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Garmin launches VIRB 360 waterproof 5.7K action camera

New 360-degree video camera shoots in 5.7K resolution and is completely waterproof

When a regular action camera isn’t enough, you need a 360-degree video camera. Garmin has today launched the new VIRB 360, a waterproof spherical camera that shoots 360-degree video at 5.7K resolution and can provide 15-megapixel still photographs. 

As well as capturing 360-degree video, the new VIRB packs four microphones so it can record 360-degree audio as well. The VIRB 360 provides smooth video recordings with an automatic stabiliser and automatic in-camera stitching.

garmin virb 3601.jpg

It can also take high-resolution photos in single capture, burst shooting or time lapse, and automatically stitch the photos together in the camera so there’s no post-processing to worry about.

There’s a small display on the top of the camera for monitoring the settings and remaining battery level. 

As with the original video cameras from Garmin, the new VIRB 360 packs GPS technology allowing data overlays to be added to the video, so you can see just how fast or how much power you were producing at any given point during the video recording. It can measure speed, altitude, distance travelled and pair with compatible sensors using ANT+, Bluetooth or NFC.

The battery lasts up to an hour while recording and it’s waterproof to a depth of 10 metres. It uses a microSD card up to 128GB for video storage. 

garmin virb 3602.jpg

The camera will come with a free smartphone app and desktop software for editing the footage. The price even includes a tripod. 

“The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “VIRB 360 owners will no longer need to worry about trying to capture the perfect angle or setting up the perfect shot. The camera’s easy-to-use feature set will make even the most inexperienced users look like experts.”

Available in June, the new VIRB 360 will cost £649.99, we don’t have a UK price yet. More details at https://virb.garmin.com/en-GB 

Here are the full specifications:

  •         Resolution up to 5.7K/30fps unstitched and 4K/30fps with in-camera stitching2
  •         4 built-in microphones capture 360-degree audio
  •         4K spherical stabilisation3 ensures a smooth video regardless of camera movement
  •         Built-in sensors provide G-Metrix™ data overlays in 360-degree augmented reality4
  •         Easy-to-use, free VIRB® Mobile app and VIRB® Edit desktop software let you edit, stabilise, share and add data overlays to videos
  •         Constantly record for more than 1 hour on 1 charge

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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7 comments

Avatar
taberesc | 6 years ago
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I wouldnt buy another Virb. Have the XE and reliability is terrible. The first one was beset with errors, freezes, dying prematurely. It eventually died completely and Garmin relaced it with a brand new one. The same problems persist.  I just dont think Garmin have the excellence or quality control of say Apple or other (as their prices suggest) high-end electronic manufacturers and I have used their watches and bike computers too. Once a decent rival to the Edge series come out I would have no loyalty to them. 

Avatar
rix | 6 years ago
0 likes

If it recorded for longer, was smaller, weigt less... etc. It could be used as helmet DVR recording trafic around you.

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Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
0 likes

360 video is pointless unless you own a VR headset of some sort, then you suddenly get it.

Avatar
scouser_andy replied to Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
0 likes

Yorkshire wallet wrote:

360 video is pointless unless you own a VR headset of some sort, then you suddenly get it.

 

Some social media like Facebook accept 360° footage and you can scroll around at any point . (https://www.facebook.com/help/828417127257368)

Whilst the battery life isn't great, I don't think this is designed for your commute. It's much better when planted to the top of your helment racing up a col as part of a sportive or similar - somewhere where its interesting to take a look at what's happening around you.

 

With that in mind - I can see the point, although the pricepoint looks a little steep.

 

Avatar
StraelGuy | 6 years ago
2 likes

Anyhow, it's made by Garmin so it will probably stop recording at random, turn itself off occasionally for no reason anyone can fathom and probably even manage to film in square format black and white film when you were sure you'd set it 5.7k mode...

 

...and when you complain to Garmin they'll just tell you to reset it to the factory default settings and then not want to know .

Avatar
Sevenfold | 6 years ago
3 likes

What's the point of a camera that only records for an hour? That would not cover my commute...

Avatar
Deeferdonk replied to Sevenfold | 6 years ago
1 like

Sevenfold wrote:

What's the point of a camera that only records for an hour? That would not cover my commute...

Well it's perfect for someone who wants footage of something that lasts less than an hour.

Maybe it's not all about you  1

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