- Joined
- Jul 20, 2017
- Messages
- 35
- Reaction score
- 10
- Age
- 56
Picked up a used Garmin VIRB 360º action camera. This is a pretty interesting device in that it has a built-in GPS (of course), accelerometer, and ANT+ receiver. I installed it on the payload bay of my 3DR Solo to try it out. Solo was in Follow Me mode, and wasn't doing a very good job of following today. Edited using the 1080p crop function for framing, might upload the 360º version too. Obviously not Hollywood quality with the crop but for industrial use it could be interesting. Certainly easier to fly if you can worry about aiming the camera in post. The raw files have no stabilization at all, you have to import them into the VIRB Edit software, then export. The heart rate overlay came from the metadata file as well, and is applied in the VIRB software. Again, this is probably pretty limiting for broadcast use, but industrial or individual/social use it's a nice effect (as an aside: I'm really amazed at the range of the ANT+ heart rate monitor, although I'm sure in an urban setting it would be much less). It also has a mode where you can only use the front (or rear) camera, but don't know if it then becomes a 180º camera with the same metadata or just another action camera. Includes WiFi and an app, but the range is pretty short, and probably chews up the battery. Also has a micro HDMI output that will show the raw stitched image, which is upside down if you use the GoPro mount and so is pretty much just a confidence viewer. I initially tried using it, but it is pretty tight with the stock Solo HDMI cable and I didn't want to risk damaging it or the Solo, so I stuffed it up under the GoPro mount, which might have caused some of the vibration. If I decide to keep it on the Solo I'll probably have to add retractable landing gear, and figure out the best angle to avoid the stitch line. No comments about my lack of athleticism please! 
