Garmin VIRB X & XE Action Cam In-Depth Review
Unboxing:
First up we’ll unbox the VIRB XE, and then I’ll give you a brief gallery of the VIRB X unboxing, since it’s pretty much the same.Inside we’ve got the camera affixed to some molded plastic, so you’ll start by getting rid of the top shell:Then you’ll find a slew of components inside the box. I’ll talk thr...
Size & Weight:
So how do things size up? Well first lets look at weight. The VIRB XE comes in at 154g:Meanwhile, the VIRB X at 153g:Note that I didn’t include mounting hardware, because that’ll vary by the type of mount you place it in. For example, I can use the GoPro Hero4 Silver without a case at 79g:Or, make it waterproof and it comes to 142g (side note: I list all the weights of the GoPro combinations in my GoPro Hero4 Silver/Black in-depth review).If I look at the older Garmin VIRB, it was 176g:Meanwhile, from a size standpoint you’ll notice the unit is smaller than the original VIRB, albeit oriented differently:And if I try and compare it to the GoPro Hero4 series, then you’ll find that it’s obviously much wider without a case:But when you add a case it’s not too much wider actually:In fact, in many ways it’s not much different once you add the case compared to the GoPro Hero4/Silver:So it’ll depend on how you use it a bit. For me, I don’t often use a waterproof case with my GoPro (except near water), rather instead I’ll use a frame case (thinner), or just go hand-held without any case (running, using around a city as a tourist, etc…). Of course, both make it vulnerable to water whereas the VIRB X/XE is waterproofed to begin with.
The Basics:
Before we get into all the details, let’s cover some of the basics on the differences between the VIRB X and the VIRB XE. While they look identical from the exterior (minus the little logo). Of course, it’s inside that matters. Here’s the specific feat...
Sensors & Data:
Likely the most differentiating feature of the VIRB series compared to other action cams is the ability to connect various sensors and display data overlays. Quite frankly, without that functionality there’s no point in buying this camera.The VIRB X/X...
Video Modes:
So let’s dive into the video modes and how that works, along with some sample footage. Note that everything you configure settings-wise you can do from either the camera or the phone app. I’ll just show them from the camera since that’s a bit more vi...
VIRB X/XE Field of View Angles
To demonstrate, below are three photos taken from the exact same point with the three zoom settings. Makes it super-easy to see the differences. And, I just made it an animated GIF, so it simply rotates through the three views.Next we’ve got the Lens Correction settings. It’s a simple yes or no option, which w...
Photo Modes:
The VIRB X/XE has a dedicated photo button for taking photos, making it super-easy to take a shot of something, even while mid-video. To do so, you’d just tap that little camera button in the middle of the video lever:However, you have more than just one photo mode. In fact, you have a bunch of ...
Mobile App:
At roughly the same time that Garmin released the VIRB X/XE, they also revamped the Garmin VIRB mobile app. In doing so they added some key features - notably the ability to download photos and video. Yes, that sounds totally silly that the previous ...
Desktop App:
Without question the shining start of the VIRB ecosystem is the desktop app (both PC & Mac). Seriously - it’s one of the best pieces of software that the company has ever released in the fitness realm. Not only that, but over the years it sees bo...
Control via Garmin Devices:
A few years ago when the first VIRB came out, it was actually a big deal that the cameras could be controlled by your Garmin watch, wearable, or cycling device. Since then we’ve kinda forgot how handy that is - since virtually every Garmin device now sup...
Accessories:
There are a slew of accessories for the Garmin VIRB X/XE, and even more if you include the older original VIRB ones. But that gets a bit more complex.See, the new VIRB X/XE uses the standard GoPro mount adapter system, so that means that for the most ...
What’s Changed From Past:
I originally had this section in my preview post, but I think it’s actually fairly detailed for those who may already have an existing Garmin VIRB/VIRB Elite camera, and want to understand the core differences. So this is my bulleted run-down of the ne...
Comparison Charts:
I’ve added the Garmin VIRB X & XE into the product comparison charts for action cams. These are typically cams that I’ve released in-depth reviews on. So you wouldn’t find a review here for an unreleased cam (i.e. the Nikon 360° cam). Still, this allows you to compare all sorts of different features. Also, you can mix and match your own comparison chart using the full comparison calculator here.Remember again that you can make your own comparison chart using the full tool here.
My Advice:
So, which camera to get? My advice here hasn’t changed much over the past year. I think the VIRB X/XE makes for a fantastic camera for capturing data along with your video. However, it doesn’t make for a fantastic all around action cam. Here’s my breakd...
Summary:
If you’re looking for a camera (and associated software platform) that does data overlay -there’s simply no better option today. There’s no easier way to get data onto your videos than with the VIRB XE and VIRB apps. Period.However, that data does come...
Found this review useful? Or just want a good deal? Here’s how:
Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase - so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lo...
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