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POV review/compare

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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
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
Click for larger image

the V.I.O. POV.1.5
[IMG]vio-pov.com/images/1_5/pov15_big.jpg[/IMG]

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...
[IMG]vholdr.com/contourhd/img/techChart.png[/IMG]

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.
Oct 14 2009 2:39PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
[IMG]vio-pov.com/images/1_5/pov15_big.jpg[/IMG]

And here's the chart
[IMG]vholdr.com/contourhd/img/techChart.png[/IMG]
Oct 14 2009 2:42PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
another try for the missing photos
Click for larger image

And here's the chart
Click for larger image
Oct 14 2009 2:44PM
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lebowski
Posts: 212 - Karma: 11
i used the small orange one down hill mountain biking in whistler and its really good quality
Oct 14 2009 2:46PM
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PappaG
Posts: 931 - Karma: 797
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


Oct 14 2009 3:07PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
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


Oct 15 2009 1:57AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
GoPro Full HD = best quality

don't be so picky about your appearance...
Oct 15 2009 7:29AM
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Tablespoon
Posts: 923 - Karma: 14
TGR Uses the VIO, and the helmetcam segments in their film are always solid. I'd say it's a good pick.
Oct 15 2009 9:09AM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10887 - Karma: 2,165

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/

Oct 15 2009 9:30AM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
A new GoPro came out, shoots in 1080p HD!!!
Oct 15 2009 10:24AM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
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.
Oct 15 2009 4:43PM
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tmorgan4
Posts: 20 - Karma: 10
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. 
Oct 15 2009 4:45PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
Click for larger image
Oct 15 2009 4:50PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
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!
Oct 16 2009 2:36PM
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thegreyarea
Posts: 3265 - Karma: 34
Def GoPro HD. ContourHD's specs and add-ons don't come close to the GoPro HD.
Oct 16 2009 5:56PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
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...
Oct 16 2009 5:57PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
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.
Oct 16 2009 7:54PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
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....
Oct 17 2009 9:17AM
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thegreyarea
Posts: 3265 - Karma: 34
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.
Oct 19 2009 4:33PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
^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?
Oct 20 2009 8:38PM
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thegreyarea
Posts: 3265 - Karma: 34
^ I think these are a little too new of technology for Best Buy to carry.

I don't see a GoPro dealer list on their site. Contact them here http://www.goprocamera.com/contact and see if they are setting up any booths around you during a comp. I think they had a rep at the Dew Tour last year. Check out the ContourHD dealer page: http://vholdr.com/dealers/us to find a local shop.
Oct 20 2009 9:14PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
FYI there's a group buy for the GoProHD going on that ends tomorrow (Fri OCT 23 2009).
https://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/490976/

You guys all gave me enough info so that I can act on this impulse to join the group buy.
Oct 22 2009 12:02PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
sorry, brain is not working right... how about a working link to the group buy???

https://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/490976/
Oct 22 2009 12:03PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
bump for the group buy. ends tomorrow
Oct 22 2009 9:13PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
http://www.armadaskis.com/community/vcast_watch.php?id=80

are these shot with a gopro??

http://www.armadaskis.com/community/vcast_watch.php?id=79
Oct 22 2009 10:27PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677

Anyhow, I got messaged about the group buy. I'm not the one running it. I'm just taking part in it.
trandg is who you need to hit up ASAP

https://www.newschoolers.com/web/members/profile/member_id/46188/

Oct 22 2009 11:36PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,398
haha no, those are shot with a canon 5dmk2 dslr with a 15mm fish eye, total setup about 3 grand
Oct 22 2009 11:46PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
correct: imho ian provo make me famous coast edit = best helmetcam segment of the year..... and yes, its shot with a 5dMKII....
Oct 23 2009 12:52PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
bump for the GoProHD group buy that ends today (Fri OCT 23 2009).
https://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/490976/   
Oct 23 2009 2:44PM
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