Go Pro or Contour

[miralas]

Came across this, thought it was kinda interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5v36v2zpqQ

this was a great find. it makes it clear that the GoPro is much more vibrant in color than the Contour. i did watch the other video between just the contour and GoPro in the fish tank, but i really don't consider it a valuable source since it was on Contour's website (i feel like one company will alter something in what ever software they use to edit, just to prove there's is better, not by any means saying that's what happened, i just prefer to see a third party present a product against product video). according to the video on Contours site, the GoPro has a much worse auto focus. i would like to hear a little more if anybody has has any issues with that. from most other GoPro videos i've watch, it never seemed to look like an issue. i know from my experience of action sport photography that a lot of high speed action is involved, so i spend more time worrying about the big picture than a lot of the super small details, so flying down a trail that looks killer is more important than moving slowly under water getting some close-ups of fish.

another thing i picked up on was the focal lengths. are they adjustable on either model? if not i like the GoPro's much better. its just a scooch shorter than the Contours, which makes a world of differences if u r doing a follow cam of someone.

i do enjoy the small tight package that the Contour has, instead of GoPro's big bulky block that hangs of the side of a helmet, seems like an easy way to get torn off. another thing that really does make me excited is the GPS on the Contour. i love maps and showing people places i've been in the wilderness and showing people where my good little spots are, and now this makes it easier to find on a map AND actually show them! that a triple thumbs up from me.

so there's a toss up. get a GoPro because of its shorter(but not super fishy) focal length and its much better color qualities, or get a Contour because of its better designed shape and its fancy GPS system? makes you wish u had the ability to build your own stuff doesn't it?lol...

 

[dhoward]

...or get a Contour because of its better designed shape and its fancy GPS system? makes you wish u had the ability to build your own stuff doesn't it?lol...

If you currently own a GPS unit or a SPOT, then no need for the added GPS feature on the Contour. It is nice, but it seams as though GPS units are about as popular as cell phones these days...not many people don't have them.

I agree with the comment about the focusing issues with the GoPro video on Contour's website. I asked if anyone else had issues with the GoPro's focusing ability a couple posts up, but haven't gotten a response yet. I'm getting one of them, just don't know which one. I'm leaning more toward the GoPro, even more so since they are going to be offering the LCD screen here pretty soon. The connections seam much more solid as well.

 

[tudizzle]

The GPS system that comes with the camera is not for the same use as a stand along gps unit or SPOT. It gives speed, elevation, and location on a google map perfectly paired up with the video footage from that location.

Like the three cams at the same time. Shows how they preform out of the box.

What is nice about Contour is you can change alot of those settings depending on the light conditions, including metering position within the frame. And with bluetooth connectivity to your smart phone you will have the ability to adjust the settings on the mountain.(GPS units only) And use it as a real time viewer.

 

[dhoward]

The GPS system that comes with the camera is not for the same use as a stand along gps unit or SPOT. It gives speed, elevation, and location on a google map perfectly paired up with the video footage from that location.

So to further understand this. When playing your video, you can have the google map on the screen as well, and as you play the video there is some sort of indication on the map as to where you are at during that section of the video?

My Garmin handheld already stores speed, elevation, and location in it's track log and I mark points of interest on my tracks with it as well. You can do this with most GPS units.

Edit: GoPro is also coming out with an LCD Screen for it's camera. I'm not pro GoPro or pro Contour, I think they both would be good, I'm just trying to figure out which to get. I really like the bluetooth aspect of the Contour, but not sure if I would like the hassle of having to pull my phone out, wait for the bluetooth to connect and then be able to view. My phone us usually wrapped in a dry-sack and put in a place only for emergency.

 

[tudizzle]

So to further understand this. When playing your video, you can have the google map on the screen as well, and as you play the video there is some sort of indication on the map as to where you are at during that section of the video?

My Garmin handheld already stores speed, elevation, and location in it's track log and I mark points of interest on my tracks with it as well. You can do this with most GPS units.

Edit: GoPro is also coming out with an LCD Screen for it's camera. I'm not pro GoPro or pro Contour, I think they both would be good, I'm just trying to figure out which to get. I really like the bluetooth aspect of the Contour, but not sure if I would like the hassle of having to pull my phone out, wait for the bluetooth to connect and then be able to view. My phone us usually wrapped in a dry-sack and put in a place only for emergency.

yes GPS is paired with the video split screen.

If hassle free is what you are looking for....contour. Ever heard of "gopro face"? Thats the weird look just about every gopro vid starts with...as the user stares into the camera to figure out if its on or not.

With my contour in stand by mode...I can reach up and turn the unit on....while in the middle of a climb or tree section...without skipping a beat.


SOmeoelse made a great comparison

The gopro is like the M-chassis. Great sled capable of doing what needs to be get done. Just a bit outdated. The contour is the rider forward chassis....delveloping/making changes for the better of the end user..

The technology offered on the Contour is leaps and bounds ahead of the Gopro. And they continually update their product to stay ahead of the curve.



Obviously I prefer the contour....


but in the end get a POV...share your perspective and have fun!

 

[JustinB]

I found this web site that has allot if information.

http://helmetcameracentral.com/2009/04/27/vholdr-contourhd-the-worlds-first-hd-wearable-camcorder/

Awesome Read

http://www.feedthehabit.com/skiing/gopro-hd-vs-vholdr-contour-hd-camera-review-snowsport-focus/

http://pointofviewcameras.com/blog/...rable-camcorder-video-comparison-to-contourhd

 

[94fordguy]

I don't think I have ever seen a poll so evenly split in my life! It's clear both are a great product.

I've never tried the contour, but I definitely have no complaints with my Go Pro HD, easy to turn on and off and easy to start/stop recording. Pretty rare that I have to look at mine to know if it's recording or not - it beeps different times telling you it is turning on/off or recording/stopping.

There's no chance of it getting ripped off where I mount mine, tucked safely between my goggles and my visor out of harms way... I'd have to take a straight shot to the face to have my camera get hit.

 

[Ritfire73]

I just got the Contour HD. Im excited to use it this weekend. Any pointers or tips from some of you that may have used one?

 

[JustinB]

Contours

Okay all my research here is the low down.

Contour GPS $349.95 (cheapest I could find) Contour HD $278.99

Includes:
1-2 gig microSD card
2 rotating surface mounts
1-Goggle Mount
1-lithium Ion Battery



Contour Info and stats.

Operating temps -5deg-140deg

Viewing angle of 135deg.

1920x1080 @ 30fps

1280x960 @30fps

1280x720 @60 fps

Expandable up to 32 gig=8hours of viewing at highest resolution.

Soon to have Bluetooth viewing from a phone.

Water Resistant and shock resistant aluminum housing. (waterproof housing separate $25.00)

**Optional Mounts***

Tactical Mount (for certain guns)

Head band Mount

Roll bar Mount

2 different handle bar mounts

profile helmet mount

Contour has a 180 day warranty from the date you buy it.

 

[JustinB]

GoPro's

GoPro Naked-No mounts included just water housing and camera-$259.99

GoPro Motorsport-$237.99(cheapest)$299.99 reg

GoPro Helmet-$282.99(cheapest)$299.99 reg

Motorsports Kit:

1-Waterproof Housing

3-Flat Surface mounts

2-Curved Surface mounts

2-Quick Release mounts

1-Vert. surface J-hook mount

1-Pivoting side arm mount

1-Suction cup mount

Helmet Kit:

1-Waterproof Housing

1-Head mount strap

1-Mnt Bike helmet mount

2-Curved mounts

2-Flat mounts

1-3 way mount

2-Quick release mounts
**there is a ton of optional mounts for the GoPro a kit of all mounts will run you $300**

Information:

1 year warranty from the day you buy it.

Operating Temps. -40deg-140deg

soon to have LCD backpack (small viewing screen)

1920x1080 @127deg @ 30fps(16:9)

1280x960 @170deg @ 30 fps(4:3)

1280X720 @170deg @ 30 or 60 fps(16:9)

 

[4Z]

Anyone try the Drift HD170 yet?

 

[Sled-Parts.com]

We will be announcing some Countour news soon in the next couple weeks.

We have used both and you can't really go wrong either way. Countour GPS 1080 is pretty sweet though.

 

[F-Bomb]

so i just got the contour 1080 GPS unit...first ride i get a crazy amount of wind noise...had it on the cup mount...of course I didn't read the instructions or anything like that just plugged it on and went...and it made video but it sounds like im in a hurricane! I ran another system with it to compare and I'd have to state that it is far superior. Probably because I wasn't setting it up correctly BUT once I get some more experience I can be more definitive.

I've also used a gopro on the suction mount and it was quite a bit more stable...getting some shaky shaky on this contour as well. Is this indicative of this suction mount system on the contour versus the go pro..or is it once again something I can correct in my setup? Haven't even attempted editing ..what programs do you guys like on that front?

Any tips experts like tuzdizzle or devin? Yes save it I will read the instructions even though I might have to turn in my man card!

This is really fun stuff...I have three fricking hours of trail racing...and one pretty funny interview of a guy we found crashed in the bushes.....weeeeeee

 

[fenox]

Haven't even attempted editing ..what programs do you guys like on that front?

I prefer to use Sony Vegas pro 9. It has all the necessary things and is easy to work with. But for more advanced editing I recommend Adobe Premiere. I found it much harder to work with, but that's probably because I'm not that familiar with any Adobe product.

 

[lshobie]

Neither, go with the HD170 by drift innovations, LCD screen so you can see what you are looking at and what you recorded, you can't submerge it but it is water tight and awesome for sledding.

YouTube - 500cc Skidoo Elan LT lake run
YouTube - 500 Ski doo Elan LT breaking trail

 

[Aussie Niko]

gopro is way better picture, contour has skew and lens quality is not the same.
Less shake mounted off helmet too. 3D housing coming soon too

 

[Skadi]

contour is so much easier to use and KNOW you're getting the footage. I've ridden with MANY people who didn't get what they thought they did with the go-pro...

 

[Ritfire73]

Had 2 GoPros and a ContourHD all in the same group this weekend. Put them all on the same computer and couldnt really notice a difference. All three had great video footage!!

 

[Snowmark]

cam

i have the go pro...after reading alot about it having a better picture and being simpler to use....it has a great picture, is simple to use, two batteries and two 8 gb cards last about all day if you stop it when you stop, it is not too big for serious tree riding and the case is pretty tough, i have wacked it pretty good on several branches....it works well

 

[Reeb]

I ran a SD Contour for a season and had nothing but bad luck. Battery life, lighting, nothing looked sharp and it was pretty much all over the place. Bought a HERO HD and the only issue with it so far is when it gets too cold the icons disappear and a few times I thought I was shooting video it was taking pictures. Otherwise vibration on each will distort video quite a bit.