Specifications
Contour HD1080P $249.99
Ease of Operation:
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Video Quality:
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Audio Quality:
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Mounting Options:
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Features:
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Accessories:
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Value:
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Comment: Simple, strong and effective, with a few serious limitations
Sensor Size: 5 MP Resolution: 1080p, 960p, 720p WVGA Frame Rate: 30fps (1080p, 960p, 720p), 60fps (720p WVGA)
Focal Range
:
.5m to infinity Aperture
:
f/2.0 Field of View
:
110
°
(1080p), 135°
(960p, 720p)
Battery Charge Life
:
2.5–3.0 hrs
(claimed) Card Type: Micro SD (32GB max) Record Time: 8 hours in 1080p on 32GB card (claimed)
Computer Compatibility: Windows ME, XP, Vista, 7, Mac OS X 10.5 and higher Warranty: 180 days. extended to 1 yr. if camera
is registered and a video is shared on Contour’s user-community website.
26
DECEMBER 2011
●
MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS
our right hand off the throttle, or fum-
ble with our left for the button while
trying to keep our fingers away from
the lens. Also, its signal beeps (to
indicate on/off and rec/stop) are
barely audible with a helmet on.
The GoPro offers the full range of
HD resolution/frame-rate combina-
tions, as well as still-image capabil-
ity and its lens is tied for the widest
angle. We know from previous test-
ing that its protective case can with-
stand rough use. Two case hatches
are provided—one with a waterproof
seal and one with openings that allow
enhanced audio recording. This is
useful, given the lack of adjustable
mic sensitivity.
Features include auto, center-weighted or spot metering, a 10-
second self-timer for taking a photo after stepping away from the
camera, a 3-photo burst option, “time-lapse” photo intervals from
2–60 seconds, and a “one-button” mode that combines on/off with
r
ec/stop to further simplify operation and conserve battery life.
The LCD BacPac accessory adds a great deal of utility, serving
a
s a viewfinder and allowing in-field playback (with sound and
fast-forward/rewind) on its 2" (diagonal) screen. It comes with
s
wappable hatches (waterproof and audio-enhancing, just like the
cam)—to accommodate its additional depth. It’s well worth
the additional $79.99.
We loved the suction-cup mount’s versatility and strength
during Round One (it hung on even when knocked by branches
during trail-riding). It’s still great, especially if a permanent
adhesive option is unwanted. However, even the height
of a decal can be enough to defeat any suction-cup’s
seal at its edge. Using an adhesive mount can keep
the GoPro closer to a helmet’s surface, but
reduces adjustability.
The waterproof hatch seals out almost all
sound; what’s left is tinny and artificial.
The audio-enhancing hatch allows real-
istic, full-spectrum sound without ter-
rible wind noise. Engine sounds are
clear, but it’s very hard to hear the
rider’s voice, even when he shouts.
Color is true, and there’s good detail
in brightly lit zones, but we wanted to
increase overall light sensitivity a tad
and missed exposure compensation.
GoPro—2450 Cabrillo Hwy. South,
Suite 250, Half Moon Bay, CA
94019; 888-600-4659;
www.gopro.com
GoPro’s optional $79.99 LCD BacPac serves as a view-
finder allowing aiming capability as well as in-field
playback and rewind and includes a special hatch.
Contour Impressions:
The Contour’s simplicity is both an asset and a liability. On the
positive side, its large slide control for rec/stop is very easy to use
with gloves on, and there’s never any doubt which position it’s in.
(Even good buttons occasionally left us wondering if they were
pushed hard enough, and we sometimes lost track of whether we’d
last turned them on or off.) Several LEDs on the cam’s body pro-
vide general status info, such as warnings that battery life or card
memory is running low. The signal beep is less of a concern
because of the rec/stop control design, but it’s generally audible
through the helmet. Basic mounting hardware allows the cam to
be slid into/out of place quickly and easily, yet provides a reassur-
ingly secure hold. Ironically, it’s the only cam here with a tether
for insurance. This cam is the most solid-feeling, with sturdy
brushed aluminum construction that we know holds up under
abuse—we fell on our last one several times while trail-riding,
scuffing it up quite a bit, with no functional damage. The new HD
version’s body is identical. We’d like to see Contour include more
than just two mounting options, but they’re both tough and well-
designed, although the adhesive base-plate won’t accommodate
more than a mild surface curvature.
The downside of this cam’s simplicity is two-fold: there’s no
way to check your footage in the field, and virtually all of its
adjustments must be made while hooked up to a computer (you
do get to select user-defined hi- and low-res settings with a
switch inside the rear hatch). Contour supplies a rudimentary
video editing program that’s also the control center for the cam’s
software settings. So, unless you carry your laptop with you on
rides, you’ll
have to live with whatever settings you chose before you
left home.
Total Score: 51
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