Garmin Virb 360 test

The future of Action Cams is moving towards 360, even if this technology is still in its infancy. If it is true that to make a great photo or videos unusual shots are required, this Garmin allows us to have what we want.

Let's start immediately from the package where we find, in addition to the camera, two hooks that make it compatible with the classic GoPro and screw accessories. Very nice the small tripod in the package, really a gem given the quality and stability of the object in question, also useful for holding the cam. Something is missing for the transport as the Virb has the 2 lenses well protruding. Fortunately, in the worst case scenario, the two glass lenses are unscrewable and replaceable.

FEATURES

The Virb 360 allows videos in 4K (even if we will later explain that it is not a real 4k in certain situations) at 30fps with automatic stitching (ie the fact of giving us the shot ready to be processed without sphere effects), but it can go up to 5.7 K / 30fps without stitching (which will then be done by the Garmin Virb App), in particular up to 120 Mbps of bitrate in 5.7K RAW format. The latter format, however, requires a computer of the Madonna to be processed at acceptable speeds. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT + and NFC connections, and is compatible with Apple and Android devices. Thanks to Wi-Fi, we could use our smartphone, or even some Garmin wrist models, as a remote control for filming and, through the VIRB Mobile application, transmit high-resolution videos via smartphone in real time on Facebook or YouTube. Thanks to the integrated GPS and the presence of an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope and compass, we can add G-Metrix data in postproduction, i.e. information, graphs and data fields that show, for example, distance, speed, altitude, but there are many other fields available. VIRB 360 has four built-in microphones for better audio handling. In fact, it is possible to exclude the two front microphones and use only the rear ones in order to reduce the annoying wind noise, ideal for a sport like ours (MTB right?). From the photography department, there is the possibility of capturing 360-degree photos, sequential shots, time-lapse photos up to 15 megapixels. The VIRB supports microSD up to 128GB.

MOUNTING

The Virb is an action camera equipped with a very intuitive program that allows us to make a quick editing of our videos (even if the most geeks will have plugins or components to read / process 360 ° videos on other professional software). I, who often fiddle with graphics and video programs, have not had any kind of problem using this program but those who are not very technological and accustomed, could find problems. The program naturally uses keys on a timeline to decide shots / key points, and those who are not accustomed to this language at the beginning could be blown away. But I would say that it is only a matter of time, you have to master 2-3 concepts and then it goes smoothly. Once the 4K video has been imported, we can choose between 2 video processing modes: 360 ° or HyperFrame. In the 360 ​​° option we will not have much work: in fact the movie is kept in its entirety and we can add data such as speed, altitude etc superimposed, make transitions and things of this type. Once exported (the only option 4K in 25fps) be careful though: the 360 ​​° is not processed by normal video players which in fact will show us a flat image, it will take special programs to allow us to see the video and in the meantime move the frame to our pleasure. Once uploaded to YouTube or other platforms, by dragging with the mouse or finger (on the smartphone) we can follow the video with a shot chosen by us in "live". It must be said, however, that I noticed a drastic drop in quality in this format when it is loaded on platforms such as youtube / vimeo: in fact these latter platforms tend to compress videos a lot and in the case of 4k in 360 °, which contains a lot of information , gets a little cut off. The other option is the HyperFrame, which practically allows us to save a classic movie in full HD (or 720p / 460p at 25/50/75 / 100fps). To do this, we must be in the editing phase (via Garmin Virb) to choose the optimal shot, which of course can be changed during the video giving life to very innovative shooting techniques (see video
in the digital edition). Zoom can also be
edited resulting in wide angles, close-ups and
even to a "planet" effect.

A 360 ° image seen from a classic video player

One of the many effects possible with the 360 ​​° (planet effect)

FIELD TEST

The premises are all there for Garmin to be one of the most interesting 360 °. The limit of 360 °, on the more accessible models such as the Virb, is that 4k refers to the sum of the 2 optics (2 FullHD lenses) so it is not a real 4K when I see the image on the screen. To go to a real 4K you need to focus on 8K 360s, but here the prices exceed € 3000. Therefore, the pure image quality is inferior to other flagship action cameras of various brands (or Garmin itself) and we must be aware of the potential, and the flaws, of the 360 ​​°: in fact, currently, the 360 ​​° is still in its infancy and to some, the video quality could turn up their noses given the price of this action cam, but if used in a certain way, the canons of judgment change. The Virb360 should be used to make creative shots, original shooting plans and effects that we will never be able to do with any other action camera. Garmin's editing program is excellent, intuitive (a few hours of "apprenticeship" will be enough for non-experts) and allows you to make your first 360 ° Full-HD video editing in a very short time, and then maybe be processed more professionally with other software. Good stabilization. The conjunction between the edges of the frame of the 2 lenses are not perfect as a proportion / union but it is the current defect of all 360 ° and is easily overcome by not dwelling too much on that point during the editing phase. The weight of 200gr (finished with hooks) is felt and the camera should not be positioned too far in front otherwise it is a little noticeable. But on the other hand it is the price to pay for having two optics.

PROJECTED IMPACT

The Garmin Virb 360 is one of the best, if not the best, 360 on the market at an affordable price. But you must be aware of the potential, and the defects, of the current 360 °: if you need an action cam just to make movies of your descents, you will not be able to justify the price of this object. If, on the other hand, you will use it to give a touch of creativity to your videos with original shots, unusual shooting plans and not have the hassle of deciding what to frame, the Virb 360 is for you.