HTC RE hands-on

There’s no denying that HTC loves to think about cameras, especially when they’re the ones to popularize the “Ultrapixel” camera. One can argue that there needs to be more improvement in that area alone, but in recent times, they’ve been outfitting their phones with respectable sized cameras that can compete on the same level as its rivals. Interesting, though, they’re doing something strangely out of the blue with the upcoming RE, a REMARKABLE little camera as they have it marketed as.



When you think about action cameras, you probably don’t think about HTC per se. Instead, names like Go Pro come to mind, as they’ve become the leader in the action camera space. It seems, however, that HTC wants to have a piece of the pie as well – so that’s exactly where the RE comes into place. Visually, it’s an odd looking thing that doesn’t look like any other action camera on the market. Rather, HTC’s reputation of producing solid industrial designs is present with the RE. In fact, it kind of reminds of a periscope – or one of those asthma inhalers.



Constructed from a single piece of glossy plastic, the design is unique looking – that’s for sure! However, we have to say, grasping the RE in our hand pretty much eliminates the notion of shooting vertical videos, which is a common problem when some people capture videos with their smartphones. On one end, there’s a 16-megapixel 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, which features a wide-angle 146-degree f/2.8 aperture lens. Meanwhile, on the other end, there’s a standard sized tripod mount, microUSB port used to charge its battery/data connectivity, and a flap that covers its microSD card slot (it comes included with an 8GB card).



In being a true action camera, the RE by itself has an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, so taking it with you in the pool won’t damage it. Unlike out smartphones, we don’t have to be too concerned if we accidentally drop the RE, since it’s pretty durable on its own. Along the top edge, we have a dedicated button where our thumb rests on for snapping photos with a single press – or initiating video recording with a long press. Towards the inside part of the RE, there’s another flush button that’s used to initiate slow motion capture. Yes, there’s a microphone nearby the main shutter key, but in our time using it, we sometimes have a habit of covering it.