Are you in the need for a new action camera or action camera parts?
If so, you shouldn’t miss this article.
Here I will tell you more about some of the best Garmin action camera models available on the market. You will be able to learn more about the technical specifications of each Garmin camera so you can see if there are any features you are looking for in action cameras. Compare the Garmin sport camera models with each other and decide which one suits you the best.
Garmin Brand Information
Garmin Brand Beginnings
Garmin is a brand that was introduced to the market in 1989 when it was founded in the United States of America. The first product Garmin put out for sale was a panel-mounted GPS receiver specifically made for the marine market. Since then, Garmin branched out in the wider production of different types of products.
Wide Offer Of Manufactured Products
Today Garmin is a multinational technology company that still specializes in GPS technology for different activities ranging from sports, marine, outdoor activities, and even aviation. Today some of their most selling products include the Garmin action cameras and Virb Garmin watches and activity trackers.
Socially Responsible Company
An amazing point goes to Garmin for being a responsible and empowering brand. They are trying to make as many of their products as they can to be environmentally conscious by using reusable and safe materials.
Customer Support And Warranties
Garmin has very responsive customer support as well as a fairly large FAQ and tutorial corner on the official website where you can find a lot of helpful information. As far as warranties go, most Garmin products including Garmin camera models come with a one-year limited warranty.
Where To Get Garmin Products?
Garmin has an official website where you can get their products. Still, I would recommend online retailers like Amazon where oftentimes you can get even better deals. It is much easier to find Garmin action camera models and compare them to each other.
Best 5 Garmin Action Camera Models
Action Camera Garmin Virb 360
Garmin Virb 360 Full Experience
This Garmin Virb 360 camera, just like its name says, is made to give you a full 360 experience. It can record at the full circle, 360 degrees horizontally and vertically, so there is no shot this camera can’t take. It is also equipped with 4 built-in microphones for a 360-degree audio experience as well.
Garmin 360 GPS And G-Metrix
Garmin Virb 360 software is enriched with built-in sensors including GLONASS, GPS, barometer, accelerometer into a customizable G-Metrix data overlay. This means you can almost make your videos and pictures into augmented reality ones by adding different templates to them.
Garmin Virb 360 Live Stream
Garmin Virb 360 is a well-equipped camera. There is also an app that turns your phone into a Garmin Virb remote control through which you can control the camera and see the full 360 previews. Through this app, you are also able to directly live stream to most of your favorite social media sites.
Great Garmin Virb Photo Quality
Even though this is a really small camera model, the camera and video quality are impressive. It can take pictures up to 15 megapixels and 4k videos with 5.7K/30fps resolution. The pictures are even better thanks to the Garmin Virb 360 stabilization system that ensures smooth captures even if the camera is moving.
Garmin Waterproof Camera
Garmin 360 Virb camera is such a versatile model, made for any adventure. It is one of the best Garmin waterproof camera models and it can be underwater up to 10 meters. It can also be used as a Garmin head or helmet camera, used when cycling, biking, running and more.
- 3 modes of 4K spherical stabilization
- Full 360 degrees
- Built-in sensors including GPS
- 4 integrated microphones
Action Camera Garmin Virb Ultra 30
Mini Garmin Action Camera
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 action camera is a mini sports camera model that is the best for on the go occasions. Without any accessories and additional parts, Garmin Virb Ultra 30 measures only 2.4 x 1.2 x 1.6 inches and weighs 3.2 ounces.
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 GPS
Like most other good quality Garmin action camera models, this one is also equipped with GPS and other sensors. You will enjoy this feature to capture your performance and track your speed, heart rate, distance, temperature, and other data overlays.
LCD Touchscreen
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 action camera has an LCD color touch screen. The 1.75-inch display is used to adjust the camera settings and also to preview your recordings and angles. A great thing about this screen is that it works just as fine even when the Garmin camera is placed inside the underwater case.
Garmin Virb WiFi And Bluetooth Connectivity
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 4k action camera has ANT +, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options. You can use all of them for multiple different things but you need to download the Garmin app and connect your Smartphone to the camera. Then you will be able to directly post any of your adventures, use your phone as a remote control, live stream, etc.
Voice Control
Voice control is one of the best features of Garmin Virb camera Ultra 30. This feature lets you use the camera hands-free and control everything just by voice commands. For example, voice control can come in very handy if you attach the camera to your helmet while you are cycling and want to start or stop recording something.
- 3-axis image stabilizer
- Pocket-sized action and sports camera
- LCD touch screen
- Comes with a waterproof case
- Voice commands for hands-free usage
Other Versions Of Garmin Virb Ultra 30 Action Camera
Garmin Virb XE Action Camera
Garmin Virb XE action camera is a slightly older version of the Garmin Virb Ultra 30 model reviewed above. They have very similar features. The main differences are in the GPS sensitivity, which is lower with the Garmin Virb XE model. It also has a 2-Axis stabilizer and has an up to 1080p/60fps performance which is both slightly less quality than with Ultra 30. Other features like the GPS, WiFI, compass, remote control stayed the same.
Garmin Virb X Gmetrix
Garmin Virb X Gmetrix action camera is an even older version of the Garmin Virb Ultra 30 camera. It is cheaper but it has less quality performance. It takes up to 10fps burst frames while the Garmin Virb Ultra 30 4k goes up to 60fps. Garmin Virb X Gmetrix still does have the GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope features to track performance and stabilize the images.
Garmin Virb Elite HD Action Camera
Garmin Virb Elite HD action camera is another version in this Garmin Virb camera series. It has a slightly different design than the previous models. In all other aspects, it resembles all of the models mentioned previously. It takes HD video quality shots like the Garmin Virb Ultra 30 camera and it is also rugged and waterproof. It has the gyroscope based image stabilization and takes high quality 12 MP pictures at up to 30 frames per second.
Garmin Action Camera Replacement Parts And Accessories
One of the first things to do when you get your new Garmin action camera is to check the user manual and what parts were you supposed to get with it. Sometimes you will need to purchase separate parts like the Garmin Virb 360 memory card up to 128 GB. Most of the Garmin camera parts and accessories can be bought from their official website or even from Amazon.
Garmin Virb Edit Manual And Instructions
Garmin action camera models aren’t the easiest ones to understand if it is your first time using a sports camera like these. However, you will easily understand everything just by looking through the user guide and instructions. With some models, you will get the Garmin Virb Edit software manual so you can learn how to connect the camera to your Smartphone, edit photos, live stream and more.
Conclusion: What Is The Best Garmin Action Camera?
Germin Virb 360 action camera is one of the best models for the most adventurous ones that want to capture everything without any constrains. It has one of the best video and camera qualities especially thanks to the image stabilizer, 4 microphones and more. Garmin Virb Ultra 30 is another great model with fantastic features, Bluetooth compatible, GPS and sensors equipped and has ultra HD 4k video quality.
To keep reading about adventure cameras, read another article I wrote about best action sports camera models. If you enjoyed the first model I reviewed, you can check out also best 360 action camera reviews to see more similar cameras. For cameras with great resolution, I recommend you read the HD 1080p action camera article.