ContourHD 720p HD Helmet Camera
by Contour
List Price:
Our Price: $130.00
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: ContourModel: 1200
Color: One Color
Product features:
- The world's first wearable HD camcorder
- Choose from two video settings: High Definition or High Action
- Armored body is wearable anywhere
- Record over 8 hours of action video; one-button record function
- Operating temperature of -15C to +40C
- Easy Edit software (Mac and PC compatible) makes it automatic to import your videos from the camera
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of ContourHD 720p HD Helmet Camera
Customer Review: Indepth Review of ContourHD
Summary: 4 Stars
Having owned and used the ContourHD for over a month now, I want to share my thoughts on the unit for those considering purchasing it.
First, on the utility of the unit. My initial reason for purchasing the unit was to mount inside my car and to record as I drove, sort of like a cop style dash cam. Since the only way to make the unit record is to physically press the power button (there isn't a remote or wire to run to the car battery)you can't have it auto start recording when you turn the car on. So, for car recording, you'll have an additional step when turning on and off your car (powering up the unit to record). Mounting wasn't well done either. This package should have included a suction cup for the window/smooth helmet (since the unit claims its great for mounting on helmets). Instead, it comes with a sticky base so you can only attach it to one item, at one spot. This limits where and how often you can reposition the item (unless you buy an after market suction cup.)
Now onto the performance of the actual unit. The unit has 2 record settings. HD and standard (SD). HD is the wide 135 degree view which gives it a sort of fish-eye bubble look when I play it back on my computer however it is true that it is highly detailed. I suggest using it in SD mode though. SD takes half the space but the record and playback looks normal (flat and not fish-eye) and even though its 'only' 90 degrees, it is also recording in 60fps which is perfect for fast action (as in driving fast). I've used this camera outside of my car as well. I mounted it on my desk and have recorded my day at the office. The video quality is great - rivaling any camcorder. Now for the bad stuff. First, the audio. The mic is built into the unit. It captures what the user is saying just fine but even 10 feet away, the sound is low. My coworker sitting at his desk, though recorded crystal clear, can only be heard as a low murmur while I came out loud and clear while I was recording our chat. This makes this less than ideal as a substitute for a camcorder and to make things worse, there is no audio in jack to run an external mic. You're stuck with the tiny mic on the top of the unit.
Another drawback to this unit is there is no zoom. The lens is also fixed, you cannot swap it out for anything but what it came with from the factory.
Onto the accessories: The package comes bundled with its own unique rechargeable battery meaning once it looses its ability to hold charge, you'll have to order it from the manufacturer. I ordered a 2nd battery at the same time just in case. It also comes with a 2GB microSD card which is the only type of memory card it can record onto. This camera GOBBLES up memory so go out and buy a 16GB card (its the largest this unit can support). Make sure you get the class 2 or better microSD card (the higher the class, the faster the read/write speed which you'll appreciate once you try and unload the file to your computer).
The included battery charger is extremely cheap and plastic crap. The usb charger barely fits into the adapter and the connection is weak, I had to use tape to hold them together.
The software included is terrible. It comes with 1 program which simply lets you crop the length of the clip. You can't even rotate the clip with it. If you recorded the movie upside down, the ONLY way to flip it is buy getting third party software. And that is another problem, the unit only records into .mov format so windows movie maker can't even handle it. You're forced between buying the apple quicktime PRO or getting a file converter to make the .mov into .avi/wma to edit on windows but then you start loosing file quality and that defeats the purpose of recording in HD. Like the accessories, the included software is dismal.
Lastly, for anyone who has used a camcorder before, you'll notice this unit lacks an LCD. You can't check what you're recording until AFTER its done and you're plugged into a computer. There isn't even a video out to plug your own LCD into it to check.
So to sum up, I don't like the lack of versatility in selecting the recording format, the crappy audio capture, and the weak software suite included. For this price ($299-325) you can get yourself a full camcorder with 20X or better zoom and multiple recording format options AND with built in LCD for playback. This product is something strictly for helmet/bicycle action capture.
I have since replaced this unit with a JVC camcorder with zoom, hard drive recording with an external mic line and of course, its LCD which I can flip open to see how the recording is going. The price for the JVC was also $299 for the 20GB HD model. (40GB is now out) I gave my contourHD to my little brother as a present for the coming holidays. He also has a camcorder and only uses the contour to record point of view (POV) action shots for his movie making hobby.
I hope that lengthy review helps in your decision to get the unit. I know I wish there was such a review that I could have read before buying the unit. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
[...]
Description of ContourHD 720p HD Helmet Camera
ContourHD is the world's first High Definition wearable camcorder that combines amazing video clarity (choose between High Definition or High Action), a wide-angle lens (135 degrees), single-button simplicity, and a click to share online experience.Perfected for outdoor use, ContourHD can switch between crisp HD quality video (captured at 30 frames per second) or SD quality video (captured at 60 frames per second). This camera is the ideal complement to your outdoor gear with its all-in-one design ContourHD has no wires or separate recorder. Instead it records up to 8 hours of HD video to its own internal memory card (compatible with up to a 16GB microSD card). It's light (4 ounces) but armored aluminum body enables you to capture video in any weather conditions. ContourHD's Trail Mounts seamlessly attach the camera to your body, helmet, goggles, or vehicle for hands-free recording.Camcorders
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