Video: Grand Canyon and Monument Valley Timelapse

Our friend Gavin Heffernan from Sunchaser Pictures have released yet another spectacular timelapse, this time with breathtaking images from the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in Arizona. As usual, this video is mesmerizing to watch. Words can't really describe it, so just watch and enjoy.

YIKÁÍSDÁHÁ from Sunchaser Pictures on Vimeo.

DRAWN: The Climbing Adventures of an Artist

In 2009, climber and artist Jeremy Collins found himself stuck in a cave under Fitz Roy in Patagonia, waiting for the weather to clear enough to give him a shot at the climbing to the summit. While there, he came up with the inspiration to travel in four directions from his home, and climb new routes that had never been done before. He was looking for a new challenge, something to inspire him. Over the next four years, that vision took him to the jungles of Venezuela, the border of China and Mongolia, into Northern Canada, and the Yosemite Valley.  As he went, he collected very personal stories from those journeys, and he filled five sketchbooks with art inspired by those adventures.

Now, Jeremy has published the art from those sketchbooks in a wonderful new tome that is available from Mountaineers Books. He is also about to close a Kickstarter campaign that has earned him enough funds to produce a film of this adventures as well. The campaign still has three days to go until it is done, and while the minimum goal has been met, extra funds will go to improving production.

The story is a very inspiring one, showing us how we can pursue our dreams and go after our goals. Life is an adventure, and this little book, and film, are a testament to how to pursue those adventures. The video below offers a glimpse of what Jeremy has in mind. Looks great!

Video: Tom Sawyer on the Danube

One of the things that I try to stress here on this blog is that adventure comes in many forms. Sure, it sometimes means climbing a big mountain, or traveling on foot to the North Pole. But not all expeditions have to push the edge in order to be life affirming and altering. Case in point, the video below is the teaser for a new film that will be hitting the adventure film festival circuit soon. It is entitled Tom Sawyer on the Danube, and it features Jamie Bowlby-Whiting, and his equally adventurous girlfriend Leah Bostwick, as they attempt to travel from England to Asia, under their own power. That includes walking, cycling, and even rafting the Danube on their own makeshift raft. The film isn't just a story about their journey, but is also about their relationship, and how they grew as people along the way. It looks like an amazing story, and an inspiration for us all to get off the couch, and go seek an adventure of our own.  This is the first film from our friends at Xpedition.tv, and it looks like a good one.

Teaser for "Tom Sawyer on the Danube" from Xpedition.TV on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera

These days, everyone seems to be looking to get a piece of the "action camera" pie, that has been pioneered – and mostly dominated by – GoPro. To get any kind of attention in this competitive market, a camera needs to deliver more than just great image quality these days. It needs to be truly unique in style and features, offering up everything that competition does, and then some. I'd say that is the approach that Garmin took with their Virb Elite, a device that throws in everything you could ask for – and then some.

As you would expect with any action cam, the Virb is capable of shooting video at 30 fps with a resolution of 1080p, thanks to its 16 megapixel CMOS sensor. Dropping the resolution down to 720p allows you to increase that frame rate up to 60 fps, with a couple of intermediate resolutions and frame rates available as well. It can also take still photographs of course, and its rechargeable battery is rated for 3 hours of operation, which puts it on par, or ahead of most other cameras in the category.  The device is also rugged, and built to withstand punishment, which is a must for any action cam. It has an IPX7 water resistance rating, which means that it is capable of surviving immersion for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water.

But most of those stats are pretty common place with competitors, many of which come in at a much lower price tag. Where Garmin has really separated itself from the pack, is with all of the extras that it has built into the Virb, not the least of which is a 1.4" Chroma display that adds a level of versatility that many action cams simply don't possess. Obviously, the screen allows you to see exactly what you're shooting, which is always nice. The placement of the display is on the topside of the Virb, which comes in handy both when you're holding it, or when you have it mounted on the handlebars of your bike, or the top of your kayak for instance. The screen also lets you access the device settings for the camera, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust all of them. Many of the competitors only let you access those settings using your computer prior to heading into the field.


The addition of the screen is just the beginning however. Considering this camera comes from a company that is the leader in consumer GPS technology, it should come as no surprise that they have managed to include a GPS chip in the Virb Elite as well. This allows the device to geo-tag photos and videos, recording the exact location where they were taken. It also allows for some other unique features, which employ the GPS technology as well. This includes the awesome "Skiing Mode," which automatically starts recording when you start down the slopes, and is smart enough to stop when you get to the bottom. The GPS also includes altimeter functions to keep track of changes in altitude too.

Not content with just offering GPS, Garmin also included Wi-Fi on the Virb as well. This allows users to connect to the camera using a smartphone, laptop, or other device that has wireless capabilities. Once connected, is is possible to change settings, snap still photos remotely, and start and stop video recording. Your smartphone or tablet screen can also be used as a monitor for the camera, giving you a preview of what is being recorded. This is an extremely useful feature to have for aspiring filmmakers, and a great option for when you have the Virb mounted on your helmet, or some other place that makes it inconvenient to check routinely.

As if that wasn't enough, Garmin has also baked in support for ANT+, a protocol for connecting to other devices such as heart rate monitors or cadence sensors on bikes. While those applications of this option are intriguing, where it'll really come in handy is for those who own the fantastic Garmin fēnix watch, which can connected to the Virb via Ant+ and control it as a remote control. The camera can also connect to remote sensors to track weather information such as temperature and barometric pressure.

So, how does the Virb perform with all of that high tech gadgetry crammed into its tiny 6.26 oz (177.4 gram) form? Quite well actually! The camera shoots very high quality video and takes surprisingly good still shots, at the same time.The built-in screen makes it a breeze to use, and the large record on-off switch makes it clear when you are capturing video at all times. Garmin wisely included image stabilization options, which certainly helps to get cleaner imagery on action shots, which is after all, the whole point of these cameras.

For a device that offers so much functionality, the Virb is incredibly easy to use. The screen makes it easy to tap into all of the camera's potential, and using Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone or other device, opens up the possibilities even further. I actually like to use my iPod Touch with the Virb, as it keeps my smartphone free for other things, and the Garmin app runs just fine on the latest iPod devices.

Battery life is solid, although I wasn't able to reach the 3 hour mark that Garmin claims. To be fair though, I had Wi-Fi and GPS activated, and was still able to get a solid 2 hour, 40 minutes of record time. Those kinds of extra features will always eat into battery life on any device. Unlike many other action cams however, the battery is user replaceable on the Virb, and Garmin sells extras for $29.95. If you're planning a project that requires a lot of video capture in the field, a spare or two will certainly come in handy.

As with most action cams, the Virb also has a wide variety of mounts available. It ships with a versatile flat surface mount, and a handy adapter that can be used with other industry mounts, such as those from rival GoPro, as well. Garmin also offers standard options such as bike and helmet mounts of course, but it also has dash mounts for your car, wrist strap mounts, and even a shoulder harness. I tested the tripod mount, which is self explanatory, and super-useful, as well as the headstrap mount, which I expected to be a bit unwieldily. Surprisingly enough though, it worked well, capturing good quality video thanks to the built-in image stabilization system. There is also an excellent Dive Case available for the Virb, which protects it down to 50 meters, and is very affordable at $39.95.

Personally, taken as a whole, I think that this is the best action camera available on the market today, and the first serious competition for the GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition. The Virb packs a lot of technology and options into a small package, that is easy to use and comfortable in the hand. It is solidly built to withstand punishment, comes with a lot of nice features and accessories right out of the box, and shoots video that is excellent in quality. Considering all that it has packed into its shell, it should come as no surprise that it has a price tag that rivals the GoPro models as well. Garmin has priced the Virb Elite, their top-end model I'll point out, at $399.99 – exactly the same as the GoPro model they're gunning for. Savvy shoppers will be happy to know that Amazon offers it for a $50 discount however, which makes the Virb a bit more affordable.

This is a camera that offers everything that aspiring outdoor filmmakers could want. It is versatile, functional, and feature-rich. Garmin has given you all the tools to start filming your masterpiece, all you need to do is get out there and start creating it.

3000 Cups Of Tea: Revisiting The Greg Mortenson Story

It has been some time since we've had any kind of update on the Greg Mortenson story. You'll recall, he's the climber-turned-author-turned-humanitarian who wrote the book Three Cups of Tea, and then proceeded to use his platform to raise funds to build schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His organization, the Central Asian Institute (CAI) was viewed as a model for doing good in struggling countries.

But then, in 2011 Mortenson became the subject of a hard-hitting 60 Minutes piece that called into question the stories he wrote about in his books, how the money CAI was raising was being spent, and whether or not schools were being built at all. That followed on the heels of an article written by John Krakauer entitled Three Cups of Deceit, which further blasted Mortenson, essentially calling him a liar and a fraud. In a matter of a few months, Mortenson's world crumbled around him, and CAI's funding dropped dramatically. Civil lawsuits were raised against him, although most were quickly dismissed, and for his part Mortenson disappeared from the limelight, with not much more to be told.

That is, until now.

Two filmmakers, Jennifer Jordan and Jeff Roads, are working on a documentary that delves back into the Greg Mortenson story. Their film is called 3000 Cups of Tea (see trailer below), and it is nearing completion. They say they have a very different side of the story to tell, and that their experience with CAI, and Mortenson's work, does not resemble what 60 Minutes reported. They have visited many of the schools that were the result of Greg's work, and they say that aside from a few that aren't up and running, most of them are serving the purpose that their founder intended.


Recently, Jennifer and Jeff gave ExWeb an interview about their work, and what they had to say was quite interesting. While they don't address all of the issues raised against Mortenson – they'll save that for the film – they certainly do offer a different view from what has been the public story over the past few years.

The filmmakers are seeking $40,000 to complete their documentary so they can get it out to the public to see. To that end, they've set up a donation page for anyone who would like to contribute. They hope to wrap up production soon and have the film released sometime this year.

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing the final product. When the 60 Minutes and Krakauer story broke, it was big news in the adventure and mountaineering community. It seems only fitting that we report on the other side of the story too. It is also important to point out that Mortenson and CAI continue to press ahead with their work, despite funding dropping off by 80%. Apparently, the author was able to build up a sustainable fund to keep his efforts going, even when hard times set in. That's a far cry from the financial mismanagement that was reported in 2011.

Hopefully we'll hear more about this soon.


"3,000 Cups of Tea" Trailer from Jennifer Jordan on Vimeo.

Video: Drone Captures Epic Footage Of Mountain Biking In New Zealand

Adventure filmmakers continue to put drones, and other technology, to good use in their craft. Case in point, this beautiful looking mountain bike film that was shot in New Zealand and features, some amazing footage that was captured using a personal drone. It is fantastic to look at, and a great example of what these types of tools can do. Oh yeah, and New Zealand looks amazing as well, but that mostly goes without saying.

Gear Closet: Polaroid XS100 Action Camera

Judging from marketshare – not to mention mindshare – you would think that the ubiquitous GoPro Hero 3 would be the only option available in the wearable, action camera market. But despite what GoPro's incessant marketing campaign would lead you to believe, there are actually alternative options on that rival their device, and even surpass it in some respects. Sony, Garmin, Panasonic, and a host of others all have very capable and affordable cameras that give budding adventure filmmakers the ability to capture video footage while taking part in their favorite activities.

One such alternative camera is the Polaroid XS100, a device that ticks all of the boxes in terms of what you want out of an action camera. For instance it is waterproof down to 10 meters (33 feet), and ruggedized for use in action sports such as mountain biking, trail running and paddling. It shoots video in 720p, 960p and full HD 1080p, while still retaining the ability to take still images with its 16 megapixel sensor. Best of all, it is extremely easy to use, includes mounts for both your helmet and bicycle handlebars out of the box, and comes with an entry level price tag that is easy to swallow. Amazon is currently selling this camera for just $120, which is something you should keep in mind throughout this review.

Of course, the most important aspect of any camera is its image quality. If it takes lackluster photos or video, it really isn't going to be all that much useful in the long run, no matter what it costs. I'm happy to say that the XS100 does quite well in this category. Don't get me wrong, it isn't going to replace a DSLR or even a high end point and shoot in terms of image quality, but over all it does a surprisingly good job at capturing both still images and video clips. I found the images to be crisp and clean, with a bit of high contrast, but nothing too distracting. On top of that, it also performed fairly well in low light conditions, something that most video cameras struggle with.


Size is another important factor when deciding on a camera you want to use, particularly in the wearable "action" market. The XS100 is lightweight, tipping the scales at just 4.8 oz. (136 g), which helps to make it extremely portable of course. But when compared to the GoPro Hero 3, it is down right bulky. That camera comes in at a svelte 2.6 oz (74 g), and just feels quite a bit more lean in general. The Polaroid model's long shape looks and feels very different from the boxy GoPro, and as a result the XS100 seems overly large in comparison. Of course, the GoPro model is almost always used with some kind of protective housing, which adds to its weight and bulk as well. Polaroid's offering is already ruggedized, without the need for an outer shell.

In terms of ease of use, the XS100 shines in that category. A switch along the top is toggled to start and stop recording video, while another button can be tapped to take still shots. It takes a little practice to get the feel for where these buttons are located, but after using the camera time or two, it starts to become a natural process. Most other settings are preconfigured using software before you head into the field, which means if you want to change things on the fly, you'll need to bring a laptop along to adjust. You're better off deciding what video and photo modes you want to use at the beginning, and just leave them in place.

Other features that come in handy on this camera include a built in accelerometer that automatically adjusts the lens to capture the proper footage, no matter what angle you turn the camera at. The little device even automatically saves two files of each video you shoot, one in full HD and another that is suitable for uploading quickly and easily to YouTube or other social media. Chances are, if you get into filmmaking on any level, you'll be using a piece of software to edit your clips before uploading, but it is nice to have this option for a quick share when you need it.

Battery life is always a major concern with action cams, as you hate to get caught out in the field with dead batteries. Polaroid rates the XS100's battery as lasting for 3 hours, and I'd say that is fairly accurate. While testing out the camera, I typically got somewhere between 2-3 hours of life, depending on how much I turned it off and on, and how long I let it run for. Since it can be charged via USB, carrying a small external battery pack can greatly extend that battery life of course, making some battery issues a non-factor really.

Most of the higher end action camera these days now include WiFi functionality for connecting with smartphones, tablets, or even wireless networks. This is an extremely nice feature to have, as it allows you to more easily change settings while in the field, or use your smartphone as a screen for instance. Sadly, the XS100 does not include any of those features, but considering the price point, that shouldn't come as a surprise. Polaroid's newer XS100i does have those features however, although the price does jump up to $180 at Amazon, which is still a great deal for the extra features it delivers.

If you're looking for a good, tough action camera to start your adventure filmmaking career, the Polaroid XS100 is a solid choice. It delivers everything you want in a rugged package that won't break your bank account. It delivers solid performance in both still and video footage, and it is easy to use as well. Yes, there are more full featured options on the market, but as an entry level camera that is very affordable, it is tough to beat.

Video: Drone Captures Utah In 4K From The Air

As I've mentioned before, two of the hottest things going right now in film production is the use of drones and shooting in 4K. This video does both. It captures some fantastic images of the landscapes in and around Moab, Utah, using a Skyjib octocopter and a Blackmagic Production 4K camera. The results are nothing short of spectacular. If you have access to a 4K screen, check it out in all of its glory by downloading the full file here.

Utah in 4K - From the Air from Ian Cresswell on Vimeo.

Video: How To Make A Mountain Bike Film

Interested in making your own mountain bike film? Than you may find this three minute video helpful. It is a beautifully shot clip that also happens to offer some simple, but very useful, advice on how to make your own mountain biking movie. Really though, some of the things mentioned could  be used for making any adventure film. After watching this however, I'm conflicted as to whether or not I want to go for a ride or break out my camera.

How to Make a Mountain Bike Film from Filme von Draussen on Vimeo.

Video: Extreme Sports In 4K

The video below captures some of our favorite outdoor activities in stunning fashion. There are segments of kayaking, mountain biking, paragliding and more. Better yet, the entire video was captured using a Sony video camera that captures it all in the emerging 4K format, which offers far higher resolutions than HD. Beautiful stuff.

4K from Image Impossible on Vimeo.

Video: Cinedrones are Awesome!

Recently I've mentioned a few times how I think the use of drones in adventure filmmaking is going to change the craft forever. The video below is dedicated to that vary thing, showing us how these little flying camera platforms can deliver amazing results. This is really fun and interesting stuff to be sure.

CINEDRONES ARE AWESOME from ANTIMEDIA on Vimeo.

Video: Into The Cave Of Wonders

There are two buzzwords we're hearing a lot about these days in terms of filmmaking (three if you count drones!). Those buzzwords include 4K and HDR. 4K shoots video at resolutions higher than HD, while High Dynamic Range video (and photography) captures colors in brighter, more saturated fashions. The result is an ultra-realistic looking video that has to be seen to be believed.

The filmmakers behind the video below used both 4K and HDR in the production of their short documentary entitled Into the Cave of Wonders. The results are pretty spectacular, as you'll see when you view the 9 minute clip. And before anyone asks, yes, the Cave of Wonders does exist. It is located in southern Spain near the town of Aracena. It is also open to the public, so start planning your visit soon.

Into the Cave of Wonders [4k HDR short documentary] from LovetheFrame on Vimeo.

Video: How Those Epic Timelapse Videos Get Made

You know those beautiful timelapse videos we love so much? Turns out they take a lot of work to complete! Who knew! In the video below, we not only get some great shots from the California landscapes, we also get to meet Michael Shainblum, who tells us how he creates these amazing clips.

The Art Of The Timelapse | Meet Michael Shainblum from The Creators Project on Vimeo.

Adventure Tech: New Tools For Would-Be Adventure Filmmakers

With the advent of tiny POV cameras over the past few years, adventure filmmaking has gone from an expensive, time consuming proposition to something that anyone with a laptop and a good camera can do. This week, aspiring filmmakers got a couple of new options to help in this process in the form of a new camera and an improved drone for capturing arial footage like never before.

First up, ION released their new Air Pro 3 WiFi camera, which brings an assortment of upgrades and improvements to the device. The new device has an improved 12 megapixel sensor that increases performance in lowlight conditions while continuing to shoot in full 1080p resolutions at 60 fps. Its ruggedized body is waterproof down to 49 feet (15 meters) and includes built-in image stabilization to help minimize shaking when worn on a helmet or mounted on the handlebars of a bike. It has a battery life of about 2.5 hours, which is a solid amount of time for a camera this small and an array of new mounting options are available to make this camera as versatile as possible. 

Additionally, the Air Pro 3's WiFi functionality makes it easier than ever to share videos online. The system even comes with 8GB of free cloud storage and can be paired with an app on an iOS or Android device for remote operation. 

The camera carries a price tag of $349.99 and begins shipping November 15. Preorders are available online.

Adventure filmmakers who want to add a new dimension to their next project will love the new offering from DJI, makers of the Phantom remote controlled drone systems. They've introduced the Phantom 2 Vision, which is unique in that it comes equipped with a camera right out of the box. Unlike previous models from DJI, the Vision has a built-in 14 megapixel camera that comes mounted on a tilting gimbal that can rotate 60º and has a wide 140º viewing area. A shock-aborbing bracket, built specifically for this camera, helps to reduce shaking and jitters that were an issue when  mountain your own camera on previous Phantom drones. The camera can also be paired with an iOS or Android device, allowing it to become a remote screen for the device, which the pilot can then use on the ground to see exactly what footage is being captured. 

DJI also improved the drone itself, giving it a greater battery life. It can now stay aloft for 25 minutes at a time. The drone also has improved stabilization for easier flight, even for beginners, although it all comes at a hefty cost. The Phantom 2 Vision will set you back $1199 when it goes on sale in a few weeks. The original Phantom, sans camera, is still available for just $479. 

Check out the Vision in action in the video below. Is it wrong that I kind of want one of these things?

Video: STEPS - A Climate Friendly Snowboard and Ski Film

As I mentioned earlier in the week, it is nearly time to start thinking about playing in the snow once again. That means we'll be seeing more ski and snowboarding films showing up just as we get in the mood to shred some fresh powder. You'll find one such film below, which like most of these types of movies features some amazing shots in remote backcountry. What sets this one apart however, is that it was made in a very sustainable fashion. The filmmakers wanted to go easy on the environment, so they shunned the use of helicopters and snowmobiles in favor of traveling on foot. Something that is far better for the planet. The results are spectacular.

New Trailer: STEPS - A journey to the edge of climate change from Ride Greener on Vimeo.

Video: The Making of an Adventure Film (Part 4)

This is Backcountry is the adventure video that keeps on giving. Not only is it an amazing short film in its own right it has also spawned a series of behind the scenes clips that give us insight into how these kinds of movies are made. The latest of those can be found below with the creative team behind This is Backcountry heading to the desert to get some awesome climbing shots. These guys have to go to great lengths to try to get the footage they need. Aspiring filmmakers in this genre need to have a lot more skills than just how to handle a camera and make edits in Final Cut Pro, that much is certain.

Video: The Making Of An Adventure Film (Part 3)

The folks behind the spectacular This is Backcountry video continue to share the secrets of adventure filmmaking. In the latest installment of their behind the scenes look at what it takes to create this type of video we travel to Moab to grab some awesome scenery shots and climbing footage. Check it out below and start thinking about how you'll make your outdoor masterpiece.

Video: The Making Of An Adventure Film (Part 2)

A month ago I posted a fantastic video called This Is Backcountry that was both inspiring and incredibly well made. A few weeks later I followed that up with this video which gave us a behind the scenes look at how the short film was made. That was such a hit with aspiring filmmakers that I wanted to share the follow-up video as well. You'll find that clip below and it features even more great shots of how these kinds of films are made. A lot goes into making a relatively short promo and you'll walk away with more appreciation for the skill and finesse necessary to make these videos come to life.

Video: Reel Rock 8 Trailer

The 2013 Reel Rock Tour will get underway in Boulder, CO on September 19 and the brief trailer below will give you an idea of what to expect. For those who aren't familiar with the Reel Rock Tour, it is a travel film festival that brings some of the best climbing and adventure films together in one place. The tour does go worldwide so you might be surprised to find that it is coming near you. Find out be checking the schedule here.

Adventure Tech: Sony Updates Action Cam, Toshiba Joins The Party

Currently the big IFA 2013 consumer electronics show is going on in Europe where some of the top technology companies in the world are taking the wraps off new products that will be making their way to the market in the months ahead. Yesterday Sony and Toshiba announced new action cameras that may be of interest to the outdoor community who are looking for alternatives to the GoPro Hero 3 which has become the dominant product in this market.

First up, Sony made a minor splash with the release of the  HDR-AS15 Action Camera last year. This year they've decided to make some important upgrades to that product that will make it more competitive with GoPro and other models currently on the market. For starters, the new Action Cam comes equipped with on board GPS, which is standard on cameras from the competition. It also now has NFC options for pairing with smartphones, in addition to WiFi. The camera sensor has been upgraded to take 12-megapixel still photos as well.

Some new accessories help to extend the versatility of the camera too. A Live-View Remote is now available which should prove very useful for aspiring outdoor filmmakers. This tiny LCD unit wirelessly connects with the camera and allows you to set up shots and turn the device off and on remotely. Sony has also done away with the bulky waterproof housing that was included with the previous model and replaced it with something that is smaller, lighter and more versatile. The older housing was rated for going down to depths of 60 meters (197 feet), which was probably more than most people need. The new one is rated for 5 meters (16 feet), which is better suited for day to day use. Scuba divers will still want the old housing however.

The updated version of the Action Cam should become available by the end of the month for a retail price of $300. The older HDR-AS15 version will remain in the line-up for about $200 as well.


Sony wasn't the only one making waves in the action camera market yesterday. Toshiba unveiled their new Camileo X-Sports camera as well as they seek to gain entry into this increasingly competitive market. The Camileo comes with a 12-megapixel sensor capable of capturing solid looking photos and video of up to 1080p quality at 60 fps. It features built-in WiFi which can connect to an Android or iOS device for use a remote control or view finder and the transfer of images and video to those devices. The Camileo includes an ultra-wide angle lens and a 10x digital zoom too.

While Sony is moving away from its rugged waterproof case, Toshiba is including one with their camera. The Camileo will come with a housing that is good down to 60 meters. It also comes with a basic remote control that you can wear on your wrist for starting and stopping recording. Optional mounts for a clip, head strap and more will be available at launch.

Toshiba says the camera will have a battery life of around 1.5-2 hours depending on your shooting mode, which is about standard for a device of this kind. It will also be capable of shooting photo bursts, time lapses, simultaneous video and still photos, self-timed shots and more. The versatile little device will be available in the fourth quarter with a price tag of $325.

Both of these models look like worth entries into the action cam market but they certainly have an uphill battle in terms of competing with GoPro. I wish them luck.