Tachyon recently came out with an HD version of their popular camera to compete against the GoPro HD 960 and the Epic HD. Tachyon makes a nice product, which is very popular with the motor cross and paint ball crowds who are known to be rough and tough on equipment. The Tachyon HD gets people into an HD package at a very affordable price. Similar to the GoPro HD 960 and the Epic HD, the feature set on the Tachyon HD is not as extensive as the higher end cameras, but it provides enough customized settings to satisfy most camera enthusiasts. This new HD camera continues Tachyon’s tradition of offering a durable product that provides impressive video quality for a very reasonable price. One thing that sets this camera apart from the competition is the IR Remote that is included in the original package.

Table of Contents for Review of the 2011 Tachyon XC HD What’s Included Key Camera Features Performance and Comparison Conclusion and Pricing Sample Videos

Included in the box, you will find the following: HD Camera IR Remote USB Cable HDMI Cable A/V Cable Side Mount General Mount 3M Dual Lock Fastening Strip Lens Cover Batteries and SD Card not included Optional Accessories Green Power Pack Handlebar Mount 360 Degree Swivel Mount Rail Mount

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 105mm x 45mm x 55mm
• CMOS Sensor Size: Information Not Available
• Photo: 1M
• Shock Resistant
• Video Resolution & Recording Capacity

o   720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, __ Mbit/s data rate – Information not available

• File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
• Field of View (FOV): 120
• Weight:  5.5 oz (with Alkaline Batteries)
• Max Frame Rate: HD - 30fps
• Light Sensitivity: Information not Available
• Accepts up to a 32GB SD Card. Recording Capacity based on 32GB Card:

o   720p (30 fps): 8h 09m

• Photo Quality: 5 Megapixels
• Record NTSC or PAL
• Time Lapse Photo Mode (photo taken every two seconds)
• Water proof to 100 feet

SD Cards

The camera accepts a variety of sizes from 4GB to 32GB. Make sure you buy the higher quality class 6 or class 10 cards, which record at a faster rate to support HD recording requirements.

Operation

The camera is very easy to operate. It has three buttons on top that are marked Power, Start/Stop, and Menu. It also has a simple LCD screen on top that displays SD Card Status, Battery Status, Photo Mode, Video Mode, and a Timer. There is a red/green led on the front of the camera to indicate when the camera is in record mode and stand-by mode. The camera also uses audio cues to let you know when you are changing settings and functions. If the battery is not inserted properly, the LCD will display an error message. You will also see a flashing icon if the SD Card is full.

Battery

You can use Energizer Ultimate Lithium, Energizer Advanced Lithium, or alkaline AA batteries. The manufacturer recommends NEVER using rechargeable batteries. If you are shooting in cold weather, you will get better results using lithium batteries. Shooting in cold weather has a tendency to sap battery power, resulting in shorter camera operating times. You can expect about 2.5 hours of operation using alkaline batteries, and 6 hours of operation using lithium batteries.

IR Remote

This camera comes with an IR remote, which is a very nice feature. Neither the GoPro HD 960 nor the Epic HD offer a Remote. The camera manual states he IR Remote will operate up to a distance of 25 feet. In my tests, the Remote operated consistently up to 0 – 18/19 feet, and inconsistently from 20 – 25 feet. The Tachyon Remote’s performance was similar to other IR Remotes I have tested. The Remote runs on (2) AAA batteries, and allows you to start/stop recording once the camera is powered on. The Remote is neither waterproof nor water resistant, so be careful when using it in wet environments.

Frames Per Second (FPS)

The Tachyon HD shoots HD at 30 fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well compared to other cameras that record at this rate. More expensive cameras offer shooting HD at 60 fps, but unless you are doing slow motion effects in your movie production, 30 fps should be fine.

Alignment

Regarding the Tachyon HD, Epic HD and GoPro 960, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned. More expensive cameras ($200+) sometimes offer lasers or LCD screens to assist in camera alignment.

Audio

The camera is designed to be waterproof. The microphone is therefore located internal to the camera. This design, which is common for waterproof cameras, has a tendency to mute the audio performance. If you open up the back of the camera, the audio performance will improve significantly, but then you expose the internal components to the open environment. Also, when the back door is open, the door may have a tendency to rattle, which will be picked up by the microphone. During my audio tests with the back door closed, you could hear normal dialog up to two feet from the camera. With the back door closed, that camera is only good for picking up ambient sounds. When the back door was open, you could hear normal dialog up to eight feet.

Shock Resistant

The camera incorporates a patented shock resistant design, which helps ensure the batteries stay connected when the camera is exposed to heavy jarring or dynamic motion. This helps prevent against the loss of video footage during an active video shoot.

Water Resistant/Waterproof

The camera is waterproof to 100 feet (up to 30 minutes), which means you can scuba dive with it, or use it in about every extreme condition you can imagine (snow, mud, dust, rain, surf).

Mounts

The camera comes with two mounts, a general-mount and a side-mount. The side-mount is designed to attach the camera to the side of a helmet. The general-mount is designed to attach the camera to the top of a helmet. The mounts are designed to be used with the 3M adhesive strips (included), which are very strong and creates a very rigid camera mount. Tachyon sells a couple other mount designs, including a handlebar mount, rail mount, and a 360 swivel mount. Just as an extra safety measure….if there is a chance the camera could be jarred out of its mount (i.e. you crash), you can run a piece of fishing line through the latch on the back door and connect the other end to your person.

Connectivity

The camera ships with a USB cable (connect to PC), and A/V Cable (connect to standard TV), and an HDMI cable (connect to Plasma/LCD TV). Though the camera ships with a USB cable, I prefer to move the video files from the camera to my computer by popping out the SD Card from the camera and plugging it directly into the computer. By using the A/V or the HDMI cables, you can play back your photos and videos on your. I really like the fact this camera comes with an HDMI cable. Some cameras in this price category do not come with an HDMI cable, which means you have to drive to Best Buy and spend $20 for one.

Warranty

The Tachyon HD comes with a 90 day warranty, which is not as good as the GoPro HD 960, but it is comparable with other camera manufacturers like Epic and Oregon Scientific.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested 720 Resolution
• Neighborhood and highway driving on an overcast day in December
• Colorful outdoor and indoor holiday decorations to test color saturation
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution

Using the HDMI video cable that came with the camera, I played back the video on my 42” plasma HDTV. The 720 resolution quality was pretty good. I would say it was equivalent to the 720 resolution on the GoPro HD and the Epic HD. The image was well defined, clear and crisp. The GoPro HD 960 records at a higher resolution, but you cannot really see a difference between 720 and 960 on a 42” plasma TV.

Lens:

The lens quality is very good, and the camera ships with transparent lens covers to protect it while in storage, or to use in the field where the lens may be subject to projectiles (i.e. paint balls) that could damage the lens.

FOV

I really like the 120 degree field of view (FOV). I prefer it to the 170 degree FOV of the GoPro HD 960, which seems more distorted around the edges of the frame. The Tachyon FOV is plenty wide-angle enough to catch a lot of the surrounding action. Depending on your preference or shooting technique, the 120 degree FOV may/may not be the right solution for your needs. It really comes down to personal preference.

Color

Since I reviewed this camera during December in Ohio, it was challenging to find colorful areas outdoors to judge the performance of the camera. So I decided to do what I could outside during my driving tests to include more colorful holiday displays in the shot, and I also shot some test footage indoors. Based on my test results, though the color performance seemed good, it did seem slightly muted compared to the GoPro HD 960 in both my outdoor and inside shots. The Tachyon color performance was slightly better than the Epic HD.

Lighting:

POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. Most of my testing was done on overcast days in December. The camera did a good job compensating for various lighting conditions during my driving tests. The camera adjusted to changing lighting conditions in steps, which was noticeable when playing back the video. The step adjustment was similar to the Epic HD, which seemed a little more pronounced than the GoPro HD 960. The Tachyon HD performed equally well during dusk or “late evening” shots as the GoPro HD 960 and the EPIC HD. Like all the other cameras I have tested, I took the Tachyon HD down to my dark basement and shot some footage using a 500 lumen video light. Under these conditions, most POV cameras really struggle resulting in the video having a lot of pixilation. Regarding the Tachyon HD, its performance in extremely low light was typical of most CMOS based cameras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IRpQj7gRok

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zmM6FhJX9s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgpiIODqDK0

The Tachyon HD has a very sturdy and durable construction, performed well in all of my video tests, and has a nice profile. It comes with a 90 day warranty, which is typical for many cameras. It also comes with an IR Remote, which none of the other cameras in the same price range offer. Even some of the premium cameras do not offer an IR Remote. It has a streamline design, and ships with protective lens covers and an HDMI cable. The audio performance was as expected for a waterproof camera, and the Tachyon HD is very easy to operate. As compared to the higher priced Epic HD, the Tachyon is a better camera for the buck. The GoPro HD 960, which is in the same price range, has a better camera feature set (customizable settings), and has better audio and color performance. The Tachyon HD is a good value for the money, and performed as well as some of the more expensive HD cameras. Tachyon sells other types of mounts to provide the user with additional options for staging the camera. If you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera that provides good video results, operates in extreme conditions and can take a beating, you should definitely consider the Tachyon HD.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-TACH-XCHD.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.

We are also here to answer your questions and help you choose a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, you can find it at HelmetCameraCentral.com. And if our recommended systems do not fit your needs, we will put you in contact with the right vendor to find the best solution.

Related Blogs

• 7 figures » Archives » The cost of electricity is going up. Consider switching to LED Lights.
• V.I.O. POV.HD VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM
• Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity, Second Edition | Good Ezines
• » Creaceed releases Elasty 2.0 – The Movie Toolbox for Mac The MacTrack – iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Mac News
• Helmet Cam | GoPro HD HERO Camera: Crankworx Whistler 2010 | Helmet Camera Central

Secret Backcountry Snow Party BBQ ~ Cliffed Out from freeboarder on Vimeo.

Introducing the POV.HD Video System by V.I.O.

Advanced Point-of-View 1080p Video

Marquette, MI (November 2010)—Caveat Emptor: not all HD is created equal. V.I.O., the decade-long leader in point-of-view video technology, is proud to announce the all-new POV.HD video camera: the most flexible, rugged and easy to use point-of-view HD video system available. The POV.HD is V.I.O.’s response to video professionals and athletes who demand advanced high-definition video with vibrant color and superior camera control that excels in extreme environments.

The new POV.HD follows the award-winning form-factor of its predecessor, but with all-new internal components and functionality. The POV.HD features new in-field flexibility capabilities and records up to 5 hours of crisp HD video. Thanks to the exceptionally small and robust nature of the POV.HD camera head, options for capturing creative and beautiful video angles are limitless. Clint Slack, Marketing Director at V.I.O., says: “The POV.HD not only delivers advanced HD video, but also provides a host of unique recording and exposure options designed for the discriminating video enthusiast.”

The POV.HD comes with a laundry list of proprietary functionality driven by user feedback. The recording unit features a 2-inch LCD screen to view footage in the field, edit video and make exposure control adjustments. A simple set of controls allows the user to easily “tag” the best footage in the field, so final editing is finished quickly back in the studio. The recorder, run by Texas Instruments’ new Da Vinci DM368 Video Processor, supports a real-time video pipeline that enhances image quality and produces crystal clear 1080p H.264 video. The 2-oz wearable camera head captures 142 degree FOV, at 1080p 30fps—the widest point-of-view camera angle available on the market. The camera head also features video capture at 720p 60fps, a high-quality 6-element glass lens and a native 1080p CMOS sensor designed specifically to produce optimal-quality, Full HD video.

In addition to utilizing the best video components available on the market, the POV.HD excels in the single most important test for point-of-view cameras: durability and ruggedness. The POV.HD is IP67 certified and is commonly used in a wide variety of extreme environments due to the unit’s dust, water and shockproof ratings and ability to handle extreme temperatures. Todd Jones, Founder and Producer for the action-sports film company Teton Gravity Research, said: “Thanks to the exceptionally small size, bombproof nature and production-grade video quality of V.I.O.’s cameras, we’ve been able to capture unique and beautiful shots of our athletes in extreme situations that otherwise would have been unattainable.”

The POV.HD Camera will be available Nov. 15, 2010 at HelmetCameraCentral.com, B&H Photo and in other fine camera/video establishments across the country. View video, photos and learn more at: vio-pov.com

Since its inception in 2000, V.I.O. has been the leading innovator in point-of-view video technology. The V.I.O. pointof-view system is unique in that it?s designed specifically to capture adventure and tactical video. V.I.O.'s customers include professional and amateur athletes in a wide variety of sports such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, motocross, snowmobiling and auto racing. Other industries relying on V.I.O. video systems include the military, law enforcement, aviation and movie and television production. For more information, visit vio-pov.com or call 1-888-579-2267.

The VIO POV.HD is available for pre-order over at the shop. Get yours before they sell out!

GoPro is well known in the industry for making an excellent point-of-view (POV) camera, and they offer the best warranty. With the introduction of their 960 model, GoPro has targeted those camera enthusiasts who want HD quality but don’t have 300 clams. GoPro has trimmed down some of the features from their high-end 1080 model, and is selling this camera at a price well below the competition. At $179, you get beautiful HD video, an excellent assortment of mounts, GoPro quality, and the ability to shoot in extreme conditions including underwater. The main competitors of the GoPro 960 are the Contour HD, Oregon Scientific ACT9K, Drift HD170, and the Epic HD.

Table of Contents for Review of the GoPro 960 Differences between the GoPros What’s Included Key Camera Features Performance and Comparison Sample Videos Conclusion Pricing About the Author

To offer an HD camera at a very competitive price, GoPro decided to tone down some of the features that certain enthusiasts may not require. First, they reduced the highest resolution setting to 1280 x 960. Unless you have a large HDTV that is over 50”, the normal viewer cannot easily tell the difference between 720, 960, or 1080. Second, they removed the BUS expansion port, which would allow you to connect a GoPro LCD monitor or alternate power source to the camera. I would mention all POV cameras started off without an LCD monitor, and though they are nice to have for playback purposes, users have gotten by without them for years. Lastly, the 960 will only shoot HD at 30 frames per second (FPS). Unless you do a lot of slow motion effects in your final movie production, video shot at 30 fps should be fine for most folks.

Included in the box, you will find the following: (1) HD HERO 960 camera (1) Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery (1) Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180' / 60m) (1) Non-Waterproof Back Door for Housing (1) Curved & Flat, 3M™ Adhesive Mount (1) Helmet Front Mount (1) Headlamp-Style Head Strap (1) Quick-Release Buckle (1) USB Cable (1) Component Video Cable (HDTV) (1) Composite Video Cable + Audio Out Cable

Technical Specifications
•    Dimensions: 42mm x 60mm x 30mm
•    Sensor: 5M color CMOS, 1/2.5”
•    Shock Resistant

•    Video Resolution & Recording Capacity
o       960p = 1280x960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
o       720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
o       WVGA = 848x480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate

•    File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
•    Field of View (FOV): 170
•    Weight:  3.3 oz (with batteries), 5.9 oz with Case
•    Max Frame Rate: HD - 30fps, WVGA – 60fps
•    Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)

•    Accepts up to a 32GB SD Card. Recording Capacity based on 32GB Card:
o       960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
o       720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
o       WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

•    Photo Quality: 5 Megapixels
•    Self-Timer: 10 seconds
•    Burst Mode (Photo): 3 Images
•    Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
•    White Balance: Auto
•    Output Ports: PC Connection (USB), HDTV Out, Audio Out (2.5mm jack – stereo & composite video)

Accessories

GoPro offers one of the best selections of accessories which you can purchase through HCC. Besides various mounts (see below), you can purchase a replacement housing, replacement lens kit, waterproof wrist housing, spare battery, AC/DC wall charger, auto charger, and more.

Other Comments

GoPro offers one of the best selections of accessories which you can purchase through HCC. Besides various mounts (see below), you can purchase a replacement housing, replacement lens kit, waterproof wrist housing, spare battery, AC/DC wall charger, auto charger, and more.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested all resolution settings
• Neighborhood and highway driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution
Using the composite video cables that came with the camera, I played back the video on my 42” plasma HDTV. The resolution quality at 960 and 720 was quite good, but I was hard pressed to notice a difference between the two. The image was well defined, clear and crisp. Needless to say, the HD video looked much better than WVGA.

Lens:
The lens quality is very good, and the image had clean lines. The nice feature about this camera is the ability to replace the lens should it get damaged. There are very few manufacturers that offer this capability. The specs on the lens are below:
·    Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ?), glass
·    Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
·    Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode

FOV
The camera has a FOV of 170 degrees, which is considered ultra wide angle. If you are interested in catching a lot of surrounding action, this is the right camera for you. The viewer will notice a certain amount of distortion around the edges of the frame. Depending on your preference or shooting technique, this ultra wide FOV may/may not be the right solution for your needs. It really comes down to personal preference.

Color
On a bright and sunny day, I decided to visit a local florist who had mums and other colorful flowers out for display. There was a full spectrum of colorful flowers that were yellow, orange, white, purple, deep red, violet, pink, etc. The colors captured by the camera were well saturated, accurate, and quite impressive. I was pleasantly surprised on how well the 960 performed. Some other HD cameras I have tested under the same conditions had problems in bright light, resulting in the colors being washed out. Not the case for the GoPro 960 – well done!

Frames Per Second (FPS)
The GoPro 960 only shoots HD at 30fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well compared to other cameras that record at this rate. More expensive cameras offer shooting HD at 60 fps, but unless you are doing slow motion effects in your movie production, 30 fps should be fine.

Lighting:
POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. Most of my testing was done on bright, sunny days. Driving around town and in the country side, the GoPro 960 performed very well. The camera did a nice job compensating for bright conditions, unlike other cameras I have tested where sometimes the video was washed out on a sunny day. As I was driving down some back roads, the camera also did well when transitioning from shady areas (bridges, tree cover) to sunny areas. In my low light tests around dusk, the camera again was a top performer due to its larger ½.5” CMOS imager. I also took the camera down to my dark basement and shot some footage using a 500 lumen video light. Under these conditions, most POV cameras really struggle resulting in the video having a lot of pixilation. Regarding the 960, though the image was a little dark, there was no pixilation – pretty amazing performance for a CMOS camera.

Alignment
Regarding proper camera alignment, the ACT9K uses a laser and has a built-in LCD monitor, the Contour HD uses lasers, and the Drift HD170 uses a built-in LCD monitor. Regarding the Epic HD and GoPro 960, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned.

Audio
The GoPro 960 microphone, which is located on top of the camera, records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. I tested the audio performance of the GoPro at distances from one and eight feet. During the test, the camera was in its protective housing with the non-waterproof back. I was expecting the performance to be marginal because of the housing, but the camera performed very well. You are able to clearly hear dialog up to a distance of eight feet, which is unusual for POV cameras. Most cameras lose audio clarity around 3-4 feet, so the GoPro 960 again out performed most of the competition in this category. When you put the waterproof back on the housing, obviously the audio performance declines, but the camera still picked up ambient sounds. I would note the Oregon Scientific ACT9K outperformed the GoPro 960 in this category. The ACT9K has an excellent microphone design.

Battery
The camera uses a rechargeable 1100mAh lithium-ion battery, and lasts for 2.5 hours of constant recording. You can recharge 80% of the battery in about two hours when you plug it into the USB port on your computer. You can also shoot video while the camera is charging (car charger).

Photo Mode:
The camera shots 5 megapixel photos, which is pretty typical. You can set the camera to single shot, or triple shot through the menu function. You can also change the timing setting in the menu to shoot a photo in 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 second intervals. Lastly, the camera comes with a 10 second timer feature in case you want to take a group shot.

Mounts
The camera comes with a multitude of mounts, unlike a lot of competitive cameras. I like fact the camera comes with a flat AND curved adhesive mount. The camera also comes with a helmet strap mount that is well designed, and much better than Oregon Scientific’s version (I still prefer a rigid mount design). GoPro offers additional mount accessories such as a roll bar mount, handlebar mount, chest harness, tripod adapter, vented helmet mount, suction cup mount, surfboard mount, and more. Some competitors have a limited offering of mounts, which for me, has a significant impact on my buying decision. GoPro really excels in this category, and offers a very complete line of mount accessories.

LCD & Camera Operation
The camera comes with a simple LCD display, and navigation through the menu is pretty easy. You need to read the manual to understand the abbreviations on the display. The camera incorporates audio cues and includes an LED on the front of the camera that turns “red” when you are recording. By using the two buttons on the camera, you can configure the camera as follows:
·    10 Second Timer
·    Single Shot, Triple Shot, or Time Lapse Mode for pictures
·    “One Button Mode” operation
·    Default Mode on Power Up (Video, Single Shot, Triple Shot, Photo every “X” seconds)
·    Video Resolution (960, 720, WVGA)
·    Exposure Setting (Center Weight Average, Spot Meter)
·    Upside Down Image Capture (in case you have to mount the camera inverted)
·    LCD Screen Display On/Off
·    Blinking LED Light On/Off for Video Recording
·    Beeping Sound On/Off for Operational Audio Cues
·    NTSC/PAL
·    Delete Last File Saved
·    Delete All Files & Format SD Card
·    Auto Power Off (No, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, 300 seconds)
·    Time & Date

Water Resistant/Waterproof
The camera itself is neither water resistant nor waterproof. The camera comes with a waterproof case that is good for 180’ or 60 meters.

Warranty
The GoPro 960 comes with a one year warranty, which is about twice as long as any other competitor. This says a lot about the camera’s quality and that the company is willing to stand behind its product.

Other comments:
The GoPro 960 “looks” like a camera, where most of the competition has a cylindrical design. From an aesthetics point of view, I like the cylindrical design, but there is a logic behind GoPro’s approach. The GoPro housing is very robust and could probably survive a nuclear explosion.  If you were to drop the GoPro 960 (in its housing) along with any other of the competing cameras off a 10’ cliff, the GoPro camera itself would survive though the housing may have to be replaced. The other cameras would probably not survive the fall. It’s a lot cheaper to replace a housing than a whole new camera.

GoPro continues their streak of releasing a quality product for the sports enthusiast. The GoPro 960 is an excellent camera that can be purchased for less than $200. Though it does not have all of the features of its big brother (1080), there are a lot of users that do not need them, so why pay the extra money. The camera comes with everything you need to shoot in extreme conditions and underwater. It comes with a nice selection of mounts, shoots great HD video, and has a great microphone. The housing is practically bomb proof, so you don’t have to worry about camera damage. GoPro offers a great selection of accessories and replacement parts, along with the best warranty in the industry. The GoPro 960 is a great value for the money, and is highly recommended

As a side note, the only way to contact GoPro is through email. I contacted them regarding technical questions, and they replied within a 12 hour period. They have no customer service or sales phone number, though their competition VholdR (Contour HD) and Oregon Scientific (ACT9K) offer toll free numbers.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-GOPRO-HD-960.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.

We are also here to answer your questions and help you choose a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, you can find it at HelmetCameraCentral.com. And if our recommended systems do not fit your needs, we will put you in contact with the right vendor to find the best solution.

Related Blogs

• 7 figures » Archives » The cost of electricity is going up. Consider switching to LED Lights.
• V.I.O. POV.HD VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM
• Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity, Second Edition | Good Ezines
• » Creaceed releases Elasty 2.0 – The Movie Toolbox for Mac The MacTrack – iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Mac News
• Helmet Cam | GoPro HD HERO Camera: Crankworx Whistler 2010 | Helmet Camera Central

Hey Gang -

The recent launch of the new ContourGPS camera came from Contour's love of providing new tools to tell your story. In turn, it has inspired us to assess our community experience, the canvas where your stories of adventure unfold. We've snooped around on the forums and listened to your feedback - the good, the bad, and the hilarious. From this wealth of information, we set forth on a journey six months ago to rebuild and improve the Contour community.

Today marks an exciting day - We're launching the beginning of the new Contour community! We've built the entire experience to make the community faster and more responsive. This is just the tip of the iceberg, more exciting features are in the works.

The following reflects what's new, what's changed, and a few new features you can expect in the coming months.

What's New -

Video & GPS Integration - We've introduced the first player that integrates video and a map of your run so you can track your location, speed and elevation.

Profiles - The new user profiles log your videos and show your community activity.

User Profile Example - Dje

Create a Story - Our new "create" experience includes a new video engine so your video uploads faster. You can track its progress while developing the context of your story.

Discover Stories - We're all about creating fun ways for new stories to be discovered! The unique video collage experience highlights a myriad of stories in different size windows. You can quickly scan over the images to see what catches your eye!

Discover Stories - Video Collage

"Storyteller" App - We've rebuilt the desktop software. Let's be frank, the old version just wasn't good enough. Software so new and improved deserves a new and final re-name. We like it and we're sticking with it! This will be available in a few weeks so look for an upgrade email coming soon.

What's Changed -

Forums - Get Satisfaction is a really cool company that now drives the Contour Forums. They have a near-genius interface to help you find threads to questions you have and to quickly connect with the Contour support team.

Messages - Yep, they're gone for now. We'll bring them back...soon.

What to Expect -

Integrated Social Experience - Oh, the places you'll go in the world wide web! Look for an improved embed experience and easier integration with several social communities so you can flaunt your swagger on your favorite on-line haunts.

Followers - We're replacing buddies with followers so you can follow your favorite video mavens and send them messages.

Community - We're bringing community back including video contests and leaderboards!

We want to hear from you! Share your ideas about the software, web features, and new camera ideas. We're committed to providing the best products we can and incorporating the features that mean the most to you.
Shoot us an email - ideas@contour.com

It's game on and we're ready to bring it!!!

Have fun and keep shooting!

-Drew

Stealth Cam based out of Grand Prairie, Texas enters the HD market with the introduction of their Epic HD Action Cam. It shoots at 720p, and competes against the Oregon Scientific ACT9K, the VHoldR Contour HD, and the GoPro HD. The Epic is easy to operate, and includes an LCD screen to help navigate through the menu, and display shooting modes. It runs on AAA batteries that are readily available anywhere, and records to an SD Card (not included).  It comes with various helmet mounts and a USB cable to connect the camera to a computer.

Included in the box, you will find the following: HD Camera (3) Lithium AAA Batteries Manual USB Interface Cable Adhesive Mount Elbow Mount Strap Mount & Strap

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 101.6mm x 41.3mm x 31.8mm
• Sensor: 5M color CMOS, 1/2.5”
• Shock Resistant
• Video Resolution & Recording Capacity

  o   HD, 1280 x 720 (720P) – 6.25 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

  o   DI, 720 x 480 – 11 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

  o   VGA, 640 x 480 – 15 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

• File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
• Maximum Recording Bit Rate: 2.6Mbits/second
• Output View Angle on stills: 168 Degrees
• Output View Angle on Video: 120 Degrees
• Exposure/Balance Setting: Auto
• Weight: 4 ounces with lithium batteries
• Frame Rate: 30fps
• Digital Zoom Settings: 1X, 2X, 4X
• Accepts up to a 16GB SD Card
• Photo Quality Settings: 8, 5, and 1.3 Megapixels

• Self-Timer Settings: 10 or 30 seconds
• Burst Mode (Photo): Select 1-9 Images
• Upside Down mode
• USB Port

Accessories

You can purchase additional accessories for the camera including: Adhesive Mount, Elbow Mount, Waterproof Shell, Strap Mount, Bar Mount, Suction Cup Mount, Clip Mount, Tree Screw Mount, and Shock Resistant Pads.

Other Comments

The camera comes with some nice features including the ability to adjust digital zoom settings up to 4X. It also offers a burst mode for photos, which can provide some interesting shots. Another feature is the self-timer, which is useful if you need time to set-up a shot (group photo). The upside down mode inverts the image so you can turn the camera upside down for mounting purposes.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested all resolution settings
• Neighborhood and highway driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution

I tested the camera at all three resolution settings. Needless to say, the 720P setting provided the best picture. At 720P, the image was reasonably clear and detailed, and comparable to the competition at the same resolution. The other HD competitors mentioned in this article offer a higher 1080P resolution, which gives them an edge in this category.

Lens:

In my video tests and in some of the video links at the end, the camera was mounted to a helmet. When you turn your head left and right (panning), you can see image distortion that does not seem to be FOV related. I also noticed on sunny days, the camera can pick up a glare off the front of the lens. These effects may be caused by the bubble shape of the lens?

FOV

The camera has a FOV of 120 degrees when shooting video. A 120 degree FOV is really nice because you capture a lot of the surrounding action, and typically there is little distortion. When shooting stills, the camera has an FOV of 160 degrees, and there is noticeable distortion at the top and bottom of the picture. I like the 120 FOV for the video, but the 160 degree FOV for stills creates excessive distortion in my opinion.

Color

When shooting video and stills in sunny conditions, the colors seemed to be slightly washed out. Regarding video and stills shot in overcast conditions or shaded areas, colors were better defined/saturated. The camera’s color performance was acceptable, but I think the competition has a slight edge.

Frames per Second (FPS)

The Epic HD only shoots at 30fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well to other cameras that record at this rate. All of the other HD competitors mentioned in this article offer 60fps HD modes, which makes the video look smoother (less jittery), and makes slow motion effects look much better.

Lighting:

When driving on the highway and coming out from underneath a bridge, that camera took a few seconds to adjust to the changing lighting conditions (did it in steps).  Most POV cameras make adjustments to lighting the same way. The better quality cameras make these adjustments faster, so they are less noticeable in the video. The Epic HD performed adequately in this category. As mentioned in my other review, POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. The Epic HD and its competitors all fall into this category.

Alignment

The ACT9K uses a laser and has a built-in LCD to help with camera alignment. The Contour HD also uses lasers to help with camera alignment, and GoPro is coming out with an LCD this winter to assist with camera alignment. Regarding the Epic HD, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned.

Audio

The Epic HD records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel.The microphone is internal to the camera, similar to waterproof cameras designs. This design results in the audio being muted. I tested the microphone’s performance and how well it picked up normal dialog. If you are more than two feet away from the camera, it is very difficult to clearly hear a conversation. The microphone design does a reasonable job picking up ambient sound. The microphones on the ACT9K, Contour HD, and the GoPro HD all performed better than the Epic HD. On a positive note, if you are shooting in windy conditions where you are apt to pick up a lot of noise, having an internalized microphone will lessen the effect.

Battery

Helmet cameras are currently being powered by either proprietary lithium batteries or lithium AAA batteries. The Epic HD uses (3) AAA lithium batteries, which are readily available at any store and provide up to 3.5 hours of recording time. AAA batteries do add bulk and weight to a camera, versus the smaller proprietary batteries.  The manufacturer says you can use alkaline batteries, but they are heavier than lithium and only provide 15-30 minutes of recording time. Regarding some features of the camera, when the batteries are low, the battery icon on the LCD screen will begin to flash along with a beep sound for 10 seconds.  To save battery power, the camera will also shut down after 3-5 minutes according to how you have set-up the camera.

Mounts

The camera comes with three different mounts including an Adhesive Mount, an Elbow Mount, and a Strap Mount. These mounts allow you to attach the camera to the top or side of a helmet. I really like the Elbow Mount (see below), because it has (3) joints which allow you to position the camera in almost any position – extremely flexible.  The Adhesive Mount is rather “permanent” once you apply it to a surface, so make sure you have it in the correct position before you apply it. Another option to consider is to remove the adhesive from the Mount and replacing it with a SuperLock Strip (3M Dual Lock). You can then place the mating Strip anywhere on the helmet. You may purchase SuperLock from HCC or RadioShack. It has incredible gripping strength (4-5 times stronger than Velcro) and is relatively inexpensive. The following is a link that talks about the 3M Dual Lock Strips. http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm.

LCD & Camera Operation

The LCD is clear, and incorporates a variety of icons (see below) to communicate camera settings to the user. The navigation pad on top of the camera has a variety of buttons to help the user change camera modes and set functions. The camera is easy to operate, but you need to read the manual to understand the LCD abbreviations. By pressing the M (menu) Button, you can scroll through the camera set-up features. The arrow buttons provide a navigation function, and the S Button starts/stops video recording or takes a picture depending on the camera mode of operation.

Menu Features

• Set Video Resolution (HD, DI, VGA)
• Select Video/Photo mode
• Delete Videos/Photos
• Set Digital Zoom (1X, 2X, 4X)
• Set Self-Timer (Off, 10 Seconds, 30 Seconds)
• Set Burst Mode (1-9 images)
• Select Upside Down Feature
• Set Beep Tone
• Select TV Out (PAL/NTSC)
• Set Auto Power-Off (3 or 5 minutes)

The picture below shows the different types of icons on the LCD display

Water Resistant/Waterproof

The camera is neither water resistant nor waterproof, so you can only use the camera in “dry” conditions. All of the competing brands are at least water resistance, or come with a waterproof case. If you need to shoot in extreme environments, you can purchase a Waterproof Shell for $30.00. The Shell is waterproof to 20 feet.

Warranty

The camera comes with a 90 day manufacturer’s warranty, which is similar to the ACT9K. Both the Contour HD and Go Pro HD have better warranties.

The Epic HD is a good camera that shoots HD video and takes high quality stills. It is easy to operate, comes with a nice selection of mounts, and the manufacturer provides a variety of accessories. It uses AAA batteries that are readily available at any store, and the camera is comparable in size to its competition. With the next generation, I would like to see Epic include a red/green LED as a visual cue to indicate recording/standby modes like other HD cameras. A cap to protect the lens from damage during transport or while in storage would also be a nice feature (often forgotten by manufacturers). This is the first HD camera for Epic, where its competitors are already on their 2^nd and 3^rd generation.  Though it is a decent camera, Epic has some work to do to catch up with its competition regarding overall camera performance and feature set.

Helmet Camera Central Price: $189.99 ( Check Availability )

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.

We are also here to answer your questions and help you choose a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, you can find it at HelmetCameraCentral.com. And if our recommended systems do not fit your needs, we will put you in contact with the right vendor to find the best solution.

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"Hope everyone has been enjoying the week. I am getting fired up for the Feather Festival this weekend and looking forward to out upcoming premier. The show will be hosted by Shasta Boyz and Huckin Huge, so you know its going to be a good time.

The event will held in Chico, CA at Dragon Graphics on Friday OCT. 1st

We are asking people to start showing up around 5:30 pm for Wet Dreams and then HAYMAKER will follow. Here is a poster with all the details.

Photo Courtesy of: Justin Patt

Make sure to come by if your in the area, we will be giving away gear from Hippy Tree, Sanuk, Snapdragon, Five Ten, Watershed, and much MORE!!!!!!!

Hope to see everyone at the show and check out the trailers for the films below.

HAYMAKER Trailer from Huckin Huge on Vimeo."

Contour (formerly VholdR) has done it again! Helmet cameras have already reached the highest video resolution that is currently available, so what comes next? Integrated GPS of course! Introducing the ContourGPS. Record life-like, full resolution, 1080p HD video on your head, track your position, speed, and elevation and share it online in seconds with Contour’s new ContourGPS, the world’s first full 1080p HD wearable camcorder that allows you to shoot HD video AND track your progress on GPS. At just $349.99, the ContourGPS was designed with the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in mind. This durable camera provides amazing video clarity (choose between a plethora of high definition or high action video modes), ease of use, and a host of mounting options and accessories. Contour continues their successful ContourGPS series with the same form factor, and amazing video quality, and improves it with the addition of a GPS.

Highlights of the ContourGPS :

• Integrated GPS: Tracky your location, elevation, and speed.
• Full HD - 1080p (1920x1080) @ 30 fps
• Tall HD - 960p (1280x960) @ 30 fps
• Action HD - 720p (1280x720) @ 60 fps
• Contour - 720p (1280x720) @ 30fps
• Fast SD - WVGA (848x480) @ 60fps
• 135-degree wide angle lens
• 5 Megapixel Sensor
• Internal microphone (Adjustable)
• Quicktime H.264 MOV with AAC Audio
• MicroSD/SDHC up to 32GB (2GB included) - Up to 8 Hours of HD video
• Rechargable Lithium Ion Battery - Up to 3 hours per charge
• iPod(USB) Charge Compatible
• Adjustable Contrast, Light Metering, Exposure and Mic Sensitivity
• Fits Contour TRail^TM mount system
• Contour Edit and Share software
• Read the full review with sample video after the jump!

• What You Get
• The ContourGPS
  • Pros
  • Cons
• ContourGPS Documentation
• Codec Settings
• Recording Capacity
• Battery Time
• Warranty and Support
• Summary and Recommendation
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

Included in the box, you will find the following:

• ContourGPS wearable camcorder
• MicroSD card (2GB)
• Goggle mount
• 2 new flat surface mounts
• Rechargeable battery (up to 3 hrs)
• USB cable
• Quick start guide

Pros

This was the obvious next step in helmet cam technology and boy does it look nice. We already know the 1080p video at a smooth 30 frames per second will please even the most demanding videophiles, as will the amazing color rendition, excellent exposure, and great contrast. The variety of video modes provided allows the consumer to capture video at frame sizes and rates to fit their needs. The 720p (1280 x 720) @ 60 fps is an absolute dream to watch when played back in slow motion! 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 importantly, the ContourGPS software will share your adventures in "Lifelike" 1080p video to Contour.com.

The image sensor and video processing chipset focuses on motion and color so that the watcher has a like-like experience during viewing. The resulting HD footage is a true pleasure to watch whether it's in it's native video state - or viewed online at Contour.com. Another new addition to the mix is the abiltity to adjust Contrast levels, Light Metering, Exposure and Microphone Sensitivity. The settings can be easily adjusted when the ContourGPS is connected to your PC or MAC via the USB cable using the included Easy Edit software. In addition to powerful video settings and enhanced color saturation, the ContourGPS is also equipped with a 135-degree fisheye lens to record the entire scene without over-distorting the video. The overall video quality in the ContourGPS has AGAIN improved significantly.

The GPS adds an entire new layer to your storytelling! The built-in GPS receiver tracks your location multiple times per second with pinpoint accuracy so you are able to capture your location, speed, and elevation while recording in beautiful hands free HD. Make your video come to life with the Contour software. You can watch your run via interactive map and video player that allows you to see and control the action. The software interface is pretty dang sleek indeed, dear reader. Once we get some more seat time with the unit and the software, we'll update the review.

Contour provides a simple to use Storyteller application to download the videos from your camera to your computer in just a few clicks. Editing is as simple as an “Awesome” button to feature the best parts of your story, then you can become the ultimate producer by adding a title, description, and tags. Watch your run on the interactive map that lets you see and control the action as it happens.

So that users have a wealth of video to choose from, the ContourGPS uses an internal microSD memory card that easily stores up to eight hours of HD footage and is compatible with up to 32GB memory cards. The ContourGPS also features an upgraded microphone that records all of the action, without the wind noise due to its ability to adjust the microphone sensitivity.

Contour not only designed the ContourGPS to capture exceptional quality video, they also designed the camcorder for ease of use. The camera features a single, oversized record button, which you can slide forward to begin recording and slide back to stop. A rotating 192-degree lens and two lasers help users accurately align shots. Users simply rotate the lens until the lasers are lined up horizontally.

With all of these features, users might expect a delicate or cumbersome camcorder. However, the revolutionary ContourGPS is light (5oz, 116g), compact, and durable. The camcorder's water-resistant body is made of anodized aluminum and rigorously tested to withstand dirt, dust, mud, and snow. Additionally, the ContourGPS is impact, shock, and vibration resistant, and the all-in-one design of the ContourGPS means that users don't have to fumble with multiple wires.

Capture HD video anywhere and from any angle with this versatile camcorder. The ContourGPS is compatible with Contour's TRail^TM Mounts, which provide a variety of options, including mounts for goggles, handlebars, helmets, and vehicles. Included with the camera are 2 of the new helmet mounts and goggle strap mount. The new helmet mount is officially called the Rotating Flat Surface Mount. No more velcro! The ratchet type rotation lets you set the perfect angle and then push the lock button to hold the camera in place.  The goggle strap mount provides cool point of view and is very convenient to use.

Contour dramatically improved the quality of the microphone and it's positioning. The microphone has been relocated to the front of the camera, utilizing the camera body to divert air away from and around the mic which reduces wind noise.

Another cool upgrade is still photo mode - In addition to being able to choose from 3 resolutions and 2 frame rates, the ContourGPS has a still photo mode. When you want to freeze the action, the photo mode is your perfect shot. Pick from 6 rates (1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds).

There are also a few physical changes on the ContourGPS (besides the obvious GPS "hump"). The back door is now much more secure, and actually locks. There's also an LED light under the record switch that illuminates when in record mode, and a sliding record switch that clicks into place.

The ContourGPS makes it as easy to share videos as it does to record them. Thanks to Contour's  software (PC and Mac compatible) users can easily edit, upload, and share their videos with friends, family, and the world.

Cons
The Contour ContourGPS wearable camcorder is equipped with numerous features and upgrades to ensure that outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers capture the best footage in HD. However, there are some limitations. As with most camcorders, battery life is an issue; the ContourGPS is no exception. The camcorder features a rechargeable lithium ion battery and testing revealed that the ContourGPS only had approximately two hours of battery life. To avoid missing any shot, backup batteries are a great idea.

While the ability to capture 60 frames per second is exciting, it isn't particularly useful for distributing video footage because YouTube and DVDs do not support 60 frames per second. Contour's video sharing portal will support 60 frames per second. For those not using of Contour's sharing portal, a potential solution is to stretch out sections of the video to 30 frames per second resulting in super smooth slow mo.

A quick start guide is included with the ContourGPS .
Download a PDF Version of the guide (COMING SOON).

The ContourGPS uses a highly used codec called H.264 - also referred to as MP4, MPEG-4, or iPod Video. The audio codec is AAC. Both of these "codecs" are very portable and can be easily edited in any of todays off the shelf (or free) video editing tools.

The basic codec settings for the Contour ContourGPS are as follows:

• Full HD - 1080p (1920x1080) @ 30 fps @ 15min/GB @ 110 deg FOV
• Tall HD - 960p (1280x960) @ 30 fps @ 15min/GB @ 135 deg FOV
• Action HD - 720p (1280x720) @ 60 fps @ 15min/GB@ 135 deg FOV
• Contour - 720p (1280x720) @ 30fps @ 30min/GB@ 135 deg FOV
• Fast SD - WVGA (848x480) @ 60fps @ 60min/GB @ 110 deg FOV

The Contour ContourGPS is microSD/SDHC compatible (includes 2GB) and supports up to 16gb capacity cards. You can expect the following recording times:

• Full HD - 1080p @ 30 fps = 4 Hours
• Tall HD - 960p @ 30 fps = 4 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• Action HD - 720p @ 60 fps = 4 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• ContourGPS - 720p @ 30fps = 8 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• Fast SD - WVGA @ 60fps = 16 Hours on 16GB microSDHC

The Contour ContourGPS runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery and can record up to 3 hours.

Twenty20 offers a 180-day warranty, ensuring that the ContourGPS is free from workmanship and materials defects. Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased from us.

The Contour ContourGPS is a very nice piece of technology. It looks good, and so does the resulting video footage. The level of video quality coming from this device puts the Flip and many camcorders to shame! As the world's first wearable all-in-one 1080p HD camcorder that allows you to film, record your speed, elevation, and location via GPS, and share on the web, the ContourGPS is again breaking new ground. It is lightweight, yet rugged enough to withstand the elements while capturing exceptional quality video, regardless of the angle. The included t software makes editing and sharing videos easier than ever. The ContourGPS is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts interested in capturing adventures in HD and sharing them with the world.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-CONTOUR-GPSHD.html

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.

We are also here to answer your questions and help you choose a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, you can find it at HelmetCameraCentral.com. And if our recommended systems do not fit your needs, we will put you in contact with the right vendor to find the best solution.

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CONTOUR GPS –

Recording your story just took one phenomenal leap forward.

Add an entire new layer to your storytelling.  The built-in GPS receiver tracks your location multiple times per second with pinpoint accuracy so you are able to capture your location, speed, and altitude while recording in beautiful hands free HD.  Watch your run via interactive map and video player that allows you to see and control the action as it happens.  Challenge and compare stats with your friends to see who measures up.

Hands Free

The Contour HD revolutionized the way people shoot and share video by creating the first wearable HD video camera.  Its secret is the low profile design mated to the patented TRail™ system that makes it easy to slide and lock to your body, equipment, or vehicle.

The camera, at only 5.2 ounces is the smallest and lightest combination of handsfree video and GPS in the world, like it’s little brother, the Contour GPS practically disappears while wearing it.   The dual laser alignment helps you line up your shot assuring you that you don’t miss a single captivating moment no matter where it’s placed.

HD

The Contour GPS captures beautiful 1080p video.  It utilizes a 135° wide-angle lens that delivers a true high quality image that captures all the action with minimal distortion and no fish-eye.  It records Full HD in all its glory.

We provide several different camera settings so that you can get the shot that best fits your activity. Choose between 3 resolutions, 2 frame rates, or a still photo mode so that you can get the best shot.

- Full HD 1080p (1920 x1080 @ 30 fps) to capture those awesome moments in the highest resolution available.

- Tall HD 960p (1280 x 960 @ 30fps) for those sports like surfing that are better suited to a taller image.

- Action HD 720p (1280 x 720 @ 60 fps) when frame rate is more important than resolution.  The perfect setting to capture the fastest action.  It reduces blur and rolling shutter effect.

- Contour 720p (1280 x 720 @30 fps).  When space on your card is at a premium and you need to record that last epic adventure. This setting takes it easy on your memory.

- Still Photo. When you want to freeze frame the action, the photo mode is your perfect shot. You can pick from 6 rates (1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 sec) to best capture that moment.

Audio

Developed by a real rocket scientist, the built-in omni-directional microphone captures the rich sounds of the ride while keeping the wind noise to a minimum.  Using AAC Audio Compression the front facing microphone assures you that you will hear every whisper or scream.

Storage

The compact and lightweight design principle was carried throughout every detail of the Contour GPS.  The locking back door keeps the internal Micro SD card safe so that it can capture hours of HD video content.  When expanded up to 32 GB, it will record over 8 hours of HD content on one card.

Software

We provide a simple to us Storyteller application to download the videos from your camera to your computer in just a few clicks.  Editing is as simple as an “Awesome” button to feature the best parts of your story, then you can become the ultimate producer by adding a title, description, and tags. Watch your run on the interactive map that lets you see and control the action as it happens.

Community

You provide the story, we give you the platform to tell thousands of members just like you.  Challenge your buddies to see who can log the most altitude in one day, or see who has the best run on your favorite mountain.  When you want to share it to more than your closest buddies on Contour.com, make it easy to share to all of your favorite social media sites.

• Introduction

• What’s Included

• Key Camera Features

• Performance and Comparison

• Sample Video

• Conclusion

• Pricing

Introduction:
Oregon Scientific has upped their game with the introduction of the ACT9K. It incorporates a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor for high definition shooting, includes a nice quality LCD for video playback, and offers the ability to customize a variety of shooting parameters through its onboard menu.  The camera is waterproof to 20 meters, allowing you to shoot in extreme conditions and underwater. It records video onto a MicroSD Card (not included), and stores video files in an H264 format. Its feature set is comparable to the GoProHD and the ContourHD, and is priced at $299.00 USD retail.

What’s Included:
Below is a list of items that comes with the camera. They even include an HDMI cable so you can connect it directly to your TV.

• HD Camera
• Carrying Bag
• Software CD – Viewing video on PC, and uploading them to the Internet
• IR wireless Remote Control
• Rechargeable Battery
• Silicon Strap
• Velcro Strap
• Helmet Grip
• Handlebar Mount
• Base Mount & Tripod Mount
• USB Cable
• HDMI Cable
• Manual
• Misc Parts

Pictures of the Camera:

Technical Specifications:

• Sensor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD, 1/3.2” CMOS
• Lens Type: Fixed Focus (3m - ?)
• Aperture: F/N=3.2
• Supports MicroSD & SDHC, Class 6 Cards, Max 32GB
• Max recording bit rate: 12Mbit/s
• Movie Settings:
  • 1080p (1920 x 1080) @ 30 Frames Per Second (fps) – 1GB Memory = 9 minutes of recording
  • 720p (1280 x 720) @ 60 fps – 1GB Memory = 10 minutes of recording
  • 720p (1280 x 720) @ 30 fps – 1GB Memory = 15 minutes of recording
  • WVGA (800 x 480) @ 60 fps – 1GB Memory = 15 minutes of recording
• Based on using a 32GB Memory Card, recording time available:
• 1080p @ 30fps: 4hrs 48min
• 720p @ 60fps: 5hrs 20min
• 720p @ 30fps: 8 hours
• WVGA/60fps: 8 hours
• 1.5”, 320 x 240 Resolution, Color LCD Monitor
• Images stored in H264 format
• Rechargeable 1050 mAH Lithium Battery

Key Camera Features:
The camera dimensions are 40mm in diameter x 110mm in length, slightly larger than the ContourHD, and weighs around eight ounces. It has a 130 degree field of view (FOV) to capture wide angle shots, and the image only has a slight distortion around the edges unlike those cameras shooting at 170 degrees FOV. It is easy to operate with two buttons on top, one to activate recording and one to take a picture. When shooting video, the camera has a green LED in the front to indicate standby mode, and a red LED to indicate when the camera is recording. It also uses a variety of audio cues to communicate camera modes and functions. The camera accepts a space saving MicroSD Card for storing video footage and pictures. I like the fact Oregon Scientific includes an HDMI cable so you can connect the camera directly to your HD TV, which saves you a trip to Best Buy.  You can connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable to download video, or you can pop out the MicroSD Card and plug it directly into your computer using an adapter (not included).  The camera has a very nice appearance incorporating a sleek design with yellow accents. It also comes with a lens cap and LCD cover, which a lot of other manufacturers do not offer. The camera is packed with an extensive feature set similar to other high-end HD cameras. By viewing the LCD and using the navigation buttons below it, you have a tremendous amount of options for configuring the camera regarding exposure, white balance, resolution, sharpness, etc. You can use the LCD to verify the effects of your settings before you start shooting, which the ContourHD, GoProHD and most other competitors do not offer. You can also use the LCD to view your video, which will help you determine if you need to reshoot the video before you leave your shoot location. If you are interested in slow motion editing, the camera allows you to shot HD at 60 fps, so your video will look smooth. There are a couple other unique features offered by this camera:

• GPS Module:  This camera supports a GPS module accessory, which allows the user to map their route during their recording, and to measure their speed and elevation changes. This can be seen by using the included ATC9K software.
• G-Force Sensor:  The G sensor measures the G forces and acceleration during your recording – for instance, during a flip while wakeboarding, it can measure the G forces during that flip and your direction and magnitude of acceleration at that moment.

Camera parameters that are configured using the Menu:
Video

• Video Resolution (1080p/60fps, 720p/60fps, 720p/30fps, WVGA/30fps
• Video Quality (Fine/Good/Normal)
• EV (Exposure Level) +2.0 to – 2.0
• White Balance (Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Tungsten)
• Contract (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Sharpness (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Video Effect (Vivid/Negative/Black & White, Sepia or Art)
• Duration – Used to record a video with a time limit

Photo

• Resolution (5 or 3 megapixels)
• Video Quality (Fine/Good/Normal)
• Night Mode – Boosts exposure when shooting pictures at night
• EV (Exposure Level) +2.0 to – 2.0
• White Balance (Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Tungsten)
• Contract (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Sharpness (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Timer – Countdown Timer
• Continuous Shutter (take 3 or 5 continuous shots at a time)

Tools:

• Laser Pointer on for  (5 sec, 10 sec, Off)
• Camera Volume (0-8)
• Privacy (On/Off)
• Time Stamp (Yes/No)
• LCD Sleep (Always On, 10 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min)
• Auto Off (Always On, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min)
• Date
• Time
• Time Zone
• Language (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese)
• Light Frequency
• Any a few other options

Camera Operation:

• There are two buttons on top, one starts and stops video recording, and the other snaps a picture.
• There are two LEDs on the front of the camera, the green LED indicates when the camera is in standby mode, and the red LED indicates when the camera is recording.
• The camera will beep once when the camera starts recording, and will beep twice when it stops recording.
• The LCD screen provides information regarding battery status, recording time, white balance setting, photo mode, photo resolution, video/photo quality, exposure setting, video resolution, SD card installation, privacy mode, GPS on, and G Sensor On.

Camera Test Parameters:

• Tested only in 720p, 60fps
• Neighborhood driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance indoors, and outdoors at dusk
• Tested at a local swimming pool, and at the beach

Resolution
You can configure a variety of different resolutions using the menu.  I chose 720P at 60 fps, since I have a 40”/720p Plasma TV and that I like smoother looking video. The footage was clear and well defined, and was comparable to the other high-end cameras mentioned in this review. The ACT9K video had a nice image, but I would say ContourHD and GoProHD images are slightly sharper. If your computer cannot support viewing or editing HD files, the camera can be set to WVGA at 60 fps. The camera provides many options regarding resolution and frame rates that should satisfy any user.

Field of View (FOV):
The FOV for this camera is 130 degrees, which provides a nice wide angle shot with just a slight distortion around the edges. To me, the 130 degree FOV is a happy middle ground between cameras that have a very wide 170 degree FOV, cameras that have a 90 degree FOV. If the FOV is very wide, the video subject gets lost in the shot (too much background). There is also a lot of image distortion (fisheye effect), which some users do not like. Regarding cameras that have a smaller FOV, you miss the surrounding action around the subject, which makes the shot seem boring.

Color
The color saturation was very good. The blues were “blue” and the reds were “red”. All in all, the camera captured very vibrant colors. For those of you who are creative, the camera allows you to configure it to shoot in a variety of special effect modes including Vivid, Negative, Black & White, Sepia and others. Though I typically use editing software to create these effects, the built-in special effects were fun to play with and watch on the TV.

Low Light

Like every other CMOS helmet camera, the ACT9K is designed to shoot outdoors during normal daylight hours. Needless to say, it performed well during my daylight shots with no pixelation. The ContourHD and GoProHD have larger CMOS imagers than the ACT9K, which would lead you to believe they would perform better in low light conditions. When I tested the ACT9K indoors where there was limited lighting and at dusk outside, it performed as well as the competition. I would still recommend using the ACT9K and other CMOS based helmet cameras during normal daylight hours to ensure the best video results.

Alignment
The camera alignment options for the ACT9K are superb. You can use the LCD to align your shot, or you can use the built-in laser that is similar to the ContourHD design. There are no other cameras on the market that offer BOTH of these features, which is really nice. I would also mention, since you can play back video on the ACT9K’s LCD screen, you can take a couple practice shots to ensure your alignment is zeroed in while in the field.

Exposure/White Balance
The camera offers the ability to tweak these settings through the menu. I changed the exposure settings to see how much they improved the image during over exposed bright lighting conditions (sunny day) and low lighting conditions (indoors/dusk). It is a nice feature and it did help a little in fine tuning the image. The LCD is really nice to use in this situation, since you can see the real-time effects of your changes.

Audio
The microphone is located on the bottom of the camera, next to the speaker. The ACT9K records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. The microphone performed much better than expected. Other waterproof cameras I have tested tend to have a muted performance because of the camera design. Typically, you are unable to hear normal dialog beyond three feet from the camera. The ACT9K did incredibly well and I was able to hear normal dialog up to eight feet from the camera. When I drove around the neighborhood with the camera mounted to the outside of my car, there was noticeable wind noise at higher speeds. One way to lessen the noise would be to place a piece of tape over the “mic/speaker” section. Some camera manufacturers have incorporated this concept in their design by installing a plastic film over their mic to make it water resistant and reduce wind noise. I would also mention the ACTK9 has a very good speaker. Some waterproof cameras either do not have a speaker, or the speaker is very weak. The audio from the ACT9K’s speaker was loud and crisp.

IR Wireless Remote

I tested the performance at ranges from 5 to 20 feet. The remote performed pretty similar to other IR remotes I have tested. It would consistently change the camera operations at a distance up to 15 feet, but after that, performance became sporadic. With all IR remotes, you must have a clear line of site, and be able to accurately point the remote at the IR sensor on the front of the camera. Outdoor lighting, such as a bright sunny day, may impact the effective range of the remote. You can control six camera functions with the remote including video recording, photo snapshot, play/pause, FF (forward), RW (backward), and menu. All in all, the remote performed very well. I would note, though the camera itself is waterproof, the IR remote is neither waterproof nor water resistant. You will need to protect it if you are shooting in an environment where there is an exposure to water. There is also a notch on the bottom the Remote which you could attach a key ring using a small zip tie.

Battery
The camera uses a 1050 mAH rechargeable lithium battery, which you can charge by a computer by using the USB cable, or by using an external AC charger (accessory). The battery runtime is 1.5 hours, and it takes around 2 hours to charge. As with all lithium batteries, runtime may be somewhat shorter in cold temperatures. If you are going to be on a longer camera shoot, you may want to consider picking up a spare battery. In the camera menu, you can also set the camera to auto-power-off at various time intervals to save battery capacity.

Mounts
The camera comes with a quick release base and a variety of mounts, which allow you to attach it to a helmet, handlebar, or tri-pod. Other mount accessories that are available from Oregon Scientific include a Goggle Mount, a Suction Cup Mount, and a Motorbike Handlebar Mount. Below are some pictures where the camera was attached to some helmets using the base mount and elastic strap, both of which are included in the camera kit. The elastic band did an acceptable job holding the camera in place, though I prefer a more rigid mount. With this in mind, I got creative and came up with an alternate mount design. First, I removed the elastic band from the base mount. Then I jumped into my car and drove to my local Radio Shack and picked up their SuperLock adhesive strips, also known as 3M Dual Lock. The SuperLock strips have incredible gripping strength, and are relatively inexpensive. They are like Velcro on steroids being 4-5 times stronger. My idea worked out great, and the mount was very rigid. Once you snap the SuperLock strips together, it is very difficult to get them apart. I would recommend ordering some dual lock strips from HCC when you purchase the camera. The following is a link that talks about the 3M Dual Lock Strips. http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm

LCD
The camera comes with a 1.5” color TFT with a 320 x 240 resolution. The LCD display is clear, and the color resolution is quite good. The LCD is great for managing menu items and for playing back video. In the camera menu, you can set the LCD to auto-power-off at different time intervals to save battery capacity. As with smaller LCDs, they are a little difficult to see on a bright, sunny day. I had to shade the screen by cupping my hand around it. It’s a great feature to have, and sets the ACT9K apart from other HD cameras in its price range. Neither the ContourHD nor the GoProHD have a built-in LCD.

Waterproof
The camera is rated for 20 meters or 65 feet. You can use it in extreme weather conditions and  underwater.

Warranty
Oregon Scientific offers a 90 day warranty, which is common for the helmet camera industry as a whole. Though the ContourHD and the GoProHD have better warranties, Oregon Scientific is a well known company and has a good reputation for quality.

Comparison

Sample Video
The ACT9K was just released at the time of this review, so there is not much footage on the Internet. Below is some sample footage you may find interesting.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1550704008972
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1545903048951
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1545890928648

ATC9K Test from ATC9K on Vimeo.

Conclusion:
The ContourHD and the GoProHD are the two primary competitors of the ACT9K, and the new Oregon Scientific camera now gives buyers three HD choices from which to pick. The ACT9K is waterproof, whereas you have to purchase a waterproof case for the ContourHD and GoProHD (which significantly mutes the audio performance). The ACT9K also comes with an IR Remote unlike the other two competitors, allowing the user to operate the camera from distances up to 15 feet.  If you look at the performance specifications between all three, they are very similar. The image clarity of the ACT9K was good, though the ContourHD and the GoProHD images were slightly sharper.  If you like a slow motion effect, you can set the ACT9K to shoot in HD or WVGA at 60fps to get a smooth look to your video. The camera is easy to operate with two buttons on top for recording and photo. There are also audio queues to convey different modes of operation. Needless to say, the LCD on the camera is the icing on the cake, giving it an edge over the competition. It lets you navigate through the camera menu, view real-time camera configurations (i.e. exposure, white balance), align shots, and playback video. The ACT9K comes with a very nice feature set and about every bell and whistle available. It has a nice cylindrical profile similar to the ContourHD, and is more streamline than the GoProHD. For the retail price of $299.00, it is competitively priced and offers more features than other competitors in its class.

Manufacturer’s Link: http://www2.oregonscientific.com

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-ORESCI-ATC9K.html

About the Author:
Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.

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