Last Updated on January 13, 2019
The G-Shock watches of Casio are not only iconic, but it’s also known for being tough – a design concept very much present with the GZE-1, the first camera in the company’s G’z EYE brand.
With the GZE-1, Casio is offering a “tough” camera equipped with all the features necessary for an outdoor adventure. The camera’s construction is shock-resistant, waterproof, and dustproof – perfect for a range of extreme sports such as BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing.
“Tough” features
The GZE-1 is shock-resistant up to four meters. It is waterproof for up to 50 meters and adheres to the IP6X standard for dust protection. The camera can even perform at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.
Casio clearly took lots of inspiration from their G-Shock line of watches for the GZE-1. Not only that, it also borrows concepts from their Outdoor Recorder series, a line of outdoor detachable digital cameras.
The design of the camera itself makes it look like a G-Shock watch, but one with a lens.
Still and video capabilities
The GZE-1 is equipped with a wide-angle lens providing a 190.8 degree and 170.4 degree field of view for still images and movies, respectively.
Dramatic moments during tricks can be highlighted by slowing them down using the camera’s Dramatic Slow Motion feature. Plus, the feature can be used several times in a single movie clip. The feature is triggered by pressing a button on the camera or using the app. With this feature, users can easily slow down footage without ever needing to edit on a computer – something much desired for the instant sharing generation.
Designed to fit the hand
Buttons are sized and spaced appropriately on the body of the camera for hand operation. There are also bumper protectors throughout the camera’s body that will serve as protection for the lens and buttons from drops and impacts. In addition, the bumps also serve as a guide for the fingers to get to the right buttons.
An accompanying app
This is the age of instant sharing, and Casio has surely provided for this very need with their designated G’z EYE app. Using the app, users can connect the camera to their smartphones to transfer still images and movies.
A large shutter button sits on the smartphone’s screen when the app is in remote capture mode. This particular feature allows users to trigger the camera without even looking at their phone. This way, they can capture all the moments while not taking away from enjoying the activity.
Works with accessories
Users can mount the GZE-1 on a selfie stick or harness. In this state, the camera is operated by a handheld Remote Controller or Controller with LCD. The former can be used for shooting stills and videos, as well as trigger Dramatic Slow Motion. The latter can be used as a monitor and to adjust the camera’s settings.
The GZE-1 can also be connected to the Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20 wrist device, which can be used to check the monitor and trigger the shutter.
Other accessories that can be used with the GZE-1 include a chest mount harness, a carabiner strap with camera stand, and a gimbal for reducing camera shake.
The Casio G’z EYE GZE-1 retails at 46,000 yen in Japan. The company has yet to announce a global release date and price.
