Admit it—you’re a video fiend just like us! You spend more hours than you’d care to admit surfing the web for automotive videos, specifically ones that feature the beloved “H” badge. So the question is, why aren’t you making your own road and race videos? There are a number of HD cameras now available to the public, and that’s helped to not only push the prices down, but also pick the quality up—good news for a consumer like you.
We were granted three cameras for testing, and we reviewed everything from mounting options to ergonomics to video/audio quality, and in the end, we were pleasantly surprised by the performance of all three. It seems that everyone I’ve talked to is either using, about to buy, or dreaming about picking up a mini-HD camera. Hopefully, this article will help highlight some of the best features about three of the most promising cameras currently available.
Company: Contour
Camera: Contour GPS
Format: Micro SD card
Features
Full-HD 1080p 30fps
720 60fps
135 degrees wide angle overall
Rotating lens for angle mounting, upside down, etc.
One-touch, no-look recording
Built-in, multi-directional mic
Micro SD card
iPhone mobile connection
Downloads available
Online community
Contour’s jump into the HD camera market was established in the snow and extreme sports segment, but recently the company has taken aim at the performance motorsport genre with its HD, GPS, and + camera options. We were given a GPS unit to test, and the very first thing we noticed is its unique shape. Encased within a black-anodized, brushed-aluminum body, the Contour features a very aerodynamic design that’s essentially an extension of the lens. Placement options upon the interior or exterior of any vehicle are plentiful.
To get set up properly, a dual laser pointer built in to the unit shines brightly (even at high noon) and allows you to level out the shot using an easily adjustable swiveling lens head. Simply turn it to the desired position, and you’re ready to record. One of the other standout features on all of the Contour cameras is the simple one-touch recording. On top of the unit is a rectangular plastic switch that need only be pushed forward, which is followed by a “click” and an audible alert, and your recording begins. This feature is very helpful, especially if you’re already strapped into your race seat and you have gloves on, or if you’ve mounted the unit very low on the body of the vehicle and you can’t see a tiny “record” button.
Real-time viewing is something the Contour’s body doesn’t reserve space for. Well, sort of. When the unit was created, the design team left a little room for expansion. Behind the battery door on the rear of the camera is a very small slot, intended for Contour’s very inexpensive “connect view card.” The card, along with a free firmware update, gives your iPhone or Android phone a live view via the Bluetooth connection. You can view the cameras angle, make adjustments to light sensitivity, audio, etc.
The “GPS” portion ties into the name of this model due to its ability to auto-map your location, speed, and elevation. This means it will synchronize with your footage to create a continuous track of coordinates, and provide a replay of your run via Google Maps. A cool extra feature that other units don’t currently offer.
Included with our kit was a suction mount that offered the firmest grip on any of the cameras tested. The camera securely slides into a track and is then further tied down using 2 provided screws that can be turned for even more security. Set up was easy and pain free, and the one-touch recording button made things even easier.