POV review/compare

snomaster

snomaster

Active member
hope this isn't a repost because I searched and found squat

I'm looking for the right POV for this winter and have been doing some research. Right now, it looks like it's between the V.I.O. POV.1.5 and the ContourHD 1080p and the latter is winning.

The ContourHD 1080p

chd1080_ongoggles_252.jpg


the V.I.O. POV.1.5

pov15_big.jpg


And here's a chart that was made by the people who produce the ContourHD, so it's got a few things missing such as durability, waterproofness, image stability, price, weight of camera only...

techChart.png


The GoPro looks retarded and I would never want that thing sticking off the top of my head. But speak up if there is a reason to consider it. I also know there are some other cheaper POV's out there but I don't like any of the quality I've seen come out of them so I'm not mentioning them.

As for cost.

The CountourHD 1080p is $330 and the VIO 1.5 can be found for $500-600 (Erik Roner posted a discount code on his facebook site though)

You can see where I am leaning. But I urge people to steer me another way if you can. The only place where the VIO 1.5 really takes the lead is on the fact that it is waterproof, not just water resistant. And it's got the remote. I don't like the wires, the lower video quality, or the huge cost difference. Yeah, it looks bomber, but so does the compact ContourHD.

Does anyone know how much the VIO 1.5 camera weighs? I know it's not 2lbs.

Also, if anyone finds any screaming deals on these or any other POV's worth considering, PLEASE share.
 
I used the POV1 all last year, which is effectively identical to the POV 1.5 except that the cable is connected directly to the camera on the 1.5 unit.

Image quality is subpar in my opinion. If it's a bright sunny day out or if you're skiing into the sunlight, the recording will be blown out with not much contrast available. Supposedly, there's $10 firmware to fix this but I haven't heard how good it is.

Here's my review on backcountry.com - as you can see, I'm not exactly thrilled with it. Cool to have for sure, but there HAS to be something better at there from a company with better customer support.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/review/134105/Disappointing-and-not-worth-the-money

And click below for a link to a bunch of edits I made throughout the season to give you an idea of what to expect:

http://vimeo.com/user389737/videos

 
Here's some example footage:

Though this is the 720p version and with the 1080p they have also supposedly made the sound better.

And the VIO

 
the GO PRO HD is the best one going. i've had every camera GO PRO has produced and i couldn't ask for anything else.

the case is 100% waterPROOF!! not water resistant like the contour. plus it comes with a ton of different mounts for your helmet and a strap for your head.

check out some of the sample footy http://www.goprocamera.com/hdheropreview/
 
I liking the GoPro quality, especially for sound. But it's fucking awkward and ugly as sin. It looks like it was specifically made for mounting inside a car.
 
Yeah...you should totally base what camera you buy off of how you look while it's on your head. Smartest thing I've heard all day.
 
I guess I'm starting to come around and consider the GoPro. It's the sound quality that is pushing it up. I hope ya'll like my headgear photo!
 
i preordered a gopro HD, and besides checking out the helmetcam footage it produces i cant wait to make a timelapse video using the automatic picture mode, every 60 seconds or something.... it must be so sick, filming roadtrips, sunsets, snowstorms, etc...
 
I don't get how you can say this; they shoot the same video quality.

They both shoot 1080p HD. They can both handle mud, snow, even rain. They each have about 3hrs of battery and can store plenty of video on bigger SD cards.

Cost they are about the same:

ContourHD 1080p: $329

GoProHD 1080p: $299 (no SD card)

Head to head these are the differences I see:

ContourHD:

Pros vs. GoProHD: More video settings, laser sighting, has editing software included, tight and compact, easy access record button with indication sound, 4oz instead of over 6oz

Cons vs. GoProHD: not as good sound capture, not completely waterproof (can't submerge it), no stills, only 16gb SD compatibility

Or to look at it the other way around...

GoProHD:

Pros vs. ContourHD: multiple 5mp still options, great sound capture, completely waterproof, 32gb SD compatibility

Cons vs. ContourHD: no sighting assistance, no editing

software included, camera really sticks out, bulky mount kit, over 6oz instead of 4oz, not as many video settings

So you can add a backpac with extra battery or a LCD viewing screen with the GoPro. Do you want to add weight and more bulk to that thing? Hold onto an extra battery for either regardless.

How do you turn on/off the GoPro and trigger recording? Can you do it with gloves on like the Contour?

I am now considering the GoPro. But before I would get it, I really need to see how it fits to my head.

And about the sound, that doesn't really matter, because when I am trucking along (when it gets worse for the Contour) I will most likely end up putting music in over that when I edit anyways.
 
i ordered my GoPro HD in preorder for 299 incl 4gig SD card...
And yes, on paper the GoPro and contour can really match up, and i'd even say that from purely design/look of the two, i'd favor the Contour, but the thing that convinced me to get the GoPro was the pre-release video footage, its simply better then the Contour it's much smoother and sharper, dunno if this is because of the fisheye or the stabilizing/mounting but this is what convinced me....
 
snomaster, the original CountourHD shot 720p. I didn't notice they came out with a 1080p. My bad. The GoPro still has more value for me.

For me, editing software doesn't have much value. I have a feeling most people here have an editing software of choice.

There are more mounting options with a more compact camera (GoPro). I can't tell a difference between 4.3 oz and 6 oz. The GoPro is a camera inside its own enclosure. The camera is less likely to crack if it has a case to break first. If the Contour's enclosure breaks, you've essentially broken the camera. That goes for the lens as well. The GoPro's lens is behind the plastic case. On top of all that, I trust a thick, plastic enclosure over an aluminum enclosure. I keep thinking about how easily I've seen aluminum dent, scratch, and bend. With the Contour, it seems like you're relying on the internal frame for strength.

I've played w/the GoPros before. I know they're rugged. Hope that answers your comment.
 
^thanks for the input...

I really need to find these in a store so I can handle them before making a final decision. I don't think I'll find either of the 1080p versions, but that doesn't matter because I just need to check the camera body, and buttons, etc.

Do places like Best Buy have these things?
 
haha no, those are shot with a canon 5dmk2 dslr with a 15mm fish eye, total setup about 3 grand
 
correct: imho ian provo make me famous coast edit = best helmetcam segment of the year..... and yes, its shot with a 5dMKII....
 
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