The REC-1 action camera from Cerevo will run you $299.99 which places it in the higher end market alongside the GoPro HERO5 Session. But the one advantage the REC-1 has above others comes in the form of the included LOG-1 sensor that makes it a much better value than most every major action camera on the market.
Looking at the REC-1 itself what we get is a full 1080p HD action camera that comes equipped with wireless LAN connectivity so that users can pair it up with the custom app that Cerevo has for Android and iOS that lets you see what you are going to be recording.
The camera features a cylindrical form-factor that makes it better suited for biking and speed as it’s a bit more aerodynamic than strapping a square on your helmet. But the real magic comes from not only being able to use a really good quality stand-alone action camera, but how it works in combination with the included LOG-1 sensor.
This tiny little device collects sensor data on the fly which can then be overlaid onto REC-1’s 1080p60 video when editing, creating a complete picture of your preferred sports activity. The LOG-1 can capture data from the 6 axis activity sensor that hide in this tiny device and can add a new level of detail to your videos. Think of what you can do by being able to overlay your ride data to get a more complete breakdown of you adventure.
The LOG-1 collects information such as speed, inclination and temperature. Together with the embedded magnetic sensor you can acquire the rotational speed of things like a bicycle crank, car tire and more. This allows the LOG-1 to be used for more than just your biking adventure and adds a new level of fun when editing something like race footage. I had a lot of fun pairing the REC-1 and LOG-1 with a friends roadster to help them better show off to friends.
I loved being able to simply record footage of being myself getting more than a little freaked out by the speed at which he drove, while he loved getting a read on the data provided. I don’t know how accurate the data is as I can’t really test it against anything, but it looked right and means the LOG-1 could change the way amateur racers gauge their runs and practice.
The magnetic inside the LOG-1 sensor can switch between cycle acquisition mode and state acquisition mode. So it’s also possible to acquire on/off information on physical switches that is pretty difficult to acquire with an acceleration sensor alone. More options are always better, even though most people wont know what to do with most of it.
But what’s really cool, and something I wouldn’t expect from a company, is the fact that the LOG-1 can be purchased as a single unit without REC-1 camera, enabling you use your own sports or action camera with the device. Where most companies are locking down devices with propriety software and often spending millions to control an ecosystem, Cerevo does the complete opposite and encourages use with other cameras.
By using the LOG-1 with a personal action camera you already own, you can connect said camera and sensor to a PC in the same way as when shooting with REC-1 and superimpose the acquired data onto your video using the included dedicated software. There’s just something neat about turning your videos into what feels like a racing video game.
The interconnectivity extends to the REC-1 camera via the app. This means you can stream video to a smartphone and start or stop recording remotely. It may not sound like much, but it’s a godsend for those people looking to record from non-traditional places on their rides.
You can stick the camera in the wheel well of your ride and see exactly what the camera is going to record. I can’t tell you how many times my car buddies have recorded footage from interesting locations for some YouTube video only to have the camera not capture what they expected.
The REC-1 pack also comes with all sorts of clamps and connectors to get it attached to whatever you want. From what I’ve seen from other major action camera these attachments come at an added cost, if included at all. Look, $299 is a lot of money for most people so I’m thankful that Cerevo stuffs as much as possible into one single package. Everything you are going to need to get recording is right in the box without need for anything extra. But one weird thing is that the REC-1 doesn’t have any extras to purchase at all.
Not a big deal, but it doesn’t have the option to include a camera cover/enclosure. That said, both devices are IPX4 water-resistant rated so no need to worry. But since I’ve been conditioned to put a case on everything not having the option is a bit strange.
Since the REC-1 is designed with sports in mind it, along with the LOG-1 sensor, are equipped with physical slide and button type switches. Someone over at Cerevo seems to be really into snowboarding and if your are doing anything with bulky gloves, getting recording started and stopped is as easy as it gets. But what I particularly like is the battery the REC-1 uses.
It’s a strange little cylinder that can be installed and removed really easily, even with gloves. You can charge a few batteries so you never run out of juice while on the trail. Although, I’m not sure if Cerevo is selling the batteries on their own right now, but since the Camera just launched over here I can imagine it’ll be on their store soon enough.
The REC-1/LOG-1 pack is one of the best bangs for your buck if you are looking for an action camera with the most versatility. We have no problems recommending this to anyone out there that wants to film all the cool things they do in the great outdoors with friends and family.
While I don’t leave my office much the REC-1 has at least replaced by smartphone as the primary camera for recording my unboxing videos I do for fun. And I guess I now can record any silly adventures I might go on with friends once in a blue moon.
A unit was provided for review
// Promoted Stories
About Author
