GearJunkie: Entry into the action camera market is a major departure for Garmin. Explain.
Estrada: Our customers already lead a really active lifestyle, and we’ve incorporated cameras into our outdoor [GPS] handhelds for a while now. The action camera market is really growing, so it made sense for us to expand here.
What are some advantages over GoPro and similar cameras?
It has the same video quality as GoPro or any other action camera out there (1080p). But the Garmin is durable, rugged, and waterproof [with no case]. The display uses very little battery, but it makes it easy to change modes, take stills, setup and playback shots, and more.
Who is the main market?
Anyone from a skier, rock climber or mountain biker who would usually buy an action camera. But then we are also appealing to “less extreme” lifestyles as well, because of the battery life and ease of use. A family wanting to capture their vacation, or parents recording videos of their kids’ soccer games or birthday parties.
How is it in the hand, in use, compared to other cameras?
VIRB is really easy to use. No fumbling around with buttons, starting every video with “is it on?”… all you have to do is move the slider forward to record, and use the display to change modes. The menu format is the same as our watches, so it’s very intuitive and easy to use.
The remote capabilities with other Garmin products also makes for a really cool advantage for current Garmin customers to control VIRB with their units, to capture the activities that they already do and enjoy.
—Garmin launched a microsite on the VIRB cameras this week.
