Just as we expected it to, HTC has just announced the RE camera during its Double Exposure event in New York City. The RE camera is a GoPro-like camera that records point of view video, but does not have any sort of viewfinder, which HTC says makes it incredibly easy and simple to use.
The design of the RE camera is also simple, and while it does resemble an inhaler, it has only two buttons. One of the buttons allows you to tap and instantly capture 16MP photos or long press to record 1080p video. The other button allows you to take slow motion video in HD quality.
To make up for the lack of a viewfinder, HTC says that the RE camera features a custom 146 degree wide angle lens with the “latest” image stabilization technology. The device is also waterproof, which the company says is great for underwater selfies and videos.
Finally, HTC has also partnered with YouTube and will allow you to stream live video from a RE camera to the web for everyone to see. The company is also heavily touting that no PC is required to use the RE camera and that it pairs wireless to any modern Android phone and the iPhone. You can even use your phone as a viewfinder for the RE camera.
The RE camera will be available “in time for the holidays” from a variety of retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, and HTC.com. The device will cost $199 and be available in teal, orange, navy blue, and white. The while and orange models are available for pre-order on RECamera.com now.
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Battery life? Memory?
Not sure why GoPro is mentioned – his camera is absolutely nothing like a GoPro. If you’re going to say “GoPro” you might as well drop more names, like Canon, Panavision, IMAX, Nikon, Sony, Hasselblad, Mamiya – literally any other brand this also does not share anything in common with.
How not?
A viewfinder-less camera that is built for extreme activities, uses first person view and records in 1080p; which can also use your smartphone as a viewer/remote.
Which camera am I talking about in your list?
Where in that video are the marketing it as a camera for extreme activities? Seems more to me like an updated Flip cam than anything.
It is crystal clear that HTC are releasing this as a competitor to the GoPro.
Some new GoPro cameras can record in 4K resolution, but the question is: how many people really need to record at 4K?
1080p HD for $199.00 is really not a bad choice to have. I wonder how many attachments and accessories are available for it. The GoPro has a lot of choices in accessories, covers, cases, attachments, etc.
They’re currently offering five different mounts, which are not compatible with GoPro mounts. http://www.recamera.com/us/accessories/
By using a different mount they’ve lost the potential market of current GoPro owners who might want a second less expensive camera.
The GoPro Hero does everything the HTC Re does (and more) for $60 less and it works with the GoPro mounts you already have.
Looks great, very ergonomic. It reminds me of what the iPod Shuffle is to music players, while this one makes even more sense by excluding a screen.
Heh, looks like a vintage Eveready right angle flash light. Sweet!
Cool camera hope to get it soon!!!
Specs from the HTC site…
Special Features
Grip sensor instantly turns on the device when it is picked up.
One-hand operation design
One tap for photos; One press for videos
Time-lapse recording, settings control via your smartphone
Android (4.3 and above) and iOS compatible. Seamless integration with your existing photo gallery.
Camera
1080p, 30fps FHD video
720p, 4x slow motion video
146 degree super wide angle lens with f2.8 aperture for low light usability
Battery
820mAh rechargeable battery
Supports 1hr 50mins of continuous FHD video recording
Size
26.5 mm diameter
97.7 mm height
Sensors
16MP, 1/2.3″ Sony CMOS sensor
Connectivity
BLE (Bluetooth v4.0)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Wi-Fi Direct
5-pin micro-USB
MicroSD Card Slot
Tripod Hole
Weight
66.5 grams
Memory
Expandable microSD storage