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Completely redesigned, GPS-enabled Garmin Virb X, XE action cameras juice up your video

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Garmin VIRB GPS action camera in dirt

As a well-established brand in the world of GPS devices, Garmin has brought their experience into the POV market with some clever cameras that collect GPS data while recording videos. Their new VIRB X and XE models contain several sensors to collect common measurements, and allow wireless connectivity to other devices for additional data inputs.

Garmin’s VIRB X and XE cameras come in a rugged waterproof casing, and offer some cool features like slow-motion video, still photo capability and customizable performance indicator gauges overlaid on the video image.

Click past the break for more info, specs and demo video…

Garmin VIRB GPS action camera video display

The VIRB cameras come with a number of common features, but can be customized for specific pursuits. For example, cyclists can pair up heart rate monitors and cycling computers to track relevant data like speed, distance, heart rate and cadence.

Garmin’s VIRB X and XE cameras share most of the same features and functions. The company’s G-metrix system uses the GPS network to track various data like speed, distance, and elevation, which can be overlaid into your video. The mobile or desktop software included with the camera allows you to add preset gauges, graphs or course shapes onto your video image. If Garmin’s preset gauges don’t work for you, you can design and add your own icons with the free gauge building tool. The included VIRB Edit software allows you to edit your footage and G-Metrix gauges, add music and switch between footage from multiple cameras.

The camera can be wirelessly monitored and controlled by smartphones or other Garmin devices, including additional VIRB cameras for multi-shots. Footage from multiple cameras is automatically synched using GPS timestamp data, so you don’t have to struggle to line things up during the editing process. The VIRB also hosts a time-lapse function with adjustable intervals of up to 120 seconds between still shots. The extended time-lapse mode shuts the camera down between pictures to retain your battery life for as long as possible.

Garmin VIRB GPS action camera, rear shot Garmin VIRB GPS action camera, front shot

The VIRB X and XE’s rectangular bodies measure 3” by 1.6” by 1.4”, and feature a 1″ display for setting up menu options and reviewing footage. The body is waterproof to 50m, and the outer lens is a flat, hydrophobic glass pane that sheds water droplets. The cameras include a built-in microphone, and can host an external mic via a cable input or Bluetooth audio. For easy operation Garmin has employed a one-touch recording button that will automatically ‘wake up’ the camera when pressed, even if it’s switched off. The VIRB X or XE weighs 5.35oz/152g.

Garmin has a variety of mount options including curved, flat deck, dash, handlebar, seat post, helmet and chest mounts, plus multi-use straps if all else fails. The mounts can be tightened with an allen key for security and vibration resistance, and a universal adapter allows compatibility with other aftermarket and industry standard mounts.

Common Specs for VIRB X and XE:

Connectivity
• Bluetooth: Yes (4.0)
• ANT+® compatible: Yes (remote and sensors)
• Interface: USB 2.0
• HDMI output: No
• Wi-Fi streaming: Yes (802.11 bgn)
Miscellaneous
• GPS: Yes
• Temperature range: From -20° to 45°C (from -4° to 113°F) (operating); from 0° to 45°C (from 32° to 113°F) (charging); from -40° to 85°C (from -40° to 185°F) (storage)
• Memory: microSD™ card (up to 128 GB); card not included
• Accelerometer: Yes
• Altimeter: No
• Waterproof to 50 meters without a dive case
• Image stabilization: Yes (Gyro-enhanced on XE model)
• Lens distortion correction: Yes
Battery
• Battery type: Rechargeable 980mAh Li-polymer
• Battery capacity: 980 mAh
• Battery life: 1080p (30fps), up to 2 hours

Garmin VIRB GPS action camera, front right Garmin VIRB GPS action camera, front left

VIRB X: The X model films video in 1080p but offers fewer frame rate options then the XE. Its slow-mo tops out at 120fps, and it shoots up to 10fps in photo burst mode. The X model does not offer the Pro Mode video controls, and has lesser image stabilization capabilities versus the XE. Retail is $299.99.

Video:
• Image sensor: 12.4 MP, 1/2.3″ CMOS
• File Type: .mp4
• 1080p HD video: 30, 25 fps
• 960p HD video: 30, 25 fps
• 720p HD video: 60, 50, 30, 25 fps
• 480p (slow motion): 120 fps
• Still photo resolution: 12 MP and 7 MP
• Photo burst: 12MP at 10 fps
• Photo time lapse: custom up to 120 second intervals

In the Box:
• VIRB X action camera
• Rechargeable battery pack
• Charging/data cable
• Flat and curved adhesive mounts
• Standard mount adapter
• Long screw
• Wrench
• Manual

VIRB XE: The higher-end XE model adds more frame rate and resolution options including 240fps slow-motion. It also provides better image stabilization, shoots still photos at up to 30fps, and hosts a Pro Mode that opens up additional video features like white balance and exposure biasing. Garmin also tosses in a few extra mount adapters with the XE. The VIRB XE sells for $399.99

Video:
• Image sensor: 12.4 MP, 1/2.3″ CMOS
• File Type: .mp4
• 1080p HD video: 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24 fps
• 960p HD video: 100, 60, 50 fps
• 720p HD video: 120, 100, 60, 50, 30, 25 fps
• 480p (slow motion): 240 fps
• Still photo resolution: 12 MP and 7 MP
• Photo burst: 12MP at 30 fps
• Photo time lapse: custom up to 120 second intervals

In The Box:
• VIRB XE action camera
• Rechargeable battery pack
• Charging/data cable
• Flat and curved adhesive mounts
• Standard and vertical mount adapters
• Short and long extension arms
• Short and long screws
• Wrench
• Manual

Other than capturing 4K, anyone else thinking this ticks all the right boxes?

garmin.com

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BEERTECH
BEERTECH
8 years ago

Meh. Less battery life, not as high resolution spec as a GoPro, and no longer cyclist friendly shape. Seems more like a regression than a progression. Good news is the older ones are getting even cheaper.

maz-o
maz-o
8 years ago

I’m gonna stick to a Garmin GPS computer + GoPro Camera (when needed). I don’t really see a point in combining the two.

gringo
gringo
8 years ago

I still think it’s funny how many weekend warriors are lured into the purchase of a POV camera.

Mediocre riding and even worse editing skills does not make me think you got your 400 USD worth!

Adam2
Adam2
8 years ago

Looks like a cool product and I like integrating several devices into one. Cleans things up a bit on the bar.

Robo
Robo
8 years ago

I am under no delusion that anyone wants to see me crappily riding local trails or getting popped off the back of a local 4/5 crit race. All I really want one of these for is recording my commutes and road rides “just in case” and I’ve got video evidence. The ability to synch the footage up with my garmin data, could also help determine whether I was riding safely or not.

Is that worth $3-400 though? Well, there’s not one on my bike yet….

MM
MM
8 years ago

Haters gonna hate. This looks cool. Every camera should have the optionality of these features.

elvis
elvis
8 years ago

I really like my virb and am glad they went to the go-pro style mount which ultimately allows for some additional level of retention security (I have a lanyard on mine as the cradle has released once – may have been my fault, may not..???) not to mention additional mounting options.

SomeDude
SomeDude
8 years ago

I almost missed the image stabilization part. Is this the first camera do to it? I may have to try this one. Hopefully their image quality improved

tooFATtoRIDE
tooFATtoRIDE
8 years ago

Surely there must be a long list of accessories needed for all of those overlays to function.
Kickass product nevertheless….!

Jeb
Jeb
8 years ago

Does anybody even watch amateur video? If you are not good enough that somebody is paying you to have a video camera on you/your bike I certainly don’t want to waste 3 minutes of my life watching you suck.

Desertpinstripe
Desertpinstripe
8 years ago

Amateurs are often awesome. I have watched some mind blowing videos of tours in Argentia and Siberia. I’m often amazed at the craftsmanship and artistry of amateur videos. Jeb, you’re missing out on some great naratives and spectacular adventures if the only folks you tune into are the ones who are trying to sell you something.

phella
phella
8 years ago

Quit it with the “big brick to the wind” designs that GoPro has established. Sony still has the best form factor, IMO.

filipc
filipc
8 years ago

I think there is no manual online yet.
Does it have image direction and tilt in the exif ?

pkeiper
pkeiper
8 years ago

I have been waiting for 3 months to get my hands on to the Garmin VIRB XE. Love the camera and what it does. I use it to do a training run, then load the video on Kinomap and on rainy days I use the training ride on my Wahoo Kickr which simulates the same gradients and makes me work as if I am on the road. What I have found disappointing is that it takes forever to get the accessories, good news is that you just but the GoPro ones and use theirs. Also the battery life is a con. Am trying different resolutions to see if the 2 hour stated 1080p at 30fps happens at lower resolution. So far I have only managed to get an hour out of the battery, well short of the promised 2 hours and disappointing. I have a spare battery on order, but again… come on Garmin, get your act together and make accessories available. Certainly here in Australia it is very painful to get any accessories and nothing available in the shops, can only order online.

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