Liquid Image Ego Review - Part 2
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 10:10PM 
Here is the final part of my exhaustive (and exhausting) two-part review of the Liquid Image Ego camera. (Part 1 here)
The quality of the video this camera produces is excellent, but the accompanying Actionconnect app and the manner in which it interacts with the camera needs a lot of work.
Luckily this camera can be used perfectly well for most of the time without any need to resort to the application. I found that once I'd used the wifi viewfinder to correctly line up the camera mount on my motorbike - I didn't need to use the app again, until it came time to adjust the FOV setting.
Unfortunately due to the fiddly nature of this procedure, rebooting the camera and connecting it up to my phone by the side of the road took long enough that a helpful biker stopped and asked me if I needed assistance. He had seen me crouching beside my machine a few minutes earlier when he rode past in the other direction and assumed that I needed help. This experience taught me two things, firstly that bikers are generally very helpful people, and secondly that I really shouldn't try adjusting the settings on the Ego if I'm in a hurry.
Price - When I bought mine from Expansys on Amazon, it was £120. Now that Expansys are out of stock, the cheapest price from other stockists is over £150, which in my opinion is too high. I'd suggest waiting for prices to drop back down a bit.
SAMPLES
If you want to download some samples - I've uploaded a folder containing 1080p30 and 720p60 videos together with some stills. These will look considerably better than the youtube clips. Click Here to download these files
If you read through the comments you'll see that a couple of people have been having issues with the camera shutting off recording after 30 mins...rather than carrying on making more 30 min files. The solution appears to be a combination of using a different firmware from the one supplied on the camera and also possibly sticking to cards under 32GB in size. It's possible that some 32GB cards may work...but it's something you'll need to experiment with.
UPDATE Jan 2013 The Action Connect app has been replaced with a really good Liquid Image App and the firmware has been tweaked a number of times and now has options to turn off the light and flip the image (amongst other improvements). See the Comments for more.
This is a really excellent camera for a brilliant price.
(£102 for the Blue one on Amazon UK - at the time of writing (18/1/13).
Reader Comments (104)
Thanks for the review! Great as usual!
Cheers
Psst @2min in. The shock absorber is not bouncing up and down. It's fixed to the road - it's the rest of the bike (and camera) that is bouncing up and down! Just wanted the chance to be pedantic, great review again.
Another 'nearly' camera, good FoV, seems to work well, but shaped like a Weeble! MAKE IT A BULLET CAMERA SHAPE PLEASE!
Thanks, Techmoan, your work is not in vain!
great video!
thx a lot for including my reqest!
Regards
I don't really want to make this too confusing, the Xdreme had it's own indepth review. They are very different cameras - one large, waterproof with an LCD screen and the other not. I'm not too sure that anyone would seriously be comparing one against the other purely based on video quality - the features rather than the video are what differentiate them.
Can you see what it does in thermal shutdown? I currently use a flip HD cam on my motorcycle almost exactly where you place yours, but I have found that after 30 minutes (give or take) it gets too hot and shuts down without saving the file. I have also had the flip go into thermal shutdown on the dash of my car, again resulting in the loss of video. I am hoping the EGO will be a suitable replacement.
Mike, the Ego does get quite warm when it's working...but I've never had it shut down as a result. It's been on the bike for two hours recording continuously without any issue. Of course things might be different in a hotter climate...but I think I'm unlikely to experience thermal shutdown where I live. It does mention the thermal cut-off in the manual, so it must be something that can happen and they have made a provision for.
Thank You Sir. Sounds like it will be a suitable replacement for the Flip. BTW Your reviews are awesome. Keep up the great work.
Great review! It did look like the video seemed to be more stable (less jelly/tearing) than with the XDreme. Also, light to dark transitioning seemed to be handled better on this cam versus the XDreme as well (I think I recalled some strange banding effects when you were transitioning from a tunnel to the outside with the XDreme.)
Ref the price - I see Expansis are saying they have it back in stock (in most colours) and it is currently @130 with free delivery.
It looks a good camera but price is very high.It will be a replacement for xdreme.Cameras are now going more technologically advanced.However your review is fine.
Great review of the camera, and in line with the quality of your other sports cam reviews. I have a question, as I have been unsuccessful in getting a response from LIC. My camera stops recording after 30 minutes. It does save the file, and remains on (I have Autoshutdown to Never), but does not continue with seamless recording as your cam did. Is there a setting or something that I am missing?
Sorry to ask here, but again, I am not getting a response from the manufacturer.
Cheers,
John
The only thing I can think of at the moment is the file format of your memory card. I'm assuming that you've formatted it as FAT32 rather than NTFS?
I researched that and all cameras refer to Fat32 so I left it the way it came. I will try formatting it NTFS and see if that helps. Thanks for the fast reply.
No, stick to FAT32, NTFS doesn't work. I'm not sure what your issue is unfortunately. Perhaps try a different card.
Quote:
"My camera stops recording after 30 minutes. It does save the file, and remains on (I have Autoshutdown to Never), but does not continue with seamless recording as your cam did. Is there a setting or something that I am missing?"
if got the same Problem - Firmware V. 2.2.1.2 - but it shutdown after aprox. 30 Minutes - any hint ?
I'm befuddled. What class of card are you using?
Ok, problems solved. I contacted LIC support, and after many emails back and forth and many days (granted, the time difference between the US and Thailand where I am was a factor), the problem is solved.
You were right, NTFS doesn't work, but exFAT and FAT32 work fine. I am using exFAT now because of numerous advantages.
But onto the problem - it is the firmware. LIC had to have an independent dealer email me the link to an updated firmware. This allows for uninterrupted recording, with individual 30 minute files. I just tested and confirmed working, 4 files at 30 min each for 2 hours before it stopped recording.
Here is the link to the updated firmware
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1649578593/9b618a9353d3aedc46852662a1f3e96a
BTW, I couldn't get it to update with a 32gb card, bit it updated fine with an old 4gb Class 2 card, apparently speed rating doesn't matter when updating the firmware.
Thanks again for a great review.
BTW, the old firmware version was 2..2.1.2, the new working version is 2.2.1.0, which seems odd, but maybe the new firmware was bad and they sent me a working older firmware.
Thanks for the information. I'll upload the firmware and post a link to it, so others can benefit from your hard work.
Dear Techmoan and All,
Techmoan, my compliments for your nice reviews!
One of my friends is planning to make a world trip on a "Bike Boat" by the end of 2013. I promised him to give him 3 cams: 2 on top of the boat and one looking "underwater forewards" and mounted on the helm shaft. For that last one I have been looking at some pan&tilt solutions, so he could also look sidewards and deeper under water, but this seems quite expensive for a good under water quality.
Of course it would be pratical having 3 of the same cams, where I could provide a 4th one as a spare. Also.....hooking those to the laptop and watching the images "live" on the screen seems attractive being in the middle of nowhere.
Looking at the sport and mini cams, that you have been reviewing lately, what would you advice?
Thanks and regards, Dirk
Dirk, I'm not really convinced that any of the cameras I've tested will do the job for you. They all have issues. I think if you want to do the job properly you might want to go for the GoPro. The Xdreme might be an option though.
Thanks very much for your hints. As the bike-boat still has to prove its "ocean-solidity", before I will build some in, I still have some time. In case you come across something interesting in this sense, please let me know. In the meantime, I will have a serious look both at the Gopro and Xdreme. Kind regards, Dirk
Hi, great review. Can I just ask what mount you use on your bike? it looks like it clamps onto the frame and this would be ideal for me.
On a side not I purchased mine while in the USA at duty free. converting currency back it only cost me £105..
Thanks, Rob
It's an UltraClamp
quite a few people have asked, so perhaps I should make a quick video about it.
Thanks for the quick reply, it looks to be ideal for my needs.
A video would be nice just to show it's size and few example mounting possibilities.
Does it have any vibration damping? I ask because the videos on the bike look fairly stable.
Thanks again,
HOLA ,NECESITO UNA CAMARA ESPIA INALAMBRICA TU CREES QUE ESA CAMARA ME PUEDA SERVIR
An update on the Android app for the EGO cam: there's a new version out now, which doesn't work at all :-(((
At least not on my Samsung Galaxy Ace smartphone, would love to try it on my Samsung Tab2 but I still can't download the app on it, even though it's Android 4.0
Contacted Liquid Image and they'll look into it (again....)
Not a sports cam, but now I got a JVC GZ-VX715 WiFi cam that really works with an Android phone/tablet, so it is possible to make a functioning app I guess.
cheers, Leo
After watching your excellent reviews I bit the bullet and bought an Ego and must say on first impressions I am mightily impressed. What didn't come over too well on your bike footage was how smooth the 60 fps recording is. I am really torn between 1080 and 720 recordings now.
Regarding sound quality - I have been used to green laning with a Hecam bullet camera and although it is a bit basic the recordings were very good but let down by the wind noise when mounted on the top of my helmet. I don't know whether it is because I have stuck my Ego to the chest of my jacket with velcro ( secured with a lanyard round my neck) that I have found hardly any wind noise and even less with the clear cowl fitted. One thing I have noticed is that the Liquid Image 'how to' vids their cowl has a tiny hole in the cowl over the microphone that mine hasn't got - wondered if this was a later version with the hole to improve the volume of sound?
My only gripe is that there is no Connect app for Mac OSX so will have bite another (more expensive) bullet to be able to access all the functions.
Another thing that might be of use is that if you always throw your packing you might think about sawing the camera mount out of the base of the top case as the addition of a sticky pad you have yourself another clip-on bracket mount.
Kind regards and congrats on some super review work Matt.
Neil
Great review. Very informative and didn't hold any punches when it came to constructive critisim of the Ego.
Keep them coming.
Cheers Kym
Thanks a lot for your wonderful review. I watched part 1 and 2 carefully and really enjoyed them.
Now I have an old iPad, with iOS 4 on it. The Action Connect App says it needs iOS5.
How do you manage to change settings on the Ego with no App ? Is there a software available somewhere ?
I've got a mac OS X and someone said that it's not mac-compatible ?
Thanks,
Florence
Unfortunately you need the app to get into the settings and its IOS or Android only.
I can't watch videos i recorded put 16gb card into usb stick i tried it in the telly ,i pad,and laptop and noting happened 2gb used on card wat am i doin wrong Wats the easy way to view videos recorded it my firstfirst time using it recorded video in 1080/720
I can't watch videos i recorded put 16gb card into usb stick i tried it in the telly ,i pad,and laptop and noting happened 2gb used on card wat am i doin wrong Wats the easy way to view videos recorded it my firstfirst time using it recorded video in 1080/720
You aren't being very clear. Are you saying that there are files on the card that you can't play? If so update your codecs on your computer using the K-lite codec pack. If all else fails just connect the camera to your TV by HDMI.
Thank you very much for taking the time, energy, and thought that went into making your two-part review. I believe it's the most thorough Ego review in the known universe.
I downloaded your two "Bike Country" movies, as I will be mounting the Ego (if Santa brings me one, and I am in good stead with an elf) on a motorcycle. I (barely) detected some choppiness in the 1080 version, and none in the 720 version. As the two clips seem otherwise remarkably similar, I think I will go with the 720 mode.
Two questions:
1) I don't recall your mentioning anything about your preferred metering setting. Did you use center or average for the bike videos?
2) You did mention that the user might as well set the camera to 3 MP. Is that the setting that you used for those two videos?
Thanks again for your help.
I tried both metering options but didn't really notice any difference - although it's not something I've experimented with too much. Let me know if you find that one is better than the other in the majority of situations. I think I may have used average in the videos ….possibly.
The 3MP setting is only for the photos- it doesn't affect the videos. Any photos that are shown in the videos are probably taken at 3MP....or 5MP
Thanks for the clarification on the MP setting. I hadn't realized that this setting was for still photos only.
I'll experiment with the metering option, and let you know if I notice anything significant in terms of videos.
Hmmmm, this camera maybe the "one". But, I want to be clear. I can use this and film and take stills and "don't" need to do anything on a smart phone? And it will work okay?
As I am a non-pocket computer guy. I'll be using it in a wet, salty enviorment on a boat. And yes would buy the water proof case.
That's one thing your review didn't cover at all. Which is okay. But then again. This company basically specializes in ":underwater.
Jus' so everyone knows that.
Yes there's no need to use the application with this camera...it works fine on its own. The only thing that you might want to do with the app that you can't do otherwise is to change the FOV.
Hello Techmoan,
Thanks a lot for your in-depth review. I love my Ego and use it almost everyday.
Firstly I updated firmware from 2.2.1.2 (out of the box from ebay USA) to 2.2.1.0
to solve 30 mins stop shooting issue. Recently the App Action Connect for iOS update
and it notify that 2.2.1.0 is out of date and I lose control function of my Ego.
The app suggest me to find the new firmware at weltin.com.hk. I did download the newest version and tried to update to Ego
many times. But the Ego keep freezing with "UP" shown and nothing happen at all even for an hour.
I have to push the reset button and it still has the 2.2.1.0. Anyone can help?
And I found some trick about using external power. Although LIC said Ego can't be charged and shooting clip at the same time,
but using external power while shooting can be done easily!
Just plug the usb cable to the 5V1A power source, as in my case I mount the Ego and usb powerbank to the handlebar of
motorcycle, insert usb cable then Ego will go to charging mode with lcd show "USB".
Now wait for about 30sec the lcd will change to "CHA", then just simply push the shutter button!
The Ego will bypass the internal battery and use the power directly from external source. Internal battery will not be charged
nor consumed its power So literally, you can't charge the battery and shoot video at the same time.
But you could shoot like 6hour straight (maximum 32g sdhc) by using this trick. Enjoy!
I found out today that -- on the iPhone now, and for Android later -- the Action Connect app has been replaced by an app called "Liquid Image." The "App Version" is 1.1.0, it says.
Further, when I installed this app and went through the usual wi-fi connecting, it told me that I had an obsolete firmware level on the camera, and told me to go to http://app.liquidimageco.com/ and install the new version. I followed the instructions there (or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3qzsKHCcMk ), and I now have the Ego at firmware version 3.2.1.0 (up from 2.2.1.2, which came on the camera when purchased in the USA, in December, 2012).
By the way, the new app adds a settings choice to turn off the LED on the camera. The other settings seem to be the same as before.
Bill, I spotted the app a couple of days ago and downloaded it but I haven't had time to test it yet. Looks like I'm due some new firmware too. I'm happy that the Liquid Image guys are continuing to support and improve their camera. It really is excellent value for money and offers the features of much more expensive cameras at a fraction of the price.
LIC need to start releasing a few more accessories over here in the UK.
One one of their youtube videos it said it was compatible with 3rd party mounts including GoPro, but it is not. Bought the grab bag and the centre piece is too thick for the ego...
I would like to get another of the helmet mounts so that I can put a mount on a couple of helmets.
Hi, what mounts are compatable with the camera. Mainly can you use the gopro head strap with the camera? And how do you go about mounting it?
If anyone can update firmware from 2.2.1.0 to newer version please let me know. I've tried everything and still not success.
You can use the GoPro mount - you just need to file a slither off each side of the centre plastic bar. Be careful when doing this as it is easy to file too much of and end up with a rattely mount.
Thanks for the reply, I will let you know how I get on!
@Kelvin: I upgraded from 2.2.1.2 (the firmware that came installed) to 3.2.1.0 by:
1) Going to https://liquidimage.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/847125-firmware-updates and clicking on the "Click here" link in the "Ego Series Model 727" sentence. I saved this file to my PC.
2) I plugged in my Ego to the PC via its included USB cord, and (using Windows Explorer) copied the downloaded file to the outer-most directory of the Ego's memory card.
3) Following the instructions in the video on that first page (or viewable directly on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3qzsKHCcMk ), I had the Ego upgrade itself. The video shows a pair of goggles, but it has the same buttons as the Ego. Follow the turn-on then hold-and-release instructions precisely, and make sure you get to see "UP" in the Ego's display for awhile (or you haven't pressed the buttons properly).
This worked for me.
Ver 3.3.1.0 is available from:
http://www.weltin.com.hk/support/liquid-image/
With the following list of added features.
NB: I am having issues (even with this upgrade) of the camera crashing when you try to alter the time-lapse period from 2s to 5s or 10 seconds when then trying to shoot stills. Have to use the reset button to gain any response thereafter.
Useful 180˚ lens rotate function (if it works!).
Firmware Version: 3.3.1.0
Date Posted: 20130-1-8
Major improvements since last release (v2.2.2.2)
1. Improve the remote browsing speed for camera contents.
2. Improve the image/video quality, typically indoor case.
3. Add Underwater mode (can be set through associated APP).
4. Charging speed through DC Adaptor is increased by twice.
5. LED indicator and Beep sound can be disable/enable from associated APP.
6. Support image flip mode (set through associated APP).
7. More Video resolution can be set through associated APP
8. Improve the speed of Wi-Fi coming to ready for operation (from 18s to now 9s)
9. Support more status parameters reported to associated APP, now APP can show the camera battery, Micro SD card status.
UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Ensure your battery is fully charged.
2. Connect your camera to your computer.
3. Make sure you Micro SD card is correctly formatted.
4. Copy the downloaded “firmware.bin” into the Micro SD root directory.
5. Disconnect the camera from the computer, the camera will auto power off
6. Press and hold “Shutter” button, then press “Power” button, release the two buttons when you see the words “Up” on the LCD screen.
7. The camera will automatically upgrade itself, after the process (normally within 1 minute), the camera will automatically shut down.
8. Restart the camera, wait till the Wi-Fi icon pop up (around 25s), then the camera will automatically restart by itself, it’s normal, after that, the camera is ready for use.
Notes: after upgrade, you may need to set up the camera Data/Time (through APP “Action Connect”) again, the APP will sort the camera contents according the DateTaken parameter, so it’s very important.
Thank you for the info.
My Ego firmware originally was 2.2.1.2 and I updated to 2.2.1.0 successfully.
So I know exactly how to update. I did follow every step of updating but still fail.
I have 2 Ego cameras and my friend has one. All 3 Egos were updated from 2.2.1.2 to 2.2.1.0
And now none of us can update any. The screen show "UP" and freeze for hours until I have to press reset button.
We did try change many cards, change firmware version, change pc, try format card.
Now we think that Ego with version 2.2.1.0 can not be updated at all and have no idea what to do next.
I asked LIC tech support to try update Ego to 2.2.1.0 then update to something else. And they said they did it successfully.
What should I do now?