Garmin have introduced a new rugged 360-degree camera with features that put it ahead of most other 360 cameras on the market, at least on paper.
Featuring a resolution of up to 5.7K, the waterproof Virb 360 camera is also capable of delivering smooth and steady 30fps video with 4K Spherical Stabilisation technology in-camera, as well as 15-megapixel 360 photos.
“The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Garmin’s vice president of global consumer sales Dan Bartel.
“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,” Bartel said.
Instead of including just one microphone almost as an afterthought, Garmin have packed in four microphones to the Virb 360 that enable it to capture 360-degree audio. Built-in GPS and other sensors also enable the creation of 360-degree augmented reality ‘G-Metrix’ overlays to 360 videos.
Garmin said the Virb 360 has a one-hour battery life while recording, and also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+ and NFC connectivity.
With better technical features than its competitors, the Virb 360 also comes with a higher price tag. It will retail for RRP $1,099 in Australia from June, significantly higher than Nikon’s $699 KeyMission 360 4K and 360fly’s $549 4K camera.
