@AdamSavage88 Agreed, the ContourHD looks a lot less goofy when you mounted to a helmet. There is a waterproof case available for the Contour (sold separately) which I presume would do a similar job of cutting down wind noise.
The GoPro HD Hero has been price-dropped by $100 to make way for the latest version of the GoPro: The HERO2. IMO, the HERO2 is a bit better, but the HERO1 is a hundred bucks cheaper.
@TheJasonBrotherhood The ContourHD 1080p has no screen. If you get a Contour GPS or a Contour+, you can use your bluetooth phone as the screen, which is pretty cool. On the GoPro HD, there is an LCD screen that snaps in the back available as an option (for $79).
At the current price, I can certainly agree the ContourHD 1080p is a better value now! However many Contours are defective (like mine in the video), so be sure to buy it somewhere you can return or exchange it easily if needed.
Yes, this was filmed and edited at 59.94fps. The goal was to compare the image quality of both cameras in identical situations, with an identical resolution and framerate. Youtube is responsible for reducing the video to 30fps; I don't know of any public HD streaming service at 60fps... I agree that a fair comparison is hard to do! My personal opinion is that the ContourHD "works" better, but the GoPro has a better image quality. With the new price of the ContourHD, I'd certainly buy one now..
@fulg thanks for reply, sorry if i came across mean! it took me forever before someone showed me that you want the end result to be in 30fps, if its filmed in 60 fps, it should be slowed down 50%. i tried that in pinnacle 14, but the second i dropped a 60fps clip into a 30 fps timeline, i lost 1/2 the frames. the support crew at goPro taught me how to use their free cineform software to properly convert it. basically it takes a 10 second clip @ 60fps and makes a 20 sec clip at 30 fps.
@fulg thanks for reply, sorry if i came across mean! it took me forever before someone showed me that you want the end result to be in 30fps, if its filmed in 60 fps, it should be slowed down 50%. i tried that in pinnacle 14, but the second i dropped a 60fps clip into a 30 fps timeline, i lost 1/2 the frames. the support crew at goPro taught me how to use their free cineform software to properly convert it. basically it takes a 10 second clip @ 60fps and makes a 20 sec clip at 30 fps.
@LoomisPowderdogs That's the big advantage of shooting in 720p @60fps instead of 1080p @30fps; you can slow down the footage by 50% and still have it play at 30fps, which is great for slowing down action shots or camera pans over scenery.
If you want to run a 60fps shot at full speed in a 30fps movie, then you don't have a choice to lose half your frames... It's much easier to discard stuff during editing than to recreate missing frames for that perfect shot. :)
agee totally! in fact when i finay learned the whole concept correctly, my first question was, so why don't you film everything in r3 (60fps) and he replied, i DO! better to lose half the frames up front where you can't see the difference opposed to losing half the frames slowing down half speed where you CAN see the difference. One guy told me he films all in 3, slows it ALL down in CineForm, then while editing, speeds up the "regular" stuff double speed except the stuff he wants in slo-mo
and it can be used with the 60fps contour footage too, all you have to do is change the extension from .mov to .mp4, then the goPro CineForm software will recognize it and allow you to run it thru the converter. I got a video comparison (which i dont like since I was experimenting with Contour's contrast, setting it in very strange settings) but both goPro and Contour were shot at 60fps slowed to 30fps. I''l upload it asap
@fulg the Donner does Tahoe is a good example of what the end result of a 60fps video should look like. if the end result needs to be 30fps, then the timeline is "stretched" out to fit one frame per frame"slot". basically it doubles the timeline. I can upload a version of this video that has NOT been converted to 30fps and slow it down 50% to match this sequence, but you can clearly see dropped, or choppy frames.
useless test if it was filmed at 60 fps and not slowed to 30 fps. you just lost 1/2 your frames. u can't drop a 60 fps clip into a 30 fps timeline. end result should be 30fps or 24 fo you "film" people. use go pro cinefom software to convert the 60 fps into a 30 fps. basically it slows it down 50%. by not slowing it down you lost half the frames. BTW the contour has WAY more setting adjustments than the gopro so a side by side test is hard to do, plus the GPS data is priceless!!!!!
@Z0mbcc3r As I'm sure you've found out by now (how hard is it to google?!), the ContourHD is $249, the GoPro HD is $299. There are other cameras from VHoldr (ContourRoam at $149, Contour+ at $499) that came out as well since the video was shot. As for GoPro, there is also the GoPro 960 that doesn't do 1080p or 60fps but is only $179, and a 3D version for $369 (which is 2 GoPros HD and a special case, so you can still use them independently).
Some places can sell for much cheaper, look around...
Thanks for the comparison. The contour is now $139 on Amazon and GoPro is like $299 so I'm leaning towards the Contour as I just need it for a car POV camera for safety reasons. I'm really looking for a black box device that has good video i.e. one that has an overwrite record function and will wipe out old footage. THere are a ton online but all have absolute crap video so I may have to use a contour and an Arduino to get what I want --- out with the soldering iron:)
@JacanaProductions The ContourHD is a great POV camera, especially at the current price. I don't know if the camera can overwrite existing recordings (i.e. record in a loop), you can ask VHoldr if this is supported in the current firmware (or if they can add it for you). Not sure of the hacking community on the ContourHD, but if you're handy with a soldering iron and Arduinos then I'm sure you can figure something out.
I did get one of those HD keyfob cameras, it's crap but it's only $40 ;)
@JacanaProductions I should add, if you decide to get a ContourHD, be sure to check for excessive blur on the side (like mine in the video). If it does that, ask for a replacement camera, because the blur is caused by a defective lens assembly.
I guess this is also a recommendation to try and get the Contour somewhere you can exchange it with minimal hassle (for example Best Buy).
@JukeBoxHero67 It's the 1080, the 960 didn't exist when I made this video. You can save $100 if you don't need 720p60 or 1080p, but I think it's worth having (720p60 is too useful for slow motion shots).
@TheMoccis Completely agree. However the image quality is better on the GoPro than the ContourHD that I have (defective lens), so I'm willing to look like a fool to get better images :)
@TheMoccis Yes, the ContourHD shown here is defective, we found out too late and could not get it replaced under warranty. Both are excellent wearable HD cameras with similar specs.
@whisperingeye321 No, the GoPro was inside its stock non-waterproof case (there are holes for the sound through the back). There was no case for the ContourHD, and its microphone is at the front, so it gets affected by the wind quite a lot.
My brother has since bought the waterproof case for his ContourHD, so that would surely help a lot here...
is there video show GoPro HD vs hero 960? when i search up youtube the 960 looks little blur witch the HD looks very clear but still want a video show side by side so i can decide witch one i should get since it is almost 100dollar different
@jaszhu1989: Sorry, I don't have access to a GoPro HD Hero 960. If you don't need 1080p or 720p60, then the HD Hero 960 is probably a good choice at a cheaper price. My understanding is that the picture quality should be identical to the "full" HD Hero, since the technical specs (lens, CMOS sensor, video encoder, etc) are exactly the same in both models.
You should phone or email GoPro directly to confirm, I'm sure they'll be happy to answer your questions!
for graphic quality, they are both the same, the go pro is just brighter. for sound the go pro is better. but when you want to mount it on to your head, the contour hd is better,
@Justalittled: Look at the ContourHD images, there is massive blur on the left, which is a common defect with the ContourHD. I've since discovered that VHoldr will replace (under warranty) cameras that have this problem. I've never heard of any similar problem with the GoPro HD.
That being said, I strongly prefer the form-factor of the ContourHD: less clumsy mounting options on helmets or vehicles, and trivial to operate without looking at it. I've missed some shots with the GoPro already.
@Justalittled its not darker its underexposing, there is a difference and when you have no option to chose manual exposure it's important to note that as you wont be able to change that later as you lose heaps of shadow detail by underexposing.
Oui la GoPro n'a pas le son dérangeant du vent mais c'est dû au boitier étanche. L'utilisation de la 2ème porte donne un son différent. Parcontre je préfère de beaucoup son image de celle de la Contour HD.
@FMRPhoto1: 100% d'accord... L'image de la GoPro est de loin supérieure. Le problème de flou à gauche de la ContourHD est assez répandu; mais VHoldr offre un remplacement sous garantie. Malheureusement on a découvert le problème quelques semaines après que la garantie ait expirée.
BTW quand j'ai filmé le vidéo, j'ai utilisé la porte ouverte (non-waterproof) de la GoPro.
Gopro's are best if you're looking for a helmet cam or something to mount on your car/bike/whatever.
Contour's are better with less wind, and closer objects. more like normal non-action video.
cmanclan101 2 weeks ago
@AdamSavage88 Agreed, the ContourHD looks a lot less goofy when you mounted to a helmet. There is a waterproof case available for the Contour (sold separately) which I presume would do a similar job of cutting down wind noise.
fulg 3 months ago
Btw where did you record this video? Very cool place?
abocati 3 months ago
@abocati It's in the north-east of Montreal, QC (in Canada), a little area called "Anjou-sur-le-Lac".
fulg 3 months ago
The GoPro HD Hero has been price-dropped by $100 to make way for the latest version of the GoPro: The HERO2. IMO, the HERO2 is a bit better, but the HERO1 is a hundred bucks cheaper.
quickgroth 3 months ago
Picture quality is way better on the Go Pro for sure. I've wanted a Contour but I think I'm sold on the Pro now.
AgileMJOLNIR 3 months ago
Gopro WAY BETTAH!!!!!!!!
tahoedude123 4 months ago
cool video - i think i like the contour better. Only negative i noticed with the contour is some blurriness on the edges..
jhsg77 4 months ago
Tough call here people..I need one for my flights.
Physicspilot 4 months ago
All the houses are the SAME!!!!
ShreddToLive 4 months ago
@ShreddToLive lol.. Not fancy the Mail man job then?
PeckerWoods101 4 months ago
@ShreddToLive weirdo Canadians.... they probably get lost and go to someone elses house and only realise when they keys don't fit the lock
westeh 3 months ago
@TheJasonBrotherhood The ContourHD 1080p has no screen. If you get a Contour GPS or a Contour+, you can use your bluetooth phone as the screen, which is pretty cool. On the GoPro HD, there is an LCD screen that snaps in the back available as an option (for $79).
At the current price, I can certainly agree the ContourHD 1080p is a better value now! However many Contours are defective (like mine in the video), so be sure to buy it somewhere you can return or exchange it easily if needed.
fulg 5 months ago
Yes, this was filmed and edited at 59.94fps. The goal was to compare the image quality of both cameras in identical situations, with an identical resolution and framerate. Youtube is responsible for reducing the video to 30fps; I don't know of any public HD streaming service at 60fps... I agree that a fair comparison is hard to do! My personal opinion is that the ContourHD "works" better, but the GoPro has a better image quality. With the new price of the ContourHD, I'd certainly buy one now..
fulg 5 months ago
@fulg thanks for reply, sorry if i came across mean! it took me forever before someone showed me that you want the end result to be in 30fps, if its filmed in 60 fps, it should be slowed down 50%. i tried that in pinnacle 14, but the second i dropped a 60fps clip into a 30 fps timeline, i lost 1/2 the frames. the support crew at goPro taught me how to use their free cineform software to properly convert it. basically it takes a 10 second clip @ 60fps and makes a 20 sec clip at 30 fps.
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
@fulg thanks for reply, sorry if i came across mean! it took me forever before someone showed me that you want the end result to be in 30fps, if its filmed in 60 fps, it should be slowed down 50%. i tried that in pinnacle 14, but the second i dropped a 60fps clip into a 30 fps timeline, i lost 1/2 the frames. the support crew at goPro taught me how to use their free cineform software to properly convert it. basically it takes a 10 second clip @ 60fps and makes a 20 sec clip at 30 fps.
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
@LoomisPowderdogs That's the big advantage of shooting in 720p @60fps instead of 1080p @30fps; you can slow down the footage by 50% and still have it play at 30fps, which is great for slowing down action shots or camera pans over scenery.
If you want to run a 60fps shot at full speed in a 30fps movie, then you don't have a choice to lose half your frames... It's much easier to discard stuff during editing than to recreate missing frames for that perfect shot. :)
fulg 5 months ago
agee totally! in fact when i finay learned the whole concept correctly, my first question was, so why don't you film everything in r3 (60fps) and he replied, i DO! better to lose half the frames up front where you can't see the difference opposed to losing half the frames slowing down half speed where you CAN see the difference. One guy told me he films all in 3, slows it ALL down in CineForm, then while editing, speeds up the "regular" stuff double speed except the stuff he wants in slo-mo
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
and it can be used with the 60fps contour footage too, all you have to do is change the extension from .mov to .mp4, then the goPro CineForm software will recognize it and allow you to run it thru the converter. I got a video comparison (which i dont like since I was experimenting with Contour's contrast, setting it in very strange settings) but both goPro and Contour were shot at 60fps slowed to 30fps. I''l upload it asap
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
@fulg the Donner does Tahoe is a good example of what the end result of a 60fps video should look like. if the end result needs to be 30fps, then the timeline is "stretched" out to fit one frame per frame"slot". basically it doubles the timeline. I can upload a version of this video that has NOT been converted to 30fps and slow it down 50% to match this sequence, but you can clearly see dropped, or choppy frames.
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
useless test if it was filmed at 60 fps and not slowed to 30 fps. you just lost 1/2 your frames. u can't drop a 60 fps clip into a 30 fps timeline. end result should be 30fps or 24 fo you "film" people. use go pro cinefom software to convert the 60 fps into a 30 fps. basically it slows it down 50%. by not slowing it down you lost half the frames. BTW the contour has WAY more setting adjustments than the gopro so a side by side test is hard to do, plus the GPS data is priceless!!!!!
LoomisPowderdogs 5 months ago
which one costs more?
Z0mbcc3r 5 months ago
@Z0mbcc3r As I'm sure you've found out by now (how hard is it to google?!), the ContourHD is $249, the GoPro HD is $299. There are other cameras from VHoldr (ContourRoam at $149, Contour+ at $499) that came out as well since the video was shot. As for GoPro, there is also the GoPro 960 that doesn't do 1080p or 60fps but is only $179, and a 3D version for $369 (which is 2 GoPros HD and a special case, so you can still use them independently).
Some places can sell for much cheaper, look around...
fulg 5 months ago
@fulg As I'm sure you've found out by now (im lazy, its called America) much easier to have some one like you just tell me..... but thanks anyways
Z0mbcc3r 5 months ago
@fulg Amazon has the ContourHD for $138
pcload1etter 5 months ago
the winner is GO PRO HD !! check my videos from this camera, YO
olafeiro 5 months ago
Thanks for the comparison. The contour is now $139 on Amazon and GoPro is like $299 so I'm leaning towards the Contour as I just need it for a car POV camera for safety reasons. I'm really looking for a black box device that has good video i.e. one that has an overwrite record function and will wipe out old footage. THere are a ton online but all have absolute crap video so I may have to use a contour and an Arduino to get what I want --- out with the soldering iron:)
JacanaProductions 6 months ago
@JacanaProductions The ContourHD is a great POV camera, especially at the current price. I don't know if the camera can overwrite existing recordings (i.e. record in a loop), you can ask VHoldr if this is supported in the current firmware (or if they can add it for you). Not sure of the hacking community on the ContourHD, but if you're handy with a soldering iron and Arduinos then I'm sure you can figure something out.
I did get one of those HD keyfob cameras, it's crap but it's only $40 ;)
fulg 6 months ago
@JacanaProductions I should add, if you decide to get a ContourHD, be sure to check for excessive blur on the side (like mine in the video). If it does that, ask for a replacement camera, because the blur is caused by a defective lens assembly.
I guess this is also a recommendation to try and get the Contour somewhere you can exchange it with minimal hassle (for example Best Buy).
fulg 6 months ago
the contour's image gets blurry on the outside edges
epeatgold 6 months ago
After watching this, I can say that CountourHD sucks.
asdff778 6 months ago
i like the go pro better cuz it doesnt fuck up the sound when you have it on your head
corvette2010ify 6 months ago
GO PRO ROCKS!!!!
mosierrider 6 months ago
the gopro is the smae birghtness where as the contour is darker ause they are shithole
victorox98 6 months ago
is the gopro the 1080 or the 960?
JukeBoxHero67 6 months ago
@JukeBoxHero67 It's the 1080, the 960 didn't exist when I made this video. You can save $100 if you don't need 720p60 or 1080p, but I think it's worth having (720p60 is too useful for slow motion shots).
fulg 6 months ago
the gopro is so much better!!!
dannythox10 6 months ago
gopro much better .Contour suck image
ichkerian007 7 months ago
Contour is way better when mounting on a helmet etc. and gopro just looks really stupid :)
TheMoccis 7 months ago
@TheMoccis Completely agree. However the image quality is better on the GoPro than the ContourHD that I have (defective lens), so I'm willing to look like a fool to get better images :)
fulg 7 months ago 4
@fulg That may be true but the quality that I've seen from friend's GoPros is almost the same that I get with my Contour
TheMoccis 7 months ago
@TheMoccis Yes, the ContourHD shown here is defective, we found out too late and could not get it replaced under warranty. Both are excellent wearable HD cameras with similar specs.
fulg 7 months ago
@TheMoccis I'd rather have a camera with better picture and sound quality and look stupid then the other way around ;)
FKRairsoft 6 months ago 2
If i lived in that community, I'd never be able to find my house
xxllljumpman23 7 months ago
gopro!!!!!!
alextroch 7 months ago
i like this place where you drive...where is it?
VSUZUKIV 8 months ago
@VSUZUKIV It's in the north-east of Montreal, QC (in Canada), a little area called "Anjou-sur-le-Lac".
fulg 8 months ago
GoPros rule!
CrAzYSkieR13 9 months ago
my question is did you have the go pro in the water proof case? I am just curious if maybe thats why the contour is louder.
whisperingeye321 10 months ago
@whisperingeye321 No, the GoPro was inside its stock non-waterproof case (there are holes for the sound through the back). There was no case for the ContourHD, and its microphone is at the front, so it gets affected by the wind quite a lot.
My brother has since bought the waterproof case for his ContourHD, so that would surely help a lot here...
fulg 10 months ago
go pro way better and durable and doesnt make that shit sound in the wind
neyanz 11 months ago
go pro by far
adamproskiier9 1 year ago
is there video show GoPro HD vs hero 960? when i search up youtube the 960 looks little blur witch the HD looks very clear but still want a video show side by side so i can decide witch one i should get since it is almost 100dollar different
jaszhu1989 1 year ago
@jaszhu1989: Sorry, I don't have access to a GoPro HD Hero 960. If you don't need 1080p or 720p60, then the HD Hero 960 is probably a good choice at a cheaper price. My understanding is that the picture quality should be identical to the "full" HD Hero, since the technical specs (lens, CMOS sensor, video encoder, etc) are exactly the same in both models.
You should phone or email GoPro directly to confirm, I'm sure they'll be happy to answer your questions!
fulg 1 year ago
for graphic quality, they are both the same, the go pro is just brighter. for sound the go pro is better. but when you want to mount it on to your head, the contour hd is better,
Justalittled 1 year ago 12
@Justalittled: Look at the ContourHD images, there is massive blur on the left, which is a common defect with the ContourHD. I've since discovered that VHoldr will replace (under warranty) cameras that have this problem. I've never heard of any similar problem with the GoPro HD.
That being said, I strongly prefer the form-factor of the ContourHD: less clumsy mounting options on helmets or vehicles, and trivial to operate without looking at it. I've missed some shots with the GoPro already.
fulg 1 year ago
@Justalittled its not darker its underexposing, there is a difference and when you have no option to chose manual exposure it's important to note that as you wont be able to change that later as you lose heaps of shadow detail by underexposing.
Siwep 6 months ago
@Justalittled No the contour has a higher quality light, but in this video the go pro is in the case
KieranLongboards 1 week ago
imho gopro hd owned!
akrongoblin13 1 year ago 14
Oui la GoPro n'a pas le son dérangeant du vent mais c'est dû au boitier étanche. L'utilisation de la 2ème porte donne un son différent. Parcontre je préfère de beaucoup son image de celle de la Contour HD.
FMRPhoto1 1 year ago
@FMRPhoto1: 100% d'accord... L'image de la GoPro est de loin supérieure. Le problème de flou à gauche de la ContourHD est assez répandu; mais VHoldr offre un remplacement sous garantie. Malheureusement on a découvert le problème quelques semaines après que la garantie ait expirée.
BTW quand j'ai filmé le vidéo, j'ai utilisé la porte ouverte (non-waterproof) de la GoPro.
fulg 1 year ago
the contour is too loud :P great for me I just have a GoPro hero 960p for Xmas
sledforpeace 1 year ago
great review, just what i needed to see
scattrr 1 year ago
i think its very clear that the go pro is the winner and its water proof out of the box with the included housing unlike the contour
cwbwakeboarder4life 1 year ago