I tried Snap's snazzy camera glasses over my wedding week to see if they live up to the hype. Here's the verdict

Advertisement
I tried Snap's snazzy camera glasses over my wedding week to see if they live up to the hype. Here's the verdict

Advertisement
snapchat spectacles glasses

Snap

Snap released the second-generation Spectacles camera glasses in April 2018. But do they live up to the hype?

When I got married, I wanted to capture every moment of our wedding week.

Not only the "Say cheese!" moments outside restaurants with our families, or the posed portraits with my now-husband. I wanted the silly, unexpected, and sometimes hopelessly romantic photos that a photojournalist's candid camera can often bring.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

So, I recently purchased two pairs of Spectacles 2, the second generation of Snap's camera glasses, so I could record 10-second videos of what I was seeing. My husband and I wore them every day of our intimate wedding week in Maine. Here's my review.

Dave Smith and Avery Hartmans contributed reporting.

Advertisement

Get the latest Snap stock price here.

{{}}

Spectacles are sunglasses that record the world as you see it.

Spectacles are sunglasses that record the world as you see it.

They work by pressing a button to record a 10-second video.

They work by pressing a button to record a 10-second video.
Advertisement

These "his and hers" pairs were a gift for my fiancé before our wedding.

These "his and hers" pairs were a gift for my fiancé before our wedding.

He was quite happy to have them.

He was quite happy to have them.
Advertisement

The second generation is noticeably cooler than the originals.

The second generation is noticeably cooler than the originals.

They're smaller, slimmer, and more comfortable to wear.

They're smaller, slimmer, and more comfortable to wear.

The second-generation Spectacles weigh 45.4 g, which makes them significantly lighter than the original pair, which clocked in at about 408 grams, or 14.4 ounces.

Advertisement

Snap says they have "new and improved" audio recording.

Snap says they have "new and improved" audio recording.

While the first generation of Spectacles only let you record video, the new Spectacles let you take photos. You just press and hold the button.

While the first generation of Spectacles only let you record video, the new Spectacles let you take photos. You just press and hold the button.
Advertisement

Spectacles come with a carrying case that doubles as the charger. You can recharge up to four times just by putting the glasses in the case.

Spectacles come with a carrying case that doubles as the charger. You can recharge up to four times just by putting the glasses in the case.

Spectacles 2.0 cost $20 more than the first generation — now $150.

Spectacles 2.0 cost $20 more than the first generation — now $150.
Advertisement

My partner and I put them to the test during the week of our wedding.

My partner and I put them to the test during the week of our wedding.

As much as I loved the concept behind the camera glasses ...

As much as I loved the concept behind the camera glasses ...
Advertisement

They're certainly no high-end DSLR camera.

They're certainly no high-end DSLR camera.

I'd love to see Snap bring camera stabilization to the app someday.

Advertisement

The most awkward part of the user experience is getting videos off Snap. Everything you film still needs to go through Snap's app.

The most awkward part of the user experience is getting videos off Snap. Everything you film still needs to go through Snap's app.

In other words, Snap didn't make a separate app for Spectacles; everything you need for them to work lives in the Snapchat app. The glasses can physically store photos and videos, but none of it is actually usable until it reaches the Snapchat app.

Snap lets you save videos to your camera roll on an iPhone, so they can be shared on other apps. Still, taking and sharing videos with Spectacles isn't as efficient as doing it with a phone — at least not yet.

Snap lets you save videos to your camera roll on an iPhone, so they can be shared on other apps. Still, taking and sharing videos with Spectacles isn't as efficient as doing it with a phone — at least not yet.
Advertisement

Spectacles are a delightful treat if you've got money to burn.

Spectacles are a delightful treat if you've got money to burn.

They're not a must-have gadget.

I think I could've saved $150 and captured higher quality video of my wedding week on my iPhone, with only a bit more hassle.

Next StoryGoogle stumbled in robotics - but evidence is mounting that it's getting ready for a big comeback, and it could take on Amazon