Pretty cool! A friend at work just bought one for his kayaking trip to the Antarctic next month (October is Spring leading to Summer south of the equator.) I was amazed at the quality of the image in such a small package. Thanks for posting.
@FalckHD Both camera's have their strengths and weaknesses (I have both btw). Really either is a good choice. ContourHD, in my opinion, is better as a helmet mounted cam. Some people use the Go-pro attached to their helmet but I find it too bulky. The GoPro has the LCD Bak-Pak option and has more mounting options. I had problems with 2 ContourHd cams and had to get a replacements.
what light settings did you use? contrast, exposure, sharpness, metering? just got one (non-1080p) and the video at 720p@30fps i get is dark, and slow to adjust from light to shade areas. tested mine around same time of day as your video based on tree shadows and also around the neighborhood.
@kagubatan7 I’m currently on a 3rd cam. The first 2 had “issues” (see my other comments or updated review). I don’t recall the exact settings when this vid was made. Currently I am getting good results with the following settings on the new cam.
Contrast: 59, Exposure: 1, Sharpness: 4, Metering: Center
You may just have to test a bit to find settings you like for your camera. Each one is a little bit different. :^)
@RC62 thanks!!! will try these settings. i also have a very old viosport (now vio) scout cam III that works excellent and have no issues with lighting/transitions. probably because it uses ccd instead of cmos chip. it just has way too many wires, separate battery pack, and recorder (aiptek a-hd or canon zr-100).
@500Predator04 When you get a “good” contourHD cam the quality is very good. Unfortunately they seem to have quality control issues. See some of my more recent responses or my updated review for details on what I mean... :^)
@TheCrazyFinn Thanks. Unfortunately this particular cam had some other issues that caused it to freeze-up and become unresponsive. I sent it back to Vholder and the replacement had video that was absolutely horrible. it went back too. The third cam has better video but still isn’t quite as good as the first one. At least it isn’t locking up (so far). the seem to have quality control issues with these cams.
I agree, however this particular cam had issues with locking up (freezing up) and had to go back for replacement. The second cam did not have near as good an image and now it is on its way back to Twenty20 too. I'm now waiting on the third one. I'm hoping it has a good image and nothing else goes wrong. Quality control seems to be an issue.
Yeah, originally I was very thrilled with this camera. I am starting to have second thoughts. I had an issue with the camera freezing up and losing my video. That cam went back and they sent me a new one... i just sent the new one back as it has terrible blurring and was only clear near the very center. Maybe the third one will work right. From the vholdr forums it looks like these are both common issues. i suspect poor quality control.
I edit the movies in Final Cut (Apple Mac) before uploading. I generally only record to 720P for upload and not full 1080P. I do export as a "MOV" container using H264 codec for YouTube and it takes it fine.
Without a lot more info on exactly what you are doing (whether you are uploading raw vids or editing them first, what codec and computer (Win or Mac) you are using etc.) it is hard to say what the problem could be.
A great ride video Rob and while the helmet is in the image a bit, its ok as it reminds you its bikers view vid.
I like these cameras as the image quality is very good plus they are sleek and aerodynamic which is especially useful on long road trips attached to the side of a helmet.
There are others out there offering similar quality at this price or a bit less but they are bulky in comparison to the Contour.
I plan to get my 1080P unit soon for my road trips this summer and will post them then.
I really don't think there is a "perfect" moto-vlogging camera out there, at least none that I could afford. :^) They all have limitations of some sort and the one that works well for one person my not be best for someone else. For me, the Contour is one of the best. I hope you like yours when you get it!
I have the Vado HD 1st gen and that version definitely does not have as good a quality as the Contour HD 1080P. I find it has vignetting around the edges and low light is not great either. The slightest movement causes a lot of motion blur as well. Perhaps the 2nd gen corrected some of those issues.
I watched your review and I do find the info on using the Contour mount with the Vado informative and useful.
You can adjust the audio level on the cam when it is attached to your PC/MAC. Wind noise is still a problem though. If you are planning on using it to MotoVlog, I highly recommend getting a separate audio recorder and sticking a mini-mic into the helmet. Alternately, there are some folks who have opened the cam and resoldered longer wires or an exteranl mic jack to the cam... The mod is not for the unskilled like me though. :^)
No. it does not have frame rates slower than 30 fps nor single frame imaging. The Go Pro cam will take time lapse images (like 1 shot every 3 sec I think).
Yeah, a separate audio recorder is a bit of a pain in the butt. I really don't see any one motovlogging camera as being an optimal solution. They all seem to have their drawbacks. For me, having a camera inside the helmet blocking my already poor eyesight seems a worse choice. I don't mind so much using the separate audio recorder as syncing isn't that hard. What is causing me some grief is getting the mic placed where my voice is louder than the wind noise.
From what I understand. YouTube has just started allowing 1080P. When I first posted this video it was limited to 720P. If you uploaded 1080P prior to about a week ago, it would get downsized to 720. Check out the YouTube help info on supported video size and the preferred codecs and containers...
One other thing...No matter how good the quality is directly from the camera, and even though YouTube will now take 1080P. They still re-encode/recompress the video. That degrades the quality at least some (if not a lot). What YouTube plays back may be good and get better but it will never be the same high quality that you get right out of the camera.
Sure. Not too certain how it will come out after YouTube processes it but I'll see what I can do.
It may be a little while before I can do the test and post it. I also promised another commenter that I'd do an audio test. I'll try to roll it into one vid.
Yes, the camera is weather resistant but it is not water proof. Here is the feature info from Vholder...
-- Armored Body --
A water-resistant HD helmet cam for all seasons, its anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. Its also shock, vibration and impact resistant.
I notice they don't specify "rain" but i think it would be fine in a lite to moderate drizzle but in a downpour I'd put it away. Definitely wouldn't take it swimming. ;^)
It is turning out to be a good camera (imho). it has usable audio but when riding the wind causes problems. A separate audio recorder (or a mic mod - see "sgtmarkins" vid called "My Mic Tutorial on the Contour HD").
Looks great to me. The angle is good. I like that I can see where you are going and also see the handlebars. Some vloggers have their cameras angled too low and all you see is the guages. Have you got the sound figured out yet?
the quality is sooooo good, i'm so tempted to go for this and the separate voice recorder and ditch the vio, any chance of a pro's and cons review ? *cheeky smile*
This has been flagged as spam show
hey awesome video!! i just started motorcycle vloging , come check out my channel? :)
CBRR1DER 4 months ago
Pretty cool! A friend at work just bought one for his kayaking trip to the Antarctic next month (October is Spring leading to Summer south of the equator.) I was amazed at the quality of the image in such a small package. Thanks for posting.
LETCA 5 months ago
@LETCA Thanks for watching. I hope your friend got the waterproof housing as he cam itself is not water tight. :D
RC62 5 months ago
Go pro hero or this?
FalckHD 5 months ago
@FalckHD Both camera's have their strengths and weaknesses (I have both btw). Really either is a good choice. ContourHD, in my opinion, is better as a helmet mounted cam. Some people use the Go-pro attached to their helmet but I find it too bulky. The GoPro has the LCD Bak-Pak option and has more mounting options. I had problems with 2 ContourHd cams and had to get a replacements.
RC62 5 months ago
Why did you chose this over the VIO 1.5.
Just curious!
simmor2 1 year ago
@simmor2 I also have the VIO POV 1.5 but it has a max res of 720 x 480 (SD).
RC62 1 year ago
we do it in Germany!!!
check this out:
yK5uGo4a4Yc
butchobln 1 year ago
@butchobln ??? Sorry, I can't find the vid your are referencing.
RC62 1 year ago
@RC62 i think he is meaning this
/watch?v=yK5uGo4a4Yc
add that line after youtube.com
Jekuttaja94 9 months ago
@Jekuttaja94 Ah.... Thanks. :D
RC62 9 months ago
@RC62 just few months late :D:D
Jekuttaja94 9 months ago
looooooool TOOO SLOW!!! :D how is the action????
this is a actioncamera!!! lol
nice nice
butchobln 1 year ago
@butchobln I like slow... :D
RC62 1 year ago
what light settings did you use? contrast, exposure, sharpness, metering? just got one (non-1080p) and the video at 720p@30fps i get is dark, and slow to adjust from light to shade areas. tested mine around same time of day as your video based on tree shadows and also around the neighborhood.
kagubatan7 1 year ago
@kagubatan7 I’m currently on a 3rd cam. The first 2 had “issues” (see my other comments or updated review). I don’t recall the exact settings when this vid was made. Currently I am getting good results with the following settings on the new cam.
Contrast: 59, Exposure: 1, Sharpness: 4, Metering: Center
You may just have to test a bit to find settings you like for your camera. Each one is a little bit different. :^)
RC62 1 year ago
@RC62 thanks!!! will try these settings. i also have a very old viosport (now vio) scout cam III that works excellent and have no issues with lighting/transitions. probably because it uses ccd instead of cmos chip. it just has way too many wires, separate battery pack, and recorder (aiptek a-hd or canon zr-100).
kagubatan7 1 year ago
Amazing video quality!!! Makes me want to get one
500Predator04 1 year ago
@500Predator04 When you get a “good” contourHD cam the quality is very good. Unfortunately they seem to have quality control issues. See some of my more recent responses or my updated review for details on what I mean... :^)
RC62 1 year ago
This is by far the best footage from this camera, I've seen on YouTube.
TheCrazyFinn 1 year ago
@TheCrazyFinn Thanks. Unfortunately this particular cam had some other issues that caused it to freeze-up and become unresponsive. I sent it back to Vholder and the replacement had video that was absolutely horrible. it went back too. The third cam has better video but still isn’t quite as good as the first one. At least it isn’t locking up (so far). the seem to have quality control issues with these cams.
RC62 1 year ago
looks good how mucj it cost i may buy one
rodneymullen9000 1 year ago
@rodneymullen9000 I think they are going for around $300 - $329 US. You may find them lower if you search around a bit.
RC62 1 year ago
is that utah?
miketoriant 1 year ago
@miketoriant Nope, sorry. it is Orlando Florida. :^)
RC62 1 year ago
@RC62 nice, i'm in london and these places have so much space. I guess you can't say the same about new york though.
miketoriant 1 year ago
My opinion is... That's damn good quality with this kind of like camera.
pasiheino 2 years ago
I agree, however this particular cam had issues with locking up (freezing up) and had to go back for replacement. The second cam did not have near as good an image and now it is on its way back to Twenty20 too. I'm now waiting on the third one. I'm hoping it has a good image and nothing else goes wrong. Quality control seems to be an issue.
RC62 2 years ago
great little unit, dont worry about the sun flair streaks for what it is its a good test of the kit.
outithewoods 2 years ago
Yeah, originally I was very thrilled with this camera. I am starting to have second thoughts. I had an issue with the camera freezing up and losing my video. That cam went back and they sent me a new one... i just sent the new one back as it has terrible blurring and was only clear near the very center. Maybe the third one will work right. From the vholdr forums it looks like these are both common issues. i suspect poor quality control.
RC62 2 years ago
Thats a pitty as a camera like this would be helpful in some of the filming i have been doing of late,,lets hope the new one works mate.
outithewoods 2 years ago
Excellent angle and clarity!
Great video!
I can't wait to get my CHD1080 cam also!
allemander 2 years ago
Thanks! ;^)
RC62 2 years ago
where can i buy one?
georgekheiralla 2 years ago
I got mine thru Amazon. You can also look at the vholdr web site for other retailers. (vholdr "dot" com).
RC62 2 years ago
ok thanks I'm going to try finding out what's the problem
logitech324 2 years ago
hey I have a question.
I have the contourhd 1080p
may I ask how do you put it on youtube it won't work for me.
its saying MOV not supported.
do you convert it ? what program?
Arjen
logitech324 2 years ago
Hi Arjen,
I edit the movies in Final Cut (Apple Mac) before uploading. I generally only record to 720P for upload and not full 1080P. I do export as a "MOV" container using H264 codec for YouTube and it takes it fine.
Without a lot more info on exactly what you are doing (whether you are uploading raw vids or editing them first, what codec and computer (Win or Mac) you are using etc.) it is hard to say what the problem could be.
RC62 2 years ago
A great ride video Rob and while the helmet is in the image a bit, its ok as it reminds you its bikers view vid.
I like these cameras as the image quality is very good plus they are sleek and aerodynamic which is especially useful on long road trips attached to the side of a helmet.
There are others out there offering similar quality at this price or a bit less but they are bulky in comparison to the Contour.
I plan to get my 1080P unit soon for my road trips this summer and will post them then.
Suzsmokeyallan 2 years ago
Thanks!
I really don't think there is a "perfect" moto-vlogging camera out there, at least none that I could afford. :^) They all have limitations of some sort and the one that works well for one person my not be best for someone else. For me, the Contour is one of the best. I hope you like yours when you get it!
Happy New Year,
Rob
RC62 2 years ago
Contour HD test against the Vado HD 2nd Gen
Truth is the Contour HD is SAD! Poor low light video and soft. I don't see how they get away saying its HD.
With some clever thought you can mount the Vado HD 2nd Gen any place you can mount the Contour HD using their mounting systems.
In the end its about the video. The Vado runs circles around the Contour at half the price.
See my post..... search... dagwodzz in youtube
dagwodzz 2 years ago
I have the Vado HD 1st gen and that version definitely does not have as good a quality as the Contour HD 1080P. I find it has vignetting around the edges and low light is not great either. The slightest movement causes a lot of motion blur as well. Perhaps the 2nd gen corrected some of those issues.
I watched your review and I do find the info on using the Contour mount with the Vado informative and useful.
Thanks for the info and for commenting. :^)
Happy holidays,
Rob
RC62 2 years ago
Супер!
zorgzorgov 2 years ago
Hum... i had to look that word up. If i got it right it means "great! super! cool!".
Thanks! :^)
RC62 2 years ago
hi RC62,
showing a lot of helmet actually looked good to me, it kinda gives it a realistic feel, otherwise u can stick the camera closer to the chin.
question, im thinking about buying one, the site says u can tweek the mic to reduce wind noise, have you tried that?
aloi666 2 years ago
You can adjust the audio level on the cam when it is attached to your PC/MAC. Wind noise is still a problem though. If you are planning on using it to MotoVlog, I highly recommend getting a separate audio recorder and sticking a mini-mic into the helmet. Alternately, there are some folks who have opened the cam and resoldered longer wires or an exteranl mic jack to the cam... The mod is not for the unskilled like me though. :^)
RC62 2 years ago
Can you do tlmelapse with this helmet cam?
Kaneda0015 2 years ago
No. it does not have frame rates slower than 30 fps nor single frame imaging. The Go Pro cam will take time lapse images (like 1 shot every 3 sec I think).
RC62 2 years ago
Looks great Rob. I can't think of a thing needs changing on the video part.
The audio however would drive my batty with having a separate recorder.
I guess I am getting less patient in my old age. LOL
suburbanryder 2 years ago
Yeah, a separate audio recorder is a bit of a pain in the butt. I really don't see any one motovlogging camera as being an optimal solution. They all seem to have their drawbacks. For me, having a camera inside the helmet blocking my already poor eyesight seems a worse choice. I don't mind so much using the separate audio recorder as syncing isn't that hard. What is causing me some grief is getting the mic placed where my voice is louder than the wind noise.
RC62 2 years ago
I've tried to put a private message to you, but I'm not your pal, so here it goes this way. Hope you don't mind.
"Hello.
You're telling me that you've filmed in 720p. The quality is excelent. So, it would be much better if it was in 1080p!
In another way, you telling me to put in youtube we must never film in 1080p, or we must convert it to 720p. Is it?
Sorry for all the questions.
Cheers."
Yrokufode 2 years ago
From what I understand. YouTube has just started allowing 1080P. When I first posted this video it was limited to 720P. If you uploaded 1080P prior to about a week ago, it would get downsized to 720. Check out the YouTube help info on supported video size and the preferred codecs and containers...
This help?
RC62 2 years ago
One other thing...No matter how good the quality is directly from the camera, and even though YouTube will now take 1080P. They still re-encode/recompress the video. That degrades the quality at least some (if not a lot). What YouTube plays back may be good and get better but it will never be the same high quality that you get right out of the camera.
RC62 2 years ago
Hey looks great good quality video, can you record a clip in 60fps in similar condition for
comparison? i am waiting for my contourHD
should be here soon
jmber27 2 years ago
Sure. Not too certain how it will come out after YouTube processes it but I'll see what I can do.
It may be a little while before I can do the test and post it. I also promised another commenter that I'd do an audio test. I'll try to roll it into one vid.
RC62 2 years ago
I just posted a test vid at 60FPS...
RC62 2 years ago
Great quality. No doubt.
Yrokufode 2 years ago
Thanks! :^)
RC62 2 years ago
nice neighborhood, good video,
alwayslast179 2 years ago
Thanks. I am really liking this camera so far.
RC62 2 years ago
how well does it show on a larger screen?
sgtmarkins 2 years ago
I have not really played much with the full 1080P yet. All the vids have been at 720P so far.
On my 23" HD monitor the vids look great even at full screen.
They still look very good after re-encoding to 720x480 Mpeg to play the on the TV via my media server.
RC62 2 years ago
Very nice vid. Angle is good. Little bit of your helmet visible is not disturbing.
Oh, and pretty nice looking neighbourhood :P
knightwolf200612 2 years ago
Thanks!
RC62 2 years ago
Nice video man. Awesome the quality of this camera. Is the camera resistent?
Thanks, and good job!
MGDuartz 2 years ago
Thank you!
Yes, the camera is weather resistant but it is not water proof. Here is the feature info from Vholder...
-- Armored Body --
A water-resistant HD helmet cam for all seasons, its anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. Its also shock, vibration and impact resistant.
I notice they don't specify "rain" but i think it would be fine in a lite to moderate drizzle but in a downpour I'd put it away. Definitely wouldn't take it swimming. ;^)
RC62 2 years ago
Thanks one time more! Nice review!
You respond all my doubt about the camera!
God Bless You!
MGDuartz 2 years ago
I've been mulling over getting this camera for a while, but I think you just sold it for me.
The camera position is fine, I think. It doesn't hurt to show a little bit of the helmet.
chromerium 2 years ago
Yeah I am thinking this cam is one of the smarter purchases I've made. The video is excellent!
Thanks for the feedback on the position.
RC62 2 years ago
Just got my camera, got the 720p version as thats fine for YT, and plan on modding the mic this weekend.
chromerium 2 years ago
This is what I have looked for!
And just ordered same camera. Nice video...
demory111 2 years ago
It is turning out to be a good camera (imho). it has usable audio but when riding the wind causes problems. A separate audio recorder (or a mic mod - see "sgtmarkins" vid called "My Mic Tutorial on the Contour HD").
Thanks for watching and commenting!
RC62 2 years ago
I dropped part of the "mic" sentence. LOL I meant to say you need a mic mod or separate audio recorder...
RC62 2 years ago
perfekt!
taurus0001 2 years ago
Thanks, i appreciate it!
RC62 2 years ago
WOW! That is the best cam angle I have ever seen. Don't change a thing.
oymeit 2 years ago
Cool beans. Thanks!
RC62 2 years ago
I like the song.
SuperUnknownMC 2 years ago
Its a "canned" tune from Sonic Fire Pro, a video soundtrack program.
RC62 2 years ago
That is a nice Camera.... So Clear.... Its like im there...hehe
Not Quite.....
Nice camera Man :)
WhiteHeartTiger 2 years ago
Thank you! :^)
RC62 2 years ago
Looks great to me. The angle is good. I like that I can see where you are going and also see the handlebars. Some vloggers have their cameras angled too low and all you see is the guages. Have you got the sound figured out yet?
BOLLING71 2 years ago
I think so. I have a separate audio recorder (Zoom H2). I still get wind noise at speeds over 40 but that is due to my helmet. Anyway, we shall see.
Thanks for the feedback on the angle. I was tempted to move it down a notch. :^)
RC62 2 years ago
Picture was, in my eyes, GREAT! Really good quality.
The helmet disappeared for me after a little bit.
Maybe a different helmet (half helmet with camera mounted on googles?) for vlogging if it bugs you.
KeukaRyder 2 years ago
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. :^)
It kind of disappears for me too after a minute but I wasn't sure if it would bother folks. I really like my Nolan.
RC62 2 years ago
Looks great Rob
kindredice 2 years ago
Thanks. :^)
It looks a bit dark to me but could be my monitor settings. Getting feedback helps.
RC62 2 years ago
Wicked quality mate
8cuttlefish8 2 years ago
Yep... If you check out rebelyell91 you can see just how good this cam can record. His vids are what convinced me to get the ContourHD.
RC62 2 years ago
the quality is sooooo good, i'm so tempted to go for this and the separate voice recorder and ditch the vio, any chance of a pro's and cons review ? *cheeky smile*
danmoto73 2 years ago
Absolutely! Give me a bit of time to use it and I'll post a review.
Rob
RC62 2 years ago