Garmin virb action cam

[HLaB]

If it is anything like other GPS cameras it probably needs to be GPS locked before starting recording.

Its supposed to sync once the GPS locks, a one button activation thing and it's not bad at doing that approximately but its never perfect (usually two or three seconds out). The next time I use it I'll try switching on the GPS first and once its locked, the recorder and see if that gives better results; its not their advertised 'one button' activation if that's the case

 

[andyfraser]

I find there's a lag between the shown speed and actual speed on both my Edge 200 and Touring Plus. It's like the computer is always slightly behind and catching up.

 

[400bhp]

I had the SJ4000 but found the video quality to be very shaky. It was defiantly an original SJ4000 too

I mount my virb underneath my garmin 800 with a race ware mount

Well, first day with the SJ4000 using a K Edge out front mount and the image is very shaky, so much so that it's impossible to see car number plates for example. One of the issues seems to be the mount does not allow enough clearance so that you can place something between the handlebars and the mount.

Will give it a go and see anyway.

 

[andyoxon]

Well, first day with the SJ4000 using a K Edge out front mount and the image is very shaky, so much so that it's impossible to see car number plates for example. One of the issues seems to be the mount does not allow enough clearance so that you can place something between the handlebars and the mount.

Will give it a go and see anyway.

Does the SJ4000 have image stab'n? Prior to getting a Virb, I had a miniF9 cam (off ebay) with no IS, which was OK on a helmet, but when mounted on the handlebars did not cope with the additional transmitted shock/vibration at all well... The Virb does a pretty decent job with IS, on the bars - IS & lens correction is only available on 'ultrazoom' - which is still pretty wide angle... One thing to try on the SJ is using 720p and 60fps (if available & if a real 60fps) - I mostly just use 1080p 25fps (PAL) on Virb, for commuting.

 

[400bhp]

Does the SJ4000 have image stab'n? Prior to getting a Virb, I had a miniF9 cam (off ebay) with no IS, which was OK on a helmet, but when mounted on the handlebars did not cope with the additional transmitted shock/vibration at all well... The Virb does a pretty decent job with IS, on the bars - IS & lens correction is only available on 'ultrazoom' - which is still pretty wide angle... One thing to try on the SJ is using 720p and 60fps (if available & if a real 60fps) - I mostly just use 1080p 25fps (PAL) on Virb, for commuting.

It does have image stabilisation which was turned off yesterday but I've turned on prior to today's commute, albeit the reviews online suggest that this feature doesn't work.

I also managed to get a bit of innertube between the mount and the handlebars (was a real struggle). I also removed the temporary plastic cover that was over the lens on the waterproof case...hadn't noticed that until this morning!.

Will see what the image is like later. I'll experiment with a few things like 720ps. If unsuccesful I'll ditch the cam and get a virb.

 

[andyoxon]

Some road surfaces may be challenging for the Virb's IS system too.

One feature I find handy on the Virb, is that all one has to do to activate record is simply slide the switch forward, even if the unit is powered off - no fiddling with the power button first while on the move.

I would like the ability to set basic video exposure parameters e.g. contrast, either on the unit or in Virb Edit. Apparently this feature is on the X/XE models. Sometimes on overcast days the video can be a little on the dark side, and needs a bit of a boost in contrast etc on playback (e.g. in WMP)...

 

[400bhp]

It does have image stabilisation which was turned off yesterday but I've turned on prior to today's commute, albeit the reviews online suggest that this feature doesn't work.

I also managed to get a bit of innertube between the mount and the handlebars (was a real struggle). I also removed the temporary plastic cover that was over the lens on the waterproof case...hadn't noticed that until this morning!.

Will see what the image is like later. I'll experiment with a few things like 720ps. If unsuccesful I'll ditch the cam and get a virb.

Right - after the above it's much better, but still not as good as could be, but that may be down to certain roads. Next test - 720p

 

[400bhp]

Right - after the above it's much better, but still not as good as could be, but that may be down to certain roads. Next test - 720p

720p test done - rubbish.

I've borrowed a friends Garmin Virb to see if they are any better. Commute done with the Virb today and there's very little difference. The stabilisation was off so I'll turn it on tomorrow.

 

[andyoxon]

720p test done - rubbish.

I've borrowed a friends Garmin Virb to see if they are any better. Commute done with the Virb today and there's very little difference. The stabilisation was off so I'll turn it on tomorrow.

Had a look at some of my recent dull day footage, with IS on etc, results quite road surface dependent. On my dark commute (first time since getting Virb), I notice that car reg numbers are not visible even at 1080p - possibly an exposure thing, as the reg plates being lit, seem to suffer from blown highlights (don't know if other nakes are any better). Doesn't bother me though...

 

[400bhp]

Had a look at some of my recent dull day footage, with IS on etc, results quite road surface dependent. On my dark commute (first time since getting Virb), I notice that car reg numbers are not visible even at 1080p - possibly an exposure thing, as the reg plates being lit, seem to suffer from blown highlights (don't know if other nakes are any better). Doesn't bother me though...

OK, day 2 of Garmin Virb. Verdict - It is no better than the SJ4000. Like you say, the quality depends very much on the road surface and both suffer with this. Perhaps very very slightly, the Virb is better, but not measurably so. The SJ4000 is better in the dark it seems, albeit reg plates are largely unreadable, which I guess is the exposure thing.

I'll leave the SJ4000 on the bike. From a number plate reading point it may not be particularly useful if someone knocks me off and drives off, say, but, it could be useful if there's an accident and it's my word vs theirs.

 

[andyoxon]

If any Virb owners think they may need a spare mount cradle, you may want to see if you can pick one up online asap - getting hard to find at reasonable prices