Garmin Varia RCT715 Review // Varia Radar...WITH A CAMERA!
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- In-depth review of the new Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar, Light, and Camera. You can get the Varia RCT715 here: geni.us/VariaR... (Amazon affiliate link that helps support the channel - thanks!)
Garmin Varia RTL515 Review: • Garmin Varia RVR315 & ...
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Good review. Thanks for all of the great detail. One item, you don't have to remove card to view video on computer. You just use USB cable and plug the device into computer, then you can view or save or delete any files from card.
Excellent review! Very informative, well spoken, and expertly delivered.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the review RCT715 You just never know how this can help you. I like seeing the car's coming up on me with the Radar and now you have video sweet
I have the RTL515. I also have the Cycliq Fly6. The $399 price tag is a bit steep. Great stuff, Des!
Thanks Wayne!
Really good to know that a 256 card will work. I randomly ordered a new micro sd card before I knew that there was a 128 limit. This review is fantastic. Very thorough 👌 Great work Des!
Yup, tried a SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 256GB and works just fine after formatting using the Varia app. Thanks so much, Matt!
Thank You. As a rather elderly Dane of 76 I will use this as an extra Safety, not being quite as mobile as a young man, and able to look behind while riding. Finn
I still think this is one of the most interesting and safest options for cycling for me in London, with a bright light as we approach autumn/winter seasons; or fall as you may say!
Thanks for the in depth analysis of this product.
Whilst two years old, all still relevant today!
(Although I’m yet to see of the iOS app has been updated for the better!)
Great video as always. Seems like Garmin’s next step would be to stream this camera via Bluetooth to a new edge display :) Would be the ideal rear view cycling mirror.
A great idea and although technically feasible, I would guess that would destroy battery life though. Thanks!
Given that Garmin doesn’t even sync music to devices over Bluetooth, I doubt that will ever happen. Something like WiFi-Direct would probably be more likely, although at significant cost to battery life.
I’d buy in a heartbeat if it did this. I’ll stick with my original radar for now. Love it as it is.
That will be the pro version, 2000$ please. Thank you
@@DesFitwhat’s your opinion on mount location? Behind seat or on stem? I don’t ride with bag behind seat
I bought the RTL515 last night - time to return that order
Really detailed vid! I don’t mind the safety aspect but as you summarise, for me this should have had much more of the Virb Ultra 30 technology built in. I would not hesitate to buy that
Thanks!
Interesting review. Appreciate the detail. Not quite as scathing as DC Rainmaker. Maybe it will be something to consider for more urban trips once they’ve worked some kinks out. It would be nice if there had been stabilization so it could be used beyond incident recording. I can see why they use the little files now. Will stick with my RTL515 for now and see what updates come out.
I think we are almost there, I would probably pick up the next iteration to replace my existing radar. 1080p, OIS, and a bigger sensor to capture license plate detail is all you need. 2k and 4k is unnecessary and just eats up more card space and battery life, we are not trying to create a Hollywood movie but trying to assign accountability when you get hit.
To the other comments, using as a rear view mirror is not needed as it'll massively drain the battery and your cell phone. Besides, most people use a decidated bike computer when cycling on the road (at least the one high risk of being hit).
Looks good. I don't have a Varia of any type yet, but I think I'll wait for a version with a better image, low light performance and clip management
Enjoy the Varia experience whenever you get one! 👍
Excellent video! I was very excited to find out about this product. I have a radar/light combo on the mail being delivered today actually but now I am tempted to return it and get this one instead. However, I am reading mixed reviews about the video quality when it comes to extracting license plates. I may hold off and wait for an upgraded version with stabilization and 4k (hopefully they'll deliver). But excellent video!
Thanks! If there is a lot of light and the roads are smooth, license plates seem easy enough to make out. Outside of that they are certainly more challenging.
@@DesFit Good to know! I usually ride during the day and our roads here in Minnesota are smooth for the most part, at least the ones I ride on. Maybe I will have to reconsider, as I was going to stick to radar/light combo for now
I have the RCT715. A major Garmin failure is to understand that many people use an under seat bag or a trunk. A seat post mount is useless for them. They need to come up with a mount that can be placed on the end of a rear rack.
It depends on the size of the saddle bag as well as how much seatpost is extended beyond the frame. I use a saddle bag and have no problems fitting the RCT underneath it. This may offer a solution for you though: www.garmin.com/en-US/p/874032/pn/010-13254-00 It may be able to extend beyond your saddle bag but if not, I'm sure there would be a way to clamp it to a rack, or even rig up a GoPro style attachment to your rack to attach it to.
It would be cool if there could be some functionality to use it as a rear view camera as well. Like when someone is detected behind you show the live action feed on your phone so you can not only tell they are coming up but see where they are and what it is.
Guessing that would be a big hit on battery life
Great vid as per usual, Des. Do you think Garmin will add a front-facing camera to their Varia lineup?
Thanks! No news on that but I'll be sure to cover it if they do 👍
Thank you for the review. I was under the impression that once the radar detected a vehicle, it would send a IIve feed to your Garmin device, the 830 for example. If it only records something behind me, it's a non starter. I'll stick with my RVR315 and the Garmin RDU.
Thanks Rich. Just curious - where was it that mentioned that it would send a feed to your Garmin device?
@@DesFit I didn’t read it anywhere, I assumed that it would. Thanks
That would not be safe. Sending live feed will distract while riding.
@@Agbaman1 depends when and where someone is riding. I am certain that many people would love an instant live feed upon detection to their phone to adjust accordingly to avoid an accident altogether.
As always, love the in-depth reviews and extremely detailed content. You're the best wearable reviewer out there!
Gotta ask though - Found a deal today for Fenix 6. Do you feel like the upgrade from a 5x to a 6 is appreciable??
Cheers and keep up all the good work!
Ya I think the jump from 5 to 6 is pretty noticeable, especially the UI. Thanks!
Thanks Des! I always watch both You and Ray, regardless of the overlaps. For this particular product, I think it was especially interesting to see both of your takes. Just a thought that came to my mind: if safety is so emphasized, I wonder why there wasn't a new Varia UT released simultaneously.
I'd like to see something like that! Thanks Mate! 👍
Thanks for the useful video mate.
Sure thing 👍
I learned a lot from this. Thanks
Happy to help, thanks!
I learned a lot from this video.
Glad it was informative!
Good video on this new unit! Did you notice what the effect was on the battery life of your head-unit using the recording features? I have an RTL515 and it increases the battery drain on my Garmin 520+ by over 100%. I can only get a ride with average traffic of about 5.2 hours before it drains the head-unit to 0% from all the alerts (w/all phone connectivity/alerts off & only 1-beep alert setting on the Varia).
Great review thanks
👍
One year later would you advise to buy the RTL515 or the RTC715?
Maybe also a important thing: which device has the best mount option in combination with a Tarmac SL7 seatpost.
That's pretty feature packed.
Any plans to review the new Magene L508 unit?
Is there a way to monitor the video while riding. So it can be used just like the FEISIKE Handlebar Bike Mirror, Bicycle Rear View camera
If this came out about a year ago, I maybe would have bought it instead of the RTL. Well, maybe not, it's not cheap at all.
New tech right around the corner? I'm hoping for the Forerunner 955.
I recently purchase the 715 and 830. Its nice to know there is a car coming up behind you, but the really important part, is that car going around you or over you. I expected the camera to show me a image of the car so I can tell its going around me. Apparently not. A cyclist was recently killed here. I don't know what devices he had but the road didn't have a shoulder, so this device would have just let him know a car was coming up behind him until he was struck. Not good enough.
I like your reviews thank you
I know this video is a year old,but I'm surprised there isn't really any other option on the market that offers both radar and camera.
One concern is the lack of image stabilisation and again surprised that Garmin hasn't released a Firmware update to support this.
Is anyone familiar with Gyroflow, a stabilisation program used by FPV drone cameras? I wonder how well Garmin footage thrown through Gyroflow would work, for the purpose of making out licence plates?
For me the fact that company like Garmin is releasing a product with 1080p and 16GB SD card in 2022 AND asking AU$640 for it is laughable...
Adding all the faults and the size... suddenly Cycliq sounds like great product
For a close pass, is there a display to show how close in terms of distance measurement ??
I just got one of these, it's great, but my saddle bag is always blocking the top of the video. How do people deal with this? Do you not use saddlebags? If not, how do you carry the stuff you need to fix flats, etc.? I like to have at least two tubes, two Co2 cartridges, two tire levers and a few Allen wrenches with me whenever I go for a ride. Thanks!
Hi Des. Awesome review. I am really looking for a good camera after I gave up with Cycliq and Tooo. Though their camera are good but their issue is water ingressed. As for the video speed transfer, we can actually remove the sdcard and slot into PC which is much faster am I correct?. Thank you.
You nailed it
Thanks!
@1:07 Wait once it detects an incident it starts recording? The value is the recording before the incident, not after.
Could you mount it on your handlebar or shirt pocket facing forward while riding or would the radar in reverse interfere? Also can you watch it on your edge screen or phone while you are riding? FYI I have the 515 and love it. It has saved my life many times.
Des, is there a way to mount the Varia to a rear rack for touring purposes? I can’t use the seatpost mount due to gear stored on the top of the rack, which blocks the seatpost. Thanks!
With the 715 it would be tricky since it uses the latched mount but with some finagling it could work. Other Varia radars would be easier since they just use a quarter turn mount rotated by 90 degrees.
I’ve been using the video radar for a while and exporting videos externally is the bad side of the product, besides they’re not 4k and zero stabilization. Using the app to download will take forever going one by one, I took off the SIM card multiple times and downloaded everything directly in my computer but last time the little metal case piece fell off so I stopped doing it and avoid a damage and the radar to not recognize the card. I hope the next version comes with a cloud transfer option, I’m down to pay a membership if they do it
What they need is a compressed preview and a 5gz Wi-Fi transfer like the GoPro.
I advise you to use a usb c cable to connect the varia as a storage rather than take out the card
Is it possible to view ‘live’ footage whilst recording when out on the bike on an edge device or only see the dots and colours?
This is the best videos of the 715. Thank you! But whyyyyyyyyy do you need to see the license plate of random cars. The plate I'm concerned about is the one on the car that rammed me from behind. If there is no plate on the front, at least we can get an image of the car itself. I just don't see the point of reviewers telling me that I can't see random plates from across the road.
Already an owner of the Varia Radar so don’t think I’ll upgrade to this , no stabilisation, be better for me to buy a cheaper GoPro and saddle mount it and have my Varia on the seat post, I think the cycliq fly 6 is cheaper also
Hi Desfit. This is an off topic question, hope you don't mind. But is there any treadmill you recommend for around $750? I don't need any fancy stuff with it. Just for it to be good for running.
Hi Bill. No worries. Unfortunately I haven't had much experience with treadmills in that price range to make a recommendation. Sorry about that!
@@DesFit No issues, I understand a lot of people don't recommend treadmills under $1,000. Thanks!
Hi Des, amongst Garmin Venu sq and Forerunner 55 which one will you suggest. Can't find any comparison video on it from your channel.
cool!
cool tech
👍
Another question, is Garmin going to update/fix Virb Edit now that they have a camera again?
Only bummer that I see is the quarter mount since I have the 515 mounted on my seat not seat post.
I don’t think a quarter turn mount would be robust enough since this is twice the weight of the other Varias.
Will this also work with a Garmin Edge 1030? It worked with my Garmin Varia Rear Radar/Taillight.
Is there anyway to lock an unlocked video using the App without downloading? It would be nice if you could flag an incident that just occurred, so you don't have to take the time to download a file.
With what attitude does one buy such a product? You only really need it if you expect to be run over by a car. The rear light radar is already expensive, but at least it still makes sense. Another 200 euros on top of that for a camera that you can't legally use in some countries... I'd rather invest the money in a new jacket.
I don't like all the products, but your videos are all great. Compact and informative. I love watching and listening to you. Keep up the good work! 👍
Thanks so much for your thoughts on the product and the kind words about my videos. Thanks VR!
"liked 👍 "
I don't have a cell phone of any kind, Will it work on my bicycle without one? thanks in advance. :-)
Should I wait until 4K resolution comes out? I am looking for similar product buy with 4K resolution, stabilization, 516G memory, long life battery(18-36 hours), with GPS and Speed sensors-$499 I am ok with these features.
I’m not sure any camera has a battery life of for 18-36 hours.
thanks for the info, I did buy one
Enjoy!
Hi! Is it safe to asume, that the camera is useless during night?
You could probably make out color/make/models of vehicles in some situations but it's not amazing
Does this camera work at night?
Yes we don't expect a go pro level quality but man how much is a decent quality 2k camera nowadays? or a 1080p camera with stabilization. $25 max for a bulk buy for big companies, maybe even less. Garmin charge $400 for this, and ship it with a shitty camera.
How long does it record for?
Does it only start recording after the incident is detected? Because that seems a bit too late.
In the continuous recording mode, it will be recording all the time and will combine the 60 seconds before the incident with the incident itself as a locked, saved clip. In the radar only recording mode it will not have the moments before the incident occurred.
Can you use the charging cord to go directly to a computer to view/download videos or do you have to use the app?
Yup, can definitely access the file system via the included USB C cable when connected to a computer.
How fast is the access via USB? It seems Garmin can easily work around the speed issues by providing a PC app to access the clips.
I don't wonder if it was hard to do live video online to iphone?
Sort of, through the device settings in the Varia app
So can you watch a live picture on a compatible Garmin device?
No live feed to a Garmin device
Can you use the di2 buttons or Garmin edge remote to start recording or take a photo?
Just the widget at the moment.
For that price it should have had OIS.
Could you test Huawei Watch GT3? :)
Not fully test it unfortunately because I live in the U.S. A lot of features aren’t available for people who live in the U.S. due to the Huawei sanctions. I’ve actually been testing the GT Runner but a lot of features don’t work for me.
Compatible with HammerHead?
The radar portion, yes.
Des, will the RCT 715 function when being charged?
Sadly, no. Not sure if that could be something that could change via software update.
I have a little bit of an update for you on this. When you plug in the RCT715 for charging while paired with to an Edge, what happens is it will disconnect the radar portion of the sensors. This is apparently the expected behavior when you do not have it set up for “auto” light mode on your Edge. What you have to do at that point is press the power button to re-pair the radar portion back to the Edge. If you do have it in auto light mode, it should automatically reconnect. Hope that helps. Thanks!
Great review, but I do wish you didn't speak so fast!! Had to rewind a few times to try and catch all the info.
Sorry, bad habit! What you can do though is set the playback speed to .75X in the RUclips playback settings which can help. Thanks!
a shame it doesn't have stabilisation
Can I pair the 715 with my iphone?
Yup, I covered that in the video 👍
Do you think this could be used as a front-of-bike mounted recording device? In case of paceline/wheel overlaps, etc.? If so, how might you mount it?
For 400$ the camera quality is so sad. I want high quality not for cool shots, I want to gaurentee I can see a license plate. Stabilization is key for that as well. It's too bad, Cycliq NEEDS competition and because I have been disappointed in their quality control. With a better quality camera Garmin could easily be that competition, but this just isn't it imo
Tbh it’s a compromise. Imagine having a 4k stabilized video like a GoPro. My GoPro has a 1 hour record time more or less. Imagine having a varia that gives you what you want but you need to charge every half hour because it’s power a 4k stabilized footage , radar and light
The only way I can see this happening is that they make a model that has zero battery and is a sleek housing but then runs a wire out into a separate huge battery pack stored under the seat.
But then people will complain it’s heavy and takes long to charge.
Useless for me. Standard Vario is enough but still lacks USB-C
DEALBREAKER: Battery life !
I wanted a smaller varia with light not a huge camera under my ass... plus recording once u had a crash I am not sure how useful it is...
£350
This suck ,battery sucks ,no stabilization red light seem smaller,different mounting , 1080P? wth?it is a no deal for me!