GearGuide Entry: Contour Camera: November 13, 2012

Description

November 13, 2012

Many of you should already be familiar with Contour camera since I know a bunch of you friended us on facebook for a chance to win one of these fun gadgets. For those of you who aren’t, Contour makes hands-free, POV cameras that shoot HD footage for hardcore sport and military use. I figure everyone could use some extra info on these cameras, so guess who got an interview with a sales rep? This kid. Before you read what Kris has to say, watch this video to see what a Contour camera can do for military and milsim/airsoft uses:

Now on with the interview! This is my e-mail interview with Kris, a Contour sales rep out of Flower Mound, TX. Corey: How long have you been working for Contour?

Kris: I was presented an opportunity to partner with a sales rep agency to be the point person for Contour in August of 2011. So that’s about 6 months now.

Corey: How long has the company been around?

Kris: The company was founded in 2003 or so. Two business students at the University of Washington entered a business plan contest. Their premise was to create a hands-free, wearable video camera to capture their skiing exploits in the NW. They took third place, won $20 grand, found a warehouse to work in and from there it all began.

Corey: Who are your main competitors?

Kris: Without question, Go Pro is the big gorilla in the game.

Corey: Why do you think Contour is better than they are? Please be specific.

Kris: I don’t know how to define “better”. What I hear from users most often is form, ease of use and technology. We have a look about our cameras that are more attractive to the consumer, especially within the tactical/LE/hunting markets. Guys want a profile that looks likes it’s designed for the weapon or helmet, not a Tele-Tubbie or a target. Ease of use with Contour is better with its large slide action record switch. Even with gloves on, it’s easy to slide the record switch forward and you know you’re on. With rotational lenses, regardless of mount angle, you will always be able to dial in the orientation so your video is square. The Bluetooth connectivity allows iPhone and Android users to use their devices as a viewfinder to line up their shot and full control of the Contour’s many recording settings/configurations. Soon you will be able to use your device to wirelessly activate the record on/off, which has been one of the most asked for features.

Corey: What sports can you use each Contour camera for?

Kris: With the wide variety of mounts available, a better question would be “Which sports can’t you use a Contour for?”.

Corey: What if I want to do water sports with my camera?

Kris: The ROAM is waterproof to 1m right out of the box. The GPS and Plus models are highly water resistant. Rain, mud, snow won’t impact them when proper care is taken when opening the back door. If you want to snorkel or dive, we have waterproof cases for each camera that are rated to 60m or about 180’. We also recommend the waterproof case for wakeboard and surfing due to the pressure at impact.

Corey: What makes these cameras different from each other?

Kris: Wow, these questions are so much shorter than the answer requires! Okay, cliff note version here. The ROAM ($199) gives you 170° wide angle, power/record in one easy slide action, hands down the easiest camera to operate. Up to GPS ($299) you add both Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone and Android users and GPS geo-tagging into the movie file. It’s pretty cool to see where you were, elevation and speed information while replaying your video. The Plus ($499) has the Bluetooth and GPS features, has the Connect View accessory standard, 270° rotational lens (can be mounted upside down), an external microphone jack and mini-HDMI out for streaming video live to a monitor, playback on a monitor or through a device like the Cerevo Liveshell direct to the web. We could spend an entire entry on this alone. Very cool.

Corey: Is there one Contour camera you like best? Why?

Kris: Not a fair question. I like the ROAM for its ability to take a dunking and the “Always On” record/power slide in one switch. I dig the GPS for the Bluetooth and GPS features for $299. The Plus? I always have an eye for the top of the line. The HDMI out brings streaming live to the web? Crazy cool.

Corey: Tell me about how you can use your phone to work your camera.

Kris: Bluetooth and the Contour App allow your iPhone or Android phone to act as a viewfinder and configure your cameras settings. Download the app to your phone, pair the two devices and you are good to go. Your phone is now a viewfinder to line up your perfect shot, and you can configure your settings through Bluetooth!

Corey: How long can you record video at the different HD levels?

Kris: 1080p 15 min/GB
960p 15 min/GB
720p 60fps 15 min/GB
720p 30 min/GB

Corey: How long does it take to charge the battery? What ways can you charge it?

Kris: Several factors impact battery life beyond simply recording. Cold temps can drain a battery, frequency of powering on the camera, usage of Bluetooth features and GPS settings are all power consumers. The ROAM has an internal battery that yields about 3 hours record time. GPS and Plus feature replaceable batteries (backup batteries prove wise). 80% within an hour and a full charge is 3-4 hours. USB from your computer or other 12V mini USB will charge. There is a pretty nice charging kit from Contour that includes all the different socket adaptors for worldwide travel.

Corey: How many people are using your Storyteller app?

Kris: Everyone should be using the Storyteller app. The auto-update feature is a great way to keep your firmware up to date. With Storyteller you can store your video files, manage your camera settings and perform basic editing functions very easily. Find that 40 second segment out of a 9 minute video and “one-click” it to the web. So simple. Contour also encourages you to share your stories on their website. It’s easy to create your profile and share your videos with friends and family or “one-click” to facebook or twitter.

Corey: Can you give us a clue as to what’s coming in?

Kris: Smaller, sleeker, faster. No, wait, that’s Apple. It’s all the same. It’s a technology product and Contour will continue to push and lead the way. For me it’s all about the mounts. The technology will be there, I enjoy opening up the camera to different applications. Did you know that the Nerf Super Soaker rail is the same spec as a Weaver? That’s right, you can mount your Contour to your Super Soaker with a Picatinny mount and capture the eyelid peel shot in high-def and slow motions. Invaluable for a Contour Rep with an 8 year old son! Hopefully that got you up to speed. If not, I’m always happy to answer your questions! Or you can check out Contour’s support center to see answers for hundreds of questions or see their youtube channel to see more amazing videos.