Garmin VIRB Elite Action Camera
White
- High-sensitivity GPS, accelerometer and altimeter capture key data, including location, speed and altitude
- With the on-board GPS and use-specific profiles such as ski mode, you can automatically start and stop recording with triggers such as minimum/maximum speed or altitude
- Has Wi-Fi and ANT+ connectivity to use the Garmin VIRB Elite with your iPhone or Android via free mobile apps
- High-quality glass lens accommodates wide, medium and narrow shooting modes; high-resolution, color LCD display offers preview, playback and easy control of camera settings
- 16MP sensor processes four HD video modes (1080p at 30fps, 960p at 30/48fps, 720p at 30/60fps and 848x480 at 120fps) and still images (16MP at 4:3, 12MP at 16:9 and 8MP at 4:3
- Achieve clear, true-to-life imagery with HDR (High Dynamic Range), ANR (Advanced Noise Reduction) and LDC (Lens Distortion Correction) capabilities
- Easily record photo bursts (16 per second at 6fps, 12 per second at 10fps and 8 per second at 15fps) and time lapses (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds)
- ANT+ wireless enables remote control and data transfer with other compatible Garmin products; edit and share your footage with free Garmin BaseCamp software
- Enjoy an easy slider switch for instant recording and on/off power, an internal stereo mic, external USB jack, composite A/V adapter and microHDMI output for video playback
- Removable, rechargeable 2000mAh lithium?ion battery offers up to 3.5 hrs. at 1080p; microSD card socket accepts cards up to 64GB for memory storage (cards sold separately)
- Compact, unobtrusive and rugged design stands up to the bumps and drops that come with outdoor fun; it's also waterproof down to 1m for up to 30 min.
- The Garmin VIRB Elite action camera comes with a cradle, short and right-angle attachment links, flat- and curved-surface mounts, mount adapter and USB cable
| Best use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 16 |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| High definition | Yes |
| Lens focal length | 55 centimeters |
| Zoom range | X2 / x4 |
| Vertical resolution | 1080p / 960p / 720p / WVGA |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| Still mode | Yes |
| Movie mode | Yes |
| Frames per second | 30 fps. / 48 fps. / 60 fps./ 120 fps. |
| Self timer | Yes |
| Instant review | Yes |
| Interface | USB / micro-HDMI / composite A/V adapter / 3.5mm stereo mic adapter / ANT+(remote & sensors) / WiFi |
| Remote control | Yes |
| OS compatibility | Mac, Windows |
| Power source | Rechargeable lithium ion |
| Memory storage type | MicroSD card |
| Included memory | None |
| LCD screen size | 1.4 inches |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 2 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight (without batteries) | 4.79 ounces |
(8 total reviews)
What do you think of this product?
Share your thoughts with the REI community.
-
Sep 17, 2015Wouldn't work out the box
-
Aug 28, 2014Needs workI wish that this camera was engineered better. I loved the picture quality, the form factor, the ease of use and the features the the Virb offers. The mic needs alot of work though- sound su...
Read More I wish that this camera was engineered better. I loved the picture quality, the form factor, the ease of use and the features the the Virb offers. The mic needs alot of work though- sound sucks. However, when I go through two brand new units in less than two weeks, there is a big problem with the engineering. I initially bought the Virb basic. I never even got to use it on a ride. It froze and was rendered useless. Garmin support could not bring it back and told me to return it. Back to REI I went. I decided that since I was exchanging it, I may as well upgrade to the Elite. This time I got three rides out of it before catastophic failure set in. A totally different problem. I charged tha battery completely, but the unit would not recognize the charge and gave me a red battery symbol with an X through it. Brand new- charged three times, and I can't get it to stay on for 10 seconds. I am really bummed, because if this camera was built better, it would be a home run. I have to say, Garmin really failed on this one. I have owned two other Garmin products and both are fantastic. Not so on the Virb. I returned to REI and Exchanged it for a Sony AS30V action cam. So far it has been great. One thing I want to mention; REI was terrific about the returns. I will always do business with a company who values their customers like they do. Kudos to REI! -
Aug 11, 2014Fun to Cache withI bought this product to get videos of my geocaching adventures to watch at home later and relive the experience. It is simply a hoot to watch yourself walk right by a cache and not find it ...
Read More I bought this product to get videos of my geocaching adventures to watch at home later and relive the experience. It is simply a hoot to watch yourself walk right by a cache and not find it when it is plainly in view on the video. I did buy a chest harness, head harness and a car mount. There is only one cradle so I had to buy two more...one for the car and one for the Harley so I had one left over for the harnesses. I have not really learned the editing process in the VIRB program yet but I will when I have some time to apply myself. I like the program but it will take some time for me to figure it out. You also want to make sure that you upload the clip into the VIRB editing program first so that the GPX file goes with the video...otherwise it's a PITA to get the GPX coordinated with the video. I'm using an iMac with a i7 processor and it really shows off the 1080p of this product. I like the ease of use of the menus and the ability to level the device while videoing. I also enjoy the sound quality of the videos. I do wish the background light was a bit brighter and it would be nice if we could upload waypoints into the device and use it as a regular GPS. That would be really interesting. Good video camera with a LOT of possibilities but buy a 64 Gig mini SD as I settled for a 16 Gig (I was in a hurry and the store didn't have a 64 Gig) and will have to go and get a 64 myself as 16 fills up in a couple of hours. So far, I'm really enjoying this camera -
May 8, 2014Virb Elite is awesomeI bought the Virb Elite at an insanely good price that I'm sure REI didn't intend to sell it at. Computer glitch in my favor. Prior to this, I was debating between the GoPro Hero 3 and the ...
Read More I bought the Virb Elite at an insanely good price that I'm sure REI didn't intend to sell it at. Computer glitch in my favor. Prior to this, I was debating between the GoPro Hero 3 and the Virb basic. I considered the Virb because it was Garmin made, aerodynamic looking (for when i'm at high speeds and it's attached to my helmet so it won't yank my head like the non-aero go pro), and it comes with an adapter for all go pro mounts. I was hesitant because of all the software issues people have been having. I received this 5/5/2014, and updated it immediately to the latest version. No problems whatsoever so far. I like the "Record While Moving" feature because the Elite has GPS built in. I can use it as a drive cam or motorcycle cam without worrying about stopping and starting while moving. Neat feature not available anywhere else. However.... if you have another GPS device like a Garmin Edge or Forerunner or something, you can take the .gpx file and link it with the video file to use the same location data. So the Elite may not be necessary if you have those already. The "Record While Moving" feature is unique to the Elite, though. Features! - The energy saving viewfinder which uses daylight for illumination. It is bright and very crisp when you're outside. It's not dull like other screens. At some points, I thought it was back lit, but I covered the screen with my hand to find again and again that it isn't. So rest assured that it's very legible under light. - "Lens Correction" so your images don't need to look "Fish eyed". - Replaceable lens protector just in case you scratch it. - Huge sliding switch for video recording so you're confident it's on or off. - Button for taking photographs. - Time Lapse Video setting which allows you to make stop motion movies very easily. - "Record When Moving" mode which creates separate video files each time you start moving. - "Loop" feature that records up to 30 minute increments and saves the last file when you stop recording. Perfect for use as a drive or motorcycle cam. - The mounting system which feels much more confident when locked down, and the adapter for use with various hardware already out there. - The mount also easily detaches compared to the GoPro where the same feature is only found on the buckle style attach points. Very convenient. - The iPhone/Android Apps for control and viewfinder and ANT+ Remote control and sensor reader. The battery uses the exact same battery as the Garmin Montana. My Montana 600 powered mount is hardwired into my motorcycle, so I can switch batteries on the Elite for a full Montana battery easily, and allow the Elite's battery to charge. The Virb is IPX7 waterproof to a small depth, so it's practically rain/weather resistant without the dive case. So there's no lens to fog up when changing batteries like on the GoPro. The lanyard attachment point is on the Virb itself rather than on the case with the GoPro. The battery is also lasts longer than the GoPro. I highly recommend this camera, as I haven't experience the software issues. Garmin is coming out with frequent software updates, so they're really trying to make the Virb succeed. Overall, I recommend the Virb, but I can only really recommend the Elite if you WANT GPS data, "Record While Moving," and you don't already have another Garmin GPS device that makes .gpx files. If you do, then snag the Virb basic model. Last note: I found the compass to be absolutely worthless. I made several videos and I watched the compass just spin around endlessly. Perhaps it's just my unit, but it doesn't seem to sit still even with my Virb flat on a wooden table. The elevation data is off by several feet. I was at the beach here in San Diego and it said my elevation was -89ft. Sure... I wish it had elevation correction like the Garmin Edge 500 does. So it appears that only the GPS information is reliable. The accel/decel is okay, but it sometimes moves and is delayed from the video from at a standstill to acceleration. -
May 2, 2014LOCKS UP ALL THE TIMEThis would be an awesome camera if it didn't lock up all the time. Search for and watch YouTube for videos regarding lockups and problems before you buy this camera.
-
Dec 31, 2013Awesome Action CameraI was wary of this camera only because I didn't know Garmin had entered into the action camera market. After playing with it for a few days, I am sold. It is easy to use, more compact than...
Read More I was wary of this camera only because I didn't know Garmin had entered into the action camera market. After playing with it for a few days, I am sold. It is easy to use, more compact than the GoPro, pairs with all my Garmin accessories and is able to be configured and driven by an iPhone app (Virb Elite only). The editing software is basic, but usable and allows you to add your Garmin stats as overlays to your video. All in all, this was a great gift and every bit as good or better than the GoPro. -
Dec 17, 2013It could be good...I never write reviews, but because there is none that can help you I am writing this. First, you HAVE to have windows 7 or newer to get this camera working with your computer. Something I di...
Read More I never write reviews, but because there is none that can help you I am writing this. First, you HAVE to have windows 7 or newer to get this camera working with your computer. Something I didn't know, I did a lot of reserch before giving this a try, and anywhere I read that. So if you have windows vista, it won't work. Now the biggest disappointment is that when you buy it, you read in the box that garmin has an app for this, it is not true, they WILL have one, no one knows when, they dont tell you. How can they do that and get away with it? don't know. So this camera was useless to me for those 2 reasons, I can't comment about performance, only that it is pretty big, I was going to use the shoulder harness and believe me, when I tryied it, I felt like a pirat with that in my shoulder, a little wierd. People will definetly know you have a camera on you. I am glad I got it in REI, I returned it with no problems. -
Nov 6, 2013So far so good....So this is a just an initial review. I'll update as I use it more. I've used it once communting to work and back. The ride into work was at night and raining. The camera had no issues with t...
Read More So this is a just an initial review. I'll update as I use it more. I've used it once communting to work and back. The ride into work was at night and raining. The camera had no issues with the rain and the video was good in low light conditions. The form of the virb is perfect to put on the stem of a bike, much better then a boxy go pro. The GPS worked great. I have not hooked up any monitors to it yet. I have a HR monitor on its way. I have not used it long enough to actually drain the battery but if it's true to it's advertisement it should be long enough for most of my rides. I ride throught the winter so we shall see how the battery stands up to the cold. So far it's a pretty cool device. I was about to get a garmin 810 but decided this would fit the bill. I've had enough run ins with drivers on the phone texting/calling, riding our backs, and cutting us off and being reckless that I feel the need to have video as insurance. It's a new device so it has some bugs to work out. The most irritating thing was that on their advertisement and website they tout how you can link it to a smartphone. Yeah not so much. I emailed them about it today and they said it would be a few weeks before the app was available. Lame!!! Why bother saying all that stuff and not having it avaiable. I tried to connect it to garmin connect but the virb elite is not in the list of devices. On the plus side, since you can access the gpx file manually you can upload it to garmin connect or strava. On the minus side, when I connected it to the virb edit it only imported one of two videos and i couldn't get the second video on there. It also failed to capture gps for the ride into work but captured gps for the ride home. The virb has also frozen on me 3 times when I connected it to the computer requireing the battery to be removed inorder to shut it off. You're also supossed to be able to capture gps data without recording. I'm not sure how to do this since I couldn't find it in the full manual which is only available online. I also couldn't overlay the gps data over the video since it didn't captur it but I'm looking forward to using that to analyze my rides. More updates to come as I learn how to use it and get more rides in.
Warning:
A block of warning text that breaks onto a new line and may extend beyond one line.
Read More Would not fully cahrge or sync with the Garmin software despite a September 11 firmware update. Right out of the box defective. Should have known when it was the last one on the shelf marked down to $99, but a GPS and cam in one was too good to not try. Just don't.