This unique shooter is designed to act as a replacement for your smartphone camera due to its ultra-portable design, high resolution image capture and minimalistic approach. But will this device find success or fail to win the hearts of consumers?
An Ultra-Portable Design
This new HTC imaging device employs a minimalistic design with two buttons: one on the front and back. The ultra-portable Re Camera weights 2.31 ounces and measures 96.7 x 26.9mm and is waterproof, making it perfect for outdoors, whether users are surfing, biking or mountain climbing.
The camera comes in multiple colors including blue, teal, orange, and white and is designed for one-handed use. It sports a 16MP sensor that captures sharp images and 1080p FHD videos. However, unlike many popular imaging devices, it lacks a viewfinder or screen. This may prove to be a deterrent for some, especially those of the ‘selfie generation’ whose main goal is to take the perfect photo. No doubt using the Re may prove difficult for such users since they won’t be able to use a viewfinder or screen to organize, edit and recapture photos and videos – unless of course they pair the device with their Android or iOS smartphone.
Some may also find the form factor a little disconcerting. After all, the Re looks more like a PVC pipe or asthma inhaler than the perfect on-the-go camera. The good thing about the device though is that its simple design allows it to basically get out of the way so users can focus on their experiences and capture the moments at hand.
Is the Re Camera a GoPro Rival?
Camera lovers, especially those who participate in extreme sports, travel and adventure videography may be aware of a revolutionary brand of action cameras and accessories called the GoPro. These GoPro devices sport a rugged design that makes them perfect for capturing any adventure. The Re Camera, however, is no GoPro.
According to HTC execs, the Re Camera isn’t designed for extreme sports as is the case with the GoPro but for regular users, for instance parents who want to capture a family moment without depending on their smartphone.
The company is designed to be an always-on alternative to a smartphone camera and therefore has no power button. Here’s how it works: The device comes with two buttons that enable users to capture images and video as well as activate slow motion mode.
Sensors embedded in the Re are activated whenever a user grips the device, enabling them to quickly take pictures without needing to unlock the device, open a camera app and so forth as is usually the case with smartphone cameras or other imaging gadgets.
How Much Will HTC’s Re Camera Cost?
Though the Re Camera wins as a niche device due to its ultra-portable design and camera specs, it fails to hit the sweet spot in terms of pricing. The gadget will be sold for about $200 according to HTC execs though this price could drop after its release.
The fact that the Re will sell in the same price range as smartphones on contract as well as high-performance cameras makes it less competitive for consumers. After all, do customers really need to spend $200 for a device that offers only some of the capabilities found on the average flagship handset?
When Will the Re Device become Available?
The Re Camera is expected to launch during the holiday season according to the company’s execs. It will be available via Best Buy, AT&T and other carriers.
The Re Camera comes equipped with an interesting, ultra-portable design but falls short in the pricing department. Customers will need to decide whether this device has what it takes to replace their smartphone camera.
HTC Announces the Ultra-Portable Re Camera
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