The Gen XY Lifestyle
HTC RE Camera Review
The HTC RE is a small and uniquely shaped handheld camera.
The HTC RE is indeed a remarkable camera in its own right. At first sight, the small handheld camera’s cylindrical design resembles that of an asthma inhaler with two functional buttons on its front body and back. However, this unique design makes it an ergonomic one, allowing it to fit comfortably in your hand for an easier grip.
The camera features a mirrored shutter button that allows you to capture photos with a single tap, and record videos when you hold it down. What is interesting about the camera is that you can also record slow motion videos by holding down the motion mode button at the front. However, the only way to view what you’ve shot with your HTC RE is by downloading the RE app on your smartphone (Android or ios). Simply pair the device with your mobile phone through Bluetooth and WiFi and you can enjoy capturing images with an onscreen live viewfinder or browse through the images and videos you’ve captured with the camera.
One issue with the WiFi pairing however is that it can take a bit of time to detect the HTC RE and you might end up having to capture images without a live viewfinder if time does not permit. Also, the images are not automatically downloaded into your mobile phone which means you’ll have to manually select the images you’d like to save.
In terms of operating the HTC RE, the device does not have a power button as it comes with a built-in grip sensor that activates when you pick the camera up. While this is meant to simplify the design of the device, it may seem uncomfortable to many who are used to having a power button to determine if their devices are switched on or off. Nevertheless, one thing about this function is that the HTC RE is seemingly always switched on, pick it up and you’re ready to snap away again. In all honesty, this could be good if you’re trying to capture photos instantly and on-the-go and have no time to wait for your device to boot up. As for battery life, the RE camera runs on an 820 mAH rechargeable battery which allows you to capture approximately 1,200 16MP images. To check your battery status, hold the camera and the indicator LED at the front of the device will show green when it’s above 25 percent and red when it’s below 25 percent.
As for specifications, the HTC RE features a 16MP CMOS sensor, Full HD (1080p) video recording, micro SD slot at the bottom which allows you to expand the internal storage of 8GB to up to 128GB additional storage and a 146 degree wide-angle lens that gives your images a fish-eye effect and offers photographic abilities that your mobile phone does not. The camera is especially great for self-portraits but can be difficult accurately position it to capture landscapes or sceneries.
Overall, the RE camera is definitely an innovative device that’s great for travel purposes. While not many might embrace the idea of an additional handheld camera that requires a mobile app for a live viewfinder and would rather whip out their mobile phones to capture a moment, what sets the HTC RE apart from your mobile would definitely be its waterproof and time-lapse abilities.
The HTC RE camera is available in four colours – Blue, Orange, Green and White and will be available in late December. Prices are to be confirmed.
