HTC Re Camera aims to be the GoPro for everyday use

HTC is entering a whole a new category by introducing its new Re Camera. A new handheld device which is like a GoPro but it isn’t entirely. This periscope or inhaler looking device is meant for the non-extreme everyday use and while the design looks quirky, its tube-like shape makes it easier to hold without the need of optional sticks or mono-pods.

With a 16MP f/2.8 camera (Sony Sensor) and a wide-angle 146 degree lens, the Re Camera aims to be your secondary camera that you can carry all the time. The design is simple without on/off buttons and you can take photos immediately by pressing the silver shutter button at the back. For videos, all you’ll need is to long press the button to start recording up to Full HD 1080p in 30fps. It also takes slow motion videos at 120fps in 720p resolution.

On-board it gets a 820mAh battery which is much smaller than a GoPro but HTC says that it is sufficient enough to take 1,200 photos or 1 hour 40 minutes of video with a single charge. At the bottom of the Re Camera is a cover for a microSD slot, an exposed micro USB port and a standard tripod mount. To accompany you wherever you go, the Re Camera itself is water resistant at IPX7 so you won’t need to fiddle around with an external waterproof housing like the GoPro. To make Re Camera universally compatible, it supports both Android and iOS device, and it connects using Bluetooth and WiFi. The Re Camera is priced at US$199 (about RM650) and it is available with different colour options.

For an add-on accessory at such price, the Re Camera is looking like niche product. Potentially this could be a go anywhere panorama selfie camera considering its hand held design with waterproof capabilities. But we are wondering if the Re Camera would be worth buying considering smart phone cameras are getting better. In addition, it would be faster for most people to whip out their smart phones from their pockets to take pictures. If you’re looking to invest on a proper action camera, you would be better off spending more on a more established GoPro Hero range that now shoots higher resolution 4K videos and has a wider choice of accessories.

For more info, head over to HTC Re Camera’s website.

Check out the hands-on video from Android Central and live photos from The Verge below.

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