Contour+ Review

Likes
The Contour+ is the most technical and feature rich camera we tested. As with all Contour cameras, you can configure the camera setting manually on your computer. It is the only phone that currently lets you view footage on your smartphone or stream footage. GoPro says they will have this feature enabled in the February 2012 but you will have to buy an extra adapter and mount it on the back of the camera.

The Contour, in some mount configurations, is slimmer and cooler looking than the GoPro. I showed a photo of myself BASE jumping to a woman I was trying to impress and she just shrieked, “Oh cute; Teletubbies!” when she saw the square protrusions on our helmets. The Contour, when profile mounted, protrudes only half as much as the GoPro, which can be important.

Although all cameras we tested had mostly useless sound recording, the Contour does allow you to connect an external mic via the 2.5mm jack. This is something only Contour used to be able to claim but now the GoPro HD Hero2 also has this feature. If you care at all what the environment your shooting in sounds like, and you probably do, then an external mic is a crucial feature.

Roundup of the Likes
Awesome iphone feature, Bluetooth, settings are configurable, record mode switch is highly functional and user friendly. Built-in GPS! Rotating lens – good if you’re careful. Comes with a memory card (in most countries). It goes on my AK-47 thanks to the picatinny rail mount. Takes an external mic! This greatly improves the versatility of the camera. Feels more ergonomic when shooting hand-held.

Dislikes
First off, it's expensive: $200 more than the GoPro Hero2 or even more if you need to buy a waterproof case. It is slightly less durable than the GoPro models. There is no LCD screen (but almost everything can be done via iOS / Android Bluetooth connection). The mounts are less intuitive and versatile than the GoPro. Waterproof case costs extra (comes standard with GoPro). The camera is larger and certain mounts are more unwieldy than the GoPro. The rotating lens is bad if you’re a little careless. Sound recording is bad without external mic attached. This is the first Contour model to not have laser alignment (the Contour GPS and Contour Roam still have laser alignment).

Although Contour and GoPro cameras do suffer from a tiny bit of movement in the standard adhesive helmet mount, the Contour is a fraction less stable. We recommend using the universal mount adapter and a hard-mounted tripod screw whenever possible for max stability, as it’s the only mount that fully cradles the camera. Word to the wise – the goggle strap mount, like the HD Hero head strap, is no good; the footage will make your friends motion-sick if you show it to them, so plan ahead when ordering your mounts.

Other Versions
There are two other version of this camera: The Contour Roam ($200) and Contour GPS ($300). See the Contour Comparison Chart. The Contour Roam has the same lens and camera specs but many fewer techy features (no gps, no IOS/phone playback, no external mic, etc). However, the Roam is more durable and waterproof which means you won't have to buy the waterproof case for some applications and is $300 less expensive.

The Contour GPS has the same GPS and smart phone connectivity as the Contour+ but lacks the wider 170 degree lens, external mic jack, and live streaming.