Certain bits of technology have, at times, pushed the outdoor industry in great steps forward. Roto-molded plastics allowed for the mass expansion of kayak brands. Graphite processing gave rise to the modern fishing rod. Computer modeling and molds created a boom in the soft plastic lure business. uTube makes learning a new tactic as simple as watching a video clip.

So what’s next? Think about how you are shooting video. In the past you’ve have two options; 1) use a handy cam or flip cam of sorts and tie up at least one of your hands at all times or 2) use a digital camera in video mode and still tie up one of your hands.

Now technology is about to change the way we do things once again. With the introduction of affordable, high-resolution video recording eyewear you can now actually produce nearly hands-free footage.

It’s true. With the new Sportsman Eyewear Model 465 video glasses you can produce point-of-view video or digital images while continuing to fish, hunt, paddle, hike… the possibilities are endless.

W2 caught up with Jaymie Smolens of Sportsman Eyewear to find out more about this amazing next step in recording outdoor adventures.

Are you the inventor of the hands free video glasses? If yes, please explain the process from idea/concept to actualization.

My friend and business partner Don was hunting in Colorado four years ago w/ his two boys. There was a lot of snow on the ground and a Mountain Lion walked within 20 feet of them with a raccoon in its mouth and they stood there as the lion looked at them and they looked back in disbelief as the lion just kept walking.  They didn’t have a camera for such an amazing event.  He thought about it for about a year and then spent the next 18 months researching and developing the prototypes that became the Sportsman Eyewear we have today.

If no, please explain how you became associated with the product?

Don called me because he wanted to do a gun or sports show in Virginia.  He had a strong dealer network in Pennsylvania and was ready to expand the market. 

Do you fish or hunt? If yes to either, what is your way of both? I have been an avid wild trout fisherman for years in both PA and VA.  

Can you give us a look at what the future holds for hands free eyewear?  We have quickly expanded the product line from our original 1.5 megapixel glasses to our latest “dual technology” video recorder/digital camera models.  We have others models in development as we will always strive to improve and bring new technology to market.

Please describe the process from turning on the glasses, to shooting video, to uploading and viewing.

The glasses have two buttons on the left temple piece.  The rear button powers them on/off.  The front button is the “recording” and “photo” button.  To take a picture push and release the button quickly, like a regular camera.  To record video press and hold the button for three seconds.  Push again to stop recording.  You can go back and forth between recording and picture taking.

About how much time does it take to learn this process?

Minutes

Is this military technology in civilian use?

I am not sure but it is civilian technology in military use as we already have clients in the military and intelligence community

What makes Sportsman Eyewear better than other similar products?  We use the “Best of the Best of the Best” components available.  Our processors & lenses are custom built to our specs and not standard production components.  The Sportsman Eyewear boast a “TRUE” 720 x 480 High Definition Video and 1280 x 1024 Digital Camera Resolutions that is attained with hardware and not by “Softwear Interpolation” a shortcut used by others.  

Is there any warranty with the glasses?  Yes there is a 90-day manufacturers parts and labor against a factory defects with an optional 12-month extension for $29.   We offer two, full service repair centers in the United States to handle all customer service needs.

What kind of optic specs with the lenses? 3MP Lens.

How is the audio quality? High quality crystal clear.

How long does the battery charge last? 2-3 hours of recording between charges.

Are the glasses weatherproof? No, many of our outdoor clients simply wear a rimed hat and wrap a piece of saran wrap over the temple piece to cover the switches.

Will you have a Pro Team and where can we see examples of video shot with the glasses?  We already have Action Shooter Tori Nonaka wearing our Sportsman Eyewear and will soon be featured on some Outdoor Channel hunting shows.  We are currently accepting applications for our Pro Team.

Heard enough and ready to buy your own pair? Well, you can. See page 2 for a special W2 offer that has the Model 465 glasses kit (includes spare lenses, SD disk, USB cable) for $30 off retail. You can also visit www.handsfreevideo.com to see examples of the video footage online and purchase there, too. I will be using the glasses when I guide, so you will be able to view my footage at www.mccotterslakeanna.blogspot.com every week.