Shimano has made its first foray into the increasingly crowded action cam market with the CM-1000 Sport Camera. Lightweight and HD-capable, the camera offers ANT+ connectivity and is compatible with Shimano's Di2 wireless SM-EWW01 unit, meaning that along with reliving that epic downhill section, it could also prove a useful tool in tracking performance.
Measuring 70.8 x 30.3 x 44.2 mm (2.78 x 1.19 x 1.74 in), the 16-megapixel CM-1000 features a back-lit CMOS sensor and runs on a 950-mAh Li-ion battery, with the company claiming each four hour charge will provide enough juice for two hours of use.
Weighing 86 g (3.03 oz), the camera is operable in temperatures ranging between -10 and 40 degrees Celsius (14° and 104° F). While Shimano's action camera is likely to attract interest from its pedal-pushing loyalists, the company is also looking to cater to the fishing and rowing sectors of its customer base with 10 m (32.8 ft) IPX8 waterproof rating.
The device can be controlled via a two-switch interface on its top, while also wirelessly connecting to the user's smartphone over Wi-Fi. It also features a three color LED light and a Micro USB port for charging.
Video is recorded in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format via three adjustable recording modes: 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, 1280 x 720 at 120 fps or 640 x 360 at 240 fps, with viewing angles of either 180 or 135 degrees. Still images are captured as 6 megapixel JPEGs through the cam's F2.0 aperture lens.
Shimano's has also confirmed that its Di2 SM-EWW01 unit, which transmits gear position and battery life data to approved cycle computers, is compatible with the CM-1000. This, combined with ANT+ sensor compatibility, means that statistics such as gearing data, speed, cadence, power and heart rate could be integrated with video footage to add another dimension to training and performance review.
When released in May for US$299, the CM-1000 will come with a Micro USB cable, lens cover, adhesive mount and vented helmet mount.
Source: Shimano
