ContourHD vs GoPro

[Aaron Shirley]

Has anyone here been using the ContourHD camera? http://contour.com/products/contour-hd

If so, how is the quality? Is it better than a GoPro? I have been using a GoPro for about a year now for some shots and some underwater shots, but I am not happy with it at all. I run PP4 and the files need to be converted before I can use them. Also, the GoPro has a fish eye 180 FOV which has massive distortion. The ContourHD has a 130 FOV and even goes deeper underwater with the optional underwater case. It also looks like I will be able to utilize the files without converting them. I just don't know much about the quality of video compared to the GoPro.

I would need new micro class 10 SD cards, all mine are standard size. I would like to hear some input about the ContourHD and possibly see "real" video from the field if possible before I consider the purchase.

Also, does anyone have the underwater case for it? I heard there is standard 1/4 20 mounting threads on the case, but it doesn't mention that on the website.

Any advice on the difference between these cameras would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,

Aaron

[Aaron Shirley]

Nobody here has used a ContourHD, ContourGPS or Contour+ camera that they can tell me about? Wow.

I've done some research and contacted the Contour company, and the underwater case does have 1/4 20 threading on the bottom to mount to a tripod or other mount, and it has a 1/2 inch CMOS senor as well. The Contour+ has an external mic jack, and can track GPS location, altitude, SOG (speed over ground), and optional live video feed with all that information on screen in real time to the audience. That sounds pretty impressive, and I think I'll splurge on the Contour+ and see for myself what the quality is like. This camera seems to make the GoPro look like a children's toy, but ya never know until ya try it.

If I get one, I'll report what I think of it and post some video from it, above and below water.

Aaron

[1]

so...you never got one?

The new ContourHD ROAM sounded interesting enough, that I picked one up. Not much to report though as of yet, as I haven't used it.

(The increased the FOV to ~170 or so.)