What helmet/POV Cam should I get?

[snakepirate]

So I have been researching all week long trying to decide which cam to get and i have narrowed it down to these 4 choices. I definately want an HD and all of these have their ups and downs. All of these are 1080p and HD
1. GoPro HD helmet Hero
2. Oregon Scientific ATC9K
3. Drift Innovations hd170
4. Contour HD1080
I don't really trust their website info because obviously all websites claim they are the best, and I have looked at personal videos all weekend long and none of them look as good as the footage on the websites. I don't care about the sound really. Most people say they like the Gopro but it lloks so big I am afraid I would fall on it or hit it on a tree. I also like the LCDs on #2 and 3. I just want to know what you guys have used and what you like so I can make a decision soon.
Thanks

[time2clmb]

1st pick Gopro - tons of mounting options, can use chest mount to avoid box head
2nd pick Contour.......

[backcountry1pr]

I suggest you delete this post and do a search. As your going to get flamed for this, and get little good info. Lots of posts just like this already around and discussed.

[snakepirate]

I know there are lots comparing gopro and cnotour, but not for the oregon scientific atc9k or the drift. All anyone talks about is the picture quality. I have searched thread after thread and video after video. i just wonder if all the gopro people are bothered by the fact that they cant adjust anything on the camera and have no lcd screen.

[aepeak]

well the gopro is expected to add an lcd screen. it has been in the talks and it has been announced on their website that the screen should debut by december.

[johnnygolucky]

I suggest you delete this post and do a search. As your going to get flamed for this, and get little good info. Lots of posts just like this already around and discussed.

Perhaps instead of spending the day telling this bloke to do a search, which no doubt he has done extensively, you could offer some personal first hand insight to help aid in his decision.

[Mannix]

I've used the GoPro quite a bit, skiing, cars, motorcycles. Sound is so-so; there are two settings, seems like I normally choose the wrong one. I don't think it is the camera's fault. Plug it into a HDTV, it is really pretty high quality. By the time the data gets youtubed, it looks, ehhhh. Straight off the source, quality is great.

I've heard good things about the Contour, but I've not used one (yet).

Re: size - not that big. I perch mine on top of my head with the adhesive thingy, use a Wii lanyard as a leash, don't want to lose it.

As of yet, I've not lost it. I bash trees off it a lot, have fallen on my head a few times, shrug, it seems pretty bomber. I'd not complain if it _had_ fallen off at this point - seems like it should have, but every time I pause and check to see if I have to stop, nope, still there.

Only complaint - the clacking noise the "fastex" mount makes (looks kinda like a Fastex buckle). I saw some comments recently, people talking about all the noise the rocks were making on the skier's skis - nope, that's the GoPro rattling around. It has become a VERY familiar noise. I think some strategically placed bits of electrical tape will fix it.

There might be better, but the GoPro Hero HD has not let me down.

My _first_ GoPro - non-hd, probably 4 years old at this point - died inexplicably. It has removable batteries, can't _see_ a problem, but it does not turn on. Oh well.

The GoPro HDs seem way more durable - there are 5 or so within the group I ski with, and we've had zero failure rates, a few have fallen off heads (using the helmet-strap contraption), they all keep on ticking.

COLD days, battery life suffers a bit if you leave it on/on your head. Turn it off and keep it in a jacket, much better.

Not saying it is the best, but I doubt you'd be disappointed, and you'll have to smack something pretty freaking hard to knock it off the adhesive mount.

Don't try to stick the adhesive to a cold helmet, though - it won't stick. Bring it inside overnight. Duh, kinda. Tried to put one on that had been in a warm car for 2 hours, nope, no stick. Same helmet with truly warm application = permastuck.

I like mine.



Iain

[Powdurr]

The GoPro HD has has the best image quality of all those you just listed, hands down.

At first, I didn't like the idea of the big "box" on my head either, but its actually quite small.

Also, the GoPro has the most versatility for non-helmet use.

My bro and I shot this using two GoPro HDs:

[ame="http://vimeo.com/10144591"]First day on the Bomb Squads. on Vimeo[/ame]

[highrustler]

What about the forthcoming VIO POV.HD 1080p HD?

http://pointofviewcameras.com/vio-pov-hd-camera.html

[snakepirate]

Hey, i saw your video on the ski logik website...are you still skiing them.. I just bought some howitzers, I am so excited to rock em this year, now I just need to sell my Line Prophets.

The GoPro HD has has the best image quality of all those you just listed, hands down.

At first, I didn't like the idea of the big "box" on my head either, but its actually quite small.

Also, the GoPro has the most versatility for non-helmet use.

My bro and I shot this using two GoPro HDs:

First day on the Bomb Squads. on Vimeo

[snakepirate]

Thanks for your help you guys. Interesting to know that the youtube lessens teh wuality to make them all appear similar. So on my computer it will all look better? Because all the videos online look quite similar. Is it common consensus that the video quality is better on the gopro?
ooooooo that POV HD looks quite tempting, but $600...... snap

[Powdurr]

Hey, i saw your video on the ski logik website...are you still skiing them.. I just bought some howitzers, I am so excited to rock em this year, now I just need to sell my Line Prophets.

You bet. You'll be stoked on the Howitzers. Good luck selling the prophets!

Thanks for your help you guys. Interesting to know that the youtube lessens teh wuality to make them all appear similar. So on my computer it will all look better? Because all the videos online look quite similar. Is it common consensus that the video quality is better on the gopro?
ooooooo that POV HD looks quite tempting, but $600...... snap

Trust me, you don't want the VIO. Running a cord down the back of your neck into your jacket just isn't fun(I had the original VIO POV1). Ya the screen is cool, but the GoPro will soon have available an add-on LCD screen, and you honestly don't need it anyway. After you use it a few times, you'll get the angle down. Plus, the VIO is pretty much helmet-cam only, whereas the GoPro is easy to attach to anything.

[AlanC]

There is a useful comparison table of the latest HD cameras at http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/compa...helmet_cameras. It shows a direct comparison of the different features available on the GoProHD, ContourHD and Drift HD170.

[grskier]

1) there is a pretty extensive POV thread in the photo/video section
2) search jong
3) get over yourself

[snakepirate]

1) there is a pretty extensive POV thread in the photo/video section
2) search jong
3) get over yourself

Learn how to read!!! This has nothing to do with the POV.

[snakepirate]

There is a useful comparison table of the latest HD cameras at http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/compa...helmet_cameras. It shows a direct comparison of the different features available on the GoProHD, ContourHD and Drift HD170.

thanks thats a good comparison. Really I wasn't planning no the contour ever but the drift does look tempting with close mounting options. I wish there were more reviews on the atc9k.
Thanks for all your input.

[nickwm21]

I have been wanting to get a Drift... remote control and LCD screen are the kicker on that one. Quality seems similar to the GoPro and Contour. Tons of mounts like the GoPro.

Anyone have or used one? Thoughts...

[snomaster]

Only complaint - the clacking noise the "fastex" mount makes (looks kinda like a Fastex buckle). I saw some comments recently, people talking about all the noise the rocks were making on the skier's skis - nope, that's the GoPro rattling around. It has become a VERY familiar noise. I think some strategically placed bits of electrical tape will fix it.

Yes, well placed strips of tape fixes this fairly well. Also, using the orange doo-hicky leash provided with the camera helps too. do both and you've got a working solution.

GoPro is solid. We've got three in the family so far. It's wild how creative you can get with the mounts. One helpful hint is to use the start/stop record button often and keep your filming time short to save time editing later. Then, with decent software you can even make your own movies. Amazing.

I said in another thread I feel bad for VIO salespeople trying to pawn their new camera for $400 more. have fun with that!

[LeeLau]

DriftHD quality is very very good. I've talked about already and can't be bothered to repeat the conclusions. I haven't used it on snow and only on bike so keep that in mind when looking at my conclusions. Full review for biking out on Friday (only got it mid August)

[rush1975]

Hard to beat the GoPro for the price, The Contour's picture and sound dose not compare and also it dose not come with a water proof housing witch is nice to have in the snow. Have not used the other's. Many complain about not having a LCD on the GoPro but once you use it a couple of times you become pretty aware of how to position it. GoPro = Safe Bet

[powdrhound]

I was just talking to the Countour sales rep, and he told me that soon you will be able to have bluetooth connection with your IPhone or Droid. The GPS model only, of course.

[SgtSkidmark]

Thanks for your help you guys. Interesting to know that the youtube lessens teh wuality to make them all appear similar. So on my computer it will all look better? Because all the videos online look quite similar. Is it common consensus that the video quality is better on the gopro?
ooooooo that POV HD looks quite tempting, but $600...... snap

If you upload in HD, Youtube displays in HD. My buddy shot this (boring low angle) footage with my GoPro. Click on 720p. It's not much worse than on my TV. There's a nice double eject at 0:40.

[snomaster]

second generation 1080 skis? damn. you might want to find a pair of pow skis in the gear swap forum.

[WindAdvisory]

My Vote is for The Oregon Scientific ATC9K. WATERPROOF (Including the remote), 1.5" LCD view finder screen, an integrated sensor that measures G-Force while filming, GPS module, swappable Lithium batteries, 5MP camera, low light capable, a built in laser pointer to line up your shot, on the fly exposure and white balance controls and a universal tripod mount that will enable me to affix it to anything. I just took it up to Mt. Hood Meadows and it blew away my expectations. Everyone wonders whether or not they will use the built in screen. YOU WILL. Every time I have mounted this camera I have had to adjust the angle to get the perfect shot. The instant feedback is invaluable. The shock resistant housing has taken a fair amount of abuse in the short time I have owned it, and I'm impressed with how well this camera has taken hits.