Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a do-it-all 4K action cam to keep GoPro worried

Kitchen sink is the only feature not included
VIRB ULTRA 30, LIFESTYLE, PHOTOSHOOT PAGANELLA, EMEA
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Garmin has given its VIRB XE action camera a nice little shake-up, announcing the new VIRB Ultra 30 4K cam that packs new features into a GoPro Hero4-size device.

On paper, the Ultra 30 offers just about everything you could ask for in a modern action camera: GPS, 3-axis optical stabilisation, livestreaming abilities, editing software, and a waterproof case. You'll also find an accelerometer, gyroscope and barometer built in.

The cam is capable of grabbing 4K UHD video at 30fps, but can shoot slow-mo at 720p/240fps if you'd prefer. The image stabilisation will suck more battery from the Ultra 3, but you'll get silky smooth footage as a result - although likely within reason.

Additionally, the cam can take 12MP still photos if you're not taking it out to break a sweat.

Garmin's even chucked in some voice controls: you'll be able to say "Ok Garmin, start recording" or "Ok Garmin, remember that" - and it should obey your commands.

Essential reading: The best action cameras for extreme sports and more

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a do-it-all 4K action cam to keep GoPro worried

Then comes the livestreaming. Garmin says you'll be able to stream to YouTube, but if you want it on Facebook you'll still have to upload it after the fact.

In addition, the app will let you control the Ultra 3 with your smartphone, via Wi-Fi - or data if you're livestreaming.

As for the waterproof case we mentioned, Garmin says you'll be able to use the touchscreen regardless of whether the camera is inside said case or not.

Finally, Garmin's VIRB Edit desktop software lets you auto-create videos using auto-picked highlights - similar to what we've rivals like TomTom do with their action camera software.

All that said, it's not cheap. The Ultra 30 is available now with an RRP of .

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a do-it-all 4K action cam to keep GoPro worried



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Hugh Langley

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Now at Business Insider, Hugh originally joined Wareable from TechRadar where he’d been writing news, features, reviews and just about everything else you can think of for three years.

Hugh is now a correspondent at Business Insider.

Prior to Wareable, Hugh freelanced while studying, writing about bad indie bands and slightly better movies. He found his way into tech journalism at the beginning of the wearables boom, when everyone was talking about Google Glass and the Oculus Rift was merely a Kickstarter campaign - and has been fascinated ever since.

He’s particularly interested in VR and any fitness tech that will help him (eventually) get back into shape. Hugh has also written for T3, Wired, Total Film, Little White Lies and China Daily.


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