HTC Re Camera First Look: A Whole New Way To Imagine Your Surroundings

Rating:

4.0/5

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PROS

• Unique Design
• Waterproof
• Great Build

CONS

• Missing Zoom functionality

HTC has created its most desirable product ever and you probably want to know how it's different from a usual smartphone camera. HTC is taking its first steps to become more than just a smartphone maker with the Re camera.

The idea behind a standalone video camera isn't new, to be honest. Back in the age, we've seen devices like the Flip camera - a small-little handheld video recorder. Although it was a novel attempt, but with the resurgence of superior quality smartphone cameras - the market for standalone cameras died off quickly.

And now today we've a device like the HTC Re - a small, periscope-shaped action camera that works on its own or connects to your Android/iPhone via an application. The new camera is priced at $199 or Rs. 12,000, and will be available in the U.S to begin with, followed by other key territories.

We got to experience the HTC Re at its official launch event which took place in New York city. It should be noted that these are just our first impressions; a full review, including a look at how the camera works ( of course, in detail) and whether battery life lasts good or not.

HTC Re Camera: Form Factor and Design

The HTC Re comes in an array of colors, but we personally liked the orange model. The coolest part of the Re is the missing power button. Yes, it doesn't have a power button. All you need to pick it up, and it turns on automatically within 2-3 seconds.

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That's because the device has touch sensors built-in to it, so the camera automatically turns on. This is, of course, an added advantage to pick the Re over a handset.

When the Re gripped into your hand, your thumb rests right on the big silver colored button: it acts as the shutter key. A little white button on the front lets you shoot slow motion video. There's a microphone added on top of the Re.

This small periscope-shaped camera feels absolutely adorable. Of course, it's certainly different. The HTC Re, which looks like a curve tube, is 96.7 mm tall and 26.5 mm in diameter.

It is made out of tough plastic, and weighs in at 65.5grams. The IP57 rating stands for ruggedness, which means the camera is waterproof to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes.

The HTC Re is designed in such a way so that you stop watching your smartphone screen every time when shooting a video. That's why there is no screen or even a viewfinder.

Still, you can wirelessly connect the Re to your smartphone, and see what you're shooting.

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