The action camera market just got tighter with a big name joining in to spoil the party --- Casio. Known for their tough watches, especially the G-Shock Series, Casio is also an electronics company, developing their own mobile devices as well digital cameras.  Thus, just like the other big Japanese consumer electronics companies such as Sony, Panasonic, and Nikon, they are well-positioned and well-equipped to join the action camera market. The entry will just make it harder for GoPro to compete as more big name companies  join in this market.

With its experience in making tough devices and digital cameras, Casio finally decided to make their own offering, the G’z EYE GZE-1. Whilst its features in terms of resolution is behind the leaders, its reputation for tough products will make the G’z EYE GZE-1 a contender for the budgets of outdoors people, including airsoft players.

But first, the disappointing news. The G’z EYE GZE-1 is a Full HD camera when others are already going to the 4K route. However, many will still settle for a FHD resolution as 4K content for YouTube viewing is still bandwidth and storage intensive. The is that FHD recording is only at 30fps whilst the competition already allow for higher frame rates for slow motion editing. But it has a slow motion feature that allows certain parts of the video to slow down for effect.

Now for the good news. The G’z EYE GZE-1 got built-in three-axis image stabilizer, time lapse shooting, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity. As for the lens, it has an aperture is f2.8, it is ultra wide-angle at 170.4° for videos and 190.8° for still images. With the wireless connectivity feature, it can be connected to the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20 Smart Outdoor Watch and be controlled with a mobile phone using the mobile app. This also has a tripod screw mount, wrist mounted remote control, multi-angle stick, a stabilizing  mount, and will also soon have a chest mount (no idea how this will be head mounted).

The best selling point of the Casio G’z EYE GZE-1 is its toughness. It is built to withstand a drop of up to 4 metres, waterproof up to 50 metres, is IP6X rated (also dustproof), and can withstand temperatures of -10° C.

Casio has not revealed pricing for the G’z EYE GZE-1 and it will initially be released in Japan. We still have to wait for information on worldwide availability.