new Garmin Varia Vue Headlight – 4K camera & Smart Light
Garmin’s latest leak is a front-facing 4K camera-cum-light, named Varia HUE. The price is a mind-boggling $550/£460, but just about every other detail is, and I’ve included it below from an Amazon listing.
More: Amazon
This spec seems reasonable, and the smart light will function as part of a Garmin light network. You can capture front- and rear-facing imagery when paired with a Varia RCT715 on the rear. The light has several expected features, such as light levels that dim automatically, modes that prolong battery life, and the ability to Wifi upload footage to Garmin Vault (GBP100pa). At 600 lumens, the brightness isn’t massive, but probably high enough. An interesting feature is a secret audio recording button to the rear, presumably if you ever need to record an altercation.
I couldn’t see any reference in the leak to Edge 850/550 bundles – just a bundle with Edge 1050. So perhaps this won’t be released alongside those new Edge models – though it would be an obvious and likely thing to do.
It will be interesting to see precisely how this connects to Garmin Edge units – I’m thinking of new encrypted ANT+ connections.
Product Description
The Garmin Varia Vue is a powerful combination of a high-performance headlight and a 4K camera designed to enhance safety and visibility on every ride. The integrated camera records sharp, detailed footage and automatically saves video if an incident is detected, ensuring peace of mind on the road. With up to 600 lumens of light intensity, side illumination, and a cutoff beam to minimize glare, it enhances visibility without compromising the safety of others. Smart features like auto-brightness control adjust the light output based on speed and ambient conditions when paired with a compatible Edge cycling computer. The long-lasting battery provides up to 7 hours of runtime in day flash mode while recording, and it can be used while charging to support extended rides. The Varia Vue seamlessly integrates with the Varia app, allowing you to control camera and light functions, edit videos, and add data overlays. For added security, Garmin Vault offers automatic uploads of locked footage via Wi-Fi, ensuring important recordings are safely stored. Pair it with the Varia RCT715 to capture front and rear-facing footage, creating a complete safety solution for road cyclists, commuters, and endurance riders.
About this item
- 4K VIDEO RECORDING WITH INCIDENT DETECTION: Capture every ride in sharp 4K resolution, ensuring clear video playback for reviewing incidents or scenic routes. The Varia Vue automatically saves footage if it detects an accident, providing peace of mind on the road. Requires a memory card and is subject to jurisdictional regulations. Pair with the Varia RCT715 to simultaneously record rear-facing footage for complete coverage.
- POWERFUL 600-LUMEN HEADLIGHT WITH SMART FEATURES: Ride with confidence using a high-intensity 600-lumen headlight that enhances visibility in low-light conditions. The cutoff beam minimizes glare for oncoming traffic, while auto-brightness control adjusts to your speed and surroundings when paired with a compatible Edge cycling computer. Side illumination adds peripheral visibility, ensuring you’re seen from multiple angles for safer rides.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY FOR EXTENDED RIDES: Stay powered through long journeys with up to 7 hours of battery life in day flash mode while recording. Multiple brightness settings allow for optimized energy use, with up to 9 hours of runtime when using the camera alone. The device also supports charging during use, ensuring uninterrupted performance on endurance rides or daily commutes.
- SMART CONNECTIVITY AND SECURE STORAGE: Control your camera and headlight settings through the Varia app or a compatible Edge cycling computer for seamless operation. Easily edit videos, add data overlays, and store critical footage securely with Garmin Vault, which offers automatic uploads via Wi-Fi. A free trial is available for new users, making it easier to back up important ride recordings effortlessly.
- Bundle Includes: Garmin Varia Vue Headlight Camera 4K Video Recording, 600-Lumen Smart Bike Light + USB Car adapter + USB Wall Charger + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + Micro SDHC Ultra 32GB Memory Card.
| Brand | Garmin |
| Colour | Black |
| Model Name | 010-02911-00 |
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| UPC | 094148711737 |
Take Out
I struggle to see how many people will stump up the cash for the hardware, let alone for Garmin’s ridiculously priced $99/year vault subscription. The latter might be named a vault, but it doesn’t automatically store all your clips.
Check dcrainmaker’s video for live-action imagery. I’ll save you the time – it records number plates but the image stabilisation is inadequate and not up to GoPro standards. Although the claims are 4K, they are somewhat fake claims.
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Reader-Powered Content
Great to finally see some competition to Cycliq products. Always loved their products concept and idea but had multiple products of various generations break from water ingress in the rain. Will be interesting to see if Garmin with their experience can avoid this pitfalls and bring over some of the experience from their discontinued ActionCam Line.
Yes (I assume you are coming from the Camera perspective)
I’m also probably going to look at other brands that support Garmin Light Networks with front-facing lights. Good to have competition there as well
I wonder how good is Magene AT1200/AT1600
Magene is probably one of the rising stars of bike tech. they make a good range of decent products.
No ANT+ connections to Edge for HRM/PM/GPS data tethering?
that’s a very good point.
you prompted me to think about ANT+ secure connections as well.
there is probably a little bit more technical nuance to be revealed!
And I suppose no news on an upgraded Varia RCT715? I imagine this new camera should trickle back to a new RCT.
nope
RCT715 is 1080p, so indeed you are right that a 4k version should be coming at some point.
I hope Garmin offers a cheap and reliable support in swapping out the battery, because the laready short runtime will go down over the years and than you either have to constantly add a power bank or get a new one. Both my Garmin head- and tail light/radar need constant recharging after only a handful of years. BTW the videos from DesFit and Ray show that the camera seems kinda meh! But at least you can get another subscription in case you want to use their Vault for 99,99 per year!
true about the batteries
i’ve not seen desfit’s video or dcrainmaker’s (just the blog post of dcr)