Go Pro Hero 3 (Black ed.) vs Contour+2

There’s a few threads under the Photography & Filming section but they seem to be outdated.
I’m looking to get a camera for various outdoor activities (snowboarding, cycling, rock climbing, go karting etc and maybe even for Tough Mudder lolz).

I went on a snowboarding trip to Perisher last year and bought a Drift HD. Needless to say, it failed on me the first day - both batteries either wouldn’t hold charge or the unit itself as buggered, it wouldn’t stay on and couldn’t film anything. About 3 of my mates had the GoPro Hero 2 that trip and I copped some slack but oh well. So personally, I would be loathed to get a Drift again.

Since then both Contour and Go Pro have come out with newer units since last year, most recently the Go Pro 3 Black (vs Contour+2). Just wondering if anyone has used the Contour+2 and how they have found it? Main points for me would be ease of use, battery life, video quality (720p @ 30fps, maybe 60fps), reliability and survivability.

I know the new Go Pro kicks ass video quality wise and all but the larger profile on the helmet irks me a little bit. Currently both units are going for $399.99.

Thoughts?
Cheers,
Duy.

Oh this thread is about to hit the roof…

Lol u just wait you will get an answer

haha yeah good luck with this one! would love to hear if the contour is any good, does anyone have one on here?????

In terms of overall sales, the GoPro is much more popular than the Contour, like probably 10 to 1, and for good reason.
I had a training session with the Contour Rep and if the GoPro didn’t exist, this would probably be the market leader. The iphone app for the Contour+2 was a bit buggy, as it took a few goes to connect, but once it did, there was significantly less delay with live view than the current GoPro version of the app.Hopefully GoPro keeps improving it to a point where its actually useable. The slide to record thing is pretty foolproof, and I did like the vibration feedback to indicate it was recording. The negatives are that I think you need to plug it into the computer in order to change settings on it, and unlike the gopro, if you smash it up doing something gnarly there is no real protection. At least with the GoPro you damage the housing before you damage the camera.

I like FLUX Bindings!!!!!

Contour+2 is a great camera but your pricing is waaay off!
It retails for $549.
I would recommend it over the GoPro. You can rotate the lens, it’s made from solid aluminium and will take a greater impact than the plastic gopro housing.
Contour+2 is my pick of cams currently. The price reflects this and means I don’t consider it in the same playing field.
The only fault I have with +2 is no MOV file and no 720 @120fps.

Contour (as VHoldR) used to be the worlds highest selling camera before a handfull of people decided to push GoPro into that spot, then GoPro went viral.
VHoldR had poor build quality which didn’t help.

GoPro (black) is $489. And has a terrible battery.

Did you ever follow up your Drift problems? What you’ve reported isn’t that rare and sounds like you simply had the battery in upside down. I know your going to say you tried it in both ways - everyone says that, then I talk the user through it and it works straight away (only once I couldn’t - out of a dozen times and it was a faulty battery, I doubt you had 2 faulty batteries).
It wont charge if the battery is in wrong. This would explained what you’ve described.

Drift have also released a new model.
Sony and Panasonic also have actioncams that were released in the last year. The Sony is particularly good - shooting 720 @120fps.
Then there’s ReplayXD and ION both top notch cams in the sub $500 market.

Of your 3 mates with GPH2 how many of them got footage that wasn’t foggy or off level, that was usable?
How many of them looked foolish with a square box on their head advertising how much they believe they are a hero and risking neck injury or losing their GoPro all together?

I got a full refund on the Drift HD. I did try both ways, no both batteries. I do know that it was in the right way, because it did charge and I don’t think I’d be able to turn on the unit if it was inserted improperly. Pretty much when I’m on the mountain it would literally drain and die almost immediately after turning on.

I stand corrected regarding the price points, I think I was looking at US RRP.

I haven’t seen footage from 2 of them, but the one I did see of the video was pretty good and I couldn’t fault it. Though I am no tech/fanboy when it comes to video footage and critiquing it. If it looks good to me and I enjoy the video then that’s fine by me.

The main reason I went with the Drift in the first place was it’s low profile on the helmet etc. I didn’t want to board around with a brick on my head. Also I personally like being able to place it on the side of the helmet.

Do you, or anyone else know of any rumours or plausibility that Contour might be releasing a new model soonish to compete with the new GPH3? I’m not heading to NZ until Aug, so I’ve got until then to decide/purchase one.

How have you found the video quality of the Contour+2? In 720p 30fps or 60fps?

Video quality from any cam with glass lenses will be better than Hero2. Contour has a 6 element glass lens.

Glad you went back to Drift. Those guys really look after their customers. It’s a pity you’ve been put off Drift - the product is excellent.

I don’t believe Contour plan on competing with GoPro, they are travelling down their own path and concepts.
GoPro black was a marketing exercise that backfired, everyone in the industry can see that. I’ve heard of a suppliers telling people to consider buying Sony instead.
Customer demand has made GoPro build and sell them no matter how bad the battery and usability are.

Your right about video quality - hero 2 is more than good enough (even though it’s a plastic lens). Consider Silver edition if you want GoPro. But know your buying it because of branding not quality or performance - many GoPro are reported as not working out of the box or housings leaking and other issues.

GoPro service (to sellers, customers and suppliers) is woeful at best.

Lastly;
If your not buying until July/Aug - so much will change in that time. This tech evolves every 6 months and takes a leap forward every 18months. GPH3 was the most recent “leap”.

Black has raised the level of expected quality but that quality is expensive. Too expensive for consumer ActionCam’s. If Black had a good battery and more extensive R&D it would be priced above $1000 or not be marketable.

By mid this year I expect VIO will be back on the scene in the +$500 range (the leader in headcam quality/usability).
Smaller/lighter/simpler camera’s will be more accepted by consumers and GoPro competitor prices will drop by about $100. GoPro might drop by $20.

I thought the Hero 2 had a glass lense Spaz (just going off memory)? Hero 1 had the plastic???

I like FLUX Bindings!!!!!

flux has a plastic lens

I still like FLUX Bindings!!!!!

You are right Dan, Hero 2 has a glass lens in the camera surrounded by a plastic lensed housing.
Hero3 upgraded to a 6 element glass lens only in the Black edition, it still shoots through a plastic outer cover. Silver edition remains the same as Hero2 so suffers from the inherent problems of lens distortion and such…

There are aftermarket glass lenses available for the H3 housing. About $30 if you can find stock There are 2 lenses in the kit as well as a rubber seal, screws and a tool.
I’m sure this would void any warranty claim if the housing leaked.

Has anyone bought/used a Contour+2?
Would like some feedback if possible.

I will try and follow up the Contour +2 question. An associate that I see on a daily basis in Thredbo sells them.

Since this thread started a new player has come into my radar Replay XD 720 - with a retail price tag of $175 (cheaper through me); weight 56g, size of a cigarette lighter, all accessories (including memory card), shoots 720@60, 2 hour battery. It’s hard not to consider!
The big brother; Replay XD 1080 retails at $339.
Both are near bomb proof and are used extensively in broadcast motor sports.

Also Drift HD Ghost, but you are off Drift.