Garmin® Enters the Action Camera Market with Compact, Waterproof, Easy-to-use HD Cameras, VIRB™ and VIRB Elite™

Today we are excited to announce VIRB, the first true HD 1080p action camera series from Garmin.
From action sports to family vacations, VIRB combines a unique feature set that
makes it easier than ever to capture life’s memories. VIRB features a rugged
and waterproof (IPX-7) housing, so there is no extra case necessary to
withstand the elements. The unique 1.4-inch Chroma color display makes setup and
playback a breeze and uses minimal power so VIRB can record up to three hours
of true HD (1080p) video on one charge. On-board video enhancement features
such as digital image stabilization and lens distortion correction ensure that footage
recorded with VIRB will look great, even before editing. VIRB can capture high
quality still photos while the video camera is recording. VIRB Elite incorporates
all these features, plus has built-in WiFi, data sensors and a high-sensitivity
GPS. Both VIRB and VIRB Elite feature ANT+
connectivity for remote control functionality with other Garmin products, and for
data transfer with other fitness sensors.

“Action cameras are growing rapidly in popularity, and VIRB has some
game-changing key features—like a color display, extended battery life,
optional GPS and compatibility with existing Garmin products—that set it apart
from other cameras on the market,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of
worldwide sales. “Our customers already embrace an active lifestyle, whether
they’re hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, trail runners, boaters, or pilots, so
a Garmin action camera is a compelling option to them. With GPS and enhanced
wireless capabilities in VIRB Elite, users can capture not only what they were
doing, but also where they were and how they did it—and then share it with
their friends and family.”

VIRB has a sleek, aerodynamic
design that makes it fun and simple to record HD video- just move the slider
forward to record. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can record up to three
hours of HD (1080p) video with one charge, and can be easily changed on the go.
The WideVü lens captures all the action, and the
high-resolution Chroma display makes it easy to change menu settings, set-up
and playback shots, but has reflective technology so it doesn’t drain the
battery. The 1.4-inch screen uses ambient light (instead of a battery-draining backlight)
to illuminate the screen and make it easy to see in bright sunlight.

VIRB is durable enough to capture even the most extreme activities
right out of the box. With the rugged external housing, VIRB has an IPX-7
waterproof rating (can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for
up to 30 minutes), so it can record activities like skiing and kayaking without
additional protection or fear of damage. An optional dive case is available for
deep-sea adventures, as well as a wide variety of other rugged mounts to secure
VIRB to handlebars, helmets, surfboards and more. VIRB easily snaps into the
mounts, and the teeth linkages tightly secure VIRB in place to prevent drooping
and sagging in high vibration environments. There is even an available industry
standard mounting adapter, making it easy for existing action camera users to
get started with VIRB.

Users don’t have to be professional cinematographers to get great
footage with VIRB. Video enhancement features ensure quality footage, even
before the editing process begins. The digital image stabilization technology
corrects camera shakiness for smoother footage, and the lens distortion
correction feature gives users the option to automatically remove the fish-eye
look that is common with action cameras. In addition to high quality video,
VIRB can take 16 megapixel stills with photo burst and time lapse options. VIRB
can even take stills while recording video. VIRB also has a micro HDMI output
for convenient video playback and a microSD slot that can hold up to 64GB card
(64GB microSD card can hold over seven hours of 1080p video).

VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, as well as high-sensitivity
GPS, accelerometer, altimeter and WiFi. WiFi capabilities allow users to
connect to the free mobile applications for iPhone and Android. VIRB Elite
comes equipped with specific activity profiles so users can track location,
speed, elevation, heart rate (monitor sold separately) and more while recording.
This data can be reviewed right on the device, or can be embedded into their
video during the editing process.

Additionally, in Ski Mode, the VIRB Elite is able to recognize the
difference between going down the mountain and going up the ski lift. In this
setting, VIRB Elite automatically turns on and starts recording when going down
the mountain, and then goes into standby mode once on the ski lift. This mode saves
battery and memory space, and keeps the user from forgetting to record when
going down the mountain. This allows VIRB Elite to record all the action while
users focus on their activity.

VIRB allows many current Garmin customers to take advantage of the
Garmin ecosystem. In addition to the optional accessory remote (available
Q1 2014), the Edge® 810, fēnix, quatix, Oregon® 600 series, and many more can control VIRB
allowing users to start and stop recording and take stills right on the device
through ANT+ wireless communication (for the full list of device compatibility,
visit garmin.com/virb).  Also through
ANT+, users are able to control several connected VIRB devices. Just move the
slider forward to record on the master device, and all the other connected VIRB
devices will record as well. VIRB Elite is compatible with other sensors with
ANT+ connectivity such as the heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and tempe temperature sensor. This data can then be embedded
into the video during the editing process, or viewed on the display of VIRB Elite.

To complement VIRB Elite, Garmin is launching a mobile application for
preview, playback and remote functionality, along with a free desktop software
application to edit and upload VIRB and VIRB Elite videos. With this software,
users can easily edit their footage and embed sensor data in the video, then
share with family and friends or upload to social media sites such as YouTube,
Facebook and Instagram.

VIRB and VIRB Elite will be widely available for purchase in September
2013. VIRB MRP is  $299.99, and VIRB
Elite MRP is $399.99. VIRB is the latest solution from Garmin’s outdoor segment,
which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor
experiences. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, hunting or geocaching, Garmin
outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all
levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and
services, go to https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/outdoor_recreation/c12520-p0.html.

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