Liquid Image has announced a brand new addition to their line of sports cameras – the EGO Mini. Only 1.6-inches wide and 2-inches high, the EGO Mini is equipped to record full HD video and able to livestream the video thanks to its Wi-Fi capabilities inside.
The main difference between this and its sister product, the EGO, is that it the Mini doesn’t have a screen, which will explain why it is that small. That’s because you will need to bundle this with your smartphone or tablet, and download its free app (Android and iOS only) in order to control the camera. That said, you don’t have to mount it on your helmet. You can place it anywhere to record – even inside the helmet.
Or just use it to secretly record porn, as Gizmodo suggests. (Seriously, don’t do that)
Technical specs on this camera include a 12MP lens, and the ability to record in 1080p full HD up to 30 frames per second. You can record at 60 frames per second – though, you will have to live with 720p HD. It also takes a microSD card up to 32GB.
Liquid Image says that they will release this in August 2013 for a recommended retail price of US$199.99. No word on international availability. Full press release below:
CES 2013 LIQUID IMAGE ANNOUNCES A MICRO SIZED WI-FI ENABLED ACTION CAMERA CALLED THE EGO MINI
Las Vegas, NV January 6th, 2013 – Liquid Image announces the Ego Mini, a Wi-Fi equipped Full HD Video Sport/DVR/IP Camera nearly half the size of the Ego which is currently the smallest Wi-Fi Enabled Full HD Video Sports Camera. This new product will be displayed for the first time at the CES 2013 Unveiled Event on January 6th at Mandalay Bay as well as at the International CES 2013 tradeshow in Las Vegas booth #36601.
Sporting a smaller size of only 1.6” W x 0.85” D x 2.0” H, the Ego Mini will allow users to mount the new action camera to places and surfaces that other action cameras could not fit. More versatile than the leading helmet mounted action camera, the Ego Mini will not have to be mounted to the top of helmets and will create less wind drag if any at all when used inside the helmet. In addition to typical action camera use, this little action camera can fit into various helmets for Paintball, full face motorcycle helmets, under MX Visors, as well as clip onto baseball hats. The camera can strap to the body or head with less obtrusion than any previous HD Camera. Lightweight and water resistant, the Ego Mini will open up new recording opportunities for action sports as well as for other types of professional athletes who are looking for lower wind drag or a camera to fit into smaller spaces. With the use of additional streamlined mounts such as the Surf Mount and Motorsport Mount, the design of the Ego Mini will revolutionize the action camera market and make action cameras more than simple box shaped or cylindrical objects sticking off surf boards, helmets or race cars.
Additionally, the Ego Mini addresses the needs of many potential markets well beyond sports activities who have expressed an interest in a small unobtrusive wi-fi enabled camera with an interchangeable battery system, for extended recording time. The Ego Mini can operate more than 4 hours as well as be converted into an IP camera running off an electrical plug or car power port. This will allow the Ego Mini to be used for other purposes such as security, baby monitors, Car DVRs, Reality TV Shows, and more.
The matchbox-sized Ego Mini is the latest camera from Liquid Image. It packs the HD capabilities of larger action cameras plus it has built in Wi-Fi transmission to smart devices. No bulky Wi-Fi attachments are required to work with smartphones and tablets. The Ego Mini connects to an iOS or Android device with the use of the free Liquid Image App which can be downloaded through iTunes or Google Play, once available. Once connected to the app, the Ego Mini will stream live view as well as transfer and view recorded files and upload short clips or photos to Social Networks. The app can also act as a remote control and adjust settings on the camera. The Ego Mini can stream live to the internet when connected to a computer with internet access.
In addition to Wi-Fi, the mountable camera has a 12.0MP camera mode and a video mode that records HD1080P Video at a rate up to 30 frames per second as well as the High Action mode of HD720P video at a rate up to 60 frames per second. This new model also features a continuous shot photo mode.
There will be a variety of Ego Mini mounts. Some will fit with typical tripod mounts similar to the current Liquid Image mounts for the Ego. The Ego Mini can hold a Micro SDHC card up to 32GB. A waterproof case (sold separately) will allow the Ego Mini to submerge to a depth of 40m / 130ft. Settings on the Ego Mini allow offer enhanced underwater color correction capabilities.
At a suggested retail price of $199.99 the 12.0MP, professional HD quality and high frame rate of 60 frames per second will make the Ego Mini a strong competitor to the growing Action Camera market. Estimated release date is August 2013.