Contour Cameras and Kiteboarding

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

recently acquired the GPS model and while it's comparable to gopro video quality, I think it might be slightly better. too early to say yet because winter kiting in seattle usually means poor lighting conditions. one day I'll do a back to back comparison to really tell if there is a difference. anyhow, Contour was nice enough to provide me with the new waterhousing for the GPS for testing on the new line mount design. The GPS is a nice feature for keeping a record of your session and integrating it with your video footage. I don't typically use Contour's editing software so I don't take advantage of that but you can still take the GPS data and plot out your sessions. The Contour GPS also does interval shooting so you can capture your experience in photos as well as videos.
awaiting Apple approval, Contour is releasing the Bluetooth app which allows you to use an iPhone as a viewfinder and configuring settings on your camera. I think down the road you'll see more features built into this app like maybe remote control and file transfer. who knows. pretty cool features for a camera of this type.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Jim,

Those stills are awesome resolution. Looking forward to seeing your line mounts.

What editing software would you suggest for newbie editors on pc?

bobandlaurel · Since 03 Feb 2011 8 Posts Kook

Great shots Stringy.
I wish I'd done more research before I got my non-gps Contour. No still photo mode in mine. Are you having any issues with your microsd cards? The 2G that came with the camera works great but I've bought two 8G cards and neither one work right. The first one I got is so f'd up I can't even reformat it.
I'd like to hear your advice on editing software too. Contours is basically just a viewer-no editing stuff at all.
I don't know anything about this stuff but it seems like the gopro's got quite a few advantages over the contour. Better software, cheaper normal-sized SD cards, still photo mode, you can plug them into a tv and watch your vids etc...
I do like the Contours giant on/off switch (easy to use with gloves), the rotating lens is super slick and their mounts seem really solid.

bob

Pepi · Wed Mar 02, 11 7:08 am

Bob

If you are using a PC with Windows 7, you should be able to do some basic editing with your Muvee software that comes standard with W7.

As for the formatting issue with your SD cards, are they just not opening on your PC?

Very curious about your experiences with the Contour, as we are bringing in the Contour cameras to 2nd Wind Sports to add to our current GoPro inventory for customers.

Thanks
Pepi

bobandlaurel · Since 03 Feb 2011 8 Posts Kook

I don't have windows 7 and the windows movie maker software that came on my computer won't open my files.
I made one little video with some Nero software that I bought a few years ago but I think there's some much better options for newbs like me.

As for my microsd cards I've got two 4 speed 8G cards and with both I have issues with the video. Don't know how to describe it. The video gets staticy every 20 seconds or so. Now one of the cards won't work at all and I get errors with a couple different formatting softwares. I think I need higher speed rated, good quality card-it's not an issue with the camera.

I don't have much experience with this camera or any others so don't let my issues influence you! I'm pretty clueless. I could be way off on the advantages I listed for the Gopro.

I really like the mounting options you get with the Contour. I'm using it for snowkiting and didn't want to mount it to the side of my helmet as when I get slammed I tend to hit the side of my head-usually not the top. The Contour can sit on it's side on the top of your helmet. Very low profile.

Here's a link to the only video I've uploaded-

Link

Surfdawg · Since 29 Oct 2010 10 Posts

Just saw this on Costco.com. looks like a good price for the camera: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11623557&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|1482&N=4000486&Mo=56&No=26&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=1482&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Hey Bob,

We are dealers for the Contour line and anytime I have a problem I find great help on the Contour site try that.

Also as for mounts for kite I really like the XL handlebar mount. It's meant for mountain-biking but works nice on your bar and allows you to swivel the view while riding, very cool.

One day when i get some time I will edit my Maui kiting videos with this mount and post them here.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

just released this week!
use your phone as a viewfinder for your action sports cam
Apple has approved the Bluetooth app for Contour's new viewfinder feature.
all details can be found at www.contour.com
as for Contour specific kite line mounts, they should be ready for retail by end of April.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Ok I have to admit the BlueTooth viewfinder app is pretty darn cool.

shred_da_gorge · Wed Mar 23, 11 10:41 am

Nice vids! Was listening to Euphoria on radioparadise which made for a nice soundtrack.

FWIW, Contour is a company I thought about getting in touch with for an idea I had. Cyclists train with lots of metrics (speed, cadence, HR, power) and Garmin bought a wireless company called ANT and standardized the protocol stack. My idea is to overlay data on helmet- or bike-mounted video so that a training ride could be replayed and analyzed. Probably a niche thing, maybe for pros, but the technology seems straightforward.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed