HTC just launched a potential threat to the GoPro line of action cameras. It is the HTC RE, which is a little camera without a view-finder, meant to be held or mounted on something like a bike. At first glance, it may look like a snorkel, an inhaler, or even a pipe connector, but it is actually designed by HTC that way for practical and ergonomic reasons. The RE camera has a built-in grip sensor which kickstarts it into photo taking mode the moment you grab it. There is also a big circular shutter key below the lens allow you to take a photo with a light press and shoot a video with a longer press. Interestingly, it has no view-finder. However, you can connect it to any Android 4.3 or later or iOS 7 or later device via an app to use your smartphone or tablet as the RE camera's view-finder.
Image by GSMArena
The RE camera measures a tiny 96.7 mm x 26.5 mm, weighing only 65.5 grams. It also has IP57 certification that would enable it to survive a drop in freshwater under 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. The RE camera has a 16-MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with a 146-degree wide-angle lens (f/2.8) and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities at 30 frames per second. It also has slow-motion and time-lapse recording options. There is no LED or xenon flash accompanying the camera so its lowlight performance is still questionable. All photos and videos are stored on a microSD card (an 8GB card is included) and the storage can be increased up to 128GB. It is powered by an 820mAh battery pack, which is just enough to take 1,200 16-MP stills or 1 hour and 40 minutes of 1080p videos. Sound is fed through a HD microphone and heard through a tiny speaker. In terms of connectivity, the RE camera is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, a microUSB port, and a 1/4-inch tripod socket.
Image by GSMArena
As mentioned, an accompanying RE app is available on Android and soon, on iOS, which HTC designed for syncing photos, videos, and time-lapse recordings from the camera to your smartphone or tablet over Wi-Fi. The RE camera can also be controlled through your tablet or smartphone. Other app features include real-time video streaming to YouTube and a partnership with social platforms like Tencent and Instagram. It will be available in the US at the end of October 2014. Pricing is yet to be announced but is already rumored to cost $199. A smorgasbord of accessories will also be sold separately like the dual port charger, charging station, head mount, arm and neck strap, and three clips (simple, bar, and suction cup) that let you attach the HTC RE camera to various surfaces and objects. While the HTC RE camera looks nice and unique, it remains to be seen if it will give the GoPro cameras a run for its money.
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