Garmin Watch with Camera: Complete Guide

While Garmin watches don’t have built-in cameras, GameraSnap transforms your Garmin watch into a sophisticated camera remote control for your smartphone. This effectively gives you the experience of a “Garmin watch with camera” by letting you frame, capture, and control your phone’s camera directly from your wrist.

How GameraSnap Turns Your Garmin into a Camera Watch

GameraSnap bridges the gap between Garmin’s advanced wearable technology and smartphone photography, offering a seamless experience:

  1. Remote Shutter Control: Take photos with a simple tap on your watch
  2. Camera Mode Selection: Switch between photo, video, and other modes
  3. Zoom Control: Adjust zoom levels using your watch interface
  4. Timer Settings: Set delay timers for perfect group shots
  5. Camera Switching: Toggle between front and rear cameras
  6. Image Review: See captured thumbnails on supported watches
  7. Flash Control: Toggle flash settings from your wrist

With these features, your Garmin effectively becomes a wrist-mounted camera controller, giving you the convenience of a “watch with camera” without compromising on photo quality.

Compatible Garmin Watch Series

GameraSnap works with virtually all modern Garmin watches that support Connect IQ apps:

  • Fenix Series: Fenix 5/5 Plus, 6/6 Pro, 7/7X, 8
  • Forerunner Series: 245/245M, 255/255S, 645/645M, 745, 945/945 LTE, 570, 955, 965, 965, 970
  • Venu Series: Venu, Venu Sq, Venu 2/2S, Venu 3/3S
  • Vivoactive Series: Vivoactive 3/3M, 4/4S, 5
  • Instinct Series: Instinct, Instinct 2/2S, Crossover
  • Epix Series: Epix (Gen 2), Epix Pro
  • MARQ Series: All MARQ luxury models
  • Descent Series: MK1, MK2/MK2i, MK3/MK3i
  • Enduro Series: Enduro, Enduro 2
  • Approach Series: S62, S70, and more golf watches
  • Legacy Hero Series: First Avenger, Captain Marvel, etc.

Advantages Over a Built-in Camera Watch

Using GameraSnap with your Garmin provides several advantages over watches with built-in cameras:

  • Superior Image Quality: Uses your smartphone’s high-quality camera instead of a tiny watch sensor
  • Full Feature Set: Access all your phone’s camera features including portrait mode, night mode, etc.
  • Screen Size: Frame shots on your phone’s large display rather than a tiny watch screen
  • Storage Space: Photos save directly to your phone, not consuming watch storage
  • Battery Efficiency: Minimal battery impact compared to a watch with built-in camera
  • Regular Updates: Camera capabilities improve with phone updates
  • Versatile Positioning: Place your phone anywhere for creative angles while controlling from your wrist

How to Use Your Garmin as a Camera Watch

Setting up your “Garmin watch with camera” functionality is simple:

  1. Install the GameraSnap App: Download the app on both your smartphone and your Garmin watch
  2. Connect Your Devices: Open both apps and they’ll automatically connect via Bluetooth
  3. Position Your Phone: Set up your smartphone at the desired angle
  4. Control from Your Watch: Use your Garmin to:
    • Tap to capture photos
    • Swipe to change modes
    • Use buttons or touch controls based on your watch model

Perfect for Every Photography Scenario

Your Garmin with GameraSnap excels at:

  • Selfies & Group Photos: No more arm stretching or asking strangers
  • Action Photography: Capture yourself mid-activity during sports
  • Remote Shots: Position your phone anywhere and trigger from your watch
  • Hands-Free Photography: Perfect when your hands are occupied or dirty
  • Travel Photos: Get everyone in the vacation pictures
  • Professional Setups: Use as a wireless trigger for smartphone photography

Download GameraSnap for Your Garmin Watch

Ready to transform your Garmin into a watch with camera control? Download GameraSnap now:

Download for iPhone
Download for Android
Download for Garmin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Garmin watch with a built-in camera?

No, Garmin does not currently manufacture watches with built-in cameras. However, with GameraSnap, you can use your Garmin watch to control your smartphone's camera, effectively giving you a more powerful and flexible "watch with camera" experience than a small built-in camera could provide.

Can my Garmin watch take pictures by itself?

Garmin watches don't have built-in cameras to take pictures directly. Instead, GameraSnap allows your Garmin watch to control your smartphone's camera remotely. This gives you the convenience of wrist-based camera control while leveraging your phone's superior camera quality, essentially turning your Garmin into a sophisticated camera remote.

How do I use my Garmin watch as a camera?

To use your Garmin as a camera control: 1) Install GameraSnap on both your smartphone and Garmin watch, 2) Open the app on both devices to establish a connection, 3) Set up your smartphone in the desired position, 4) Control the camera from your watch—tap to take photos, swipe to change modes, and adjust settings with additional gestures. Your phone takes the actual photos while your watch provides convenient remote control.

Which Garmin watches work best with GameraSnap camera control?

The best Garmin watches for camera control are those with responsive touchscreens and bright displays, such as the Venu series, Epix series, or newer Fenix models. Watches with AMOLED displays like the Epix Gen 2 and Venu 3 provide exceptional visual feedback. However, GameraSnap is optimized to work well with all compatible Garmin watches, including button-only models like the Instinct series.

Is there a smartwatch with a good camera built in?

While a few smartwatches on the market have built-in cameras, they typically offer very limited quality due to size constraints. GameraSnap takes a different approach by letting your Garmin control your smartphone's high-quality camera. This gives you superior photos, access to all your phone's camera features, and better storage options—effectively providing a better "watch with camera" experience than watches with tiny built-in cameras.