goPro camera

[dmc]

Another one to check out is the ContourHD cam. I think the Contour is easier to use, can turn off and on just by sliding one switch (even with gloves on), rechargeable via USB port, and you can put big memory sticks in them. The mounting is a bit better too. I've used both a GoPro and Contour skiing, I find the Contour is better. Also have had both cameras attached to my car when I take it on the track and I think the Contour is a bit better too, it's still reasonably priced as well. The Contour has a slimmer profile, and I have a it setup to be eye level on my goggle strap.

yeah... thats what I use..
I like the fact that it sits close to my helmet - I'm worried I'd rip a GoPro off my helmet in the tight stuff.

 

[gmcunni]

The Contour has a slimmer profile, and I have a it setup to be eye level on my goggle strap.

no bouncing due to the weight of the camera pulling on the elastic goggle strap?

 

[dmc]

no bouncing due to the weight of the camera pulling on the elastic goggle strap?

A bit - but I tightened my strap a bit and it seems to take care of it..
You can also mount it on the side of your helmet directly..

 

[Rogman]

We use them underwater a lot. Can't recall how deep; but probably well over 150 feet. You do have to be very careful with the o-ring, but that's par for the course.

 

[urban07sti]

I think the Contour has a case for underwater use too, the frame itself is pretty good for "getting wet" skiing and such. I wouldn't take it wakeboarding or true underwater though.

 

[Cannonball]

Great now I'm conflicted on which to get...

I haven't used the contour so I certainly don't have anything against it. When researching the cameras I watched lots of comparison footage online and preferred the GoPro but it's somewhat subjective. But just to give you some more info I will comment a little on urban07sti's post.

I think the Contour is easier to use, can turn off and on just by sliding one switch (even with gloves on).

The GoPro turns on/off with one button press. The new firmware also has an 'idiot proof' setting which allows you to hand it over to someone else and it will do everything with one press (turn on, start recording).

rechargeable via USB port

GoPro is also rechargeable through USB port

and you can put big memory sticks in them.

GoPro takes up to a 32GB card, same as the Contour

The mounting is a bit better to The Contour has a slimmer profile, and I have a it setup to be eye level on my goggle strap.

From what I've seen I definitely agree that the Contour helmet mount is less awkward. Although GoPro seems to have more mounting options. I like skiing with the chest mount in the trees. And I use a lot of the other mounts for other applications.

 

[Huck_It_Baby]

But just to give you some more info I will comment a little on urban07sti's post.

Thanks for the info on this. It's helpful. I'm leaning toward the GoProHD because it seems like the image quality is slightly better and the unit itself appears to be more rugged.

It does look kinda cumbersome when mounted on the helmet though...that's the biggest downfall in my book.

 

[tmcc71]

standard models freeze

The statndard model will not work in cold temperatures. Even fuly charged batteries will undervolt in about 20 minutes outdoors under 45 degrees. The only solution is to tape a chemical heat pack (the ones you use in gloves) to the outside rear of case. Kind of a PITA. I'm going to replace my standard with a hi def li-on

 

[mattchuck2]

The statndard model will not work in cold temperatures. Even fuly charged batteries will undervolt in about 20 minutes outdoors under 45 degrees. The only solution is to tape a chemical heat pack (the ones you use in gloves) to the outside rear of case. Kind of a PITA. I'm going to replace my standard with a hi def li-on

Right. That's why mine dies all the time.

Cursed cold weather.

 

[gmcunni]

some gopro footage i stumbled across on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1j20bjKifc

or

 

[dmc]

Check it
http://www.looxcie.com/

 

[RootDKJ]

First ski video

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showpost.php?p=583116&postcount=6

 

[carbonXshell]

First ski video

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showpost.php?p=583116&postcount=6

That's pretty damn cool Root... I saw a couple boarders the other night at Sundown with the same camera on their helmets... it's really versatile though having it on your ski pole, smart thinking!

 

[carbonXshell]

some gopro footage i stumbled across on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1j20bjKifc

that's well done too... I'm still using an old panasonic...

 

[Cannonball]

If you really want to see what GoPro can do check this....



Granted, they are also insane skiers. Here's one of mine from last week...

 

[RootDKJ]

Granted, they are also insane skiers. Here's one of mine from last week...

What software did you use to edit that? You did a nice job.

What setting on the GoPro did you film that at? I'm using R3 720p @ 60fps.

 

[Cannonball]

What software did you use to edit that? You did a nice job.

What setting on the GoPro did you film that at? I'm using R3 720p @ 60fps.

Thanks. That was just a very quick edit to get something out. I'm using Sony Vegas Premier 9 for editing. I like it. However, that USC video is edited with Final Cut Pro. Those super slo-mo shots are made using a Twixtor plugin that you can't get for Vegas.

Like you, I'm using R3 720p @ 60fp. Same for that USC vid. Seems like the best mode for action shots.

 

[severine]

If you really want to see what GoPro can do check this....

That is pretty cool! Final Cut Pro is nice software but you have to have a Mac... running into video editing woes myself for my student film and for now, I'm just going to use Windows Live Movie Maker. At least it's free and PC-compatible.

 

[RootDKJ]

Thanks. That was just a very quick edit to get something out. I'm using Sony Vegas Premier 9 for editing. I like it. However, that USC video is edited with Final Cut Pro. Those super slo-mo shots are made using a Twixtor plugin that you can't get for Vegas.

Like you, I'm using R3 720p @ 60fp. Same for that USC vid. Seems like the best mode for action shots.

I'm also using Sony Vegas 9. I find the software to have a bit of a learning curve, but I've found some helpful tutorials on youtube. I also tried Adobe Premier, but couldn't get the gopro files to load. Same for the Windows editor.

I don't know about the plug-in, but it's easy enough to slow down the framerate and playback speed in SV9 to get take advantage of the 60fps shooting speed.

You can really see the details on the snow coming off my tails and on the snow surface.

 

[Cannonball]

I don't know about the plug-in, but it's easy enough to slow down the framerate and playback speed in SV9 to get take advantage of the 60fps shooting speed.

Yeah, I've done the same thing with slowing it down by 50%. and I like it. Check out that USC video though at 1:33. Twixtor allows for a slow down and frame interpolation that looks like the freak'n Matrix.