VholdR ContourHD1080p helmet cam announced, we go hands-on
By Tim Stevens 
posted September 29th 2009 12:00PM
posted September 29th 2009 12:00PM
Take the ContourHD1080p out of the package and, well, you'd be hard pressed to tell it apart from the earlier ContourHD. This is a pre-production unit and the final models will be slightly updated with a tiny 1080p graphic on the side, but the visual design is otherwise identical to the 720p model. It might have been nice to put something noticeable to differentiate it from the earlier cam (a red bezel on the front, some fender flares, maybe a giant spoiler on the rear), but we're still big fans of the sleek, sophisticated design that won't make you look like a total dweeb on the slopes.
Spend a few moments playing with it, though, and you'll notice there are some subtle differences. The controls are the same, with a button on the back that's held to turn the cam on and then pressed to shut it off again, then a slider on the top that toggles recording. That slider now has a more solid feel, snapping into place when slid forward to start recording and clicking again firmly when returned backward to stop. It's a bit more re-assuring, and seemingly less likely to shut itself off should you take the sort of fall that helmet is there to protect you from. It's also very easy to turn on and off when wearing thick gloves, even when you can't see the camera -- which will probably be most of the time -- and it gives reassuringly loud beeps when it starts and stops filming, which we were able to hear even at speed on a motorcycle with ear plugs in. And, it's water-resistant, which was comforting to know when we got caught out in a rain shower.
Flip open the back hatch and take a look inside and it's again very familiar; still a tiny slot for up to a 16GB microSD card, but now a slightly larger battery is wedged in beside -- 1050mAh, up from 800 -- to offer nearly 3 hours of untethered recording. Should you need more, an optional car adapter can keep you rolling as long as your whip does.
Identical case design on the outside means all the same accessories from the ContourHD still work here. The default mount is still a small adhesive-backed disc that will stick onto just about any flat surface, with a Velcro-like covering on the other side allowing for quick removal. The goggle strap mount is looking to be more practical as we get closer to making first tracks, but for those with automotive pursuits in mind an optional Panavise-made suction cup mount on an articulated arm means you can securely stick this on a windshield, hood, or maybe even your forehead if you don't mind a purply mark. Finally there's a U-shaped universal mount with a standard 1/4-20-inch threaded receiver on the bottom, allowing for nearly endless mounting options. And, since the camera's internals still rotate 180 degrees independent of the exterior case, mounting on the side is no problem.
Again, 1080p is the big news here, with the camera recording 30fps at a full 1920 x 1080 resolution. It can also capture 30fps at 1280 x 960, either 30 or 60 fps at 1280 x 720 (720p), and 60fps at 848 x 480. There are quite a few other things to tweak beyond resolution and frame rates, though. In our review of the 720p ContourHD we noted that the microphone noise was extreme when exposed to even moderate wind, and now its sensitivity can be modified to suit your speed. So too can the contrast, metering (center, average, or spot), and exposure. The cam's final software package wasn't available for our testing, but the plan is to allow tweaking of individual parameters as well as to offer pre-defined profiles, like snowboarding, car racing, or sky diving -- which we would hazard to guess entails the lowest microphone setting.
We got a chance to play with the various settings and the volume leveling on the microphone helps. Unfortunately it doesn't improve the clarity of the audio (any amount of speed renders the microphone nigh-useless), but it does at least change it from a deafening roar to more of a muffled one. The results of playing with contrast are demonstrated above, showing the low and high contrast settings. In this case, on a very cloudy day, the low setting looked a bit too dark, adding an unusual purple hue to the clouds, while the "high" seemed over-boosted.
The video above was filmed in the low contrast setting, which was how our camera was configured when we received it, again delivering some too-dark results on a very cloudy day. But, that's somewhat to be expected in a camera with a sensor this size, intended for capturing footage at well-lit events on sunny days. Local weather conditions conspired to give us little sun during the very limited time we had to test, but in comparing it to footage shot by the 720p ContourHD at the same time we found the older camera to be slightly darker, even. So, at the very least this is a step forward in that regard and any concerns relating to pixel density affecting light sensitivity can be safely stowed. And, test videos provided by VholdR, shot in sunnier conditions, look quite good indeed, showing vibrant colors and clear details, as you can see below.
For $329.00, $50 more than the 720p ContourHD, the ContourHD1080p seems worth the premium for those looking to tickle every pixel on their LCD, or to provide some high-quality POV footage of their endeavors to their energy drink sponsors. Image quality doesn't match what you might expect from a dedicated 1080p camcorder, but we don't think you'd have much fun with one of those strapped to your lid -- nor would you really want to try given they tend to cost 3x as much. That the internal microphone here still records nothing but a woosh at speed is a disappointment, but at least we can now modulate the volume of that woosh.
The 1080p is currently set for a late October release, pitting it against GoPro's $299 1080p HD Hero Wide, which looks set ship about the same time. It's too early to know how the two will compare directly, but we can already say we prefer the streamlined form-factor of the ContourHD. As to how they stack up otherwise we'll just have to wait until we can try them head-to-head, something we hope to do in the not-too-distant future.
Great, now I can watch people to potentially hazardous things in full HD!
"potentially hazardous things"?
I think the word you're looking for is "Fun".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fun
You should try it sometimes.
I don't get. However, I could it as useful on my car dash for insurance purposes.
dont forget to erase the memory if you know you are at fault!
This is exactly what I was thinking...It would help a lot catching a lot of the nefarious elements of society in the act. Fire off a video to the cops so they can actually do something other than frequent the Timmy Hortons (Canadian doughnut shop for those South of the border). It could also pull double duty as a back-up camera. Not all of us can afford Infinity FX 35's with their backup cams in them. I'd sure go for that myself because the spoiler that came with my car takes up half of my rear view mirror. Can't see very well backing up. Thirdly and most importantly, we could all become wealthy pr0n kings like a certain banged bus or similar auto antics - not like I have seen anything like that of course ;)
Looking forward to the new POV vids that'll no doubt sprout from this.
both of the videos still look very dark, and overly dull. Contrast is very very low. Seems trash compared to the GoProHD videos that were absolutely stunning that I saw a few minutes ago. Plus the other device is cheaper.
Low contrast is exactly what you want out of the camera. Less likely to get overexposures that way. You can then adjust contrast, colour etc to your hearts content in post.
One question...
How Much? and give it to me.
but I think for my purposes the $64 one from Deal extreme is enough for mountain biking and car dash cam
ateast it is better thn that Tony Hawk one...
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26602
I'd still prefer the waterpoof casing that the GoPro series comes with when mounting... But then again i want to get one that I can use mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, water skiing, and snorkeling .... not just mountain biking and skiing...
I want a remote (wired is fine) for it so I can start/stop recording from the handlebars of my motorbike. :)
I like the ContourHD 720p a lot better than the GoPro. The thing is tiny, and you can't feel it at all when mounted my helmet. I don't spent a lot time in liquid water, (snow, on the other hand...) so the waterproof GoPro isn't that valuable, plus the Contour takes much higher quality video, in my opinion.
As for the wind noise, there is a mod out there for an external microphone jack...
I hope Engadget get's to do a hands on with the Go Pro then, because that video just looked better. Only advantage this one seems to have is that it can schoot 60fps.
you know you read internet lingo too much when you quickly see ''VholdR's" and it reads out as whore.
a pair of these will be nice on the parachuting helmet... can't be too hard to edit the video into 3D HD
This isn't so much of a hands-on review as it is a heads-up.
Here are vids I took with the 720p version recently on a ski trip to Valle Nevado, Chile. As you can tell, contrast/brightness is a bitch when dealing with sunny conditions.
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44161
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44164
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44168
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44169
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44174
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44180
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44186
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44192
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44195
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44608
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44199
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44201
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44202
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44203
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44218
http://www.vholdr.com/node/44221
NIce, but WAY too pricey for what it is.
Massive wind noise and no ability to communicate w/ your audience... no thanks. Just stick a cheap VadoHD in your helmet, its waterproof and mostly windproof even in hurricane type crosswinds like in this sample, and quality IMO is great:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7jR4Ggb-yw&hd=1
is it me or does it have something odd looking going on with the video, frame rate or jello effect but it just does not look right in my eyes. anyone else?
You're right it's the rolling shutter ("jello") effect of the CMOS. I hate CMOS videos for this. Most people don't seem to mind this, probably don't even notice. It just creeps me out. Video quality has taken a huge leap backwards in recent times. I think it all started with the Canon 5D mk2. I trade HD resolution for super straight frames any time. Bring back CCD!
Okay, Ghost Hunters, no more excuses.
No more "Did you just see that? What was that?" and then not getting it on camera.
This thing is so small you can put in on every hunter's shoulder (or better yet, on your head) and not look like a complete dork.
How many people going to buy this things anyway ?
I'm kinda suprised they aren't marketing this with a universal rail mount for handguns and rifles. Targeted toward police departments and self defense products.
Go Pro HD Hero seems a better deal on paper.
1) Its cheaper $299 vs the $330
2) It supports external mic
3) It supports external LCD (which if you where rigging a car with multi cameras one LCD would help you get them all positioned correctly)
4) Sturdier case ... if the GoPro falls off you can just get a new case for it.
720p 60fps is the real use for this over the ContourHD. Also, an external mic and/or BT headset communication is basically a must.
Did they fix that 'wobble' effect that so many SSD dv-cams are having problems with? The non-hd version did have wobble. Can anyone verify?
Interesting, never saw a video that made me feel nauseous/seasick so quickly, it's the wobbly/wavy effect of the video combined with the wobbliness of the cameraman I guess.
what about other options like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-CG10-Memory-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B001Q3M8S2/ref=pd_cp_p_1
There are lots of cams out there and they have optical zoom.
It would be great if someone did a comprehensive side by side.
Check out more detailed specs and pre order details here!!!
http://pov-cams.com/30
I love the current ContourHD. The next one looks great too. Check out my buddy crashing his brains out while wearing the ContourHD http://video.lpmotocross.com/contourhd-helmet-camera-user-review-video-crash-motocross
So, the comments so far:
1. I don't get it
- ok, you sit behind a desk and never perform action sports. Others do, and they like to record their adventures.
2. Too pricey for what you get
- Luckily we live in a capitalist society and I look forward to your product in the future.
3. Wind Noise
- Absolutely. Needs either dedicated External Mic jack or combo AV jack (see #4)
4. no LCD
- Yep, needs AV jack to be able to plug in some sort of display to aid in alignment.
Lasers are ok for close up, not so good at getting alignment right for snowmobiling or motorcycling.
5. GoPro is slightly cheaper
- Yes, and a definite alternative choice. Unfortunalety for GoPro its form factor is attaching a mini toaster to your head.
Wearable HD is awesome. I'd give it another year though at this price point to get a more refined product.
or wait for the VIO POV-HD you know must be coming, and be willing to pay 2x as much for the ultimate product.
I like the features of the Go Pro, however its standard camera "box" shape is less appealing to me. Why? Because I'll be strapping the camera to a rocket traveling well over 400MPH. I prefer the small shap of the Contour as its easy to streamline and attach to the outside of the rocket, vs. the Go Pro which I'd have to build a mirror setup for. But the Go Pro looks nicer... what to do what to do! Guess I'll see what comes out over the winter.
You can find this cooler here: http://www.etronixmart.com/mini-camera-action-sport-helmet-video-camcorder-p-93.html
http://www.etronixmart.com/helmet-camera-sport-camcorder-2gb-waterproof-outdoor-p-91.html