Every now and then a product comes along that really surprises us … in a good way. Actually, truth be told, this happens more than one might expect. And when it does, we want to make sure we say it loudly.
Case in point, Pivothead Durango Video Recording Eyewear. They are comfortable sunglasses that protect your eyes AND record HD video along with high-quality audio. They may sound like a gimmick, but they aren’t. They are, in fact, pretty awesome. I LOVE THEM!!
Here’s a video look followed by some of the specifics.
Here’s a rundown of the features they offer. Sure, the temples are a bit larger than they would be were these “standard” sunglasses. And sure, there is a camera lens between the two lenses. But unless you are actively looking for the signs, you wouldn’t notice that these glasses can record video and audio; and you certainly wouldn’t expect the quality you get from them.
Features:
Brilliant 1080p HD Video & Audio Recording
8MP image Sensor
Four Focus Options: Auto, Fixed, Continuous, Macro
8GB on-board Memory
2GB SDRAM
Still Image Capture During Video
Burst Still Image Capture
Exposure & ISO Settings
Time Lapse Settings
Ultra Light Weight Impact – Resistant Frames
Black & White Video/ Photo Settings
Polarized, Revo, and Photochromic lenses
Simple to use – Easy to Share
Numerous Control Setting Options
The company offers four different models in sixteen different styles.
I went with the Durango’s since they are most similar to the style I would purchase were they simply sunglasses.
They came with a nice protective carry case, a micro USB 2.0 Cable, a microfiber cleaning cloth, a quick start manual and a Pivothead™ Membership Card. 🙂
It is a nice package and, as noted, they are glasses I would wear regardless. Having the added benefit of always having a camera and a camcorder with me when I wear these glasses is pretty amazing.
And once you shoot the video or pictures you can either connect the glasses to a computer and import them to free up space or you can use the new AirPivothead to wirelessly transfer images and video to an SD card or an iOS device. (We will be covering the AirPivothead in the next few days.)
In short, the glasses are comfortable and do a good job of protecting my eyes. The video they shoot looks good, and the ability to grab still shots is a bonus. Sure, 8GB of onboard storage fills up pretty quickly when you are shooting HD video, but so long as you are aware of how much you are shooting and transfer the videos to free up space on a regular basis, you shouldn’t have an issue. And with the $99 AirPivothead, you can save and free up space wirelessly!
Since the company designed the glasses to have as few buttons and setting as possible there is a bit of a learning curve. I am still learning how to navigate the controls, but I certainly prefer that to having just one or two possible settings.
I’ll be taking the glasses with me to Cuba this Sunday, and I expect that they will come in handy with regard to both shielding my eyes from the sun and letting me capture and share the experience. More details on the experience when I return.
You can learn more, check out all four styles, and order yours here on the company website.
MSRP: $349
What I Like: Comfortable; Look good; Four styles from which to choose; Shoot HD video and good quality stills; Captures audio quite well; Has 8GB of onboard storage; Limited number of buttons with which to deal
What Needs Improvement: Limited buttons mean a more complex menu of controls; Thicker temples than most sunglasses; Audio recording has noise canceling and, in some circumstances, clips the first milliseconds of a recording when there is are a lot of pregnant pauses
All I can tell you is that I am currently in Cuba using them and the freaking rock
Sent from my iPad