On the road or under the sea, Hama helps get the picture

posted Monday, July 30, 2012 at 9:58 PM EDT

In the runup to the IFA show in Berlin, which kicks off at the end of August, Germany's Hama GmbH & Co KG has taken the wraps off several new products. The company is debuting several action cameras, masks and goggles with built-in cameras, and a variety of mounting options that let you attach your camera to various objects including vehicles.

Starting with the action cameras, there are three new models, although we only have details for two models. The Hama Daytour Action Camera is the smaller of the pair, with an angle of view of 160 degrees, a 1.4-inch LCD panel, and a weight of just 2.9 ounces (81 g). The Hama Star Action Camera--despite not including a built-in LCD--is larger and heavier, at 3.4 ounces (95 g). It can accept an external 1.4-inch LCD display, and has a 175 degree angle of view.

Hama's Daytour Action Camera.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Both cameras are based around a 1/2.5-inch type CMOS image sensor of unspecified resolution, and can capture eight megapixel stills or Full HD video on MicroSDHC cards. They each have integrated LiPo batteries said to be good for 150-180 minutes of use, and provide a selection of mini USB, mini HDMI, and video output connectivity. The cameras themselves aren't waterproofed, but bundled housings take them down to 66 feet (20 m) for the Daytour, and 197 feet (60 m) for the Star.

Hama's Star Action Camera.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

The remaining action camera is the Liquid Image EGO, and for this we don't yet have details. Nor is more info yet available on the Liquid Image snorkeling mask, scuba diving goggles (in 720p and 1080p variants), and ski goggles.

Hama's Liquid Image EGO.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Also announced are five Hama Activity Pods, mountable camera platforms that let you attach your camera to pipes, handlebars, windows and windshields, and to a circular adhesive cup that can be mounted on a dashboard or similar.

Hama's Liquid Image Explorer Snorkelling Mask in use.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Press Release

New from Hama: action cams

Make Your Own Action Films

“...and action!” Nowadays, these words are familiar to many of us, and not just from films. We spice up our lives by motorcycling over winding roads, racing downhill on mountain bikes or skis, or even bungee jumping or skydiving for the ultimate thrill. “Action cams,” which enable you to capture your experiences in films and pictures, are the perfect companions on all your adventures. Hama is adding an entire series of tough outdoor cameras to its product range. In addition to two of its own Hama models, the accessories specialist is also showing various models from the guest brand Liquid Image at the IFA trade fair in Berlin this year.

Hama's Activity Pod windshield mount.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Hama’s Daytour and Star cameras
With Daytour and Star, Hama introduces two compact cameras that come equipped with a variety of impressive accessories. Both include versatile attachment options and waterproof housing so that you can dive up two 20 metres with Daytour or even up to 60 metres with Star. The 160° or 175° (Star) wide-angle lens and 4x digital zoom (at 720 p) provide the recording field you need. Single and triple shots, as well as continuous and interval shooting modes and an automatic shutter release, increase your options for creativity.

Equipped with a 1/2.5" CMOS image sensor, the cameras support photo resolutions up to 8 megapixels and HD video recording with 1080 p, 960 p and 720 p. The smaller camera, Daytour, has an integrated 3.6 cm LCD; a display of the same size can be attached to Star. Both cameras feature a built-in microphone and speakers. The integrated lithium polymer battery with 3.7 V, 1400 mA and 5.18 Wh supplies power for around two-and-a-half to three hours at 1080 p. Each of the two outdoor cameras also has a microSDHC card slot, a mini USB port and mini HDMI and AV outputs (2.5 mm jack).

The Daytour model is 5 x 8.5 x 2.5 centimetres and weighs 81 grams; Star measures 6 x 5.8 x 4.2 centimetres and weighs 95 grams. Both the camera and its underwater housing are equipped with a ¼" tripod socket.

Hama's Activity Pod handlebar mount.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Liquid Image – the sporty models
Action cams from the brand Liquid Image will be broadening Hama’s product range in the foreseeable future. At the IFA trade fair in Berlin, Hama will present not only colourful little outdoor cameras that can be attached anywhere, but also various combination models. Snorkelling and diving masks, as well as ski and helmet goggles, have been equipped with integrated cameras for dual functionality.

Item no. 95285 Hama Daytour Action Camera
Item no. 95287 Hama Star Action Camera
Item no. 118501 Liquid Image Explorer Snorkelling Mask
Item no. 118502-3 Liquid Image Scuba 720 p M/XL Diving Goggles
Item no. 118504-5 Liquid Image Scuba 1080 p M/XL Diving Goggles
Item no. 118506-7 Liquid Image Ski Goggles, Black/White
Item no. 118517-21 Liquid Image EGO

Hama's Activity Pod dashboard mount.
Photo provided by Hama Technics Handels GmbH.

Active Tripods for On-the-go
Nowadays, even the smallest compact cameras have built-in video functions that can record pretty good short films. But just as with larger models, recording with a handheld camera rarely turns out well. A small tripod is always helpful, but it’s a must-have if you want to film from a motorcycle, car or bicycle. With the Activity Pod line, Hama is introducing five new tripods to meet these requirements.

Road movies made easy
You don’t have to have one of those trendy outdoor cameras more and more athletes are carrying around to shoot an action-packed film. Whether you’re racing uphill with your mountain bike or cruising through scenic routes on your chopper, you can still use an ordinary compact camera. Hama offers the Activity Pod TB 6 and Activity Pod TF 14 especially for attaching cameras to pipes and handlebars. These are compatible with cameras with 1/4" standard threads, and feature a cork-coated quick-release plate with a 4-point locking system so you can quickly and easily remove your camera from the tripod when the ride is over. Both models allow you to tilt and rotate the cameras. The TF 14 tripod also has a flexible swan neck for even more camera positioning options.

Two tripod models with suction attachment systems (SF 27 and ST 15) and a screw/adhesive mounting model (FB 5) round out the series.