I recently took the Contour HD 1080p camcorder out to Ray’s Indoor Bike Park for some initial testing. This entry will introduce you to the camera’s specs and include my initial impression.
The Contour HD 1080p has some impressive specifications. Here they are courtesy of PointofViewCameras.com.
| Optics | Angle of View | 135° in 960p and 720p |
| 110° in 1080p and WVGA | ||
| Video | HD Resolution Settings: | 1080p: 1920×1080 pixels, 30 fps |
| 960p: 1280×960 pixels, 30 fps | ||
| 720p: 1280×720 pixels, 30 or 60 fps | ||
| SD Resolution Settings: | 848×480 pixels, 60 fps | |
| Sensor Type: | 5 Megapixel Sensor | |
| Video Format: | H.264 compression, saved as MOV (.mov) file | |
| Audio | Microphone: | Built-in |
| Compression: | AAC Audio Compression | |
| Storage | Memory: | MicroSD card, up to 16GB capacity |
| Average Recording Times: | 1080p: 15min/GB 960p: 15min/GB 720p: 30min/GB (30 fps), 15min/GB (60 fps) 848×480 WVGA: 60min/GB |
|
| Connectors | PC Connection: | USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging) |
| Power and Battery | Battery Type: | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Life: | Up to 3 hours | |
| Charging: | Via USB to computer or optional battery charger | |
| Charge Time: | Approximately 4 hours | |
| Additional Information | Body: | Water Resistant Aluminum and Fiberglass Compatible with TRail Mount System |
| PC Compatibility: | Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7; Mac OS X 10.4 and later | |
| Software: | ContourHD Easy Edit™ software | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D): | 2.1″ x 1.3″ x 3.75″ (53mm 34mm x 95mm) | |
| Weight: | 4.3oz / 123 grams |
Nearly all of the adjustments that you make to the camera are done via the Easy Edit Software. With the program you are able to adjust the exposure, contrast, sharpness, and microphone gain as well as program the resolution switch on the back of the camera. The resolution switch allow you to choose between two of the four aspect ratio/resolution settings that you’ve pre-programed via the easy edit software. This switch and the other user accessible items are enclosed under the camera’s back cover plate and can be seen in the image below.
Using the camera proved to be very easy. After pre-selecting the resolutions that I wanted to use via the Easy Edit software (1080p HD and “tall” 960p HD) and setting up the exposure for filming in the abysmal lighting conditions at Ray’s all I had to do was mount/aim the camera and slide the record switch forward to begin recording.
Image courtesy of vholdr.com
Speaking of aiming the camera; Contour cameras come equipped with two laser aiming lights that are located to the left and right of the lens. The lens itself rotates 180 degrees to facilitate multiple mounting angles. The lasers along with the rotating lens housing takes the guesswork out of aiming and leveling your camcorder insuring that you never miss that epic shot. In my opinion the unique rotating lens housing sets this camera apart from the competition while making it highly configurable and user friendly.
I have to say that working with the camera while riding at Ray’s was as easy as I would have ever hoped for. I used a few different mounting methods all of which are pictured below. My favorite mounts so far are the Ultra Clamp used in conjunction with the Universal 1/4″ mount and the Flat Surface Mount. I mounted the Ultra Clamp to a few different spots on my frame which gave some unique perspectives and I had the flat surface mount attached to my helmet. The flat surface mount allows vertical aim adjustment which is essential in obtaining proper aim. The flat surface mount does have a bit of play between it and the camera which can cause some shake and stutter in the video. I remedied this problem with a small shim (the end of a plastic toothpick) between the camera and the mount. The universal 1/4″ mount provides an extremely solid foundation and allows for the use of an expanded range of aftermarket mounting solutions such as the Ultra Clamp. Having these extra mounts makes it possible to obtain many different viewing angles which in the end makes for more exciting and interesting videos. The camera comes with a 2GB micro SD card which gives you only about 30 minutes of recording time in the HD resolutions. I’d highly recommend that you pick up at least a 4GB card or even a 16GB card which is the largest card that the camera can handle. With the larger cards you won’t have to worry about running out of space while your out filming for long periods. I got about 2.5 hours of battery life while at Ray’s so picking up another battery might be a good idea too.
So far so good. The camera performed flawlessly while using it at Ray’s and even survived a crash that popped the camera off my helmet and sent it to the ground below. I did attempt to use the camera in a hand-held method. While it works it is difficult to aim and because of the fixed focus the subject is generally out of focus. It would work in a pinch if you’re not hauling a full camcorder rig with you on your ride though. Take a look at the video below to see a sample of the Contour HD 1080p’s amazing video performance. Just don’t activate the lasers while shooting or you’ll get the “being targeted by the ‘Predetor’ monster” look like I have in the last segment of the video.
I’ll be shooting tons more footage in all of the resolution settings so stop back often to check out those videos as they appear on the site.
Related posts:
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Picasa
YouTube
It is a nice video that you have made. I would like to see the optional aspects that the camera offer. Are you to make more video in the soon future? I wish to get this camera or the GoPro HD.
Thank you for the complement! I do plan on doing more videos soon using the different aspect ratios. I had the original GoPro Wide camera and really liked the mounting options that it offered. I do feel that the Contour HD 1080p is easier to use while riding though.