- Product description: Contour - Contour+
- Product Type: HD Bluetooth Camcorder with Wide Angle Lens
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Video: 5 Megapixel Sensor
- Angle of vision: 170°: 960p, 720p, Photo 110°: 1080p
Product Description
Contour Contour+ HD Bluetooth Camcorder with Wide Angle Lens 5 Mpix HDMI USB - Action-Cam - Contour +... See more product details
Customer Reviews: Contour Contour+ HD Bluetooth Camcorder with Wide Angle Lens 5 Mpix HDMI USB
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I have been looking to get hold of one of these action cameras for a while and have been scouring websites and ebay etc. I had only planned on getting the Contour HD or maybe the GPS model as this contour+ retails everywhere for £500, which was way too much. So when I saw it here for a nudge over £300 I thought it was a typo. This is the same price as the GPS model and not much more than the basic models that are still going for £100 - £200 in most places. I was EXTREMELY nervous about getting a substandard product or a camera and no box etc etc etc but when I opened the packaging and saw the retail box I was never so glad to be wrong. When I checked the box I noticed it HAD been opened and re sealed with the same manufacturers seal again. I have contacted AMAZON to explain this as I did not buy a refurbished or returned item, however on extremely close inspection nothing else in the box has been touched or opened. I don't think this is going to be a problem and nothing flagged up when registering the product with Contour so I will stay optomistic.
If you are after one of these, DON'T think... BUY IT NOW!! The camera is sweet. I though it would look bonkers on the side of my lid but after some experimentation it sits down the side and as the wearer you don't even see it.
Good points:
Came with everything you need to get started. Leads and mounts. Check out the Contour website for box contents. Minus the card, see bad points.
Lens rotation. You can pivot the lens through 270 degrees, so if you mount the camera up or down you will always get a level horizon shot no matter how its mounted.
It's not as bulky or awkwardly shaped as other comparable products. The GoPro just would not have worked for me as I want helmet mounted.
The wide lens angle captures everything. I bought this camera for two reasons, one for some fun and the other as a witness. I got clipped on my bike by an old guy pulling out a side junction on to the main road. Sorry mate, didn't see you. I had a witness at the scene who later became un-contactable and come court time, it was my word against his and so 50-50 liability. From now on I'm going everywhere with video. The lens records a big view right across you. Perfect.
This is a quality product. Read the website and believe the hype. It's solid. Well built. It's light and feels built to last. I am dubious about the water resistant claim (not proof, you need the case for that) given the little holes and battery cover design, but if it melts after a little rain.... it's going back under warranty, so hey ho.
Down points:
This came from within the EU, not the UK and as per the CONTOUR website, does not ship with a micro SD card. I bought two 32GB (max size for camera) but be warned, CONTOUR have just announced that the SANDISK ULTRA micro SD cards DO NOT work with the camera.
It isn't small. The camera is the same footprint as an iPhone, hold that to your head and you think hmmm... but again, compared to other cameras out there - it is VERY sleek. I was just out and saw a guy zip past with a GoPro mounted right on the top of his helmet and I thought - well I won't like that anyway.
It's aluminium silver so it stands out. All the other Contour cameras are black and to be honest I would have preferred that, but why pay the same price for the lower model?
Software. The software is basic. If you want to do fancy video editing etc you are going to have buy this too. But to be fair to Contour, they didn't have to bundle it with anything, so I'm being picky. The free iPhone app isn't great either. It doesn't let you review footage as you have to import this from your camera to your computer before you can muck about with the camera settings, changing video resolution, frame rate, mic volume, white balance etc etc etc. You can also use it to line up your shot as it shows a live feed of what its looking at. This is VITAL for when mounting your camera to get it right.
The lens glass is obviously soft. I wiped this with a soft cloth and its left tiny swirl marks already. I'm planning on attaching this to my lid for the motorcycle and if a bug hits it at 'the speed limit' I want to know I can just wipe it off and not have to change the glass out. Which is easily done apparently.
I have attached the mounting points to my lid and am planning to go out to test the different video qualities and settings so I will update this review after that and list any niggles or issues.
Overall I got a deal, a £500 camera for £300. I really, REALLY hope this lives up to the hype and the stats.
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