Specifications

oPro HD Motorsports Hero Price $299.99
V.I.O. POV.HD $599.95
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Comment: Many features, but not so great as a helmet cam
Sensor Size: 2 MP Resolution: 1080p, 720p Frame Rate: 24, 25 or 30fps (1080p), 25, 30, 50 or 60fps (720p)
Focal Range: .7m to infinity Aperture: f/2.0 Field of View: 142° (1080p), 95° (720p) Battery Charge Life: 2.5 hrs alkaline, 5 hours
for Li-Ion (claimed) Card Type: SDHC, Class 6 or higher, 32GB max Record Time: 4.33 hrs. on 32GB card (claimed)
Computer Compatibility: Windows Vista, 7, Mac OS X 10.5 and higher Warranty: 1year
Included with camera head: Recorder unit, 1.5m camera cable, RF remote control, 2 camera head brackets, flat- or curved-surface
base-plate (can use adhesive or unique magnetic clamping system), goggle-strap mount, 28" adjustable elastic strap, 12" hook &
loop strap, assorted adhesive pads and zip-ties, carrying case, USB and analog A/V cables, (4) AA alkaline batteries, 4GB SDHC card
Visit us at WWW.MCNEWS.COM
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DECEMBER 2011 29
slower frame-rate is therefore more pronounced. But even on the
road, this cam had the choppiest video of this group.
Unlike any other cam here (except possibly the V.I.O., depend-
i
ng on where you stow its recording unit), the Liquid Image gives
you a visual signal that confirms its operation. An LED adjacent
t
o its LCD screen changes color and flashes to indicate its mode
and whether or not it’s recording. This is barely visible during use
—
just enough to allow checking it, but not enough to be distract-
ing. We really appreciated this feature.
Our only semi-serious complaint about the Liquid Image is
that its frame is taller/stiffer than other goggle brands we’ve
used. This wouldn’t be an issue if we were just wearing the gog-
gles by themselves, like a skier would. But with the goggles
wedged under the front edge of a helmet eye-port, there was
excessive downward pressure at the bridge of the nose. This
was relieved to some extent by removing the included nose
guard—an add-on that, along with the impact-resistant/tear-off-
accommodating goggle lens, distinguishes the Impact from Liq-
uid Image’s snow-skiing model. Depending on your bone
structure and helmet shape, you might experience significant
discomfort on extended rides.
Of course, the Liquid Image lacks our favorite feature—a screen
that acts as viewfinder and allows reviewing recorded footage.
However, it’s less of an issue here, since the cam can’t be mis-
aligned (though it does point slightly lower than we thought we
were looking). Color is rich, but detail can be a little weak in
brightly lit or darkly shaded zones. This cam’s mic picks up sur-
prisingly little wind noise; voice is recorded crisply and cleanly,
and engine sounds are realistic.
We’d like to see the Impact remodeled with more consideration
for the differences between snow-skiing and motorcycling. A
slightly shorter/softer frame, tear-offs that protect the camera lens,
and rearranged buttons would be all it would take, though we real-
ize it may be necessary at this stage in the product’s evolution to
share as much as possible with already existing models.
Liquid Image Co., 7909 Walerga Rd., Suite 112-206, Antelope,
CA 95843; [phone]; www.liquidimageco.com
Total Score: 49
V.I.O. Impression:
In our original helmet-cam article, we chose not to test units with
separate camera heads and recorders, and cited the drawbacks of
a) having to find a place to stow the recorder, b) difficulties oper-
ating the recorder in its stowed location, c) the hassle of routing a
connecting cable, and d) much higher cost. But we also noted the
theoretical advantages of having dedicated pieces that might out-
perform a smaller combo unit; after all, this is true in other types
of electronics. Is it true here? Sort of.
The V.I.O. is the most feature-packed unit here, with variable
mic sensitivity, bit-rate (4 levels), metering (average or spot),
exposure compensation (+/- 3 steps), image resolution and frame-
rate (including Euro-spec varieties), along with toggles for picture
sharpening and video “noise” filtering. These and more user-defin-
able options are easily managed via straightforward menus. The
range of adjustments is likely overkill for most users, but allows
maximum control for those who want it.
Once all the settings have been chosen, the recorder can be
stowed without concern about its accessibility while riding, since
a wireless remote control starts and stops recording (or takes snap-
shots in still-image mode). Like the Drifts’ remotes, it can be
strapped to a wrist or other easily reachable location. The
recorder’s signal beeps are easily rendered inaudible by storage in
a tankbag or backpack.
The remote can also “tag” moments for use later as reference
points during playback, and tagged segments can be split out or
compiled within the recorder itself, so some basic editing can be
done in the field. You can even fast-forward and rewind at differ-
ent speeds during playback. But we think the most unique and
valuable feature of the V.I.O. is its ability to record action before
you press the button. How’s that possible?
Depending on the mode selected, the V.I.O. can actually be
recording constantly, and discarding footage that has “aged” some
defined amount of time without a command to “record”—which