Liquid Image Ego Mini 1080p HD Camera Model 727

Bottom Line

Liquid Image has been making goggles and scuba masks with built-in HD video capabilities for some time, and the addition of the stand-alone Ego to their product line has been much anticipated. While rival GoPro is the dominant brand for action cameras, the Liquid Image Ego is a great addition to the marketplace.

Comparable GoPro models may offer a little more in terms of waterproofing, accessories and fitting options, but they are considerably higher in price than the Ego, even though similar in terms of video quality. The Ego is definitely not for videographers or arty filmmakers. But the Wi-Fi feature, which can link up the camera to your smartphone, has a definite wow factor and is not currently available with other brands.

Ease of Use

Take it out of the package and start shooting. The Liquid Image Ego is simple in design and use, with only two buttons: shutter and mode/power. You'll have it figured out in a matter of minutes.

The Ego's major selling feature is the Wi-Fi control: You can connect a smartphone or tablet because the transmitter starts its own Wi-Fi hotspot. A common complaint about action cameras is their small screen size. The Ego's free Action Connect app, available on iOS and Android (2.2 Froyo and up), essentially makes your phone or tablet a large viewfinder, allowing streaming of videos to your device with live Wi-Fi, playback, changing camera settings, continuous still-image shooting and contrast adjustment. A wireless remote is also included.

The Ego takes a micro SDHC card (not included) and the card slot is hidden under a rubber side flap next to the micro HDMI video output and the micro USB charging port. Reviewers note the flap isn't easy to open while wearing gloves or while in motion, so preload the card before you get going. Testers like the light on the front of the camera that changes color based on the mode you're using -- photo, video or playback.

Mounting the camera with the included adhesive strips is simple, but you can also screw it into a tripod with its standard threaded port. TrustedReviews.com says the GoPro has better fitting options because "the Liquid Image Ego's bundled stand only swivels around one axis… but using third-party stands and grips should pose no problem."

Performance

Average video quality. The Ego has three basic shooting modes. Default mode captures 720p video at 60 frames per second (fps) in MOV format, which is great for capturing activities that involve a lot of motion. A quick tap on top switches to 1080p video at 30 fps, and with another tap you can take still images at up to 12 megapixels. Reviewers agree the battery life is good for at least 1.5 to two hours of shooting.

On one test run down the Thames River, familiar landmarks were sharp in 1080p; switching to 720p produced nice action footage. 1130cc.com, a forum dedicated to Harley Davidson enthusiasts, did a side-by-side comparison with the GoPro, using a relatively tame spin on a pit cart. Video quality was nearly indistinguishable, although maybe slightly better on the Liquid Image Ego.

The Ego may not perform ideally with all extreme sports. A mountain-bike test by ITProPortal.com found that footage was bouncy when taken off road, "a shame, because many of the sports the Ego is billed for  will naturally involve rugged terrain." Video taken on smoother paths was more stable, although reviewer Will Dalton thinks this somewhat defeats the purpose of an action camera.

You may see a fish-eye effect at the widest field-of-view setting, and the Ego has some trouble handling highlights, occasionally rendering video somewhat blown-out and harsh. There is also considerable noise in low light, which is typical of action cameras. Most testers agree that these are small compromises when you consider the Ego's price and wireless capabilities.

Will Dalton at ITProPortal.com found the Ego's Wi-Fi stayed connected at a range of 25 meters. You can't watch what you are recording live because the connection is disabled while the camera is in use --  -- and also because that's not really a great idea while you're skiing down a mountain -- but testers think that being able to view camera angles on-screen before recording is a big plus, as is the ability to immediately play back video.

Durability

Capable of sustaining tough use. Though not completely waterproof, the Liquid Image Ego is easily able to withstand mild to moderate water contact, as evidenced by two vigorous test runs on the Thames River in London by separate testers. A transparent faceplate is included to protect the lens from scratches, light crashes or splashes. To use the camera for scuba diving or other water-intensive sports like river rafting or kayaking, you'll need to separately purchase a waterproof case.

The Ego is small in stature, but by no means delicate. It feels sturdy and solid in hand, ready and able to handle rough and tumble adventures. Like any good hockey player, even after a hard hit it will be ready to go for the third period.

Reviewers are pleasantly surprised that the simple adhesive sticking pad is remarkably effective when affixed to a bike, vehicle, helmet or other surface. The camera remained in place even while somewhat awkwardly mounted (only half the base was secured to the bars) during a mountain-bike test ride by the folks at ITProPortal. The Ego comes standard with a USB cable and an extra adhesive mounting pad.

Appearance

Sleek, vibrant and tactile. The Liquid Image Ego is amazingly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your pocket or toss into a backpack, or even your pocket. It measures only 1.6 inches by 1.2 inches by 2.5 inches. You can just attach it, and you barely know it's there, giving you complete focus on the road, track, water or snow.

With smooth and rounded edges, the Ego is nice to hold. Reviewers absolutely love its sensuous feel. The lens and microphone are mounted on the front of the camera, as well as a colored light that indicates what mode you are using. The info screen on top is quite small, so it's much better to connect to your handheld device, and use that screen for viewing and controls when possible. Unlike other brands, the Liquid Image Ego is available in five colors: black, white, red, blue and yellow.