The newest in wearable technology, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses combine style with functionality, allowing you to capture photos and videos hands-free from your perspective. This makes them perfect for vlogging and documenting everyday moments. Here’s my experience after using them for a whole year.
I’ve always found it tough to maintain a consistent presence on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are more effective when using a phone for both taking and sharing photos and videos, but I dislike phone usage for these tasks. Even when scrolling through content, I prefer my laptop or desktop. My main platform is Instagram, which has recently shifted focus to Stories in a vertical format. If there’s anything I dislike more than using a phone for taking pictures and videos, it’s having to shoot content in vertical format using a DSLR or mirrorless camera designed for horizontal use. Recently, I discovered a fantastic product that creates vertical videos and allows easy uploads to Instagram and Facebook.
Ray-Ban Meta glasses overview:
- 12MP ultrawide camera
- HD 30fps vertical video recording
- Maximum recording time of 3 minutes
- Audio: open ear speakers with a 5-microphone array
- 32GB Flash Storage for over 500 photos or 100 videos of 30 seconds each
- 4 hours of use per charge, with charging case
- Direct upload to Instagram or Facebook
- AI search and translation features
Ray-Ban Meta glasses blend the classic design of the Wayfarer shades with cutting-edge photo and video capabilities. I’ve used these glasses almost daily for the past year and rarely find a product I appreciate as much as these glasses. Future versions will have a hard time impressing me, as the current model meets all my needs.
The Ray-Ban Metas are crafted to produce vertical content specifically for Instagram and Facebook. Both platforms operate similarly for posting; however, I will primarily refer to Instagram from this point forward. When I first received my pair about a year ago, clips were limited to just 1 minute. Like Stories, these glasses are tailored for you to share a brief glimpse into your life. A recent update expanded the recording time to 3 minutes, which I find valuable as it alleviates concerns about how much recording time remains during filming.
The Meta app simplifies the process of recording clips on the glasses and uploading them directly to Instagram. I prefer transferring the clips to my phone’s camera roll, then to my laptop for minor edits in Final Cut Pro. As a professional photographer, I utilize the glasses in various ways during my shoots. They are particularly effective for filming BTS content—whether I’m packing equipment, setting up lights, or entering a shooting space. With the camera positioned next to my left eye, the glasses capture exactly what I see, allowing viewers to feel they are experiencing the moment with me.
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The benefit of capturing BTS with these glasses rather than a phone is that they are already on my face. My phone isn’t always at hand, and using it would restrict my ability to film my viewpoint while performing tasks like setting up light stands. By using the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I maintain my usual workflow on set while being able to create quick videos that help my audience understand my process.
One of my favorite applications for the glasses is illustrating my street photography techniques. During street shoots, I focus on interactions such as couples in the subway. When I share photos of these couples, people often inquire if I had permission to take their pictures. I clarify that some are candid shots while others are taken with consent, but this left many questions unanswered. What prompted me to press the shutter at that moment? What transpired just before and after? How long did I spend to capture a candid photograph? If I mention that I had permission, some may wonder how I approached the subjects. With the Ray-Ban glasses, I can show the entire shooting process, answering all those questions just by hitting the capture button. Social media reveals that viewers are just as interested in the creative process as they are in the final image; some might even argue that the process is more captivating.
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The camera is situated near the left eye of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, while I typically compose shots with my right eye using my Leica M10. When filming, the glasses’ camera captures everything unobstructed, enabling viewers to see the scene as it unfolds for me. When using my Nikon Z9, I compose with my left eye, which obscures the glasses’ camera, making it harder to share the shooting process as easily as with my Leica. To demonstrate my Z9 shooting, I have to hold the camera at arm’s length and capture the rear LCD, making sure the glasses can see the LCD and the surrounding area.
I also use the glasses to document contact information for the people I photograph. Previously, at events like fashion shows with numerous models, I jotted down notes such as “Female with blue hair @xxxxxxxxx” or “short model in fur @xxxxxxxxxx.” I often struggled to match these notes with the correct individuals later. Nowadays, I just press the capture button on my glasses and ask the model to spell their Instagram handle and show me their profile. This method is so simple that I occasionally forget to inform the model that I’m recording. I have several videos in my collection where models ask, “How are you going to remember that?” I appreciate this technique for noting contact details, as I can easily associate the model with the information without deciphering hastily written notes.
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As a journalist, it’s essential for me to accurately quote my sources. At photo conferences, when I ask company representatives to explain product features or their approach to queries, I often request the correct spelling of their names. Using the glasses, I can record this information without pausing to write it down. I let them know they’re being recorded, but that the clips won’t be used apart from quotes from the recording. This allows us to engage normally without me needing to point a phone or camera at them, which enhances the conversation.
The conversation feels natural and relaxed between us, enhancing the experience during the 3-minute recording time.
One surprising way I’ve found to use the Ray Bans is to listen to podcasts on set. While I knew the glasses could play audio, it wasn’t something that initially drew me in. However, I’ve discovered it’s quite handy. I usually wear bulky Bose headphones to enjoy music while walking around, but I don’t like how they look when I’m at work or sitting in an office. Headphones can make me feel isolated, and I dislike the impression they give that I’m disengaged from my surroundings. The built-in speakers of the Ray Bans provide excellent sound quality for spoken audio. They’re great for times when headphones would feel out of place. One unexpected example is during dental visits, where the sound remains private.
While the Ray-Ban Meta glasses can play music, the quality doesn’t compare to my headphones, so I seldom use them for that purpose. However, they excel in handling phone calls. There’s no need to dig out my phone or wear a Bluetooth earpiece; I can simply answer and speak as if in a regular conversation, keeping my hands free. The playback audio from these glasses is impressive too, as they utilize five microphones to capture sound. When you playback a recording, it feels as though the sound is coming from various directions—just like in real life. This immersive experience is hard to put into words, but the playback sounds fantastic through the devices that made the recording.
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At times when I’m working alone, I can ask someone on set to capture a quick behind-the-scenes clip using the glasses. It’s simple for them: they just put on the glasses and watch. I don’t need to give them many instructions, aside from asking them to try and keep their head steady. It feels like I’m not imposing, and anyone can wear the glasses to produce a high-quality clip.
I’m so impressed by these glasses that I own two pairs. One pair has prescription lenses for tasks like reading my iPad or working on my laptop. It’s slightly challenging to focus my Leica with them on, but not impossible. My other pair has regular lenses, which I use for my Leica shots and have others film for me. One of the best aspects of the glasses is how fashionable they are—they resemble regular Ray-Ban sunglasses. You might remember the quirky look of Google Glass from years ago; while they worked well, their appearance was off-putting. My Ray-Ban Meta glasses are stylish enough that I’d be happy to wear them even if they lacked a camera. Both pairs have transition lenses that darken in sunlight. Although they don’t become as dark as regular sunglasses, they’re still sufficient in bright conditions.
While my focus here is on how I utilize the glasses in my photography work, I have to mention one of their best applications. If you have a child aged 3-6, you’ll notice countless ordinary yet precious moments happening daily. Children grow quickly, and fleeting moments like being asked to tie shoes or addressing who broke something can only be captured during specific stages of their development. It’s impractical to grab your phone, unlock it, and hit record without disrupting the moment. With the Ray-Ban Metas, you can enjoy time with your child normally, and when a memorable moment arises, a quick press of a button allows you to capture a video exactly as you experienced it. Years later, those videos will be some of your most cherished memories of your child.
When I speak about the glasses to others, I often say they’re a near-perfect product. I’ve convinced at least five people to buy them, and while I haven’t yet met anyone who loves them as much as I do, I haven’t heard of anyone regretting the purchase either. The return policy is fantastic—I tried out two pairs in different designs (matte vs. glossy) before choosing my favorite. The glasses also come with an AI feature to provide information about what the camera sees; you can ask, “What am I looking at?” and get answers. There’s a real-time translation tool for several languages, including French and Spanish. These features don’t particularly interest me; I use the glasses daily but haven’t tried them yet.
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The features detailed here are definitely worth the investment I’ve made in these glasses. I wouldn’t mind if there aren’t any improvements in the next model, though one change I’d suggest is making them lighter. They’re heavier than conventional reading glasses or sunglasses, which I notice during long wear. This minor issue doesn’t overshadow the overall excellence of the product. Although I create many of my Ray-Ban videos for a wider audience, it’s those simple, everyday moments captured that hold the most significance for me. I eagerly anticipate what I’ll be able to capture next.
