i have a contour works great awesome quality and sound. it does not come with a water proof case but you do not really need it is can take some water and snow never a problem with that if you are gonna do like surfing then get the case the $40. but whenever i go to mount snow to ski with my friend i use his go pro just because its easier to hold and just sorta switch off filming opposed needing the mount.
Def gopro I have 2 and have never had any problems and i can do a lot of different shots and effects with them it really isn't even a discussion on go pro