With the introduction of several new accessories, Garmin has made its VIRB Elite HD 1080p action camera especially useful for pilots who want to capture in-flight video footage. The VIRB Elite features a 1.4-inch Chroma color display, which makes setup and playback simple. It can record up to three hours of HD video on a single charge, and offers built-in GPS, WiFi and ANT+ connectivity for added functionality with a variety of Garmin products.
The VIRB Elite Aviation Bundle includes the VIRB Elite camera and a new stereo headset audio cable, so pilot-to-pilot communications and air traffic control transmissions can be heard and embedded within the video. Also part of the bundle is a propeller filter that reduces propeller distortion created while filming video in flight. Even while taking high quality still photos with VIRB, propeller distortion is reduced from the photo when the prop filter is attached. The filter screws onto the front of the VIRB, and is easy to remove when filming other activities.
Also included in the $549.00 VIRB Elite Aviation Bundle is a suction cup mount, 16G Class 10 microSD card, and a free six-month trial to Garmin Pilot, an app for smartphones and tablets. Available for Apple and Android devices, the app includes navigation, aviation weather, DUAT(S) flight plan filing, electronic flight bag capabilities, optional traffic/weather, and much more.
The $899.00 Aviator Action Pack includes all of the accessories in the VIRB Elite Aviation Bundle and adds the D2 Pilot Watch. The D2 wirelessly connects to the VIRB, making it more convenient to film and take photos in flight. When the VIRB and D2 are paired, pilots may start/stop video and take photos, all controlled from the D2 Pilot Watch.
Existing VIRB action cameras are compatible with the new headset audio cable and prop filter and may be purchased separately. The prop filter is available for $49.99 and the headset audio cable is also $49.99.
Select Garmin dealers will offer the VIRB Elite Aviation Bundle and Aviator Action Pack at Sun ’n Fun, April 1–6, and at AERO Friedrichshafen, April 9–12.
