The Garmin Virb 360 delivers strong 360-degree video at 5.7K resolution, but it doesn't come easy or cheap. You're limited to shooting in JPG format-there is no option for Raw image capture. At about 15MP resolution they're crisp, with good detail. Still images are essentially frame grabs from video. The directional audio is a plus when viewing in a headset, as it can give cues as to where to direct your eyes. And while there's no way to hook up an external mic, the internal audio is also solid, and records in four channels. It's just about double the resolution of 4K-about 16MP each frame instead of 8MP-so everything is clearer and crisper, especially objects in the distance.
It records a separate video file for each lens and requires you to stitch the footage using Garmin's desktop software before editing and sharing.Īnd the 5.7K video looks quite good. Garmin calls this Raw capture mode, although video is still compressed. The real reason to put money into the Virb is to shoot at 5.7K. That allows the Virb to double as a traditional action camera, much in the same way that you can with the Samsung Gear 360.īut if you're happy with the rather soft look of 4K spherical video, you needn't spend $800 on a camera.
You can also choose to record with either lens at 1080p with a constrained 16:9 frame, at your choice of 60 or 120fps. By default the camera is set up to stitch footage in real-time, but your resolution is limited to 4K at 30fps. You've got several options when it comes to capturing footage with the Virb. Both the mobile and desktop apps support the feature. It's optional, but if you want to see a live speedometer on top of your video it is an option. It has an integrated GPS and motion sensors and can overlay various bits of data onto your video.
The Virb records a lot of extra data beside video. You'll need to stitch video using the Windows software to take advantage of the Virb's top resolution setting.
Garmin promised to update it "soon," but there have been no updates since October. The Mac software can ingest and stitch 5.7K footage, but can only output at 4K quality. At this point, the GoPro Fusion ($199.00 at Amazon) is the only 360 camera we've seen with stitching support for larger than 4K footage via a mobile app the Fusion records at a slightly more modest 5.2K.ĭesktop software is available for macOS and Windows, but they aren't equally functional. You can't transfer the 5.7K footage-this needs to be stitched using desktop software. The app shows a live feed from the lenses, and allows you to transfer 4K video over to your phone. It lets you snap images, start and stop video capture, record time-lapse footage, or broadcast live to Facebook or YouTube.
The Garmin Virb app, available for Android and iOS, shows a live preview from the Virb's lenses. That's similar to the GoPro Fusion, also waterproof without a case, but the Fusion is limited to use in 16 feet of water. It's rated for use in water as deep as 33 feet. The YI 360, which costs half as much as the Virb, also records at 5.7K, but shut down due to excessive heat after about a half hour of recording, and managed about 45 minutes in total after being given time to cool down. Thankfully we were able to record all of our 5.7K video without overheating, although Garmin does warn that heat can be an issue when recording at the highest resolution.
We netted 37 minutes of 5.7K footage and 67 minutes of 4K footage on a full charge.
You can set a self-timer in the menu, up to 60 seconds in length, so you don't necessarily have to use your phone to control the camera and stay out of a shot.īattery life varies based on video quality. They double as menu navigation controls, and the OK button also takes a picture. There are three buttons on top, under the monochrome LCD: Power, OK, and Wi-Fi. The micro HDMI port and microSD slot are also in this compartment. That's not a huge deal as the battery is charged in-camera, and the micro USB port to provide power is located on the short side, opposite the Record switch. Each clips onto the bottom, blocking access to the battery compartment. Instead it ships with two accessory clips, one with a standard tripod socket and another with a GoPro accessory mount. The camera doesn't have any sort of mounting hardware incorporated into the body. Best Malware Removal and Protection Software.