

It has more shooting resolution and frame-rate options than the XE-including 4K-and the operating menu has been revised to make it simpler and more reliable. The Ultra represents a substantial improvement over the XE, in our view. It requires a GoPro-style case and, conveniently, it mates up to standard GoPro mounting hardware. The GoPro Hero 5 is waterproof without the case and the VIRB Ultra is smaller, but not waterproof. Heretofore, Garmin’s cameras were slightly larger than the GoPro, but waterproof without need for the GoPro-style case. The new Ultra represents an interesting confluence with GoPro. Although it’s not specifically a camera company, Garmin has been more aggressive in new model introduction than GoPro has, which explains why GoPro’s sales have all but tanked.


The $399 VIRB Ultra 30 ($499 with an aviation bundle) is Garmin’s fifth camera, with the VIRB, Elite and XE/X models preceding it.

Garmin and GoPro’s newest models have voice controls for various commands and while this is a nice touch, it’s of dubious value for aviation use.
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4K resolution is also a plus, but not a must unless you have a monitor or TV to view it at full resolution or you need pixel density for cropping. Remote controls are a nice plus, but all of these cameras work well with smartphone apps. What we want in an action cam is versatile mounting options, good image quality with plenty of shooting options, accessories such as ND filters and mics and, above all, an easy- and quick-to-use operating logic. It can also double as a sports cam and given such features as slow motion and time-lapse photography, these cameras are a credible option over a cellphone. Prices and features have suddenly become more competitive and for under $500, you can buy an impressively capable camera system perfect for aircraft use. If you’re otherwise not into surfing, mountain biking or skydiving, why would you even want an action cam? For one thing, they beat conventional camcorders and smartphones for in-cockpit shooting and who’s nutty enough to mount a smartphone on a strut? Action cams have sufficient shooting flexibility and mounting options to make them far more practical for airplane use than any other cameras we can think of. GoPro has the Session model and several other manufacturers offer sports cams, but to contain the topic to a sensible few, we’re examining the top contenders suitable for aviation use. To be fair, these aren’t the only action cams out there.
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The good news? Usability is up and prices are down and the accessory market is soon to go into frenzied overdrive on the off chance that you can’t find just the right gadget for the shot you want.įor this article, we’re reviewing four cameras: the new GoPro Hero 5, Garmin’s just-released VIRB Ultra 30, plus the previous VIRB XE and the 360fly, a specialty wide-view camera that’s getting traction in the action cam market and being sold by Sporty’s. Just as we go to press this month, both companies have introduced new action cameras suitable for in-cockpit shooting and outside shots of aircraft in flight. If it’s every pilot’s sacred duty to upload aviation videos to YouTube to offset a criminal surplus of cat coverage, Garmin and GoPro are ready to deal.
