Garmin Launches GC 245 and GC 255 Marine Cameras to Enhance Docking Safety
Garmin, renowned globally for its innovative marine electronics, has unveiled two new marine cameras, the GC 245 and GC 255. These cameras are designed to improve proximity awareness and bolster confidence during docking, a critical aspect of boating. With on-screen distance markers and guidance lines, these cameras promise to bring peace of mind during low-speed maneuvers by providing enhanced visibility from the helm. Both models offer 1080p full HD resolution, delivering multiple views directly to compatible Garmin chartplotters.
Key Features of GC 245 and GC 255
Garmin’s new cameras are designed with advanced video guidance capabilities that elevate situational awareness and safety on the water. Here are some of the notable features:
- Multiple Viewing Angles: These cameras offer various perspectives, including Standard View, wide-angle FishEye View, and overhead Bird’s Eye View. This feature allows boaters to see their surroundings from different angles, enhancing their situational awareness significantly. These views are functional in both normal and low light conditions, ensuring visibility at all times.
- On-Screen Guidance: Distance markers and guidance lines act as visual references, helping boaters understand the proximity of surrounding objects. These markers can be displayed in both Standard and Bird’s Eye views, making it easier to navigate tight spots.
- Multi-Camera Streaming: Users can view up to four camera feeds simultaneously on a compatible chartplotter. This feature is particularly useful for larger vessels where comprehensive visibility is crucial. The video feeds can also be shared across networked chartplotters to ensure better viewing throughout the vessel.
- Digital Zoom and Pan: The digital zoom feature allows users to take a closer look at specific areas of interest, while the pan functionality lets them focus on any part of the field of view. This ensures detailed observation and better decision-making during docking or navigating confined spaces.
Mounting and Aesthetic Customization
The cameras are designed to cater to a wide range of boats with different aesthetic preferences and mounting requirements:
- GC 255: This model features a stainless steel thru-hull design that can be flush-mounted, providing a sleek and modern look. This robust design ensures durability and a polished appearance.
- GC 245: This surface-mount model comes in black or white options to match the boat’s color scheme. It can be mounted with the dome up or down, and does not require cutting into the vessel’s hull, making installation straightforward.
Both models are rugged and weatherproof, boasting an IPX7 rating, meaning they can withstand typical marine environments, including exposure to water and dust.
Pricing and Compatibility
The GC 245 surface mount camera is priced at $699.99, while the flush mount GC 255 camera is available for $999.99. These cameras are compatible with a range of Garmin chartplotters and multifunction displays, including the GPSMAP® x2, GPSMAP x3, GPSMAP 8400/8600, and GPSMAP 9000 series, as well as the GPSMAP 8700 and the new GPSMAP 9500 Black Box. For more information, potential buyers can visit Garmin’s marine section.
Industry Impact and User Benefits
Dan Bartel, Garmin’s Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, emphasized the significance of these new cameras, stating, “Garmin’s new GC 245 and GC 255 cameras bring many of the innovative video guidance capabilities found in our Surround View Camera System to smaller vessels. This means more boaters can benefit from increased visibility at the helm, similar to a backup camera in your car or truck, which can provide confidence while docking or navigating narrow marina waterways.”
What Users are Saying
Early reactions from the boating community have been largely positive. Boaters appreciate the enhanced visibility and the ease of docking that these cameras provide. Many users have praised the multiple viewing angles and the on-screen guidance, noting that these features significantly reduce the stress and potential hazards associated with docking.
Technical Specifications Explained
For those unfamiliar with some of the technical jargon:
- 1080p Full HD: This indicates that the cameras provide high-definition video with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This level of resolution ensures clear and detailed images, which are crucial for identifying objects around the boat.
- IPX7 Rating: This is an international standard for water and dust resistance. An IPX7 rating means the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without suffering any damage.
Garmin’s Commitment to Innovation
Garmin has a long-standing reputation for developing high-quality marine electronics, and these new cameras are a testament to their commitment to innovation. For nine consecutive years, Garmin has been named the Manufacturer of the Year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), underscoring their industry leadership.
Garmin’s portfolio also includes other renowned brands like Navionics® and JL Audio, indicating their broad expertise in marine technology.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin Ltd. is a Swiss-incorporated company with principal subsidiaries in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. They are known for their GPS technology and innovative marine electronics. Garmin, GPSMAP, and Navionics are some of their registered trademarks, while Garmin BlueNet and GC are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks, and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements about Garmin Ltd. and its business. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to various risk factors. For detailed information, Garmin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, is available on their investor relations page.
Contact Information
For more information, media inquiries can be directed to Mike Cummings and Carly Hysell at Garmin International, Inc. They can be reached at 913-397-8200 or via email at [email protected].
Conclusion
Garmin continues to push the envelope in marine technology with the release of the GC 245 and GC 255 cameras. These devices are set to make boating safer and more enjoyable by providing enhanced visibility and guidance during critical docking maneuvers. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a boating enthusiast, these cameras are a valuable addition to your marine electronics arsenal.
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