Garmin VIRB XE Auto Racing Bundle

Rusty · 04-21-2016, 07:40 PM

Ok, the review.

1st pic. This is what you get with the Auto Bundle. The camera, sticky mount, OBD2 doggle, and the computer cable. $399.99. Also bought a spare battery. Have to watch which batteries to get. As the Virb takes different batteries then the Virb X, and Virb XE.

2nd pic. This is the Rugged Cable Combo. $39.99. From the website.
"This 3-to-1 combo cable allows you to power your VIRB X or XE action camera, providing 3.5 mm stereo input for an external mic, RCA composite video output and mini-USB port. The cable is great for rugged environments, such as adventures on ATVs, motorcycles and more."
I'm having problems to get the external mike to work.

3rd pic. This is what the connection side looks like. There is no cover for it.

4th & 5th pic. This is what it looks like with the cable snapped into place.

Rusty · 04-21-2016, 07:58 PM

Comparison between the Virb XE, and my GoPro Hero 3+ Black.

1st pic. The front. The Virb does not have the screen or the buttons on the front like the GoPro.

2nd pic.The bottom. The Virb has a mount on the bottom. GoPro, you have to use a case for mounting. What's nice about the Virb XE mounting. You can use the same mounting equipment as the GoPro. So you don't have to go out and buy new.

3rd pic. The top. The Virb has the screen and buttons on the top.

4th pic. The back. The GoPro. You remove the back to get to the battery. On the Virb XE. You release the catch on the side and swing the front cover open to get to the battery and card. Should have taken a picture of that.

It takes the same card as the GoPro. One plus is that the Virb can take a card up to 132, my GoPro only to 64.

Rusty · 04-21-2016, 08:05 PM

The remotes.

The Virb remote doesn't need charging. It has a replaceable battery. Said to last for a year. We'll see. The remote has 3 buttons on it. A round button to strat the video record. A square button to stop the record. And a picture button for taking pictures. What's nice is that if you hit the button while recording video. It will take a picture.

My GoPro remote seems like it always needs recharging after an hour or so.

Rusty · 04-21-2016, 08:09 PM

I'm using the same GoPro mounts in my Nismo for the Virb XE.

The 1st picture shows the Rugged Cable attached with the external mike. Which I'm having problems with.

The 2nd pic shows where I mounted the remote with velcro.

Rusty · 04-21-2016, 10:53 PM

The video is on one of my favorite roads when there is no traffic.

It's the road I traveled back and forth for work before I retired.

The video was shot at 1800, lens set to Ultra Zoom. Like my GoPro. It needs a polarized lens filter for when it's sunny to reduce the glare. I'm going to try and mod one of mine for the GoPro to fit. The Virb XE is easy to use. Some features are easier then the GoPro. With the buttons and screen on top. You can see when you make a change. Under the OK/Camera button. Is a leveler switch that you can use to turn on and off the camera. When you use it. It starts a video record, and shuts it's off too. When you press the camera button, It will take a picture. Now when you are in the menu. It will not take a picture. You now use it as a OK button for the menu. To use an external mike. You have to go into the menu and switch the setting. GoPro, just plug it in. I had the external mike turned on with the same mike I use for my GoPro. In the video. It sounds like the internal mike is on.

I got the app for my cell phone. You can watch the video as it's being recorded. Plus the sound too. You can edit the video. Start/Stop the record.

The app doesn't loose the signal as bad as the GoPro app. I had some issues sinking it to my phone. Took a couple of tries to get it. Same thing with my GoPro too. So.....

If using the Garmin editing software without overlaying the gauges. You get a Time/Date, Route Map, GPS speed reading, Elevation, Grade, and Distance. Everything you see on the right side of the video. The route map is not the best. It does not show every turn.

Still trying to figure out the Grade reading. I've gone down some steep hills and it will show 9%. Now going back up. It will show less then 3% sometimes.

Using the Garmin editing software is easy. I like it better then some of the other stuff I've used. With the software. You can add sensor readings. BUT you are limited to Speedometer, Tach, Coolant Temp, Inlet Temp, Throttle Position, Engine Load, G Force, and Brake/Accel. I wish there was more.

When you add the gauges to the video. You have a choice of different options as to use.

Plus you can change the colors too.

Can't wait to do a trackday to see how it does.

But that won't be until July.

I will use the Virb more then the GoPro. I need more time with it though.

lschiavo46 · 08-18-2016, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty