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Record everything with this dive-friendly 360-degree action cam
Remember 360fly? The panoramic camera from EyeSee360, which built the panoramic GoPano iPhone lens, has been on the scene since early this year at NAB. Now, the WiFi- and Bluetooth-equipped 360fly camera has been given the nod by the FCC, and an attached review manual gives us a better idea how it works. As the company showed earlier, it's a single-lens 360 degree horizontal and 240 degree vertical fisheye lens that has "the widest field of view on the market." It uses an iOS 8 or Android 4.3+ app that turns your Bluetooth LE-equipped smartphone into a 360 degree video viewfinder with full remote control.
Livestream's new iPhone app lets you broadcast GoPro action without a PC
Typically, streaming live footage from an action camera requires a PC to provide the internet connection. That's not exactly an option when you're flying off a cliff in a wingsuit. Livestream just made it a lot easier to share your adventures with the world, however. Its newest iOS app now lets you broadcast video from GoPro Hero cameras anywhere you have a good data connection; so long as you can fit an iPhone in your pocket, your friends can see that thrilling BASE jump or bike ride in real-time. There's no word of GoPro support on Android, but it won't be surprising if there's a corresponding update before long.
HTC teases action cam launch on October 8th (update: and it looks like this)
Those claims that HTC is making an action camera just got much more concrete. The company has posted both a RECamera teaser site and a video (below) which not-so-subtly hint that the adventure-oriented shooter should launch on October 8th, the same day as HTC's "Double Exposure" media event. While there aren't many giveaways in the clip, it shows both a swimming pool dive and a wide-angle lens -- this is undoubtedly a waterproof device meant to take on the likes of GoPro. There's nothing here to confirm rumors that the camera will have a 16-megapixel sensor and wireless networking, but you'll only have to wait a couple of weeks to get the full scoop. Update: And one enterprising Redditor's found pictures of the device -- which looks like... a... periscope? The image's source has now been taken down. Darn.
Contour's first new action camera in years can survive 30 feet underwater
Contour came back from the dead this spring, but the first action cameras it sold upon its revival were simply old models from 2012 -- that's not much help if you're a loyal fan looking to upgrade. As of today, though, there's finally a brand new Contour cam to buy: meet the ROAM3. It's not a huge break from the ROAM2 at first glance, as it can still record 1080p video at 30fps (720p video at 60fps) with its 270-degree rotating lens. However, it's much more resilient than its ancestor; it can survive 30 feet underwater without using a waterproof case, which could make it a good match for your next surfing movie. It's hard to say if the ROAM3 can lure you away from GoPro's offerings, but its $200 price (which includes an 8GB memory card and two mounts) is low enough that it won't hurt too much to give Contour another try.
GoPro's new Fetch mount lets your pooch capture video in comfort
It's easy to get a dog's-eye view of the world by strapping an action camera to your canine, but making it stable and comfortable is another matter -- you don't want Rover shaking off that costly video gear. That's where GoPro's new Fetch mount should come in handy. The padded harness lets your dog carry up to two cameras (back and belly) in comfort, whether it's a tiny French Bulldog or a bigger Golden Retriever. The add-on includes a camera tether and water resistance, too, so your companion can play rough without losing any equipment. You'll have to spend a significant $60 to make Fetch happen, but it might be worth the outlay if you're eager to record the adventures of a four-legged friend.
Polaroid's cute Cube camera lets you record video just about anywhere
You can stick action cameras in many places, but they're still not that portable; you probably won't (or can't) shove one in your pocket in case you want to document an adventure. You can certainly try that with Polaroid's new Cube camera, though. While its building block-like design is a little bit cutesy, it also lets you record 1080p wide-angle videos seemingly anywhere -- a built-in magnet lets the Cube cling to any metal surface, and even the mounting kits are tiny enough to come along on many trips. The cam depends on microSD cards for storage and only lasts for 90 minutes of video on a charge, but that still means that it can handle a quick mountain bike expedition or a few laps around the racetrack. Just be patient if you like the notion of cuboid movie capture. Photojojo is taking pre-orders for the $100 Cube today, but it won't ship until late September.
GoPro cameras show what it's like to endure a terrifying car crash
GoPro is trying to build a media empire by capturing moments that other video cameras sometimes miss, and it just might achieve that feat if its latest (and arguably most dramatic) footage is any indication. The company mounted its action cams in the car of Guerlain Chicherit hoping to catch a record-setting jump, but instead caught what it's like to survive a horrifying crash. The clip is cringe-inducing, even if you've seen your fair share of in-car replays -- Chicherit can't do much more than prepare for the worst as his modified Mini tumbles end over end. He thankfully escaped with minor injuries, but the resulting movie is an especially stark reminder of just why stunt driving is so dangerous.
Sony Action Cams are ready to stream live internet video
Sony Action Cam owners: if you're eager to share your sporting adventures with the world, your moment has come. The company has just rolled out a firmware update for the AS100V (installable on Macs or Windows) that lets you broadcast live video on Ustream, complete with social network alerts when you're on the air. The higher-end camera also gets a new Motion Shot Mode that composites several photos into one, while burst shooting and self-timer modes are useful for both action-packed images and self-portraits.
Contour returns to the action camera market with some familiar gear
Contour quietly shut down last year, leaving outdoor explorers little choice but to pick up action cameras from GoPro and other rivals. The company found new ownership during that downtime, however, and it's back in business this week with a renewed sense of purpose. For now, the firm is only selling the cameras it had before the lights went out. You can buy the entry-level ROAM2 camera for $200, while the flagship Contour+2 is available for $300. The firm won't lean on its past glories for long, mind you -- it's promising new models later this year. It's too early to say whether Contour can reclaim its place in the point-of-view camera industry that it helped create, but it's good to see renewed competition in a field where the choices have been rapidly shrinking.
Panasonic's HX-A500 wearable action cam serves up 4K video at 25fps
If you don't mind your wearable action cam being tethered to a separate unit for wrangling controls, Panasonic's HX-A500 offers 4K video capture in return. The company touts the camera as the "world's first" option for said resolution, recording the those exploits at 25fps. There's also a 1080p option at 50fps, 720p at 100fps and 480p an a 100fps crawl for judging that swing in time for baseball season. It will also capture up to 30 minutes of video in up to three meters (about 10 feet) of water, should the need arise. Need to get the footage to another device? NFC and WiFi connectivity are built in with compatibility with Ustream for live broadcasts. The HX-A500 carries a similar look to the outfit's HX-A100, but the "main body" now packs a 1.5-inch LCD monitor for keeping an eye on things and tweaking settings. Other notable features include a IPX8 waterproof rating, automatic leveling correction, image stabilization and a variety of mounts to keep the dustproof cam in the right spot for optimum capture. The HX-A500 is set to arrive in May with a £379.99 (around $626) price tag in tow.
Polaroid's C3 is an action camera in tiny cube form (hands-on)
We were hoping to get our hands on Polaroid's Socialmatic camera, but unfortunately the company only had the shell of a prototype on hand. Luckily, though, we found something even more interesting when we stopped by the booth: the C3 action sports video camera. It's a tiny cube of a thing -- a 35mm square, to be exact -- but its wide-angle lens captures 120 degrees of action, and the form factor lends itself well to going on the road. (It's also perfect for stacking -- but just for fun.) It's called an "action sports" camera, but we don't really see it holding up when you're snowboarding or biking. It is, however, waterproof for up to 2 meters. We also don't know how practical this guy is, given that WiFi isn't on board and you'll need to transfer photos and video via micro-SD. Its compact size, in other words, is the selling point. Like the Socialmatic, the C3 is still in the prototype phase, though the models on hand seemed closer to final production, with the sensor built in. It has a soft-touch finish and feels very light. We like how the classic Polaroid rainbow carries over to this product, with versions in red, blue and black. There's a button on top, which you'll press to record video or snap a photo. The C3 's 5-megapixel cam shoots in 1,280 x 720 or 640 x 480 resolution -- we obviously can't speak to image quality quite yet, but we're intrigued to see how this gadget works when it debuts in the summer. It will cost $99, and a Polaroid rep told us there will be straps to make the C3 wearable, along with other accessories. Check out our hands-on below. Billy Steele contributed to this report.
Hands-on with Liquid Image's LTE-capable Ego LS action cam
Liquid Image revealed its 4G LTE Ego LS action cam just hours ago, so we made a dash to take a look for ourselves. In terms of size, the LS is a bit smaller than the popular GoPro cams, but there's no built-in battery and the 1,900mAh cell nearly doubles the thickness of the unit. It's wrapped in a rather dapper matte black soft-touch coating that gives the gadget a nice feel. On the face, there's a display for keeping tabs complete with a red recording light and connectivity indicators. There's a play button up top, with power and connectivity buttons (the cam has both WiFi and Bluetooth options) around to the side. The requisite ports for HDMI, microSD card, USB and connecting to either the aforementioned battery or the 4G LTE module lie on the bottom edge. Meanwhile, Liquid Image has partnered with Verizon for the cellular connectivity bit, which comes at the hands of a clip-in accessory complete with its own 1,900mAh battery to power the streaming. That LTE module will set you back an additional $199 on top of the 200 bones that Ego LS costs on its own and nearly doubles the size (we're talking width here) of the action cam alone. For a look at the whole lot, there's a quick video walkthrough just past the break.
Liquid Image brings LTE to the action cam game with its new Ego LS
Snowy mountaintops and sheer dirt tracks are just a couple of locations fitting for an epic action cam segment, but they're not places you're likely to find a good WiFi connection. Without putting extra hardware at significant risk of destruction, livestreaming just hasn't been possible in many desirable situations. At CES, however, Liquid Image is mixing things up with the introduction of its new Ego LS camera, which we believe is the first to feature LTE connectivity. It's capable of transmitting WQVGA (400 x 240; bummer) video at 30 fps for up to two hours, or still images over 4G. Otherwise, the 8-megapixel cam has WiFi, Bluetooth, and can partner with iOS and Android devices via the Liquid Image app like the outfit's other models. A microSD slot supporting up to 64GB cards keeps you recording at 1080p/30 fps or 720p/60 fps while disconnected, and like other members in the Ego line, it'll be accompanied by various mounts. Two variants of the Ego LS, both with new motion detection and continuous-photo modes, but one with LTE and one without, are slated to launch in June this year with an estimated price tag of $200.
GoPro Hero3+ review (Black Edition): your action videos never looked so good
Got an adventurous spirit? A love of video? If either of those apply to you, then you're likely well-familiar with GoPro. Heck, if you nodded "yes" to both, then there's a chance you actually even own one. Every iteration of the camera has promised to bring your chosen activity to life in more detail and clarity. So, what could the king-of-the-cams pull out of the bag this time around to inspire another purchase? The answer -- GoPro hopes at least -- is the Hero3+. As the name suggests, this is more of an incremental revision, rather than the overhaul we saw with the last update. That's not to say there isn't anything to talk about here; there really is. But if you were hoping for 8K (c'mon, really?), or even full frame rate 4K, then sadly no dice. What you will get are better optics, a new "SuperView" mode, an improved battery and a slimmer profile (more on this later) -- all for the same price as last year's model. We jumped at the chance to get outside and see how it fares, so join us below to see the results.
ParaShoot wearable cam heads to Indiegogo after Kickstarter suspension
You may remember the ParaShoot wearable camera we covered a few weeks ago, which had shattered its crowdfunding target with a month and change to spare. If you decided to sink some cash into the project, then you may also be aware it was suspended on Kickstarter a couple of days ago. Matt Sandy from the ParaShoot team has been in touch to share what little info he has -- it's claimed the suspension was out of the blue, and no communication has come from the funding site since. With "manufacturing plans" sorted, however, there's no time to twiddle thumbs, so ParaShoot's hit Indiegogo instead. Seeking $117,358 -- the amount the Kickstarter campaign was frozen at -- version 2.1 proposes a slightly different flat-fronted design (see above and try to ignore the ugly watermark), more choices of skin and a new time-lapse photo feature. Pledge levels are the same, although there's now a "Distributor Pack" option if you want ten of the things. We've reached out to Kickstarter to see if it's willing to tell us the other side of the story, and we'll let you know if we hear back.
Call of Duty: Ghosts Prestige Edition will include a 1080p action camera
Activision and Infinity Ward have bundled expensive gadgets with the last few Call of Duty special editions, and they're keeping up this recent tradition with Call of Duty: Ghosts. Buy the Prestige Edition of the game on November 5th and you'll get a 1080p, water-resistant "tactical camera" with a 4GB memory card. While it's not clear which company makes the wearable cam, Activision claimed during its Ghosts multiplayer unveiling that the device should hold up against counterparts sold in stores. The Prestige Edition is appropriately expensive at $199, although you're getting a lot for your money -- besides the camera and game, the box also includes a carrying case, a Season Pass for downloads and a paracord strap. If you've ever wished you could record your adventures beyond your game console, this is certainly the bundle for you.
GoPro App 2.0 lets action cam owners save and share their footage
Since launch, the GoPro App has primarily served as a remote control; it hasn't been much good for reviewing the day's shooting. That won't be an issue with the newly launched GoPro App 2.0. Both Android and iOS users can now browse their action camera's memory card, save and play media on a mobile device, and share any saved clips through email, MMS and social networks like Instagram. Windows Phone users aren't in line for the update right now, but their Android and iOS counterparts can grab both the new app and corresponding camera firmware upgrades at the source links.
JVC's upgraded GC-XA2 ADIXXION action camera is really, really hard to put down
Look, we all know someone suffering from an insatiable appetite for [insert vice here]. But if you've ever met someone who picked up the OG ADIXXION, you probably understand just how fixated on a single product one can become. Keeping the fix going is JVC, who has introduced the latest -- and perhaps most addicting -- ADIXXION yet. The GC-XA2 is obviously designed to rival anything in the space that GoPro presently owns, boasting a water-, shock-, dust- and freeze-proof enclosure and mounting options galore. Performance improvements in the new model include 1,920 x 1,080 60p/50p Progressive Full HD recording, and 1,280 x 720 high-speed recording at 120fps / 100fps for 4x slow-motion playback. ther upgrades include a brighter and wider-angle optical lens, improved image stabilization, a higher-resolution LCD monitor with auto-off and auto-brightness functions, a higher-resolution image sensor, a higher audio bit rate and better noise reduction. It'll start shipping later this month for a hair under $300... just don't go stealing from your mum in order to finance it, okay?
Polaroid's XS80 action camera records adventures in 1080p, whether you're shaking or not
Polaroid's come a long way since, well, Polaroid. Now its portfolio includes retro devices, tablets and action cameras. It's that last category we're interested in today, as the company just announced a new shooter, the Polaroid XS80. The credentials break down thus: HD recording in 1080p and 720p and VGA, waterproof to 30 feet, 16- 5- and 3-megapixel still modes and 120 degrees FOV. The barrel-bodied camera also includes a G sensor for auto rotation, plus anti-shake technology, a memory card slot (good for 32GB) and an HDMI socket. The price ($130 including helmet mount) puts this just below the XS100 model, but if this is just the right level of extreme for you, the good news is it's available now.
Swann Bolt HD action camera shoots 1080p video, 12MP stills with laser targeting
We're starting to wonder where introducing lasers doesn't make everything better. Case in point: Swann's just-shipping Bolt HD action camera. While the 1080p video, microSD storage and 135-degree lens will be familiar from the Freestyle HD we saw in 2011, there's now a laser pointer to make sure the camera is on target when it isn't an option to peek through the detachable LCD. A sleeker look and an upgrade to 12-megapixel still photos also give us reason to upgrade. It's not a uniform move upwards from the Freestyle HD, however -- the Bolt HD can only submerge to 32 feet versus the 65 of its ancestor. As long as your scuba dives don't run that deep, however, the lower $200 price for the new camera might prove tempting.
