HTC RE Camera

usability, size, image quality

portability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

usability, price, design

image quality, viewfinder, size, battery

61% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Small enough to carry in your pocket ; Wide-angle lens takes in a lot ; Water-resistant and hardy ; Really easy to use

Image and video quality not good enough ; Some connection and app issues

Despite the fact that our phones take better pictures, we keep finding ourselves using the RE to take quick snaps instead. If HTC can improve the image and video quality in a sequel then it could be a real winner.

Ergonomic ; Fun to use

Too expensive ; Doesn't yield great snaps

The HTC Re is a device I want to like. I want to laud innovation, and this little camera is certainly that. But can HTC start a new product category?

The HTC Re is a small, simple point-and-shoot video camera that's ready to shoot when you pick it up. It's waterproof to 1 meter without a housing, and its built-in wireless and the Re app let you see what you're shooting as well as view and download...

There is noticeable shutter lag. Its video and photo quality aren't significantly better than a smartphone and audio quality is poor. Its battery isn't user replaceable or removable. Its shape is great for holding, but the body is a bit slippery.

The HTC Re's features might not be as unusual as its design, but it's still a solid little camera that's easier and faster to shoot with than your average smartphone.

I just don't know how this product will resonate with consumers who may be satisfied by what they already have with their smartphones. Let's face it, the 'Ultrapixel' cameras on the HTC One M8 and M7 aren't spectacular, how will you convince consumers...

The Re may not seem immediately useful, but it’s fun to take it places and share it with people. When it comes back it’ll have all sorts of unexpected pictures on it. They may not be sensationally high-quality, but they’ll have charm.

Image quality ; Speed ; Connectivity

No flash ; Mono microphone

Initially, we were skeptical about the need for such a device. At around £160, it's an expensive gadget considering your phone is capable of taking similar-quality images. But after using it, the RE makes complete sense. Its ability to instantly take a...

Ultra-compact design ; No distracting viewscreen ; Perfect for time-lapse videos

Buggy connection software ; Mediocre picture quality

The cute and compact HTC Re camera has a noble goal in putting us 'back in the moment' while taking pictures, but its buggy software and unremarkable image quality don't justify the convenience.

16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, f/2.8 aperture scratch-resistant lens ; 146° ultra wide angle capture ; 1080p@30fps and 720p@120fps video capture ; Configurable timelapse capture and slow-mo footage ; IP57 rating for dust and water resistance ; Standard °"...

No 60fps option ; No UHD video capture ; Plastic tripod socket potentially less durable than metal ; HTC Re app suffers the occasional lag

Imagine a phone with a detachable camera that will let you mount the lens on a helmet, with the phone safe in your backpack or, better yet, at home. Imagine a regular phone with a water-proof camera. For all we care, someone at HTC may have been...