It’s taken us ten years,but we lastly have a real GoPro rival-the great Garmin VIRB Ultra 30.This device fits the well-known GoPro on practically every count. It equals the video quality of the HERO5 Black,GoPro’s top-of the-line digicam, and includes a 1.75” LCD touchscreen on the backside of the unit.In
its waterproof shell, it’s practically just exactly the same shape and size as the GoPro, and uses all of the same mounts, which will make it much easier to switch away from
GoPro without requiring to buy into a whole new bracketing system.And just like on the GoPro,it also supports voice
commands,allowing you start and stop filming or take photos even if you can’t
physically reach the camera. But mainly,Garmin is in advance in one crucial area:using built-in GPS and other sensors,
your speed, distance, the altitude and other metrics can easily be captured,and even super-imposed on your video
footage on playback. 
The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 GPS boasts impressive features including 4K resolution, 3-axis image stabilization, a touchscreen, automatic recording of G-Metrix data, and GPS capabilities, making it an ideal companion for capturing your adventures. In terms of battery life, Garmin estimates approximately two hours of recording time at 1080p resolution, a claim I found to be accurate after a 1.5-hour test ride left the battery with 20% remaining. Additional batteries, available for €25 from Garmin, could prove invaluable for extended outings, though only one can be charged at a time while connected to the Virb. The camera’s recording quality and resolution rival that of a GoPro, with the built-in stabilizer ensuring sharp footage (note: stabilizer must be enabled in settings). I was particularly impressed with the sound quality, which remained consistent even when using the included case. Beyond video, the Virb excels in photography, featuring a shutter button in the upper right corner akin to traditional cameras, and boasting 12-megapixel image resolution for stunning photos.
It’s not waterproof in its native form: it still needs an external shell case. Voice commands work less well outside,in a
windy or noisy environment, or if you’re on the move.
We think we would find it surprisingly easy to make the change away from GoPro, specifically since the Virb fits in all the same spaces and uses the same
brackets. To be sincere,right now, there is really hardly anything among the two current market leaders.
Ultra HD 4K/30fps footage with 1.75-inch touchscreen display that lets you see what is being recorded
3-axis image stabilization captures smooth and steady video, no matter the terrain
Shoot hands-free using voice control to start-stop recording, take photos or remember moments
Built-in sensors and GPS capture G-Metrix data to prove how far, how high and how fast you went
High-sensitivity microphone captures clear audio in and out of the waterproof case.
Max video 4K @ 30 fps, 12 MP photos,
58 × 43 × 31 mm, 88g, 3-axis stabilisation,
waterproof shell, R8 000
Most action cameras will connect with your mobile phone or network by WiFi, but
the Garmin Virb takes it one step more by live-streaming its footage on YouTube.
Video
Performance: 4K/30fps; 2.7K/60fps; 1080p/120fps; 720p/240fps and 480p/300fps
High sensitivity microphone: yes, excellent even in waterproof case
Image stabilization: 3-axis (up to 1080p/60fps)
Manual camera control: yes, with live preview
Maximum bitrate: 60 Mbps
Expansive view (extremely large field of view): yes
Video highlights: Automatic and manual
Automatic video creation: yes, via desktop app
Photo
Resolution: 12 megapixel, 8 megapixel
Burst frames: Up to 60fps
Manual camera control: yes, with live preview
Night shots: yes
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30