minimal power so VIRB can record more than
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 compatible Garmin products, and VIRB Elite will support data transfer with
other fitness sensors in addition.
VIRB_RENDER_5A_MASK[19][1]

“Action
cameras are growing rapidly in popularity, and VIRB has some game-changing key
features—like a colour viewfinder display, extended battery life, optional GPS
and compatibility with existing Garmin products—that set it apart from other
cameras on the market,” said Martin Resch Product Manager Outdoor EMEA. “Our
customers already embrace an active lifestyle, whether they’re hikers, mountain
bikers, skiers, 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 more than 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, it uses 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.

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.
VirbElite_HR_1389

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 to take the VIRB experience to the next level.

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.

In
addition to the optional accessory remote (available Q1 2014), the Edge® 810, fēnix™,
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 tempetemperature
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 free mobile application for
preview, playback and remote functionality on your smartphone, 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 October 2013. The RRP for
VIRB will be £269.99, and the RRP for VIRB Elite will be £349.99. 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.co.uk/onthetrail , garmin.blogs.com and https://www.facebook.com/garmin.uk & https://twitter.com/GarminUK

 

About
Garmin Ltd.


The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries
have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and
information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by
GPS technology.  Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless,
outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is
incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the
United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit
Garmin’s virtual pressroom at
www.garmin.com/pressroom or
contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.

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