Everyone knows that Garmin is the king of collecting and displaying your essential ride data. Now the navigation giant is taking a shot at recording YOU while you create it with the new Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite Action Cameras. These cameras both have the ability to shoot 1080p video at 30fps in addition to capturing 16MP stills during video recording. The high mega-pixel count for the stills is very impressive but we’ve seen similar video specs from competitors. So what new features set the VIRB apart from the rest of the pack and make it worth your hard earned cash you ask? Here’s a few for you. 
- Longer battery life – 3 consecutive hours on one 2,000mAh cell battery
- Integrated 1.4″ LCD Screen – Allows for menu navigation and footage viewing and doesn’t kill the battery
- Digital Image Stabilization – No one likes bumpy video so the VIRB takes care of that for you.
- Rugged Yet Sleek Body – Less bulk to carry around, durable to withstand intense activity and waterproof (IPX7)
- Easy to Use – large, instant record slider switch makes for pain free operation that isn’t hampered by the use of gloves and the ergonomic shape is easier to use on and off the bike
And my favorite feature? It’s made by Garmin. For those of us that already use and love Garmin products, connectivity and compatibility with our favorite gadgets is a god send. The new Garmin VIRB cameras are ANT+ compatible so you can use some of your favorite GPS computers, like the Edge, to control your VIRB remotely. The VIRB Elite takes it one step further, allowing you to display the data from your Garmin speed/cadence bike sensor or heart rate monitor in your videos. Now you can’t lie when your buddies ask if that last descent got your heart racing.Garmin has created a unique product that holds it own when it comes to performance and truly edges out the pack with additional features and ease of use.
Check out the chart below for a comparison with the GoPro Hero3.
| Garmin VIRB and VIrb elite | GoPro Hero 3 Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution / Frame Rates | ||
| 1080p | 30 fps | 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24 fps |
| 960p | 48 fps | 100, 48 fps |
| 720p | 30, 60 fps | 120, 100, 60 , 50 fps |
| WVGA (slow motion) | 120 fps | 240 fps |
| Other | 4K @ 12, 12.5, 15 fps / 2.7K @ 30, 25, 24 fps / 1440p @ 48, 30, 25, 24 fps | |
| Still Photos | 16 MP | 12 MP |
| Time Lapse Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Codec | MP4 | MP4 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (Digital) | No |
| Input / Output | Micro HDMI / USB / External Mic | HDMI / USB / External Mic |
| Remote Control | ANT+ compatible for remote control by Garmin devices (Both) / Wi-Fi and ANT+ Sensor compatibility (Virb Elite) | Wi-Fi with Smart Phone app and remote control unit |
| GPS | Yes (Virb Elite) | No |
| Weather / Waterproofing | Water resistant: IPX7 (1 m/30 min) without case / Optional Dive case can increase depth to 50M | 197′ / 60M waterproof housing included |
| Storage | MicroSD; Up to 64GB capacity supported | MicroSD; Up to 64GB capacity supported |
| Battery Life | 2000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion; 1080p (30 fps); up to 3 hrs | 1050mAh rechargeable lithium-ion; 1080p (30 fps); up to 1.5 hrs |
