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Product Information:
This is basically the most upgraded Contour camera so far. While it does function better than any Contour i've ever owned, it does, as with any technology, have it's downsides.
FUNCTIONS: To start off, the slider switch on top is now a raised platform meaning it's even easier to move. It is now the main power switch. Sliding the switch forward activates the camera and starts recording, so there is no holding the power button and wasting battery power. An LED under the switch turns on to indicate that it is now Recording. The door on the back is hard plastic and features a small lock to prevent it from coming open during use. Inside the door and on the camera's back is the USB Port, SD Card Port, Format button, and Reset Button. The button in the middle of the door's outside is the status button. When activated, it shows battery/memory levels on the top rear of the camera in a simple color code, and also activates the leveling laser. The laser is now a flat line that projects at a default 180 degrees left to right. this makes it MUCH easier to tell how level the lens is. The lens is able to rotate 180 degrees clockwise, and -90 degrees counter-clockwise. The lens is also as stated, a 170 degree lens, meaning that it is capable of capturing as much imagery as a human eye's field of view can. Another good feature is that the Microphone (you can see it in the pic actually) is now at the front underside of the camera. This allows it to pick up sound more directly. T-Rails are still standard on the camera's lower body. Another feature on the bottom are the threads used for mounting it to a Tripod. Be aware, the battery is BUILT INTO the camera. You will not be able to use spares. There is also no included SD card.
SOFTWARE: The camera's settings are all computer controlled, and the compatible software needs to be downloaded to utilize it. To do so, go to Contour.com and download the Storyteller software. With this, you can now adjust the Mic sensitivity, Video quality, and even name the camera and update the firmware. You can obviously view your videos on the Storyteller, but i'll let you figure that out on your own.
QUALITY: The quality of the video all depends on how you set it. Provided you have Storyteller, you can adjust a couple parameters that control your video quality. You have 3 resolutions to pick from: 1080p, 960p, and 720p. A 4th option allows the camera to go into Picture Mode. This lets you set the camera to take pictures every so often after you hit record. Note that the resolution you pick and the Bitrate you choose will determine how many Minutes per GB you get and how long your battery lasts. ALSO, YOU CANNOT USE THE 170 WIDE ANGLE IF YOU ARE ON 1080p RESOLUTION!! You will notice that as you drop your resolution, the video will be "fish eyed", meaning things will look a bit curved around a center focal point unless you point the camera straight at it. Not a con for me because it looks cool, but for others, who knows.
OVERALL: The device is a gem in my collection and I talked others into realizing it's the best Headcam on the market. My only angst against this camera is the fact you can't have the wide angle function while using 1080p. Another is that the battery is built in. I have 3 extras lying around and nothing to use them with. The last is that SERIOUSLY, NO MEMORY CARD!?? What am I supposed to save the video on? A dorito?
Pros:
Adjustable/Re-positioned Mic (Thank GAWD!!)
-90 to 180* Rotatable Lens
Flat-Line Laser (Easier to level)
170* Wide Angle (On Res's other than 1080p)
Tripod threads
Locking Back Door
On/Off/Record is all one function
Adjustable parameters via Contour Storyteller App.
Multiple Resolutions
Charges quickly
Comes with a nice little case
Cons:
Built-In Battery (for me it's a con)
Can't use 1080p AND Wide Angle function at the same time
Doesn't come with a Micro SD Card (wtf man??)
All of which, if you buy it on Contour.com, they DON'T tell you this. And this is going to deviate the score. Still a great buy though if you don't mind the cons. |
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