GPS is all the rage with video recording these days - The good folks at Contour have embraced it, presenting all you mt. bikers, skiers, and general lovers of action video with the Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera. With the Contour GPS you'll get GPS tracking capabilities and stunning 1920 x 1080p HD video. And of course, you'll also get the security of Contour's patented TRail system. The TRail system makes it easy to lock your Contour camera to your helmet, body, equipment, or vehicle using a number of ancillary mounting accessories.
Let's take a closer look at the GPS tracking function, shall we? The camera's built-in GPS receiver tracks your exact location numerous times each second - it also tracks your speed and elevation! Using the included Storyteller software you can review your entire trip on an interactive map. And when you upload your video to Contour's sharing site your stats can be posted for all to see - and to try and duplicate, if they dare.
The Contour GPS captures the aforementioned 1920 x 1080/30p HD video. The camera also gives you the option to record video in a number of other modes, including: Tall HD 960p for when a taller image would work better, Action HD 720p for fast action, and Contour 720p for those times when you're running low on space but you need to get that last great moment of the day.
Aside from beautiful high definition capture, the Contour GPS also captures 5MP digital stills - allowing you to keep the dedicated still cam at home. Regardless of how you choose to capture though, the cam records to microSD cards up to 32GB. There's even a 2GB microSD card included with the camera to get you started shooting from day! Awesome, right?
If you're a lover of all things action and outdoors, with a special hankering to tag, track, and share your exploits, the Contour GPS was designed with you in mind.
Make your video come to life with the Contour software. Watch your run via interactive map and video player that allows you to see and control the action. Challenge and compare stats with your friends to see who measures up
Several different camera settings help you get the shot that best fits your activity. Choose between 3 resolutions, 2 frame rates, or a still photo mode
The camera, at only 5.2 ounces is small and lightweight, and like its little brother, the Contour GPS practically disappears while wearing it. The anodized aluminum body is built tough to take all your outdoors abuse and it is rated water resistant so you can assure you won't short circuit your adventure
Easy to operate and use. It's as simple as sliding a single over-sized switch forward to start and backwards to stop, even with a pair of gloves on. In addition we make it simple to line up your shot with a rotating lens and two lasers that assure you that you capture that perfect shot
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5 Megapixel CMOS |
| Lens | Fixed Focus |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Recording Media |
microSD Up To 32GB
1
Please Note:2GB included close |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p, 1280 x 960p, 1280 x 720p (30/30/60 fps) High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1280 x 720p (30 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 5 Megapixel |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs | 1x USB 2.0 |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.34 x 2.28 x 3.74" / 34 x 58 x 95 mm |
| Weight | 5.3 oz / 150 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
so good I just got 2 more!
I have 10 helmet cameras, and will give all of the other ones away, after getting the CONTOR GPS
I ride mountianbikes and love videoing my rides. I got myself one for Christmas...Read complete review
I have 10 helmet cameras, and will give all of the other ones away, after getting the CONTOR GPS
I ride mountianbikes and love videoing my rides. I got myself one for Christmas and it is so easy to use and mount that I just ordered two more of them.
I also work with venomous snakes. and these camers are vary good, you can mount them on the end of a Midwest's Field Hook and realy get some good video. and the under water houseing they got me HOOK, LINE and sinker.
I mount 4 cameras on my bike and one on the side of my helmet when ride, (all the views on one ride) so I'll be BACK for more. Will be leaving for SriLanka to work with venomous snakes and 3 is all I use with Reptiles.
bad things about this camera, nothing just think what you are doing, after riding and down loding the video, I mounter the camera on my bike and twisted the lens the wrong way, yes everything was upside down, opperator , not camera. slide on slide off, GPS tracking what more could you ask for? o yes I DO USE MY PHONE ON MY BARS FOR TRACKING. and the price is RIGHT TOO. I also got the Sony DVDirect MC10 Multi-Function DVD Recorder SWEET CAN DO EVERYTHING ON THE ROAD.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Contour GPS HD
I used this for skiing with my son after Xmas. Unfortunately, the video quality wasn't very good, even at 1280X1024. I burned some of the files to Blue-Ray disc (with Vegas Pro) ...Read complete review
I used this for skiing with my son after Xmas. Unfortunately, the video quality wasn't very good, even at 1280X1024. I burned some of the files to Blue-Ray disc (with Vegas Pro) to see how good it could look, but this didn't help. It was difficult to get the camera on and off my ski helmet. I did like the big on/off switch. Audio was ok.
But it's all about the video, and it seemed choppy and always a bit out of focus. Battery also seemed to die quickly in the cold.
So we took it back, and got a Go Pro HD. Much better video quality, even with the wider angle of view (170 degree) though barrel distortion at edges.. Video is much sharper, with Go Pro, even in lower light; almost equal to my Sony HDR-SR11 HD camcorder. Battery life is much better with Go Pro than Contour HD.
It's all about the video, burned to Blue-Ray with Vegas Pro, well it's spectacular, skiing in the woods with the Go Pro HD.
Reviewed by 17 customers
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I was looking for a headcam to use when skiing and creating short action films. Operation, size and quality was key factors for me and it all has turned out as expected. Low light/indoor footage could of course be better but that is not the main focus for me. Overall I am happy with my newest purchase :-)
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I returned this camera. It was had to turn on and off. The video was only viewable in your Iphone when not in rec mode. The GoPro HD is a better camrea.
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I used the camera during a ski vacation in Austria. I used the goggle strap to attach to my helmet. Unfortunately I forgot to bring along a laptop. This was important because I was unable to check on daily shoots until I returned home. However, the video quality is pretty good and the GPS tracking is awesome.You can visually track your movement, speed and elevation. The software is also of good quality.
The disappointment is really the battery life. I did not purchase a 2nd battery and should have.The manual says only about 2.5hr and thats probably on the high side. Skiing in Austria was sometimes -25C (-13F)and I think this speeded up battery exhaustion. This is an obvious condition for skiing.
Also,when the camera is attached to your goggle strap it clatters when you go ski over bumpy terrain, also the faster you go, the more it bounces. The best bet is to attach it directly to your helmet but the attachment to do this in the box has a flat base, and obviously helmet surfaces are curved. There may be an additional attachment to solve this, but its another extra.
The sound is good if it is you, the wearer, making a commentary when skiing. Its not great in picking up voices from fellow skiers. It does, of course, record wind noise as you ski. And the clanging of the camera against your helmet if attached to your goggles strap.
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I used this camera on a recent pheasant hunt and the A/V quality was excellent! Mounts are a little difficult to slide the camera on and off. I am overall satisfied but the battery life is only 2 hrs. with less expected in cold weather.
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
Great quality images. Great rail mount system. In serious need of an overhaul on the battery compartment. The battery tends to stick in it's slot. A little patients and it is doable to get the battery changed. Be careful not to break the battery trying to pull it out. Great support from the factory. Quick replies to issues. User manual could use WAY more detail. If you are not tech savvy, this camera will drive you nuts quickly. Battery life is about two hours when GPS is enabled. MAC users beware.... The storyteller software does not show the GPS map on playback. You have to use a PC version of the software. I hope they address this soon. With a few hours and some effort, you will learn the ins and outs of this camera and have a ball capturing your 'story'It is super easy to use. Turn it on and slide the switch forward. Download videos via USB. I had a few hiccups with Bluetooth connection but it's working great now. You can use you iPhone (make sure you buy the Connect card) to review the shot, and change the camera settings without hooking up to a laptop. It does not allow a live view during recording. Bluetooth turns off when you start recording. Check out my first movie, put together with iMovie, at [@]
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
Had this camera attached to my snowboard helmet at the weekend. Heaps of fun and great quality footage. With the connect view card using the iPhone for a viewer is simple and easy to use. Being able to re-orientate the lens back to vertical gives nice straight footage.
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
Excellent camera. Great build quality. Great video. Decided on this vs the Hero simply because the hero looks awkward (in terms of mounting).
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
over the course of 3 to 4 weeks, I tried to get my Contour GPS to take the latest firmware, but even with the help of their support was not able to. Finally had to realize that the camera would need to be returned at Contour support advice.Sent the camera back and within 2 days, had a new one in my hands. Not a rebuilt one, but a brand new one.Derek [...] of Contour Support was great. Patient with this end user and was positive till the end.Great little camera for the price. But if you're expecting crystal clear video and Theatre quality HD, then you'd be better off not purchasing a Contour. You should consider buying a $150,000.00 true HD video camera.Just my take.Honolulu, Hawaii
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
My husband and I both tried to figure out how to operate it with little information from the manual. We also went to its website to check it out; however, it doesn't work at all. Also, some descriptions are hard to understand or confusing. For example, when I tried to update the fireware with Storyteller, it showed I had to disconnect my machine from my computer in order to upgrade it. But it is different from its website. The company made it so difficulty to operate the machine. I finally figured it out by the past experience and study its description patiently. I filmed a short clip for letting my computer to recognize it. The quality is acceptable. Of course, it is just a test. Hopefully, it will satisfy our needs.
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
This product is not stable. Read reviews on their site and on others. The software is not ready for public use. We were trying to use them for a professional project and it has significantly put us behind scheduled. If you want something for fun and don't mind fighting with it to get your video the picture quality is good, if you can get to it. Very very frustrating
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
suitable for most of application.
Clarity is wonderful and with GPS mapping is simply amazing. further enhancement would be appreciated and welcomed.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
Camera was easy to use. 720P video was very sharp
Video length limited to ~40mins per file
40min 720P video is about a 4Gb file which makes them time consuming to move around.
Mini SD cards are tiny and not suitable for big fingers! I'm using 32Gb card and they have enough storage for 2 battery cycles
Battery life is short (2hrs on 720P) and are difficult to change - On my recent trip I used three batteries, 1 in the camera, 1 ready for use and 1 recharging - I need to test the camera to see if I charge the camera and record at the same time!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I have 10 helmet cameras, and will give all of the other ones away, after getting the CONTOR GPS
I ride mountianbikes and love videoing my rides. I got myself one for Christmas and it is so easy to use and mount that I just ordered two more of them.
I also work with venomous snakes. and these camers are vary good, you can mount them on the end of a Midwest's Field Hook and realy get some good video. and the under water houseing they got me HOOK, LINE and sinker.
I mount 4 cameras on my bike and one on the side of my helmet when ride, (all the views on one ride) so I'll be BACK for more. Will be leaving for SriLanka to work with venomous snakes and 3 is all I use with Reptiles.
bad things about this camera, nothing just think what you are doing, after riding and down loding the video, I mounter the camera on my bike and twisted the lens the wrong way, yes everything was upside down, opperator , not camera. slide on slide off, GPS tracking what more could you ask for? o yes I DO USE MY PHONE ON MY BARS FOR TRACKING. and the price is RIGHT TOO. I also got the Sony DVDirect MC10 Multi-Function DVD Recorder SWEET CAN DO EVERYTHING ON THE ROAD.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I use the camera to record my RC Helicopter flights.
It so easy I just wear it on my head and it does follow my head movement exactly thus I do not missing
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
I used this for skiing with my son after Xmas. Unfortunately, the video quality wasn't very good, even at 1280X1024. I burned some of the files to Blue-Ray disc (with Vegas Pro) to see how good it could look, but this didn't help. It was difficult to get the camera on and off my ski helmet. I did like the big on/off switch. Audio was ok.
But it's all about the video, and it seemed choppy and always a bit out of focus. Battery also seemed to die quickly in the cold.
So we took it back, and got a Go Pro HD. Much better video quality, even with the wider angle of view (170 degree) though barrel distortion at edges.. Video is much sharper, with Go Pro, even in lower light; almost equal to my Sony HDR-SR11 HD camcorder. Battery life is much better with Go Pro than Contour HD.
It's all about the video, burned to Blue-Ray with Vegas Pro, well it's spectacular, skiing in the woods with the Go Pro HD.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
The only company I know that adds value to a product after it's already been purchased. This was already the best helmet cam on the market for skiing and biking...but with the release of the Bluetooth nothing else even comes close!
Comments about Contour GPS HD Helmet Camera:
This is my 18th helmet cam I have, and will get 3 more. They are the best helmet cam on the market today. I use this one for Mountain biking and trail marking. This cam can be put where ever you want, on the frame or handle bars, arm or just hand held. With the rotating lens with the laser pointers you don't have to guess where you are filming.
And for use for filming in the wild it works better than all of the other cams I have, you get the GPS local right there on the short WOW what a prefect helmetcam.CONTOURGPS HD HELMET CAMCORDER
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