Design, time lapse and accessories
HTC RE, the portable camera that looks more like a handheld periscope, has its sights on the rugged and reliable GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 4 line.
The idea behind this easy-to-use action camera is that you're no longer forced to peer through a smartphone viewfinder when capturing life's best moments.
Instead, it's all about getting lost in the moment. Not everyone is sold, but that's enough for me to want to buy into the HTC RE's one-handed operation and custom 146 degree wide angle lens.
I like the promise of unshackling myself from the viewfinder while still allowing me to walk away with photos and video, even if I don't like the $200 (likely north of £150, AU$226) price.
1. Unobtrusive
As someone who owns and still uses Google Glass, I know a thing or two about obtrusive camera technology. I often limit my public Glass use to tech events where people want to demo it.
HTC RE, however, is subtle compared to Google's face-worn wearable and less of a nuisance next to a smartphone.
Sure, it could spark curious questions, but without a viewfinder, there's no chance for playback on this small, lightweight device. That means no more incessant nitpicking and retakes from friends.
2. One-handed design
The grip-and-go design of the HTC RE makes it an ideal action camera. It's perfectly marketed toward everyday selfie takers and vloggers.
There are just two buttons. The button in the back takes photos and video. A short press snaps 16 megapixel photos. A long press starts the 1080p video recording. The front button triggers slow motion video capture.
What's missing are the cumbersome menus that often weigh down the time and therefore enjoyment of life's most precious moments. If they're important enough to capture, they're too important to fiddle with manual controls for over a minute.
3. Always-on without a power button
HTC RE uses low power sensors to turn on when it's picked up. That means it's supposed to be always ready when you need it.
You won't find a power button on this camera for that reason. It relies on a 820mAh battery. That makes the battery life good enough for 1,200 photos and 100 minutes of video.
It's enough a large battery to fill up the 8GB micro SD memory card that the HTC RE comes with, but it'll need a few recharges before maxing out the 128GB micro SD cards it supports.
4. Time-lapse video
Hyperlapse and iOS 8's camera have proven that time lapse video can be fun to create.
It's just not always convenient to capture that sped up video with your all-important phone, HTC pointed out at its press conference.
Offload that job to the HTC RE. A micro USB charger or battery extender stick can be attached to make the timelapse last longer.
5. Accessories
To perfect those timelapse videos, RE is compatible with standard camera tripod mounts and HTC's own line of stick mounting accessories.
There's a bar mount with an adjustable clamp for handlebars, whether you're on a motorcycle, bike, scooter or (I'm on a) boat. A clip-on accessory turns HTC RE into a wearable with a rotating swivel design. It can be attach to seat belts, shirt collars, backpacks, etc.
A suction mount is useful for car windows while the head mount is meant to give GoPro a run for its extreme sports money. Any endurance activities that need to be filmed will also need the extended battery pack in the matching shape of a stick.
Slow-motion, compatibility, waterproof
6. Slow-motion video
There's also slow-motion video onboard, which takes the normal 1080p 30fps video down to 720p and 4x slow motion.
Okay, we have more than enough smartphone apps that can film at higher rates and play them back at a normal and, therefore, slower speed.
What makes HTC RE different is that it can do this with that dedicated slow motion button in the arm of the device. It's just a little easier to have a physical button.
7. Waterproof
Proving to be a go anywhere, do anything life capturing tool, HTC RE is waterproof right out of the box. No case required, boasts HTC on its official website, a knock on the GoPro 3 that requires protective housing.
It's IP57 water resistant rating makes it fine for underwater photos and video one meter down for 30 minutes. Samsung Galaxy S5 boast those same pool-appropriate waterproof specs.
An HTC RE protection pack accessory goes a depth further with a waterproof-enhancing lens cap that makes the whole thing IP58.
8. Android and iOS compatible
HTC RE represents another post-PC gadget that doesn't require a computer, according to the company.
Not only that, it's compatible with both iOS 8 and iOS 7 as well as HTC fans' native Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 devices.
This goes along with the fact that HTC Zoe, it's photo-focused social app, is coming to Apple smartphones and tablets.
Google Glass maps and messaging features are limited on the iPhone and Android Wear is altogether incompatible. It's nice to see that switching back and forth between my iPhone 6 and Moto X won't get me burned or bendgated out of shape.
9. Remote control recording
Ten rows back at a recital? Want a different angle while you simultaneously shoot with a smartphone? Not a problem here.
HTC RE comes through with a remote control recording option. Just open up the app and snap photos or start recording videos from afar.
It's less of a pain to set up that group selfie shot, letting you actually get in the photo for once.
10. Updates and open SDK
HTC has promised that more is in store for its camera-on-a-stick thanks to upgrades for both the RE hardware and software.
Part of the plan is to open up the camera software API and SDK to developers for apps outside of its own.
Another idea in motion is a partnership with Google to enable real-time live broadcasting from the HTC RE via YouTube.
Conclusion
"Get out from behind the lens" is the HTC RE pitch that appeals to me the most.
I'm often the tech guy trusted to take photos and video, but I'm often missing those in-real-life moments. It also means I'm out of the frame unless it's an awkward group selfie.
HTC RE features some tricks that better let you take in experiences and capture them at the same time. It might even inspire us to seek new adventures.
The question is: is that worth $200? We'll have to judge that with more IRL testing.
- We also have an eye for the HTC Desire Eye
from www.techradar.com
