Professional Camcorder 2009

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Description

A water-resistant camera for all seasons, its light (4.3 ounces/123 grams) anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. It is also shock, vibration and impact resistant.

Features

• Full HD Recording (1080p) – 1920×1080 pixels – 30fps
• 5 Megapixel Sensor
• Internal Microphone
• Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
• Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body

Reviews

Splendid Camera for the Price

by M. Perez from Los Angeles, CA USA on 2010-08-08
I bought my camera in May of 2009 and used it for over a year attached to a motorcycle. For the price, the video quality was excellent in bright daylight, in shade during bright daylight, and at dusk. I did not try it at night. This camera was used under very punishing conditions, high heat (mounted near the engine of a high performance motorcycle with over 1000 cc displacement), high speed jolting, and high direct speed (up to 130 MPH). It always performed flawlessly. It’s ease of use–the easy-to-access on/off switch–was particularly important as I had to turn it on and off while I was wearing leather gloves and managing the motorcycle at speed.

Although the software for download is not really the best, once you figure out which format you want to use, it’s simple to use. Whether in HD or regular speed, the image quality is excellent. Battery life was never an issue for me and I believe I kept it going for at least 2 hours at a time without failure.

I dropped it several times but it had no effect on performance afterwards. I did cause a problem otherwise with the machine myself, but I was able to get help from the VholdR tech people via e-mail. They were incredibly responsive, polite, fast, and helpful. I contacted them on several questions and issues and every time they were fantastic. They absolutely get an “A” for quality customer service. My most recent contact was in August 2010 and they were fast and thorough.

I cannot speak to the failures others say they experienced. All I can say is that with over a year of hard duty on mine, it never failed and always produced quality videos. My only complaint is that wind does affect the microphone. Once you exceed 30 MPH, the wind noise predominates the audio. However if wind noise is not an issue for you, the audio quality is actually quite good. It will easily pick up someone talking in a normal tone at 30 feet away.

I thought so highly of this camera that I just bought a second one (August 2010) because my son often wants to use it. So far, that one is just as good as the one I got in 2009. Given the prices and the configurations of the nearest competitors, I think VholdR is the best for the price, and the best even for a higher price given its robust durability and ease of use.

Serious disappointment

by Karen Cottrell from Jordan Valley, Or. on 2010-08-06
I bought the camera to record some of my flights in my plane. Something was wrong with it right out of the box. The computers that I have were not able to recognize it. The video’s while nice were not able to be viewed without Quick time, Since the camera could not be seen by the computer there was no way to edit without buying Quick Time Pro which was a pain all by itself. I could get the video edited, but could not get Quick Time to upload any music, from anything, CD’s Files, nothing. All in all a royal pain in the butt. I declined to return it for repair, and just returned it. Amazon was nice enough to allow me to return it.

Initial Failure and Over Priced

by Eric Ausen from Washington DC on 2010-08-04
Keeping the two topics separate..(performance and initial failure of my camera)

BLUF: Camera is equal to Go Pro, sexier than GoPro but has poor mounting options. Think carefully about mounting before selecting between the two. If you want mounting versatility at no additional/ hidden cost the Go Pro is a better choice by giving you lots of mounts for the same dollars as the Vhold’s single mount.

More detail:

Aside from my initial product failure.. the overall performance and quality seems good, I would ding the design of both cameras for

1) not providing a standard camera screw mount on the bottom
2) not providing an LED visible from the back of the camera to indicate that the camera is off/on/filming this could be done with a simple 3 mode LED

The Vhold unit worked for a week but now only records about 3 minutes and shuts off.. I have 2 batteries and the unit fails to operate with either battery

I bought the Vhold and my brother bought the GoPRo

The VHOLD has only one mount and does not have a standard camera thread. For the same price the Go Pro has equal picture performance and has a variety of mounts that are very versatile including a weatherproof system and a suction cup.

I have spent 50 dollars extra on a mount and shipping now.

The picture quality is equal.
The Vhold has a sexier form factor

But Vhold is I think about 75 dollars over priced.

I would recommend Vhold include mounts and some extra memory or drop the price by 75 dollars to be competive

BTW the customer service to handling the repair has been excellent. Very responsive and cooperative… here is hoping you do not need that part!

I look forward to having a good performing (over priced) camera in a month!

here is a link to a video using the Vhold
[...]

and one with my brother’s Go Pro for comparison

[...]

Good luck!

Eric

lens quality is mediocre

by Andrey from on 2010-07-23
Overall camera design is good, especially big sliding button is very convenient to deal with, when using gloves.
However, the most annoying fact for me was blur on the left and right screen edges.
I’ve bought both ContourHD 720 and ContourHD 1080 models, and both went to trash can for the same reason.
Seems that lens quality is mediocre even for that cheap camera. That’s the main “no-no”.
And I’m not the single upset person with similar complaints on lens quality, if you go to vholdr support site, you will see plenty of other poor sods with similar issues.
Blur is either at the center of the screen or at the screen edges easily see at at any videomode.
Bought GoPro HD, which is less convenient and more fragile at handling, but at least has non-flawed image quality.

Not happy, lots of distortion

by Mike Clark from on 2010-07-15
I purchased the 1080P contour for an event at Laguna Seca. Everything arrived ontime and was all set for the event. After the event I setup the software for playback and every video I took had horizontal lines distorting the picture! Needless to say I was pretty upset. I called Amazon and explain the problem and it was very easy to get a replacement 1080P and memory card. I received the replacement units the very next day! Excellent service by Amazon.

I charged the replacement unit and tested it by taking a video of my son. It had the same exact distortion as the original unit! There is no distortion when it is perfectly still but as soon as you move it around with your hand it would have these horizontal lines that made the picture completely unwatchable.

I returned this unit as well and have not purchased another camera since. Very disappointed with it.

Sale Price: $299.99

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Description

ContourHD1080p is the World’s First Full HD Wearable Camcorder to shoot and share 1080p video. Perfect for an outdoor enthusiast looking for the ultimate video quality you can configure. It features four HD settings (1080p, 960p, and two at 720p) with two frame rates (30fps and 60fps) and four configurable settings (metering, contrast, exposure, and microphone sensitivity). But, most important the ContourHD software will share your adventures in “Lifelike” 1080p video to VholdR.com. With its single button operation and dual lasers for alignment, ContourHD1080p brings the biggest HD video online with the popular and easy to use ContourHD camcorder line.

ContourHD is the World’s First and Smallest wearable video camera. Its light (4 ounces) but armored aluminum body means you can capture video in any weather conditions.

To be operated with a pair of gloves on, ContourHD uses a single button to capture up to 8 hours of HD video to an internal MicroSD memory card (compatible up to a 16GB card). With no wires or tapes, the ContourHD helmet cam makes it easy to capture Full HD video from within the action.

What’s In the Box?

* ContourHD Camera

* MicroSD Card (2GB)

* Goggle Mount – Wear your ContourHD Helmet Camera on your goggles

* Flat Surface Mount – Ideal for non-vented helmets and flat surfaces, this mount uses an all-weatherproof removable adhesive pad to adhere to almost any surface.

* Extra Adhesive

* Rechargeable Battery (3hrs)

* USB Cable

Features

• Full HD Recording (1080p) – 1920×1080 pixels – 30fps
• 5 Megapixel Sensor Internal Microphone Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body
• Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
• In The Box: ContourHD 1080p Camera, Micro SD 2GB Card, Flat Surface Mount, Goggle Mount, Rechargeable Battery, USB Cable
• DB ROTH INCLUDES : SD 8GB Micro Memory Card + DB ROTH Micro Fiber Cloth

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Description

Developed for the consumer and proven by professionals, GoPro’s HD Hero Cameras are the world’s most advanced line of waterproof, full HD 1080p cameras designed to be used during sports. With amazing clarity, stability, and slow-motion capabilities, these cameras record your sport’s most exciting moments in professional quality HD video and automatically-captured 5 megapixel still photos. HD HERO products can shoot video or photos from your point-of-view, mounted on your helmet, body, car, motorcycle, surfboard, or other equipment. And GoPro’s 170 wide-angle lens (the industry’s widest) even lets you take shots of yourself during your activity. All captured hands-free, while you stay focused on your activity.

Features

• Professional-grade full HD video up to 1080p
• 60 frames per second option in 720p and WVGA resolutions provides liquid smooth slow motion playback
• Videos can be easily edited with iMovie or Windows Movie Maker
• Industry’s widest angle (170º) and sharpest lens captures more of the scene
• Includes easy to apply mounts for attaching camera to virtually all helmets

Reviews

I love my new gopro

by siestashawn from on 2010-09-05
I started using my new cam as soon as I opened the box. I took a little while to read the cleas instructions and the menu options – it is all very logically thought out and everything worked just as it stated.

best camera for skydiving!

by A. Elia from on 2010-09-04
Easy to mount on the helmet, high quality, easy to use: simply perfect!

Awesome picture/video quality

by J. Thurber from Atlanta on 2010-08-30
This is an awesome little camera. Small, lightweight, intuitive controls.
I would have rated 5 stars if it came with some editing software.
Good job GoPro!

From a professional

by Les Fitzpatrick from Seattle on 2010-08-19
This is a remarkable new tool. I have added a dimension to my work that is often astounding, particularly for such a small expenditure. My biggest concern is the delicacy of the waterproof lens cover. It scratches very easily so be wary how you store the unit or when setting it down. Sorting through the myriad mounting accessories is akin to rocket science but great fun nonetheless. I’ll likely buy another one.

This is NOT the HD Helmet Hero your buying!!!

by William Rodriguez from New York on 2010-07-26
I ordered this, thinking it was the HD HELMET Hero as it states in the title. This is NOT true. The HD Helmet Hero comes with helmet straps for solid and vented helmets and also comes with a head strap for use without a helmet. The item I received was NOT the HELMET Hero, but the HD Motorsports version with the suction cup. Very disappointing… I will be returning this item for a refund.

Description

This season take to the streets with the newest innovation from the World-Class Designers at GSI. Featured here is a full Audio-Video system combined in one mini Gorgeous device, designed to be installed in car or bike for High Quality images and video. Also, functions as a Webcam and Voice recorder.

Features

• Realtime recording in AVI video format, Crystal Clear Pictures and Video
• Supports TF card or Micro SD card up to 8GB, Continuous Shooting with Great Battery Life
• Playback video/picture on PC, Webcam Function and Voice recorder!
• 100% stylish metal case, LED Display, Lens 1/4 color CMOS 3M pix, Video resolution VGA 640?480
• Especially designed for motocycle use, car use and sports use

Reviews

2nd Time May be the Charm? …close but not quite yet!

by GoatHIKER from on 2010-08-03
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1KEDW8XSHUD4Y Product at the moment gets only 2-stars cause I’m still reviewing it! My unit was DOA! I could not get the tiny record switch to operate the camer to work! Manual is cryptic at best! Also my first GSI arrived with manual and mini CD drivers etc and all accessories EXCEPT the DC car charger plug shown in the product photos. If you show what’s in the box and it’s not there when it arrives then ‘hey I say I got robbed!’

However Amazon gets 10-stars plus for their no hassle returns and shipping me out another GSI camera overnight(N/C) immediately so I could use the GSI on my trip! WOW! I guess Amazon wants to keep their customers happy and repeat biz! They get my vote 100%!

My second GSI arrived today but without the manual or CD/SW&drivers! ugh! I should have kept them from the first shipment? I’m now off to see if there’s any support info/drivers on the web? I guess for the price $60 I’m asking a lot …a user’s manual and software to use it w/my PC like the features touted.

Stand by I’m not giving up friends! if I can figure out how to get the video out of this thing I’ll post some video files! Sometimes there’s good products out there in spite of their Q/A and marketing …more review coming =D

REVIEW #2
About the TEST VIDEO it was shot from the head band while mounted on my head …which brings an issue: to turn the unit off and on you have to unscrew the rear cap! This is impossible to do if mounted in the head band. Also the elastic band covers up the buttons/LEDs so it makes the pause/record button hard to use while on your head! Not a show stopper but I thought I’d point this out!

No manual or support info! Argh! The test run with this camera was just OK! @ 24fs 640X480 video looks good enough for youtube or surveillance purposes. I would want to watch this for very long with the fixed focus, it’s slow response to changing light conditions and audio quality is too bassy and low quality …I’ll give it maybe 3-stars. And Maybe for it’s size and the all the accessories that come with it(if you’re lucky enough and get everything promised?) I give the 4-stars.

No idea on how long the battery lasts yet. But based on my 1.5-minute test clip that was 50MB you should be able to get almost an hour onto a 2GB microSD card! BTW this camera chops the files up into 1-2 minute individual files. Soo if your action shot happens to fall between the 2-files so be it! Oops! Donno if I can change this without a manual I’m in the dark!!

For now I’m off to climb a 14er and my goats will have a camera mounted to his saddle …we’ll see what results we get. I may return the GSI camera when I get back or not? I’m still optimistic it’ll do a reasonable job of catching action otherwise missed!

Description

ContourHD is the world’s first High Definition wearable camcorder that combines amazing video clarity (choose between High Definition or High Action), a wide-angle lens (135 degrees), single-button simplicity, and a click to share online experience.

Perfected for outdoor use, ContourHD can switch between crisp HD quality video (captured at 30 frames per second) or SD quality video (captured at 60 frames per second). This camera is the ideal complement to your outdoor gear with its all-in-one design ContourHD has no wires or separate recorder. Instead it records up to 8 hours of HD video to its own internal memory card (compatible with up to a 16GB microSD card). It’s light (4 ounces) but armored aluminum body enables you to capture video in any weather conditions. ContourHD’s Trail Mounts seamlessly attach the camera to your body, helmet, goggles, or vehicle for hands-free recording.

Features

• The world’s first wearable HD camcorder
• Choose from two video settings: High Definition or High Action
• Armored body is wearable anywhere
• Record over 8 hours of action video; one-button record function
• Operating temperature of -15C to +40C
• Easy Edit software (Mac and PC compatible) makes it automatic to import your videos from the camera

Reviews

Awsome product!

by Thomas Fritz from Silicon Valley on 2010-07-11

Really sweet product for RC Helicopter videos but the EM discharge of the heli does effect the audio.

Non working cameras

by Steve Van Andel from Belmont, Michigan USA on 2010-06-26
First camera arrived and was unable to recharge the battery. Returned it at my expense for a replcement while on vacation in Colorado. Second camera arrived and will not turn on. For 2 weeeks of riding my bicycle throught the mountians I have 10 minutes of video. Returning for refund.

Save your experiences

by R. Lee from Maine on 2010-06-24
This is a wonderful and fun little helmet cam. Videos are better than you could hope for under extreme winter conditions — Low light, snow storm, vibration …
Excellent construction.
Easy to use with gloves on.
Only camera battery I have owned that holds up under very low temperatures.
Most pleased.

DOA

by KillarBlaze007 from on 2010-05-14
Took it out of the box and charged it for 5 hours.
No power, no lights, no nothing.
Mounting options included in the box are too limited.
Compared to a VIO CAM this does not do the job, even if it did power up.
Plus it looks like a piece of wood with a cam mounted on the front.

Shipping time was fast, if that’s important.

BRACKET BROKE and Camera Flew off my Race Bike and ended up in the middle of the RaceTrack… STILL WORKS!!!

by Stefano Braca from NorthCarolina on 2010-04-07
HI EVERYBODY
i received as a gift a Contour HD Camera for Christmas 2009 to record Videos while i go on the RaceTrack with my SuperBike.

In March i had the first RaceTrack Day of the Season, i entered on the RaceTrack for a Practice Session, the VideoCamera was Flat mounted on the Tank of my Motorcycle, well covered from the wind.
The Bracket was attacched with his own 3M Adhesive on the top of a Semi-Soft padding thing i made to dampening the vibrations, the padding is then glued to the tank.

After 10 minutes of Riding, i saw my Camera laying in the middle of the Asphalt in the front Straight where we normally pass at about 130-140mph.

I got back into the pits, called for a Yellow Flag before somebody got hurt and got back the Camera.
The Camera was open, it lost the Main Battery and the SD Card, fortunately i found the Battery laying about 30 feet away from where the Camera was, the Memory Card instead was lost..

The Bracketing Rails Broke… basically one of the 2 rails of the mount attached to the Bike broke, possibly due to the Vibrations, so the Camera was holding with only one rail instead of 2, but the effort was too much and the Central Rail of the Camera failed and let the Camera fell off.

The impact with the Asphalt must have been extremely hard considering that in that part of the RaceTrack we speed around 130-140mph, plus it is possible that the Camera got also ran over considering that i found it in a different spot from when i saw it the first time.

In the Impact, the ring around the lenses got ovalized, but the glass was intact, the LED Glasses of the indicators were all gone and also the little pin that holds the Battery.

AMAZINGLY the Camera still worked, once i got home i putted in a different SD Card and tried to Record a Video while holding with my finger the Battery in place, the Camera Recorded a Video just fine and even the Lasers still Worked.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
i Called the Customer Service and told them that the Bracket Broke in pieces and let the Camera fly off and that i wanted to at least have it fixed under warranty.

The answer was that they do now Warranty these devices for accidents but only for Factory problems.

I Replied that the Camera was NEW and so was the Bracket that failed after about 10 minutes of use, which i don’t think that that matches with the Factory specs, especially when they commercialize that that bracket is supposed to hold the Camera even mounted standing up on the side of the Helmet… well in here it was flat mounted and it failed without having been solicited that much.

The Customer Service guy shipped me all the parts needed at his cost, he also e-mailed to me the instructions to mount the various parts which where: 2 Railings for the Camera, New Lens Ring and New Lenses even if they were intact, new back door with new LED Glasses and the Battery PIN, a new Bracket Mount to substitute the broken one.

Then i got a phone call from the Customer Support Guy which he said that he spoke with his Manager and he authorized to Refurbish the Camera under Warranty, so i mailed to Camera to Twenty20.

Meanwhile i received the Package with all the parts, and they told me that i could have kept them.

After few days they Sent me and Email stating that my Camera was one of the worse that they have ever seen after one that fell off the helmet of a Skydiving guy and one that was involved in an Airplane Crash, they were amazed by the fact that the Camera Recorded Videos perfectly and how well the casing resisted (it was all scratched, but not deformed) anyway they have Replaced all the parts that were Replaceable.

Today i got my Camera Back, it looks like New.

I AM TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE especially considering that this device was supposedly out of warranty.

The Camera is Super Strong, amazingly Tough, i feel confident to say that it is indestructible, unfortunately i can’t say the same for the Bracket that holds it.
I suggest everybody to use some kind of safety wiring system to prevent losing the camera, other than that, this is a great device, it records great quality videos, the Audio it is not the best, but for me this is a great device that i would raccomand to everybody.
BEST REGARDS

Sale Price: $340.99

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Description

ContourHD1080p is the World’s First Full HD Wearable Camcorder to shoot and share 1080p video. Perfect for an outdoor enthusiast looking for the ultimate video quality you can configure. It features four HD settings (1080p, 960p, and two at 720p) with two frame rates (30fps and 60fps) and four configurable settings (metering, contrast, exposure, and microphone sensitivity). But, most important the ContourHD software will share your adventures in “Lifelike” 1080p video to VholdR.com. With its single button operation and dual lasers for alignment, ContourHD1080p brings the biggest HD video online with the popular and easy to use ContourHD camcorder line.

ContourHD is the World’s First and Smallest wearable video camera. Its light (4 ounces) but armored aluminum body means you can capture video in any weather conditions.

To be operated with a pair of gloves on, ContourHD uses a single button to capture up to 8 hours of HD video to an internal MicroSD memory card (compatible up to a 16GB card). With no wires or tapes, the ContourHD cam makes it easy to capture Full HD video from within the action.

What’s In the Box?

* ContourHD Camera

* MicroSD Card (2GB)

* Goggle Mount – Wear your ContourHD Helmet Camera on your goggles

* Flat Surface Mount – Ideal for non-vented helmets and flat surfaces, this mount uses an all-weatherproof removable adhesive pad to adhere to almost any surface.

* Extra Adhesive

* Rechargeable Battery (3hrs)

* USB Cable
Vholdr Waterproof case – The VholdR Waterproof Case is designed to fit a VholdR ContourHD or ContourHD1080p wearable camcorder. It can be submerged up to 10 meters (30 feet) deep. While your VholdR CountourHD Camcorder is water resistant, youll want the Waterproof Case if you plan on getting submerged, soaked, or saturated. The case doesnt eliminate your favorite features like a single record button, laser alignments, or mounting flexibility.

Features

• Full HD Recording (1080p) – 1920×1080 pixels – 30fps
• 5 Megapixel Sensor Internal Microphone Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body
• Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
• In The Box: ContourHD 1080p Camera, Micro SD 2GB Card, Flat Surface Mount, Goggle Mount, Rechargeable Battery, USB Cable
• DB ROTH INCLUDES :Vented Helmet Mount + MicroSD 8GB Memory Card + DB ROTH Micro Fiber Cloth

Reviews

Best Portable Camcorder

by J. Miller from on 2010-08-02
The Contour 1080p HD is probably the best quality video I’ve seen so far. It’s light, strong, has excellent video and sound, plus a ton of different mounting attachments (bought separately). Tested the underwater case down to just 8 ft, worked great. It still was able to pick up sound with the gain only set at half, in the case and underwater. Bump up the gain a little bit to be able to pick up people talking at about 5-10 feet. When mounting to a helmet, it takes a minute to get the adjustment right. With 110 to 135 degree angle of view (depending on the video quality setting), you can pick up quite a bit of your surrounding. At highest bit rate & video quality, you get about 7-8 minutes of record time per Gb. Well worth the price for camera and all attachments!

Description

Introducing the 5 megapixel Helmet HERO Wide wearable sports camera. Sporting a new 5MP sensor, improved low light performance, faster -Inchphoto every 2 seconds-Inch mode, and mega-wide 170 degree lens….this is the highest performance HERO camera yet. The Helmet HERO is also waterproof and quick-release mounts to bikes, kayaks, skis, cars and more. Works with any vented or non-vented helmet. Use a 2GB card to shoot 56 minutes of TV resolution 30 fps video with immersive sound.

Features

• Several quick-release mini base plates are included. Attach them to your favorite helmets and gear
• Quick-releae polycarb waterhousing is bomb-proof and waterproof to 100′.
• Head HERO head strap mount, included also. Perfect for climbing, swimming, or search and rescue. No helmet? No problem.
• 56 minutes TV quality video w/ sound. 5 megapixel sensor with glass lens. 3X sequence photo burst.
• Always ON mode lasts 3+ hours. Supports up to 2GB SD cards. PC and MAC compatible/ Driver Free. 2 x AAA battery. 1 year warranty

Reviews

GoPro Hero Wide – Good Cam. Could use some improvements

by F. Esteves from Sunnyvale, CA USA on 2010-06-14
Everyone’s comments regarding the Hero Wide is fairly correct. A few things that I want to add with emphasis on its video recording capabilities.

The Hero utilizes the FAT32 file naming system. Therefore, despite putting an 8GB SD card, the single largest file you can create will be 4GB which translates to roughly a slightly less than 2 hour maximum recording time (it seems to end around 1:40 hours).

Also, your two battery choices are NiMH (reusable) or Lithium (one time use). Since your maximum recording time is a little under 2 hours, a set of fully charged NiMH will handle this and much cheaper than Lithium. Lithium batteries will last closer to 3 hours, but with a 2 hour maximum recording time per file, it seems pointless. Please get at least 1000 MaH capacity NiMH batteries or higher. Anything less and you’ll get shorter battery life like some others have experienced.

If GoPro utilized the NTFS file system, then file recording could take full advantage of the maximum 8GB SD Card. (I believe the HD version does this, using the MP4 file format for video recording).

Also, once the maximum file size is reached, you’ll need to hit record again to start recording. If you don’t, the camera will automatically shut off. Also, if you’re recording that long, it’s probably not worth starting a 2nd file since your NiMH will be nearly depleted anyhow.

It’s a fairly usable video cam and I prefer this over the newer HD version because most of the videos I make are sent over the web, so for the large amount of money to get to HD, I’m not gaining much in video quality if being sent over the computer.

The HD Hero utilized a Lithium rechargeable battery which is great, but its a specialized battery which means once its done, the camera is done. The Hero Wide cam can keep on going with another set of NiMH AAA batteries.

Not as useful as I’d hoped

by Paul Wright from Huntsville, AL USA on 2010-05-13
I ordered this camera as an upgrade from a “Flip” camera to record my autocross runs. I was excited about the versatility of the mounting hardware, but when it came time to race I had a difficult time figuring out how to mount it inside my windshield. Truthfully, my little Flip camera held in a cellphone mount recorded better video than this camera. I love the “wide angle” lens, but it sacrifices a LOT of video quality to record WAY too wide. I assume the HD version, which costs twice as much, would provide the better quality, but I would prefer less of the “fisheye” effect.

I also had difficulty getting it to record. When I only get six attempts to race the course, it is INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING to find (after getting home, because there is not playback screen) that three times the camera started and then stopped after only a couple of seconds, but I didn’t know that at the time. Luckily my $99 Flip recorded every run.

And I agree with other complaints that the camera should be able to be mounted without the waterproof housing. I had a problem with one of the mounting hardware screws not seating into the nut on the bracket. It left me so concerned about the camera falling off that I didn’t mount it outside the car.

To sum it up: Video quality did not impress me. Inability to know that the camera has stopped recording is a big disappointment. Mounting hardware is difficult to set up.

I would NOT recommend this to someone else.

If you are an active outdoor type, you must have this camera

by Jeff from Baltimore, Maryland on 2009-09-28
Never before have I been able to bring home the activities that me and my friends get into in such a fun and engaging way. Kayaking, mountain biking, dirt bikes, and skeet and trap shooting are some of the activities that I’ve already taken this camera along on. You’ll want to take the battery advice from the manufacturer, but the camera performs tremendously well.

If I had one wish, it would be that there is some way to get more sound through the polycarbonate case that protects the camera.

Barely Adequate, but nothing better around…yet

by Wrascal Thomas from CT, USA on 2009-07-25
Pictures are clear, but view is distorted due to the 170 degree field. I use it to record my daily commuting trips on my motorcycle, in case of accidents. My main complaint is that it drains the battery like crazy. Instructions say do not use alkline batt, use only lithium and rechargeables. The rechargeables only last barely 1 hr per charge, and the “8X” Lithium only lasts around 2.5 hrs…. Since my commute is 1 hr each day, this gets frustrating.
The other problem is memory space. It only allows 2GB SD cards, which can only store approx 1 hr of view…
On the good side, 170 degrees means it captures everything in your field of vision….
Hope something new comes along soon…

Rugged and great little wide angle video camera

by M. Thomason from Orlando, FL United States on 2009-06-14
I was looking for a small, wide-angle video camera to take some footage of a new “ropes-type” adventure course in the Oak Trees high above the Central Florida Zoo. I wanted to create a video of the course so that whoever watched it would FEEL like they were doing the course themselves.

I looked around and it came down to two cameras, the GoPro or the Vholdr Contour. I chose the GoPro because of its: price, 170 degree lens, top mounted on helmet, and it’s really waterproof. However, now that the ContourHD is out, I’d seriously consider getting it instead because of it’s outstanding feature set.

Here are some pros and cons I have from using the GoPro 5MP.

Pros: Simple, rugged, aim through viewfinder, 170 degree lens (easy to aim!), several mounts included, mounts on top of helmet…not on side, takes AAA batteries (find them anywhere…and rechargeable NIMH’s work great). With it’s “take a picture every 2s” mode, it can serve as a cheap and portable security camera too.

Cons: No view screen to see replays (but competition doesn’t either), only takes 2GB memory cards (1 hour video), Mode icons are too small, no display of elapsed/remaining time, only “medium” video quality.

The end result is the GoPro worked great as an entry level priced helmet camera…it did exactly what I expected and I wouldn’t cry if I broke it during an “adventure”.

Sale Price: $309.95

  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Description

ContourHD 1300 1080i is the Worlds First and Smallest wearable video camera. Its light but armored body slides and locks ContourHD onto a series of mounts for your goggles, helmet, handle bars, vehicle, or anywhere else you want. Wear HD video and record your adventures hands-free!

Features

• VholdR 1300 ContourHD 1080i Helmet Cam Wearable Camcorder
• 8 GB MicroSD HC Memory Card
• Classic Camera Bag
• Extra Baterry for ContourHD
• USB Secure Digital/MMC Card Reader

Description

This season take to the streets with the newest innovation from the World-Class Designers at GSI. Featured here is a full Audio-Video system combined in one mini Gorgeous device, designed to be installed in car or bike for High Quality images and video. Also, functions as a Webcam and Voice recorder.

Features

• Realtime recording in AVI video format, Crystal Clear Pictures and Video
• Supports TF card or Micro SD card up to 8GB, Continuous Shooting with Great Battery Life
• Playback video/picture on PC, Webcam Function and Voice recorder!
• 100% stylish metal case, LED Display, Lens 1/4 color CMOS 3M pix, Video resolution VGA 640×480
• Especially designed for motocycle use, car use and sports use

Description

The POV.1.5 is a fully integrated point-of-view (POV) video system that’s waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant. The system includes a mountable camera head, built-in video recorder, wireless remote and software for managing your point-of-view videos.

Features

• High-quality wearable video camera records with 720 x 480 resolution at 30fps
• Ergonomic user interface design enables single-handed operation and hands-free video capture
• Modular mounting system provides camera stability while attached to helmets or other high impact gear
• Components are shock-resistant, water-resistant and dustproof for use in the most hazardous environments

Reviews

VIO POV

by Tyrant4231 from on 2010-07-25
Works awesome, allows me to free my hands up especially when recording tours over seas. It does not take the place of a handheld or a shoulder cam, but it allows for better mounting options. You can be a Warren Miller with this cam.

Great camera system

by J.E.S. from LA on 2010-02-05
This is a great camera system. Rugged, very good quality video. Good battery life. Lots of mounting options. I wash there was a recording indicator on the remote.

Excellent Product Great Video

by Kirk Boston from Severn, MD United States on 2009-12-28
Love the rugged unit. Very easy to use. Love the loop mode so I don’t have to record all day, just tag the good stuff.

The wireless remote is the only detractor. You have to have it close to the unit so if you have the main unit in your backpack you have to get your wrist close to it in order to tag a loop.

Very long battery life with rechargeable batteries. I would also recommend the extra mounting kit as it has many more mounts that will give you more flexibility.