HTC RE Camera
Whenever Li Xiang got a gadget as a present, I get to keep it because she is not into gadgets! The HTC RE Camera was given to her by her company’s client.
The HTC RE Camera is HTC’s take of the GoPro for the normal consumers like me who are not into extreme sports. The RE Camera isn’t shockproof but it is waterproof rated at IPX7 and that means it can be submerged into water of up to 1m for 30 minutes.
The HTC RE Camera was launched in Singapore on 20th December 2014 and is currently retailing for S$348.
When I first saw the RE Camera, it reminds me of the military L-Torchlight that is being used by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Others say it looks like asthma inhaler while some says it looks like periscope.
It features a 16MP 1/2.3″ Sony CMOS sensor with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) connectivity. It is extremely compact and lightweight weighing at only 66.5g and is capable of taking Full HD (1080p) videos at 30fps or slow motion videos at 720p.
There is a sensor at the grip area which will turn on the RE Camera automatically when it is held in your hands. The RE camera is meant to be operated with one hand and hence there is only one main button. You tap on the button to take photos or press and hold the button to take videos.
It is compatible with both iOS and Android and hence there is both an iOS RE App on App Store and Android RE App on Google Play.
Specifications
- Camera: 16MP, 1/2.3″ Sony CMOS sensor, 146 degree super wide angle lens with f2.8 aperture for low light usability
- Recording: 1080p, 30fps Full HD video, 720p, 4x slow motion video
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Wi-Fi Direct
- Memory: Expandable microSD storage (SanDisk’s 8GB microSD card included)
- Ports: micro USB (for charging), tripod mount, micro SD Card Slot
- Dimensions: 26.5mm (diameter), 97.7 mm (height)
- Weight: 66.5g
- Battery: 820mAh rechargeable battery (up to 110mins of continuous Full HD video recording)
Personally, I think the RE Camera is pricey especially since HTC is a new comer in this market. The RE Camera isn’t exactly an action camera, it is just a casual camera that is waterproof. For that price point, I would recommend the Sony HDRAS20 Action Video Camera instead which is only retailing for S$299 in Singapore.
Quite often, I faced difficulties connecting to the RE Camera’s wi-fi network because it doesn’t appear under my wi-fi networks. I basically have to put down the RE Camera and hold it again to off and on it.
The quality of the photos and videos by the RE Camera is just average. My iPhone 6 Plus takes better photos/videos and the Sony HDRAS20 mentioned above takes better photos as well.
If you are interested in the best action camera to buy, checkout Gizomodo’s The Best Action Camera For Every Need.
