Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite want to take over GoPro’s crown

Garmin has announced the launch of its first action cameras, called VIRB and VIRB Elite, that will compete against the more popular GoPro Hero series.

Garmin is a manufacturer of popular GPS products, as well as a developer of technologies for aviation and marine applications. After unsuccessfully venturing in the smartphone market with the Nuvifone, the company is trying to make a breakthrough in the digital camera segment with the announcement of the VIRB series of action cameras.

Garmin VIRB has been announced as a competitor for the GoPro Hero series. The action camera features a 16-megapixel sensor, full HD video capturing, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and a microSD card slot of up to 64GB.

Garmin is going after GoPro with the launch of the “game-changing” VIRB and VIRB Elite action cameras

The Garmin VIRB series is aiming really high, but this is understandable since you always have to go for the win. Displacing GoPro from its top spot on the ruggedized action cameras will not be easy. However, the company says it has some aces up its sleeve.

The satellite navigation company says that the action camera market is growing at a very fast pace, therefore there are lots of potential customers out there. Moreover, consumers might not want to let this one slip, as the VIRB comes packed with “game-changing features”.

Garmin VIRB specs include 16-megapixel sensor and up to three hours of full HD video recording

Speaking of the features, the Garmin VIRB specs list has been presented as well. The action camera features a 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor, 1920 x 1080p video recording, 1.4-inch high-resolution color LCD display, burst and time-lapse photography modes.

Both shooters come packed with ANT+ wireless support, allowing users to control their VIRB through other Garmin devices. A rechargeable 2,000mAh battery provides the juice, so that videographers can record up to three hours of full HD videos.

Moreover, users will be able to edit their videos on a PC with the help of an application called VIRB Edit.

Garmin VIRB Elite version is also packing WiFi, GPS, an altimeter, and an accelerometer to add important information to the videos and to control the action camera remotely.

VIRB Elite comes packed with GPS, WiFi, and other goody-goodies

The VIRB Elite is another story. It features built-in WiFi, GPS, accelerometer, and altimeter. All of these should help you move around and not get lost while recording high-quality footage.

WiFi connection is useful for smartphone users. A special Garmin app can be installed on iPhone and Android devices, which can be used for controlling the action shooter from a remote distance.

GoPro’s competitors can withstand 1-meter depths for 30 minutes

Other important features of the Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite are the ability to use the display as a viewfinder for framing the videos. HDMI output is also there, so that users can review their videos on a big TV.

The cameras can also capture photos while capturing films. All multimedia content can be saved on a microSD card of up to 64GB.

Since this is a ruggedized device, it can withstand dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. The VIRB sports an IPX-7 weatherproof rating, which means that it can withstand depths of one meter for no more than half an hour.

Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite availability information

The Garmin VIRB release date has been set for this September. Its price will stand at $299.99. On the other hand, the Elite version will become available at the same time, but for a price of $399.99.