Liquid Image Camera Mask

by Susan
(Columbia, SC)

I was just looking at underwater cameras and came across the Liquid Image Videomask and wondered if you've heard of them. It's a cool idea but I don't know how good it would be. It's in Sharper Image. Please let me know if you've heard of it.


---------------------------------
Galen's Response

While I have not used one of the Liquid Image camera masks, I have seen them around, and I will give you my general opinion of the idea.

First, there are several different versions of this product, and they vary in what they can do and price.

Currently there is the Explorer Series 3.1mp and Explorer Series 5.0mp Liquid Image mask. It can go down to depths of only 15 feet. So it is only for snorkelers and for low depth free dives. I personally would not get a 3.1 mega pixel camera. Get the 5.0 instead. If you get a good shot, you will be able to print it much bigger and clearer. The Explorer 5.0 also takes video at 620x480.

They also have the VideoMask Series D1. It has the same 5 mp camera, with higher resolution video at 720x480 and has a depth rating of 65 feet. Personally for a snorkeler I would spend less and just get the Explorer 5.0 instead. And if you must have high definition video, there is the Scuba Series HD mask, with a 5.0mp camera, 1280x720 HD video, and good to a depth of 130 feet. And they have two wide angle versions of the last two camera masks above.

Personally if I where to get one, I would just get the Explorer 5.0. I don't value the HD video so much. And taking good quality video with the camera built in to the mask is not easy.

But the question is, would I get one of these at all?

I don't think so. Here is why.

First, the most important thing about your mask is that it fits correctly. So you need to try on lots of different styles and types to do that. The Explorer series only comes in one size, and the Videomask comes in two sizes. You may be lucky and this mask will fit you correctly. But if it does not fit perfectly, then I would not consider it. Next, although I have not tried one, it looks a bit bulky and will certainly weight more than another mask. And my mask already feels bulky and a bit heavy on my face, without adding a camera.

Next, as a camera, it has some major drawbacks vs. a hand held digital camera.

The first major problem is framing your image. There are some cross hatch marks in your mask lenses that are designed to help you frame your picture. But from reviews I have read it is just not that easy to get your subject where you want it in the picture. And often you will get pictures back with your subject either not in the frame, or placed oddly, high or low. Being able to frame your subject is important. If you have ever used a disposable underwater that has a simple framing box on the top of it, you will remember how hard it is to get your fish in the picture.

Next, if you have ever taken video, you know that you need to keep your motions very slow. That is easier to do with your hands than your face. Reviewers have found their videos to be pretty shaky looking.

This also lacks an LCD screen. This is very valuable not just for framing your picture before you take it, but also for viewing it right after you have taken it. I can't tell you how many times a picture I have taken has not looked correct on the screen in playback, and I have decided to take the picture again, either with a different setting on the camera, or from a different perspective. Also, I like to look at my pictures later, out of the water, using the camera viewfinder. These mask cameras do not have that ability. You can only view them after you download them to a computer.

The next issue I see with this vs a regular camera, is that with the camera on your face, you are farther from your subject. With a regular camera you often stick your arms out toward your subject to get the picture. Even though that is just a couple feet, it makes a difference. Getting close to your subject is very important underwater. It can mean the fish is filling your picture vs. being a small object in the picture. Shooting through more water also reduces sharpness and color. Also, I often stick my camera down low to shoot under something that is below my head and body, or above, for a different angle. You lose that option with this.

There also is no zoom lens. That is not really a big deal. I almost always leave my camera set to it's widest setting.

You also don't have the ability to use the camera for the rest of your vacation pictures out of the water (unless you feel like walking around on land with your mask on, and looking pretty silly ). This means you will need to have a second camera.

The camera also does not offer any white balance settings other than auto. I personally find a manual white balance setting option essential for getting good colors.

So those are the big negatives as I see them.

Now The Positives

The biggest positive, and really the most valuable one, is that you are hands are free of holding a camera while you are in the water.

The other good thing is that by all accounts the image quality of the 5.0mp cameras and their video are very good. It has a nice fast F2.8 lens. And the quality of the product in general, the mask skirt and other features, is suppose to be very good. These are not toys.

I also really like that you can buy the optional Blue Water Filter, which is a great option for getting better colors underwater.

Next, the price is really pretty darn good. You can get the Explorer 5.0MP masks for about $90. Considering that a good mask normally costs about $50, and a digital underwater camera a minimum of about $200, that is a bargain.

Conclusion:
So all and all and I would say don't get one if your main focus is on getting good pictures. But if your main focus is on feeling unencumbered in the water, but you still want a camera to capture memories, get one, just so long as the mask fits your face correctly.

Where to buy one?
And yes, you can get these at Sharper Image. But you will find much better prices on Amazon. You can pick up the Liquid Image Explorer Series 5.0MP for just $89.99. And the VideoMask Series D1 for about $145.

I hope that helps.