Garmin Virb - Toughest 360 Camera EVER?!

[@sirnh]

Hey there... Brian from the Adobe Premiere Pro group. You don't have to resize the video at all. You can right click the file after importing, choose Modify > Interpret Footage. There you can change the Projection to Equirectangular and the Frame Layout to Monoscopic. Voila! (okay going back to watching the rest of your video!)

[@BenClaremont]

+Brian Williams good to know Brian! I've seen a lot of people encounter this and upload their Virb videos at the wrong aspect ratio causing it to be stretched in the KZbin 360 viewer. Good to know we've both found solutions- gonna try yours asap. I hope Garmin fix this too, for people editing on other platforms or anyone else unaware of this 👍

[@sirnh]

You are actually getting the best resolution possible with what they are offering. Most hardware h.264 encoders are limited to 4k width. So if you wanted 2:1 aspect ratio, you are actually losing out on your effective vertical resolution, 2048 lines vs the 2304 they are providing. What would have helped, instead, would be if they added the special metadata that notes that it is spherical 360. Premiere will automatically infer it if it's certain resolutions and aspect ratios. 16:9 is too common to infer, so when the camera manufacturer doesn't insert the metadata, you will have to tell Premiere manually. Oh there's another, maybe even easier way to do it in Premiere. Instead of doing it on each clip, you can go into the sequence settings, and there you will find a tab where you can tell the application that it's 360/VR. Don't scale unless you have to. Uploading to KZbin or Facebook doesn't require a scale. We will add the metadata that tells their player what to do. Maintaining the 16:9 will make it easier to play on mobile devices, as well. By the way, the spatial audio isn't the best for dialog, and it does seem to capture with a hiss, but you can filter that hiss out, and you can use the spatial for ambient noise and use your lav recording for dialog. We added Ambisonics support in the last release that is compatible with the Virb's spatial audio. Good review, by the way. I am going to have to check out the Facebook group!

[@BenClaremont]

+Brian Williams good input! Garmin and Adobe will be fighting for you soon 😉

[@sirnh]

Hey all... I had a chat with Tyler from Garmin and after taking a closer look, it appears the metadata is present! I found the flaw in our code and the solution will be available in our next release, coming soon to a cloud near you... In the meantime, you can use the Sequence Settings workaround.

[@BenClaremont]

+Brian Williams thanks for the update, and making life easier for all of us!

[@ubiratamuniz]

Man, I´m a fan of your reviews. Quite explanatory indeed. I bought the Gear 360 2017 (as a "first try 360 cam" through your insight, it was the cheapest decent option), now I got a Virb 360. Still haven´t tried the new camera yet, but I have to say: that side sliding button on the side was the best thing someone could ever do. I will use it mainly for motorcycling footage, and that button scheme is actually EXCELLENT for using with gloves on. Keep up the good work, mate!

[@BenClaremont]

🍻

[@trailwander5878]

Nice work on the review Ben. The robust build, the fact that lenses are replaceable, and the quality of the video make this an excellent camera. Thanks for the review.

[@BenClaremont]

+Trail Wander no problem, and agreed!

[@SoaringvideoAu]

Great review. One thing you didn't mention was the bluetooth audio function. You can connect any bluetooth device to record external audio. It also has the option to record just the external audio or a mix of both. I have tried in in my rally car intercom and it works beautifully. When I get a chance, I'll connect a lav mic to a bluetooth transmitter and post a sample.

[@BenClaremont]

+Soaring Video Australia thanks! Will definitely have a play with that asap- interesting because to me that's a better feature than spatial audio, yes they push spatial audio as the main sound feature. Keep us posted!

[@Calderadelsimio]

LIFE in 360 I beleive you have a new topic to make a video for :D

[@EdmundRogersPhotography]

Great thread. Some important information shared regarding the AR. Thanks. That replaceable lens feature might just make it worth the 2X it cost compared to others.

[@360vroomers]

Great review Ben and thanks for the shoutout! I was pleasantly surprised at your camera case recommendation because I also got a very similar lowepro lens case for mine, but the one I got is much smaller 6 x 8cm (I find the mini tripod legs too short so I don't really use them). Anyway thanks again for the great review!

[@BenClaremont]

+360Rumors.com thanks Mic! Yeah that bag is perfectly suited for it- I'm lazy and prefer to keep it assembled- it's a win for laziness 😂👍

[@DirtyRiceOffroadCrew]

Super excited for this camera. Can't wait to get my hands on one. The shockproof and waterproof are a must for shooting motorsports like I do. So glad the lenses are replaceable.

[@BenClaremont]

+Dirty Rice Offroad yeah it's pretty much an invincible camera! Better not speak too soon though 😂👍

[@DirtyRiceOffroadCrew]

That follow mode for stabilization will be awesome too when mounted to our machines too.

[@BenClaremont]

+Dirty Rice Offroad yeah it makes a massage be difference actually, especially if you're changing directions a lot

[@hackhero37]

Nice review. I have been hesitating getting this camera as well , now I definitely will.

[@BenClaremont]

+Shinsoo awesome! It's very well built so you won't be disappointed 👍

[@DippingReflector]

Nice review! Do your reckon this is still worth it as an action cam 3.5yrs later?

[@ansonkiek6471]

The mic was very clear & the image stabilizer so well compared with my Virb XE

[@BenClaremont]

👍

[@PhilJackson123]

Hi. I'm sure you will soon be getting your hands on a insta360 One camera so when you do I would love to see a comparison of still image quality of it compared to the Garmin! Thanks

[@BenClaremont]

+Phil Jackson yup will do!

[@pamelavasquezrodriguez]

Excellent review and helpful info!

[@BenClaremont]

Thanks

[@Trialbike]

Nice vídeo! thks a lot

[@bonn1771]

good review, i might go after this down the road.. i know they stop making them

[@ScarboroughTourist]

I think you nailed it !!

[@gbhardwaj1978]

Nice review Ben....Keep it up

[@BenClaremont]

+Gaurav Bhardwaj thanks buddy!

[@friendleone]

Seems an epic camera! Ben you mentioned the photo resolution isn't the best - does this mean the VIRB isn't a strong timelapse camera, what would you suggest? This industry is moving fast! (exciting!) Thank you in advance

[@BenClaremont]

Hi Harley, check out the video I just released to see all the other options and what they can do 👍

[@msahau]

Thanks for your great review. I'm still waiting for other options that allows me stitch without paying a subscription of myvica. Hopefully GoPro or Ricoh will fit the bill with better photo to boot......

[@BenClaremont]

+Samuel Hau no worries- I think there are a few options so I wouldn't rule it out completely!

[@Calderadelsimio]

Awesome review as usual. I'm wondering if it has an audio input jack so it can receive external audio for streaming with the video

[@michaelrola]

You can hook up an external mic over Bluetooth

[@KonstantinGabriel1978]

I would like to see an underwater case for this camera. The moment Garmin will decide to make available this accessory ,the next day I will order them both. Until then.....

[@BenClaremont]

You’ll probably have to find a generic one, as they probably won’t be releasing one a year later

[@digigumball1]

"You cried yourself to sleep with your thumb in your mouth"...lol, I definitely know how you feel, I did the same when my French made Cabasse replacement woofer for my KRK9000 speaker (The last one in the US at the time), fell over and tore! BTW, Awesome "360" hat! I've been looking for one all over the net...where can I get one, asap?

[@BenClaremont]

Haha yeah not a good feeling. You can find it on my website, www.benclaremont.com/shop

[@wanderlistvacations-adream7822]

Great review! Picked one of these up in September (replacing a Theta SC I bought when it launched) and had the chance to finally use the Virb on a cruise a couple of weeks ago. Definitely happy with the choice, got some outstanding 5.7k video I'm working on processing. I've been on the Premier Pro CC trial for a couple of days trying to decide if I wanted to go that route, but it's being a real PITA with my GPU at the moment, so I'm going to give PowerDirector a try tonight.

[@BenClaremont]

+WanderlistVacations thanks! Good choice and yes Premiere is excellent, but you need a super fast graphics card and high RAM for 5.7k, regardless of the editor you use 👍

[@wanderlistvacations-adream7822]

Yea, I've been happy with Premier for the most part, used to use it all the time for other stuff and have mostly been a fan, but even tho it sees my machine's GPU and the project is set to the Mercury GPU option, adding any VR effect to any clip results in the "this effect requires gpu acceleration" bar across the video. Oh well, we'll see how PowerDirector works!

[@alrestauro]

Awesome review! Thanks!

[@GeloOfficialPR]

Shoutout to the Gear 360 2016 that also has a removable battery!

[@GeloOfficialPR]

Also ... Are your videos monetized? Just to let you know that i havent seen a single add in this video.

[@BenClaremont]

+Dj Gelo Official nah I'd rather not annoy people 😂

[@whittonmatt]

Thanks very much for this!!

[@BenClaremont]

No worries 👍

[@spitfire382]

Great review thanks

[@BenClaremont]

+Spitfire all good 🤙🏻

[@CrazyChaosClara]

Nice thumbnail! 👍🏼

[@BenClaremont]

+CrazyChaosClara 😎

[@YosiSaad]

Hi, great review... What do you think about the quality of the virb 360 while using a single lens compared to a gopro 5? I am looking to buy an action camera with both options and from what I saw a single lens action camera has better image quality. Thank you

[@BenClaremont]

+Yosi Saad hey thanks! To be honest I haven't used the Virb in single lense mode.. in my opinion you'd be better off using your smartphone instead of a 360 camera 👍

[@YosiSaad]

LIFE in 360 Thank you for your time and quick reply My idea is to have both potions, single lens like the gopro and a 360 as well. I am trying to decide if it is better to buy a gopro for my underwater activities and maybe the xiaomi 360 or only one virb 360 for simplicity. Record with both lenses unstiched and then decide if I want to stich them or use them separately. But I want the quality to be as good as a gopro 😉 My phone is not an option since it is not waterproof.

[@BenClaremont]

+Yosi Saad I'd say use a combination of GoPro and Virb underwater, and Virb/Xiaomi/GoPro out of the water 👍

[@steinarbergo]

Hi and thank you for sharing a superb vblog. I can see from the spec that Garmin Virb 360 also can manage to use bluetooth microphone. Question: have you tested this or will you test this in the near future.

[@BenClaremont]

Thanks- I haven’t and I probably won’t any time soon- won’t have time unfortunately!

[@paoloyamahacz4538]

Hi ! Perfect review ! I have a question, may I use a part of your video ( broken lens ) in my own review ? Of course, I will give a YT channel name and a link to your review. This is a perfect example about lens change. Thanks for the answer. Regards Paolo.

[@BenClaremont]

Ok that’s fine 👍

[@loudaccord]

Just curious what kind of work you do for clients? Can you give a few examples in an up coming vid? Thank you!

[@BenClaremont]

+AM I work around the clock on my KZbin channel and building Life in 360- I don't do client work as much as I could be, but every now and then I do, and have lots of friends who work in video production and have been pitching 360 to their clients. I'll try to post more info when I can!

[@kostas-wd4gw]

very informative and detailed review!! one question though..........can it be attached to a motorbike helmet?

[@BenClaremont]

Yes of course 👍

[@kostas-wd4gw]

@@BenClaremont thanks!!

[@HomeVdz]

Great review. Thank you. What lapel mic and audio kit do you use?

[@BenClaremont]

Thanks- I made a video about my sound setup if you search through my videos 👍

[@UniquePhotoandVideo]

Garmin Virrrrrrrrrrbb! :D

[@BenClaremont]

+Unique Photo and Video you know it!

[@jankarlsson8341]

Hmm, I'm ambivalent between picking this up, or wait for the gopro fusion...

[@BenClaremont]

+Jan Karlsson I’ll have a Fusion review coming soon 👍

[@Best360]

I had the same issue where my Gear 360 got knocked over on a light stand and now I have to buy a new one because Samsung cannot repair it! Totally flawed design! But since then, what have you changed to take better safety measures for your camera? Because I decided not to use a light stand anymore because a) it's too light, b) people can knock it over easily. I decided to go for a tripod with a high central column and attach weights on the bottom. Do you have any other solution?

[@BenClaremont]

+Kindsense I'd say a light stand with a sand bag couldn't go wrong! Surely 😂

[@boarderlinesk8media433]

As an action camera, how would you rate the durability? Crash with it? Have it fall off the mount due to a clip?

[@BenClaremont]

I think this video is the most extreme test of that you will find 🤣

[@boarderlinesk8media433]

Ben Claremont sirtonly it’s the best review of the verb. Have you used it in salt water, I know it’s at least water resistant. 1 lb is a very light camera but how is that in comparison to the insta one x? GPS data and overlay is a big selling point for me.

[@VladiIlieva]

Hi Ben, thank you for all your great reviews! I have a question though. Can you recommend a prosumer camera that would be pre merely used for photographs rather then video. I am looking for the best mid range solution to use for architectural virtual tours. Thanks a lot!

[@BenClaremont]

+Vladi Ilieva no worries! I'd suggest using a GoPro and stitching the photos yourself (tutorial coming soon) or the Xiaomi or Insta360 One 👍

[@VladiIlieva]

Thank you very much for your comment, Ben! How about The Theta V? Have you had the time to test it? Is it not better than the Insta360 One in this sense?

[@BenClaremont]

+Vladi Ilieva stay tuned on all of our social channels- I'll put some samples out soon 👌🏻

[@MarcAufdemKamp]

Hey nice video. I also saw your Gopro Fusion Video. Will you make a side by side comparison. I am really looking forward in Buying a 360 camera. The Virb or FUsion seems to me the best right now. Although the Mi sphere is much cheaper. What do you say. I think it will mostly be used for capturing travelling and exploring.

[@BenClaremont]

Hey thanks! My buddy Kevin already made one (the guy from the GoPro video) if you check his channel.. otherwise I’ll make one myself when I get my Fusion

[@EyelinkMontageMusic]

what are the best settings for garmin virb 360 videos

[@BenClaremont]

For what?

[@beingalitaheri]

Hi there, I am looking for sample RAW unstitched underwater footage from Virb360 to play around with it in MistikaVR to see how good it can do underwater. Can you help me, please?

[@Cake...]

Unlike the Insta 360 1x, the Garmin Virb is a true action camera

[@BenClaremont]

Don’t see how it’s more of an action camera other than the replaceable lenses

[@random9994]

Can the led flashing & beep feedback be disabled? Personally, the most annoying feature of most tech today...noisy, blinky, vibrating feedback.

[@BenClaremont]

You can turn the sound off.. don’t think you can turn the LED off. It’s really not an issue with this camera 👍

[@stowgood]

can you do anything like overcapture on this camera? I need a 360 camera for a wedding in Jan 2018.

[@BenClaremont]

+Samuel Stow I don’t, but with 5.7k you certainly could!

[@paullogan8329]

OZI OZI OZI

[@VEYEGS]

Gday Ben. Thanks for the review. Do you think there will soon be a 360 camera with good enough resolution to read for example times new roman size 12 text on an A4 sheet from 1m away? I can do this by eye but not by camera. I have an application in mind where I need really high resolution to pick up as much detail as possible.

[@BenClaremont]

+Matt Vigus hey Matt- yeah but the only way to currently do that is shooting lots of panos with a DSLR or gopro and stitching them together 👍

[@VEYEGS]

Thanks for the reply Ben! That's a shame. Do you think cameras will go here?

[@ansonkiek6471]

Do you have any link show how to attach 4K video with mobile or iPad App ? My computer export 4K ,30fps wont play any picture or video. I use VeeR although changed to iPad Pro still unable to support such high resolution. I use film maker pro able to edit but upload to KZbin became flat not 3D camera anymore

[@BenClaremont]

All 360 cameras attach to mobile- yes I’d use VeeR on mobile (never tried it on iPad)

[@ansonkiek6471]

LIFE in 360 I direct export from Garmin Virb 360 to photo album them use video add to veeR , always said resolution not support try to lower down the pixel , I heard some of success example use iPhone plus model, then I check the the resolution or aspect ratio which is higher to ensure no more interruption. Use iPad Pro but came out with resolution greater than 4000X 2000 not support on my device

[@StuartWilson4d]

Curious to see this video watching now have a chance to get it for around 500.

[@BenClaremont]

+Stuart Wilson that's a steal!

[@ioniantvnews3543]

Hi Ben! I have an issue and maybe you could help! when i am trying to import 360 video footage from my garmin virb 360 to insta360 studio software, the recorder button next to PanoPlayer is not highlighted and i can do anything with the video. Do you know where is the problem or what am i doing wrong?? is the aspect ratio?? Thanks

[@BenClaremont]

+Ioniantv News hey- yes it's the aspect ratio, and also the fact the Insta360 only accepts .mp4 - convert these in Premiere 👍

[@supmission]

What's the minimum pc processor required to be able to edit 4K or 5.7K on either mac or windows? Can you push Premiere on a recent Macbook Air with i7? I own the 360Fly 4K but now fell in love with the Garmin Virb for watersports use. Tx for this thorough review!

[@BenClaremont]

+SUPmission no worries- not 100% sure but my guess is it will be possible on a slower computer using proxies- I have a tutorial coming soon about that 👍

[@supmission]

Editing tutorials - That would be awesome to see the workflow editing this equirectangulars.

[@ruddyriverocabero8157]

Which is your latest video?

[@reemrazzaq9799]

Ben... awesome review of GV but I rather wait for the new Theta. 😊

[@BenClaremont]

+REEM RAZZAQ 👍👍👍

[@CyberGasty]

Just to add lag f 2-3 seconds with android app for Virb

[@BenClaremont]

+Cyber Gasty 👍

[@migueldesa0031]

TKS for the revew! About stitching ( 19:00 ) you can with AE and Skybox (free for adobe subscribers) here is a tutorial and template to download : vimeo.com/185307662 in my case I'm working in a project with Gear360 (2016) photos (almost 8K) and I just re-size the template to the gear360 photos (the software from Samsung was not good enough).

[@BenClaremont]

+Miguel de Sá good insight 👊🏻

[@awoodfinz]

Hey I'm looking for a really good 360° still camera for less than $1000 US can anyone please recommend something that is suitable and easy to use I want to do Real estate photography And I don't really want to use a Digital SLR I'm looking for the convenience of an all in one package that can also do video but priority would be for high-quality still photography

[@BenClaremont]

+Andrew Tischler for just photos, I’d say the Mi Sphere is probably the best all in one option

[@SoaringvideoAu]

The bluetooth external audio definitely works. Here's a link to some audio I recorded using a cheap motorcycle bluetooth intercom. I'm sure a better mic will give great results. www.dropbox.com/s/16jfaguje8c5tp6/V0790114.aac?dl=0

[@BenClaremont]

Hmm- link didn't work. Be keen to see it if you ever re-upload it!

[@onilsgc]

Эххх жаль нет перевода на русский

[@BenClaremont]

+onilsgc English?

[@KonstantinGabriel1978]

Ps: for deeper than 10m

[@MTBIKEXC]

I got the VIRB 360 and it's fabulous!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnHkHifabx3e9E I really need to get an external bluetooth microphone. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@BenClaremont]

Nice- yes see my video about how I record sound