It wasn’t so long ago that we rounded up the best action cameras and put them to the test. Just half a year later, and the biggies all have new versions out. They’re all better, but there’s only one best. Round Two: Fight! More »
Think of an action cam, and the name GoPro probably comes to mind. But there are a lot of alternates to consider, as a recent action cam Battlemodo proved. One brand, Contour, has always been just a step away from gaining GoPro-style notoriety. The recently announced Contour+2 might change that. More »
A year later and one hundred dollars cheaper than its predecessor, Seattle-based Contour announced its Contour+2 action camera this week and will be available later this month. The latest improves upon the previous generation with a sprinkling of features from other models in the lineup, new accessories and a different way of sharing content. Oh, and you can now use your smartphone (Android, iPhone) to control all the action remotely.
The +2 not only records full HD (1080p) at 30FPS video and SD (480p) video at 120FPS but now embeds “rich data” like speed, elevation and distance thanks to its built-in GPS receiver right on top of any video that users record and upload to Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo. Pretty neat and useful for the adrenalin junkies. All of which can be done with the Storyteller app for your PC or Mac.
Also included in the $399.99 package is a waterproof case rated to 60 meters, a 4GB microSD card and a mini HDMI cable for live streaming. Other improvements include an external mic port and improved video from the 270-degree rotating lens. And there’s no more power button. Slide the slider forward and you’re good to go. A locking mechanism is also in place to ensure your videos don’t stop recording until you’re ready to stop. The power button has since been replaced with a “status” button that fires up the leveling laser, among other things.
But the coolest feature in my opinion has to be the improved Bluetooth connectivity that turns your smartphone into a remote viewfinder for the +2. Anything the camera sees is beamed directly to your phone letting you tweak your shots before you start recording, which you can activate from said phone. Switching on Bluetooth is also easier with a dedicated button on top of the slider.
Specs:
Full HD – 1920 x 1080 @ 30/25fps
Tall HD – 1280 x 960 @ 30/25fps
Action HD – 1280 x 720 @ 60/50 or 30/25fps
Slow Motion – 854 x 480 @ 120/100, 60/50, or 30/25fps
Photo Mode: Every 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds
5MP Sensor
Codec – H.264/AAC / File Type – MP4
AAC Audio Compression
32GB microSD Compatible
Battery Life: 2-2.5 hrs
We’ll have a review of the device in the coming weeks. In the meantime, feel free to pose any questions in comments.
Contour+2 [Product Page]
It’s been a little while since the two major players in the helmet cam industry, Contour and GoPro, refreshed their wares. Contour launched its Contour+ and Roam models last summer, while GoPro delivered the HD Hero2 late last year. As our extensive testing can attest, both companies put out great cameras, but with Sony about to get in the game with its $199 Action Cam, the pair need to raise their games — and that’s exactly what Contour is doing with the Contour+2.
This logically named follow-up to the Contour+ is a big step forward on many levels, still delivering 1080p recording while offering many design and software improvements, including the ability to use your smartphone not just as a viewfinder, but to start and stop recording, too. Plus, at $400, it’s $100 cheaper than last year’s offering — and that’s despite coming with a fully waterproof case. Join us as we put it through its paces.
Gallery: Contour+2 review
Continue reading Contour+2 review: the best consumer helmet camera on the market
Contour+2 review: the best consumer helmet camera on the market originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Just over a year later, Contour has released the Contour+2 camera as the follow up to its Contour+ model. Like its predecessor, the +2 shoots video at up to 1080p and 120fps, though that max frame rate’s only available at 480p resolution. It also sports the same rail mounting design, a sliding power/record switch on top and a 270-degree rotating lens. Naturally, the camera comes with a waterproof case, for filming in hostile environments, and a couple of adhesive mounts, so you can get those super gnarly POV shots. The +2 stores clips on an included 4GB microSD card, but it can also stream live video using the mini-HDMI port round the back. GPS is onboard to track the location and elevation of any epic runs, and you can add a map of your route with speed and distance data and edit your videos using the free Storyteller app for PC and Mac. Once you’ve tweaked things, the app also does simple sharing of the results directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo. The best part? Contour’s latest will set you back $400, which is $100 less than the original Contour+. Hit the break for a video walkthrough of Contour’s latest action cam courtesy of company CEO Marc Barros, and head on over to our review to see how this thing operates in the field.
Continue reading Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video
Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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