Garmin VIRB Elite – Better than Gopro ?

Garmin VIRB Elite Review and Put to the Test

Looking for a camera that you can use to capture action-packed adventures? You should invest in the new Garmin VIRB Elite. This is Garmin’s first attempt to break into the action camera market, and is designed for owners of outdoor and sports-orientated products. Whether you’re skiing, sky diving or cycling on a tightrope, the Elite can record every daredevil moment.

What makes the VIRB Elite different?

To begin with, the camera is waterproof, making it a versatile tool when recording stunts under different outdoor conditions. No need to worry about getting it wet when filming while kayaking.

Speaking of which, the Elite records true HD at 1080p video. This produces a clip in full, high-contrast and undistorted detail. You also have an option to adjust the resolution and filming speed to capture slow motion up to 120fps. All videos are seen through the WideVu lens and processed at 16 megapixel CMOS.

Other features include:

ANT+ and External Sensors
The ANT+ technology allows you to connect the VIRB wirelessly to compatible Garmin devices, such as Oregon, Edge and fēnix, and use them as a remote control. It also works with Garmin’s external sensors, such as the tempe (wireless temperature sensor), and other sensors, including a premium heart rate monitor and speed bike sensor.

Digital Stabilisation
If you activate the digital stabilization feature, you can have a bumpy ride that won’t show on video. The clip would remain smoother, regardless of the conditions of the road or the type of adventures you engage in. Add to this the Lens Distortion Correction (LDC) and the quality of your video is enhanced even before you edit it.

1.4” Chroma Display
This is a built-in, full color Chroma display that lets you watch a preview of the scene you want to record, as well as watch the playback. This also serves as your window to the menu settings, which means you can check your shot and make adjustments before you press record. This is also where you can switch between video and still photography. Don’t worry though if the display is always on, because it uses minimal power.

GPS and Wi-Fi
Don’t want to miss a moment of your downhill runs? The VIRB Elite has a high-sensitivity GPS that is capable of data stamping at its simplest, and GPS-based smart recording at its best.

With the Wi-Fi technology available, you also have the option to stop and start a recording or take pictures through your smart phone or other compatible Garmin device.

High Definition Photography
Aside from a true HD video recorder, the VIRB Elite is also a high-powered digital camera. It boasts of a 16 megapixel photo capture LDC that produces sharp and crisp pictures. You can choose from various photography modes, such as single shot, Photo Burst and Time Lapse.

Additionally, the VIRB Elite has a long battery life, sleek and easy to use.

With all these amazing features, there are sure to be some disadvantages. Thankfully, it only has a couple of flaws. For one, it doesn’t have live internet streaming, which means you can only share it online after the video has been recorded. For another, it doesn’t have a zoom feature, so distant objects will remain distant.

All things considered, however, the VIRB Elite has a lot to offer for adventurous people who don’t want to miss any death-defying stunts.

VIRB Elite Test Footage

Virb Elite Vs GoPRO Hero 3 Black