PRODUCT TEST: Garmin Virb Elite HD Action Camera

WHAT IT IS:
Garmin combines a 1080p HD video camera with GPS and WiFi into the Garmin VIRB Elite, and it also has an altimeter and accelerometer. What’s cool about the VIRB is that it’s a GPS unit that also records high-definition video! With its highly sensitive GPS and specialty modes, it can be set to record only when the unit is moving or going downhill (ski mode), and it has one-button recording. With its 16 MP CMOS sensor, the VIRB Elite has stillphoto capture (16 MP, 12 MP or 8 MP) and records video in 1080p @ 30 fps, 960p @ 48 fps, and 720p @ 30 fps/60 fps and super-slow motion 848x480p @ 120 fps to a micro-SDHC card (up to 64GB). It also has ANT+ wireless connectivity and external sensors for using compatible Garmin devices like the Tactix tactical sports/GPS watch ($449.99), Oregon or Edge, so you can control the VIRB remotely, and a 1.4- inch Chroma display is good for setting up your shots, selecting slow motion or playback in the field.

WHAT YOU GET:
The VIRB Elite action camera comes with a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery that lasts up to three hours recording in 1080p @ 30 fps; a cradle, short and elbow links; flat- and curved-surface mounts; removable flange base; adapter to popular industry (GoPro) mounts; threaded collar; three knobs; USB 2.0 cable, and quick-start user manual. The aerodynamic shell is 1.26 inches tall by 2.09 inches wide by 4.37 inches long, and it and the mount weigh 8.31 ounces. It’s water rated for IPX7 (withstands 3-feet submersion up to 30 minutes).

FEATURES:
An F2.3 aperture lens has four settings for Field of View (FOV) for 1080p HD video—wide/150 degrees, zoom 1/110 degrees, zoom 2/100 degrees, and ultra zoom/90 degrees. This is great for high-definition recording, and it also has an instant-on capability when you slide the rubberized record switch forward. The Elite has Lens Distortion Correction (LDC) and video stabilization, plus it has photo burst (3–10 seconds) and time-lapse modes (0.5–60 seconds). The 1.4-inch Chroma display is very handy, and the Elite records audio with its internal microphone or an optional mic via USB to 3.5mm stereo adapter. It connects to your device via WiFi (802.11 B/G/N), and GPS stamps video footage with speed and altitude (if so set). There is also a port for mini-HDMI out (cord optional), and ANT+ connects it to other Garmin devices, but it is not compatible with Bluetooth. Garmin also offers an optional VIRB remote control for $49.99, and a clear dive case that’s good down to 150 feet for $39.99.
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SETUP:

Setup can be performed on the Elite via the 1.4-inch Chroma display or VIRB Edit software via your computer. VIRB Edit allows you to overlay GPS data to indicate speed, elevation and G-forces in sync with your video, which could come in handy for suspension tuning and the like, and you can even record your heart rate with video. You can also add music and edit videos for easy posting on YouTube, Google+, Facebook and Vimeo. VIRB Edit can be downloaded free to your PC (Windows 7 or newer) or Mac (OS X Lion 10.7 or newer).

PERFORMANCE:
The VIRB Elite is claimed to capture still photos while recording video, but our unit locked up every time we tried that, requiring battery removal to reset. Recording video is super simple, but the video quality isn’t as crisp as other action cams we’ve tested. It has a cool-blue tint and bright sunlight/ white sand washes out the video, but cloudy conditions deliver better color saturation. Also, despite the video stabilization feature, there is some video distortion when hitting bumps, and this is amplified by the multi-link mounting system that flexes with the weight of the camera. The four-position zoom is cool, though, and so is the adapter that converts the VIRB cradle to all fit GoPro mounts. The camera even has a level indicator in setup for aligning shots, and you can view videos on the 1.4- inch LCD screen. With 2x and 4x fastforward, playback is quicker, and you can delete files to make room for more card space in playback mode. The LCD screen and setup menu is really handy for changing settings on the fly.

CONCLUSION:
Other than the glitch with recording still photos, we’re stoked with the Garmin VIRB Elite action camera. It has shape and features much like the Drift Ghost S, but the addition of GPS and data-gathering features makes it a multi-tasking machine. We especially like the easy setup with the 1.4-inch LCD screen, and the four-position zoom with 90–150-degree FOV. The included link that adapts the VIRB cradle to GoPro mounts is also very handy to those who owned earlier Hero GoPros, and one-slide (instant on) recording is very handy. Or, link the VIRB to your other Garmin devices for remote control of the camera, but you have to turn both on and get into the setting to link them. Once set up, use the remote to start and stop recording. Or, use the VIRB as a hand-held GPS to get altitude readings for jetting your quad or to navigate back to that awesome trail or ride spot!

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