thelivo wrote:Whats the format that it outputs in - is it something that can be handled by standard editing suites?

I was about to ask that.

thelivo wrote:Whats the format that it outputs in - is it something that can be handled by standard editing suites?

The ContourHD outputs in H.265 .MOV files.

H.265? Don't you mean H.264

xcwander wrote:H.265? Don't you mean H.264

Sorry typo, its H.264

H.264 is a good codec
As long as the bit rate is high enough
A question though, is the HD footage interlaced or progressive?

This looks really sweet. Do you know how it performs in low light? Most the helmets cams I've seen seem to fail to record anything significant unless it is really bright.

I'm not expecting amazing results for night riding but I'd like to at least get good results filming in daylight under the trees.

It will be interlaced - there are not many DV cameras that are progressive, if they are they will be expensive.

Initially impressed but on viewing demo videos (Sea Otter) the compression is very high and there is no detail. If you pause and look at any frame the image looks more like a brushed art effect.

The audio seems to suffer from wind noise despite what the site features claim. An external mic you could place inside your helmet or at least protect form wind would be nice.

That said I think it is a nice product and looks strong/well designed.

Here's a great video to watch if you want to see the Contour HD up against the competition.
See it here: http://vholdr.com/contourhd/videos?vid=7

Has anyone got one of these camera's yet? How do they perform?

Well I have mine, and a quick play it looks good. Unfortunately the day after I got it I rolled my ankle and truely F'cked a couple of tendons. But initial impressions. Nicely built, small and a good weight, and easy to use. Video quality seams good, but for me it'll be another 2-3 weeks before I get a chance to test it out

Oh oh oh exciting! That might mean that Chris has got some vented helmet mounts now too - must send an email.

Bummer about your ankle, but looking forward to seeing your footage one you're riding again

I got a GoPro wide after I lost my GoPro ordinary on a dive. Now I have a lanyard to it. Its bombproof - have used it boarding, raodbike riding, night MTB racing, and diving to 30m. It fell off once when I was riding - bounced along the road and went in a puddle. No problem! Not even a scratch. Couldn't say that about the competitors. happy to give away a bit of resolution. the ultra wide format is excellent for close in action too.

Here's some footage of a dive last week in canterbury. I've put up some biking stuff too. Good for snow vid's too but I haven't posted those. Got a good head plant on vid. Total head insertion in powder!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmiV7r5xZs