Shimano has today unveiled its entry into the ever popular action camera market with its new CM-1000 Sport Camera. The new device has a lot in common with other action cams on the market but also has a few unique features.
The compact, fully sealed body of the Sport Camera is waterproof, and is rated to 10m into the drink. It's seriously light too – just 86g including its battery and memory card.
Shimano claims the CM-1000 is capable of brilliant HD movies in all conditions, while still images can also be captured at an effective resolution of six megapixels. Recording is adjustable between three modes: 1,920x1,080 at 30fps, 1,280 x 720 at 120 fps or 640x360 at 240 fps, each using either a 135 or 180 degree viewing angle. The device doesn't have an internal memory; instead it takes micro SD cards up to 32GB.
Where Shimano seems to be able to differ from the competition is through integration with its own Di2 groupset. The Sport Camera is compatible with the recently-announced SM-EWW01 Di2 wireless unit – details are scarce but we guess that gearing data will probably be incorporated into recordings.
Meanwhile ANT+ compatibility means that the Sport Camera will be able to make use of data such as speed, cadence, power and heart rate, allowing cyclists to monitor videos and use the performance data as a training tool to improve their riding.
It's WiFi equipped too, so pairing the device to a smartphone should unlock a whole host of useful features, as well as the ability to quickly transfer clips to social media.
A two-button interface should help mean it's simple to operate, while LEDs and audio cues are used to confirm your chosen settings. The camera is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery – Shimano claims the battery life is two hours and that full charging will take four hours.
It comes with an adhesive mount as well as a vented helmet mount. Other mounting options, including a chest-mount, will be available as accessories.
Pricing is to be confirmed whilst stock is expected to land around May – we'll keep you posted.
