Gadget Review: HTC RE camera makes photography a child's play

HTC RE Camera

Rs 9,990 (introductory price)

Availability: Snapdeal.com (first week of November)

RE camera, HTC's newest handheld device, is simply a point-and-shoot gadget that looks like a periscope. It has a 16-megapixel sensor with a ultra-wide angle lens that allows a viewing angle of about 140 degrees. It can capture a 1080p videos (30 fps), besides the usual selfies and pictures. The RE camera can also take a slow-motion 720p video at 120 fps.

Although there's no physical power-off button on the RE camera, the device wakes up when it is picked up or held in a hand.

The camera doesn't have a viewfinder, just point at the subject and click the button placed at the bend on the device and the ultra-wide angle lens does the rest. Click the button placed on the front, below the lens to capture slow-motion grabs. LEDs let users know if a picture or a video has been taken. Users will require to download an app which'll allow synchronisation between phone & the device. The app will initially be available for Android and iOS devices only. Once paired with the app, your phone can be used to the see subject/s in focus. Transfer of data takes place through WiFi.

HTC says users can take up to 1,200 pictures or 100 minutes of videos before the battery runs out of charge. The RE camera is water resistant. You can use it under water (up to 1 metre) for 30 minutes. User can add upto 128 GB space with a microSD card that can be placed in the slot at the base of the device.

The RE camera is fairly light at 66 gram and clicking pictures seemed a child's play. The device, however, got warm while taking videos.

The RE camera goes on sale on snapdeal.com in the first week of November and HTC will introduce accessories to mount the camera on to cycle handlebars and bags among others. It'll be initially sold at an introductory price of Rs 9,990. HTC hasn't announced the price without the offer.