Garmin’s action camera might not be as well known as GoPro Hero, but every generation of the Virb series has innovated and impressed. Garmin was one of the first to include GPS and motion sensors, and way before the GoPro Hero5 launched with voice activation, the Ultra 30 was already out there. The Ultra 30 is a powerhouse of an action camera that’s not just good, it really challenges the formidable Hero5 for the top spot.
For Garmin Virb Ultra 30
- Solid quality design
- Voice activation
- GPS and Motion sensors
Against Garmin Virb Ultra 30
- Expensive
- Some touch gestures are tricky
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 features
- 4K @ 30fps
- GPS
- Touch Screen
- Voice activation
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 info box
- Type: Action Camera
- £389 / $419
- www.garmin.com
Garmin joined the action camera market in 2013 with the Virb and was the first GPS manufacturer in the field. At the time the camera was a real GoPro competitor with features and quality that really did rival everything else on the market.
The first generation camera was styled along the bullet cam design and was exceptionally easy to use. The next generation of Virb X cameras adopted the more common box design and saw a complete reworking with resolution and features all making a leap forward.
The Ultra 30 has once again been remodeled, where the X lost the waterproof casing the Ultra 30 brings it back. There’s also a host of features that bettered any other camera on the market at the time of launch, even GoPro.
Garmin’s expertise comes in the GPS field and the Ultra 30 pulls on the previous two generations of Virb to produce one of the most connected and well-rounded action cameras out there.
When it comes to features, the list is extensive and unlike many cameras, expandability is at the heart of the Virb. That’s not to say that it’s ready to fit lenses and become a full-blown video rig, it’s more part of a larger fitness and lifestyle ecosystem that will appeal to many.
Whereas GoPro has aimed their latest products; the Karma Drone and Grip at the young outdoors youth, Garmin’s camera is aimed directly at everyone involved in activities, from your weekend family ride to full-scale expeditions the Garmin and its supporting tech is ready to record the adventure.
The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 is small, measuring 57.5 x 45.9 x 31.3 mm without the case and 79.0 x 75.5 x 39.9 mm with, and weighs 87.9g, slightly lighter than the GoPro which weighs 118g.
Resolution and frame rate offerings are pretty standard for the latest batch of cameras, with 4K video at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, and a range of other options ending with 480 at 300fps for ultra-small slow-motion footage.
Stills are provided at either 12 or 8 million pixels which can be captured in burst mode at up to 60fps.
That reintroduced housing is pretty funky and waterproof to 40 meters, nicknamed the mudcatcher case during the test due to its textured design, which also catches mud.
Power is supplied by a 1250 mAh battery that provides a good 2 hours of recording time at 1080p and just over an hour when recording at 4K.
As with many high-end cameras, the Ultra 30 features a series of advanced features that enable you to take full control over the video shooting settings by using the touch screen, app, or voice control.
Build quality, design, and usability of the Garmin Virb Ultra 30 are exceptional. It is the first of the Virb series to feature a waterproof housing, a departure from the integrated water protection of past designs. This approach protects the camera effectively, although it makes it prone to catching mud, which can be seen as a badge of true action usage.
The case is cleverly designed with a textured surface to reduce wind noise and a rubber insert that aligns perfectly with the camera, enhancing audio quality while maintaining waterproofing. The case’s front lens is flat, essential for easily wiping away mud and debris.
The camera’s level lock is secure and precise, with power and WiFi buttons on top, alongside a shutter button designed for easy operation between stills and video recording. The shutter button’s switch mechanism quickly initiates video recording, providing clear feedback on the recording status.
Notably, the Virb Ultra 30 features a touch screen that operates both outside and inside the case, a unique feature among action cameras. Voice activation for control is also implemented well, allowing for hands-free operation and automatic marking of significant events through motion sensors.
The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 stands out as a premium action camera, distinguished by its thoughtful design and robust build quality.
Starting out with the Garmin Virb Ultra 30, the first notable aspect is its compatibility with the majority of generic GoPro mounts, making it easy to attach to various equipment, including bikes and sports gear. The design ensures a secure fit without excessive adjustment, enhancing its convenience for active use.
The touch screen’s functionality through the waterproof housing is a significant advantage, allowing for easy interaction with the camera’s settings without the need to remove it from the case. This feature, although less responsive than when the camera is out of the case, eliminates the hassle of handling the camera and its housing separately.
Operating the camera is straightforward, with a toggle switch for starting and stopping video recording, which is particularly user-friendly, even when wearing gloves. The clear indication of recording status, alongside dedicated power and WiFi buttons, adds to the ease of use and practicality.
The shutter button’s design, reminiscent of traditional cameras, makes the Virb Ultra 30 easy to use as a still camera when not mounted, enhancing its versatility.
The touch screen is highly responsive outside of the housing, though it is mostly used within the case in typical scenarios, especially in wet and muddy conditions. The surprise functionality of the touch screen through the housing proved to be a beneficial feature, facilitating operation in various environments.
Voice activation in the Ultra 30 is efficient, enabling control over recording, marking footage, taking stills, and accessing a range of commands. The associated app extends the camera’s functionality, allowing control, footage review, and access to GPS and motion data. This integration, especially with other ANT devices, offers additional value for enthusiasts in activities like riding and fitness.
Performance
The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 offers a variety of resolution and frame rate options, generally performing well across different settings. At 1080p 30fps, the footage is smooth with detailed imagery and minimal break-up. Increasing the frame rate to 60fps shows a slight shift in motion quality, particularly noticeable in action-packed scenes like biking.
At 100fps (in PAL), the image quality remains good, though some frame break-up is visible. While the camera advertises a maximum frame rate of 120fps at 1080p, this is available only in Slow-mo mode, where the footage is decent and on par with competitors like the GoPro Hero5 Black, albeit with a slight loss in detail and contrast.
Some chromatic aberration and softness at the frame edges are observable, typical of action cameras in this category. Overall, the video quality of the Garmin Ultra 30 is impressive, competing well with the GoPro Hero5 Black, with only minor pixelation in low-light conditions.
Verdict
I am highly impressed with the Garmin Ultra 30, considering it an outstanding action camera despite its flaws, such as being a mud magnet due to its case design. The positives, however, overwhelmingly surpass the negatives. The case’s design, while attractive, is not the most practical for cleaning, but this is a minor issue compared to the camera’s overall performance.
The ability to use the touchscreen through the housing, coupled with an easy-to-use interface and app, enhances the user experience significantly. Voice activation for recording is a standout feature, proving to be efficient and convenient.
The camera’s GPS and motion sensors are reliable and add valuable data overlays to videos. Video quality is exceptional, with the higher bit rate justifying the increased storage requirement due to the improved quality.
Although the Garmin Ultra 30 is priced higher than the GoPro Hero5 Black in many markets, its premium features and performance justify the cost. Choosing between the Garmin Ultra 30 and a GoPro depends on individual preferences and needs. The Ultra 30 integrates well with Garmin’s fitness product ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, while the GoPro offers additional accessories like drones and grips.
Ultimately, both cameras offer excellent features, including GPS and high-quality video recording, with the final choice depending on personal lifestyle and preferences.