Helmet Cams (GoPro vs. Contour)

[rockerphotographer]

Has anyone ever used both of these cameras?

GoPro seems to have nice specs but the Contour seems to be cased as an actual helmet cam, not a big square brick with gigantic mounting hardware....

I feel like the Contour would be tucked in close and out of the way, and still give you decent video. It's the frames/sec that gives you nice video, and they both give 60fps at 720p depending on models, which looks great on any TV.

I just see GoPro as camera to be mounted to the vehicle and Contour for your helmet, I guess it all depends on how you use it...

 

[theoctopus]

Seems that the GoPro is the better overall camera.

With that said, I know the Contour can be hacked to shoot 60fps in 1080p, and some of the newer models have GPS tracking.

 

[dave_xb12r]

It's the frames/sec that gives you nice video, and they both give 60fps at 720p depending on models, which looks great on any TV.

Nope, FPS only matters if you plan on slowing it down, and even then, I doubt a normal person would have the ability to slow it down without dropping frames. Plus the cameras write data 1 horizontal line at a time, not all at once. This is the cause of the "wavy" video that most complain about.

When I was at NAB, a spent a good deal of time at contour booth. Didn't need to visit gopro because I already have one.

There are 2 things that look appealing to me about the Contour, but both are on the GPS unit which is $$$. 1 is the gps function, 2 is the fact that you can use your iphone as a viewfinder. There are downsides as well. Micro SD cards are the only cards you can use, and the unit isn't waterproof like the GoPro is.

Gopro does have better auto white balance and colors seem to be more true, but has less latitude. The auto exposure is fast though.

Contour is a camera that you would use if you know it's not going to get damaged, and GoPro is more of a "disposable camera"

I'm sure I'll end up with a contour at some point. I'm a pro and the wireless viewfinder is a BIG plus. For now, my GoPro works. I've done some pretty cool things with mine including mounting it next to the mic on a boompole.

 

[DustyXB]

I just got the hero2 as an early present from my girl. Tried it out and yeah I know its there (mounted kn the side of my helmet but the protective case can be changed they even have a replacemtn lens kit that the contour doesn't plus all the specs are so much better. I did my research before I chose the go pro.

 

[RT Performance]

The laser aim and rotating lens with a simple on off for the contour are nice.
Would love the blue tooth view finder and gps tracking but the 200 extra is hard to spend.
There a coupon for a plain contour for 80 some bucks it's tempting.

 

[dave_xb12r]

Also, I don't think there are lasers on the gps contour.

 

[rockerphotographer]

RT do you have a link?

 

[nitto12ss]

I have had both, for dirt bikes I would stick with the contour since it is less susceptible to being ripped off of the helmet and its easier to turn on and off in a hurry. For street use I would go with the GoPro, it has a better mic for the high speeds and the picture seems to be a little crisper. Both are good, but in a nutshell that has been my experience.

Contour 1080P at Palomar



Countour 1080P at Kennedy Meadows



GoPro1080

 

[anrkizm95]

i perfer the contour.yes they have a water proof case and a scube enclosure and yes they have lense kits so you can add 37 or 43mm.and best of all wireless view finder for android and iphone