The Scuba Mask HD320 is the third in a series of dive masks with built-in cameras which has been released by Liquid Image. The first two were standard definition and only waterproof to shallow depths, but the HD320 version is vastly improved and therefore deserves to be given the full run through here in our reviews section. Let's dive right in...
The Good:
The Scuba Mask HD320 is certainly one of a kind, no where else can you find a hands-free camera which is actually built into a diving mask. This makes photography and filming underwater incredibly easy because your hands are free to swim with and all you have to do to film something is make sure you are looking at it.
The fact that this tiny built in camera is delivering high definition video is very impressive, especially considering that you can buy this HD320 for under R3,500. The video resolution is 720p HD which is not full HD but is still high def nonetheless so basically you'll be able to impress everyone by playing your dive videos back through the big flat screen plasma while still being proud of the video quality on show.
The simplicity factor of the HD320 Mask Cam also adds notable value to the package. When you're 30meters underwater you don't want to be hassling with complicated settings and features. With the HD320 there is one two-part button to control all your operations. To turn it on and select the mode (video or photo) use the left side of the button. Click down and hold down to power up or down, once powered up just click this to switch from video to photo mode and back again. Once you are happy with the mode, push in the stop which will prevent you from accidentally pushing this later on. Now you're ready to hit the water; the right side of the button clicks to take still images or starts and stops your videos depending which mode you're in. It really is easy and if you just play around with it just a little bit you'll be ready to go out and use it.
Just to remind you which mode you are in there are little indicator lights positioned just above your right eye which lets you know what you are doing by flashing the relevant colours.
As mentioned in the intro, there is a vast improvement in terms of the waterproofing of the HD320 when compared to the previous models. This HD320 mask camera goes down to the impressive depth of 35meters meaning that it is more then suitable for free diving, snorkelling, spear fishing and even diving.
The divers with appreciate the range of accessories available for the HD320 underwater camera mask which includes lenses and lights. There are two lenses available, one for green water and one for blue water conditions to improve the look of the video. The Liquid Image lights can be connected to the sides of the camera for night dives or low vis conditions.
The Not So Good:
If you've read this far in the HD320 review its quite likely that you are a diver and already have a high quality diving mask. It may have been a good idea to have this camera as an accessory that could clip onto your current mask instead of as a whole separate mask.
Also, as a diver you're probably not a fan of using disposable batteries. The HD320 needs 4AAA cells to power it, because of the low temperature in most diving conditions it is recommended that you use lithium-ion batteries for longer life. Hopefully we will soon be able to buy rechargeable lithium-ion AAAs so that you aren't throwing out a set of disposables after each two hour dive.
The Action Cameras Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an underwater camera then you'll know that most underwater cameras that film anywhere near as high a quality as the HD320 Camera Mask are more expensive. So basically with the HD320 you have a higher quality camera which is cheaper and comes built into a 35meter waterproofed diving mask. That is good value for money.
To have your review or comments added to this post, please send them through to reviews@actioncameras.co.za. Here are some tutorials to give you further tips and info on the cameras.
