EB16: Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 4K action camera gets voice activation, image stabilization

If you have an action camera, it takes a pretty amazing package to convince you of the need for a newer one. After all, most action cams less than two years old are shooting in 1080p or even 4K already, and features have mostly been interchangeable save for form factor or color quality. Garmin might have just given you all the justification you need to pull the trigger on a new cam with the VIRB Ultra 30.

It’s a 4K camera that builds in voice activation, a three-axis image stabilization, one-touch live video streaming, and a full color touch screen to control it all. Heck, it’ll even log and display how awesome you are in numerous ways…

The 1.75″ screen on the back might be small, but its touchscreen functions work even through the waterproof case. It also shows you what it sees so you can avoid recording the top of your tire when you’re trying to aim it down the trail.

It’s slightly larger in most dimensions than the VIRB X/XE cameras, which remain in the line.

Connect the device to their iOS app on your iPhone and you’ll be able to stream live HD video through YouTube.

Or, edit it with their VIRB Edit desktop software and overlay various metrics to prove your skills. Connect power meters, heart rate straps, etc., to record physical performance data, but the camera’s built in GPS and G-Metrix accelerometer/altimeter/compass/gyroscope system measures things like speed, location, hang time, etc.

Connections take place via WiFi, Bluetooth LE and ANT+, so no matter what you’ve got, it should connect. You can even connect headphones or speakers via Bluetooth.

A high sensitivity microphone sits on the front and, they say, works just as well through the case to capture all the auditory excitement…or your commands. Start and stop recording, take a photo or even “remember” a clip for easier recall during editing. The VIRB mobile app also serves as a remote control for the camera should you need to change settings without taking your helmet off or getting off the bike. Lastly, some other Garmin computers and watches can also control the camera’s basic functions.

Separate batteries let you keep the filming going longer by simply swapping in a fresh one. Key specs include:

Physical Dimensions

• Unit size (WxHxD): 2.3” x 1.8” x 1.2” (57.5 x 45.9 x 31.3 mm); 3.1” x 3.0” x 1.6” (79.0 x 75.5 x 39.9 mm), with waterproof case
• Display size: 1.75” (44.5 mm) diagonal
• Unit weight: 3.1 oz (87.9 grams), with battery; 2.3 oz (65.2 grams), without battery
• Waterproof: yes, to 40 meters with included waterproof case
• Memory (requires Class-10/UHS-1 microSD™ card): Up to 128 GB microSD card (not included)
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (1250mAh)
• Battery life: Up to 2 hours 15 minutes at 1080p/30fps; up to 1 hour, 15 minutes at 4K/30fps

Video

• Performance: 4K/30fps; 2.7K/60fps; 1080p/120fps; 720p/240fps and 480p/300fps
• High sensitivity microphone: yes, excellent even in waterproof case
• Image stabilization: 3-axis
• Manual camera control: yes, with live preview
• Maximum bitrate: 60 Mbps
• Expansive view (extremely large field of view): yes
• Video highlights: Automatic and manual
• Automatic video creation: yes, via desktop app

Photo

• Resolution: 12 megapixel, 8 megapixel
• Burst frames: Up to 60fps
• Manual camera control: yes, with live preview
• Night shots: yes

Available now for $499.99 with various mounts included in the box and one battery. Additional batteries are $24.99 each.

Garmin.com