Hi-res underwater photos, video with Liquid Image mask

Pre-PMA: Liquid Image has just announced an underwater mask with a built-in digital camera that's capable of recording 720p HD video and 5MP image capture. The Liquid Image Pro HD350 Camera/Video Mask is said to be usable at depths of 330 feet. Adjustable lighting attachments can be added on for illuminating subjects during deep dives, and the outer housing is a dark grey for camouflage. The camera has 64MB built-in memory and accomodates Micro SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB. 1GB of memory is equal to about 30 minutes of video, so divers using high-capacity cards are more likely to run out of air than memory. The Liquid Image Pro mask will be available this spring, price to be announced.

For details, read the Liquid Image press release:

Liquid Image Pro HD350 Series Camera Mask

Sacramento, CA. – Liquid Image has announced a High Definition Pro Series Camera/Video Mask The Liquid Image PRO HD350 Camera/Video Mask allows professional scuba divers to capture underwater photos and High Definition digital video hands free. Uses may include search and recovery, military, government or other professional underwater occupations. The HD video is 720P (1280 x 720) and records at a rate up to 30 frames per second with audio. The camera mode features a 5 MP (2560 x 1920) still image.

Each Camera Mask will be tested and certified to a depth rating of 100 meters / 330 ft during production. This model has adjustable light attachments available to help bring out the color and detail that is generally lost while diving below 5 meters. Large lever style buttons allow for greater dexterity while wearing diving gloves. A darker silicon skirt helps to shield the peripheral vision from distraction, while still permitting the LED light indicator to signal the user when recording photos and videos. The outer housing is a dark grey color to help camouflage the diver when needed.

To take a photo or a video, the diver lines up the crosshair marks on the mask with the object, and then presses the capture button. LED lights inside the viewing area indicate the mode the camera is in when activated. The digital images and video may be downloaded to a computer through the High Speed USB cable provided, or through a Micro SD/SDHC card.

The camera comes with 64 MB Nand Flash internal memory. A Micro SD/SDHC Card slot allows the memory to be upgraded to 32 GB. Every 1 GB of memory added allows approximately 30 minutes of recorded video.

US and International distribution is set for spring 2009.