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OK, after extensive internet research and watching dozens of advertisements on various cameras, I found THIS one! What I was actually looking for was a camera that could be used in my car as a dashcam; and one that would capture GPS location and date/time. There are a lot of offers out there for car "black boxes" or dashcams; without using the names of any of them, consider the construction AND the price. I actually bought one to send to my brother-in-law to use in Europe. It had a plastic case and a cheap looking lens. I tested it before I sent it to him and almost sent it back due to the disappointing quality of the video. Contour currently offers three models, one without GPS, THIS one and the Coutour+ (which has a few more bells that I really wasn't interested in and claims to have a little better lens with wider angle). But, the Contour+ comes with about $200 higher price tag (something to consider). Realize this camera is NOT really designed for use as a dash-cam; more for action sports. It has a rugged frame (aluminum instead of plastic), a better quality lens than most of the car cams on the market, and it has the features I wanted in a dash-cam. Most of the videos you will find on the internet made with this camera will be sports shots with the camera mounted on helmets, bikes, surfboards, and even on a model helicopter! Not much there in the way of dash-cam applications; I plan to post some in the near future. So, I temporarily mounted it in my car and went for a short spin. Came back, played back the footage..and I AM IMPRESSED! First off, the contrast is good and images sharp. When you pause the video the image is sharp and clear! CONTOUR provides a software program that lets you play from the camera, download, share on internet or just save. Software plays back the GPS data that tracks using Google Maps in three options. I think I found the right camera for what I want to do with it..AND I have all the sports applications should I want to take it out of my car. Check out the Contour website for the models and all the accessories available, they offer a wide variety of mounts (you can even mount it on a rifle, may have to try that one). With the cigarette lighter power cord and optional 32gb micro (class 10) card (had to buy separately-they are expensive, so shop around)I can record up to 8-hours in HD quality [the camera ships with a 2gb micro card; not enough for long recording]. Check out the Contour web page for other features and capabilities. The only issue(s) I have is the ON/OFF button on the back cover; it doesn't always work just right and you have to flip open the back door (can do without stopping recording) and use a pointed object to depress the inner ON/OFF switch. And the sound quality inside a quiet car is not as good as it could be (the Contour+ has an external mic jack), I suppose this one was designed to cut down on wind and other noise when helmet mounted (thus the 4-star rating on picture and sound). But, for what I want to use it for, it's a winner! Check it out and compare with the other stuff out there. Be careful of some of the plastic dash-cams that appear way overpriced. Give this one a look. I'm pleased with it!Read full review
Generally pretty easy to figure out how to set up (including the software, firmware, etc.) and to work. Can't get the GPS to work yet, so still need to figure that out especially because the GPS function is the main reason I bought this model. The battery life is not great, so make sure to buy a spare battery. Ejecting the battery is a bit of a pain, as is getting the camera off of the 360 helmet mount I bought. However, the product is sleek, the picture quality is great, and I'm glad I bought it.
Great video camera. Works great for capturing mountain bike trail riding from a helmet. There's a few design flaws that need to be addressed, primarily the main power On/Off button doesn't work as intended. You have to remove the back flap and insert a sharpened point in order to access the recessed power button. The power button on the back is supposed to press the recessed power button for you but it doesn't work well at all. The camera mounting brackets use adhesive so once stuck on they don't allow for any adjustability. I used zip ties until I found the right position and then adhered them. Other than those two issues the camera works as intended and shoots great video.
Excellent Camera! Unbelievable Video! Really easy to use, and you don't even know it's there. And you don't look like one of those freaks with the "antennae" look of that other brand. I bought the Bluetooth card and an extra battery too. It allows my android phone to be used as an aiming tool, what a great feature. I’ve actually never needed to use the spare battery. I bought a new more powerful laptop so I can edit the video that I took of my sons snowboarding. I am putting some cranking music to it. Great stuff!
The battery life is short! You need to keep a charger around if your wanting a lot of video. The camera is very small and the piture quality is great. It's easy to use and compatible with Apple and Windows.
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