Pyle it On

PylePyle Audio has shown that it knows a thing or two about rugged outdoor audio gear and now the company has introduced its eXpo Hi-Speed HD Action Camera, which it calls the perfect companion for action sports enthusiasts looking to re-live every hairpin turn or monster jump, while sharing their hi-resolution photos and videos with family and friends.

This 20megapixel camera/camcorder features CMOS image sensor technology, while it can record 1080p video, and can shoot at 60, 50, 30 or 25 frames-per-second. It also features a 4X zoom and invertible screen display, are controlled via a 2.0” LCD touch screen, and it can be controlled via Wi-Fi remotely from a smartphone. Continue reading Pyle it On

Contour is Back

ContourIt has been quite the wild ride for Contour – maker of action sports cameras. The company was on a roll, and then suddenly called it quits. Earlier this month the company announced that it had completed a financial overhaul, reorganized and improved its distribution.

It made the move from Seattle to Provo, Utah and the company said its financial outlook is solid with key retailers.

“The aim is clear—we want to create a world class company to support this world class product,” said Danny Lysenko, CEO of CONTOUR. “While recovering CONTOUR’s position in the market, we’ll continue the long tradition of being at the forefront of innovation and bringing to market beautifully simple, yet ultimately professional cameras.”

Contour Official Website
[Via Transworld Business: CONTOUR Returns to POV Camera Market With New Ownership]

Olympus Gets Tough Again

Olympus-Stylus-TG-3Olympus has risen – with a new rugged camera we mean. The new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 is ready to go where the adventure takes you. It is freezeproof to -14 degrees F, waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof from seven feet, crushproof to 220 lbs., and dustproof. It features a high-speed f2.0 lens, 16MP backlit CMOS sensor, and TruePic VII image processor, which are joined by 1080p Full HD video recording, a 3-inch LCD monitor, GPS, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Olympus Official Website

360 Degrees Takes Flights

360FlyThere are plenty of action cameras on the market to provide a first person view of your exploits, but EyeSee360 now has two new cameras that provide a panoramic view of the action. The first up is the 360Fly, which is a tennis-ball-sized video camera that can be mounted on a helmet or just left stationary. It captures 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically, which is now the widest viewing angle of any camera on the market.

It can capture video at 1,500 x 1,500 at 30 frames per second, is waterproof to five meters and can record for up to two hours.

The other offering is the 360MicroFly, a 360 degree panoramic video lens that can be attached to select smartphones, and is compatible with Android and iOS apps. Both versions will be out later this year to offer 360 degrees of functionality.

360Fly Official Website

Olympus Toughen’s Up

TOUGH-STYLUS-TG-850This month Olympus shows that it is still going tough. The Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850, which comes out this month (MSRP: $249.99) can record video with natural motion via 60p recording at 60fps in Full HD 1080p, as well as high-speed via 120 fps at 640 x 480 or 240 fps at 320 x 240.

But more importantly this one lives up to its name. It is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof camera employs True-Pic VII processor and wide-angle 21–105 mm 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include 180 degree flip LCD monitor and 16 MP backlit CMOS sensor.

Olympus TOUGH STYLUS TG-850 Official Website

Ricoh Out With Rugged Cameras

RicohRicoh has the camera to reach for on your next adventure. The company has introduced three new rugged cameras that include the WG-4 GPS, WG-4 and WG-20 – all of which will work with a new action-oriented mounting system. These actually build on the Pentax WG line, which makes sense as Ricoh bought the Japanese camera maker in 2011. The Ricoh name will now be used for compact cameras such as these.

The camera lineup includes the WG-4 and WG-4 GPS, each of which feature a 16megapixel CMOS sensor and sensor shift shake reduction. Each can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, and both are waterproof to 45 feet, shock resistant to just over six feet, and are crushproof to 220 pounds. These are even ideal winter sports cameras as they can endure temperatures to 14 degrees F! The WG-4/WG-4 GPS features a three inch LCD display, and offer a ring of six LED marco lights as well as traditional flash. The WG-4 GPS includes a GPS unit (obviously enough) to record position data and a travel log data.

The WG-20 has many of the features of the above models, but is meant as the introductory version. It is waterproof to 33 feet, shock resistant to five feet, but still crushproof to 220 pounds and can endure up to 14 degrees F. It is smaller than the WG-4 and can shoot HD video at 720p at 30 fps. It features a 14megapixel CCD sensor and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen.

All three cameras are also compatible with Ricoh’s new mounting systems that includes a handlebar mount, suction cup mount and adhesive mount. Mount up and reach for one of these Ricoh cameras.

Ricoh Official Website

Camo Cooler

Nikon-Coolpix-AW120-Camo-CaLast year Nikon introduced the AW110 Camo Camera, which we dubbed Cool Camo. Now the company has introduced the follow-up – the Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camo Camera, which features a 16-megapixel sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, GPS and can shoot video at Full HD 1080p.

It is waterproof, shock-proof and freeze-proof and once again features a camo pattern to blend in the surroundings. It might go with some of the latest camouflage products we’ve seen.

Nikon Official Website

GoPro to GoPublic

GoProRugged go-anywhere camera maker GoPro is known going places – and now it is going public. The company announced an initial public offering for Friday. GoPro had filed its IPO confidentially so that it means its financials are still secret, but this could be big for the company.

It shot to fame in recent years thanks to its Hero line of rugged cameras and this IPO could indeed make it a hero for investors.

GoPro Official Website
[Via Fortune: GoPro plans IPO]

Shimano Gets in on the Action

ShimanoThis month Shimano announced that it was entering the action camera market. The CM-1000 Sport Camera (MSRP: $299) will be available in May and is the first product from the company’s Lifestyle Gear Division, which targets both the fishing and cycling markets, and will be able to be integrated with existing Shimano electronics.

This HD camera can record video and stills, and features an F2.0 lens that will be good for low-light conditions, and offers dual, standard angle 135 degree and super wide 180 degree modes, while also providing a 90 degree increment auto-image rotation. That feature will allow users to flip the camera and still maintain a horizontal image plane.

The CM-1000 weighs in at 86 grams and will be waterproof to 10 meters without an external case. It offers ANT+ wireless connectivity as well as Wi-Fi and works with its own Android and iOS apps.

Shimano Official Website

Contour Coming Back?

ContourContour, the maker of the rugged wearable cameras, suddenly shut down last summer, but now the company could be making a return. The company posted via its Facebook page:

“Happy holidays to all and thank you for continuing to support Contour. It has been a difficult time, as you may have read, but we are getting closer to having the website and customer support up and running. Stay tuned for new announcements. In the meantime, we see lots of demand for storyteller, you can find it here. Thanks to Joe Agustino.”

Happy Holidays indeed for those who love Contour.

[Via BikeRumor: COMPANIES IN LIMBO – CONTOUR COMING BACK?]

Drift This Way

Drift-GhostDrift Innovation has announced that its new action camera, the Drift Ghost S, is ready for an adventure. The company claims this one has the longest battery life – three and a half hours – of any wearable camera on the market. The camera also offers a built-in two-inch LCD screen and it is designed to be waterproof up to nine feet by itself or up to 196 feet with a special case.

It can shoot 1080p video at 60fps and offers a 300-degree rotating lens, Wi-Fi video streaming while recording and it even comes with a two-way remote control. This does appear to be a Ghost that offers the most!

Drift Innovation Official Website

Nikon Changes it Up

Nikon-1-AW1There is no shortage of rugged cameras on the market, and while most of these can endure an adventure these often leave something to be desired when it comes to photos. Fortunately Nikon has realized that a point-and-shoot camera in a rugged body simply won’t do.

The company has introduced the Nikon 1 AW1, the world’s first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera. This is the latest addition to the camera maker’s popular Nikon 1 system that offers versatility with functionality. It is waterproof to 49 feet, shockproof to about six and a half feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees. In other words you might give up before the camera does! Continue reading Nikon Changes it Up

OTG Brinno

BrinnoWe recently heard that Contour has shuttered its doors and that could leave an opening for other rugged camera makers that look to take on GoPro. The Brinno might be just the one to take on the ‘pro. It features a wide 180 degree angle lens as well as an aspherical lens, and sensors that can adapt to low light situations.

It offers a 1.44 LCD preview screen, while the On-the-Go Brinno Reader Accessory makes for quick uploading and playback to any smartphone.

Brinno Official Website