Action Camera | Evolving Consumer

Pyle it On

Pyle Audio has shown that it knows a thing or two about rugged outdoor audio gear and now the company has introduced its eXpo Hi-Speed HD Action Camera, which it calls the perfect companion for action sports enthusiasts looking to re-live every hairpin turn or monster jump, while sharing their hi-resolution photos and videos with family and friends.

This 20megapixel camera/camcorder features CMOS image sensor technology, while it can record 1080p video, and can shoot at 60, 50, 30 or 25 frames-per-second. It also features a 4X zoom and invertible screen display, are controlled via a 2.0” LCD touch screen, and it can be controlled via Wi-Fi remotely from a smartphone. Continue reading Pyle it On

GoPro Goes Double

GoPro has doubled down so to speak with the introduction of the new GoPro Dual HERO system, which can capture synchronized footage that can be converted to 3D. This set up will also allow users to capture simultaneous photo and video footage. It is compatible with two HERO3+ cameras (sold separately) and the system will retail for $199.

Continue reading GoPro Goes Double

Contour is Back

It has been quite the wild ride for Contour – maker of action sports cameras. The company was on a roll, and then suddenly called it quits. Earlier this month the company announced that it had completed a financial overhaul, reorganized and improved its distribution.

It made the move from Seattle to Provo, Utah and the company said its financial outlook is solid with key retailers.

“The aim is clear—we want to create a world class company to support this world class product,” said Danny Lysenko, CEO of CONTOUR. “While recovering CONTOUR’s position in the market, we’ll continue the long tradition of being at the forefront of innovation and bringing to market beautifully simple, yet ultimately professional cameras.”

Contour Official Website
[Via Transworld Business: CONTOUR Returns to POV Camera Market With New Ownership]

Panasonic Gets Wearable

The wearable market is hot and Panasonic is on board with the first 4K/30p Wearable Camera, the HX-A500 (A500). It features Wi-Fi and NFC to allow for quick connectivity to a mobile device.

The main unit of this camera is separate from the lens so it can be mounted at face level to provide hands-free shooting, while the main body offers a 1.50inch LCD monitor for previewing or reviewing recordings. This camera can record up to 30 minutes of video in 4K, and while not the most rugged device on the market it offers an IPX8 waterproof rating, and can survive in up to three meters (about 10 feet) of water. It is also rated IPX5 for dust.

The A500 also offers a 1080p option at 60fps, 720p at 120fps and 480p at 240fps crawl – the latter options allowing for true “slo-mo” recording. Continue reading Panasonic Gets Wearable

Taking AIMe

An action camera is great for providing a first person view of the action and it can even be used with various accessories to put the user in the action – creating a third person perspective as well. But if you want to track the action you likely need a cameraman to step in.

The alternative might be the AIMe from JigaBot, which works much like a robotic tripod. The company unveiled this product last month at CES and also took it on the road to the Outdoor Retailer Show. This device is designed to work with most action cameras and even camera phones and it features steel ball bearings inside that let the unit turn and even tilt to 240 degrees to capture a range of action. An internal sensor works with an infrared-equipped remote beacon to track the subject. No cameraman required. Video after the jump

Shimano Gets in on the Action

This month Shimano announced that it was entering the action camera market. The CM-1000 Sport Camera (MSRP: $299) will be available in May and is the first product from the company’s Lifestyle Gear Division, which targets both the fishing and cycling markets, and will be able to be integrated with existing Shimano electronics.

This HD camera can record video and stills, and features an F2.0 lens that will be good for low-light conditions, and offers dual, standard angle 135 degree and super wide 180 degree modes, while also providing a 90 degree increment auto-image rotation. That feature will allow users to flip the camera and still maintain a horizontal image plane.

The CM-1000 weighs in at 86 grams and will be waterproof to 10 meters without an external case. It offers ANT+ wireless connectivity as well as Wi-Fi and works with its own Android and iOS apps.

Shimano Official Website

CES: Clip it On

Bracketon has introduced its new GoPro-friendly camera mounts at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas. These include the Vented Helmet Strap, which can attach to almost every helmet on the market. The strap’s ball joints allows for a complete 360-degree rotation, so riders can capture the experience from any direction.

For those who take adventure in their hearts, the Xventure Chest Harness secures a GoPro camera safely to the torso to capture any excursions. This system features two durable side clips on either side for easy mounting and removal, along with an adjustable shoulder and side strap, making this harness a one-size-fits-most accessory.

The new Xventure Xlip Mount is also compatible with any GoPro camera and it allows any action camera to be clipped on, while the 360-degree rotation and adjustable neck allows users to take photos from almost any degree. The smooth, rubberized clamp makes it easy to attach to almost any stable surface.

Bracketron Official Website

CES: Nothing but Air

This week at CES iON America is showing off its iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi wearable action HD Point of View (POV) camera. This third generation device is full waterproof to 49 feet without extra housing and can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second.

The Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi can run for 2.5 hours on a single battery charge and offers a 160-degree angle lens that can be tightened to 140 or 150-degrees via an iOS or Android app.

“We designed the Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi to be best in class. It builds upon the great features of the earlier Air Pro models, with better image quality in a wider variety of conditions, plus a new, ultra-tough body that will withstand the most demanding environments,” said Giovanni Tomaselli, CEO, iON America. “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made, in just a little over a year, in a competitive market. The Air Pro 3 will take us one step further in inspiring the Shoot/Share revolution.” Video and features after the jump

CES: 360 Degree View

Last year the GEONAUTE 360 action camera made its debut at CES, and it was the first to provide a 360 degree view of the action. Since that time we didn’t hear much about it, but it has gone from proof of concept to actual product.

It features three wide-angle lenses that are each equipped with an 8megapixel sensor and together can capture a unique 360 degree spherical image. This can create 2K videos or even 4K photos, and truly immerse the viewer into the action.

GEONAUTE 360 Official Website

Contour Coming Back?

Contour, the maker of the rugged wearable cameras, suddenly shut down last summer, but now the company could be making a return. The company posted via its Facebook page:

“Happy holidays to all and thank you for continuing to support Contour. It has been a difficult time, as you may have read, but we are getting closer to having the website and customer support up and running. Stay tuned for new announcements. In the meantime, we see lots of demand for storyteller, you can find it here. Thanks to Joe Agustino.”

Happy Holidays indeed for those who love Contour.

[Via BikeRumor: COMPANIES IN LIMBO – CONTOUR COMING BACK?]

Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

Next week at the Interbike trade show we won’t just be seeing bicycles – in recent years more and more consumer electronics makers have been on the show floor with products such as action cameras. Last year Sony and JVC were both there, and we won’t be surprised if Toshiba makes an appearance.

The Japanese CE manufacturer unveiled its new Camileo X-Sports actioncam, which is unique in that it comes with a helmet. The Camileo X-Sports was debuted in Europe this week, not at Eurobike but rather at the IFA 2013 trade show. This means that Toshiba is still aiming at the electronics crowd first.

The device, which does look like a GoPro, offers something GoPro doesn’t – namely a built-in two-inch screen. This camera can shoot at 1080p Full HD at 60fps, and offers an ultra-wide lens. It can also shoot 12megapixel still images. Continue reading Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

OTG Brinno

We recently heard that Contour has shuttered its doors and that could leave an opening for other rugged camera makers that look to take on GoPro. The Brinno might be just the one to take on the ‘pro. It features a wide 180 degree angle lens as well as an aspherical lens, and sensors that can adapt to low light situations.

It offers a 1.44 LCD preview screen, while the On-the-Go Brinno Reader Accessory makes for quick uploading and playback to any smartphone.

Brinno Official Website

The Iron Age is Here

While GoPro continues to dominate the rugged camera market the makers of the IronX HD camera could give it a run for the money. This camera can stream live video to mobile devices, and it features app functionality for both iOS and Android. The camera features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and 2GB of built-in Flash memory. It can be controlled via a smartphone or from a 2.4 GHz RF wrist remote.

IronX Official Website