Contour+
Manufacturer: Contour Inc Part number: contour_plus
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Contour+ sports camera is simple to use, with pro-level flexibility and quality; however, Contour's lower-priced options may be more appropriate for casual users.
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CNET editors' review
Contour+ price range: $446.00 - $499.99
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Reviewed on: 06/29/2011
The good: The Contour+ sports camera is highly configurable, yet also extremely easy to pick up and use. An included Connect View card allows the Contour+ to connect to Contour's iPhone app for live viewfinding and settings adjustments. HDMI output, microphone input, and Bluetooth connectivity offer expandability.
The bad: The Contour+ is noticeably more expensive than the competition and Contour's other models. The flush-mounted lens glass seems vulnerable to scratching.
The bottom line: The Contour+ sports camera is simple to use, with pro-level flexibility and quality; however, Contour's lower-priced options may be more appropriate for casual users.
The portable sports-camera market is a hotly contested battleground with dozens of contenders entering and leaving the fray every year. However, there are but two major competitors at the top of the heap: GoPro and Contour.
Contour's latest HD camcorder, the Contour+, is a professional-level bullet camera that packs in every trick in Contour's book, including GPS location technology, smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth, and an established rail-mounting system. It also brings a few new tricks in the form of an HDMI output, a microphone input, and a higher-quality, superwide-angle lens. But is all of this worth the premium price that Contour places on the Contour+?
Hardware
At first glance, the Contour+ under its new brushed-aluminum chassis appears to be identical in its hardware to previous-generation Contour sports cameras like the ContourHD. However, closer inspection reveals that there are more changes to be found.
At the business end, for example, the ContourHD's dual aiming lasers have been omitted to make room for the larger lens and premium optics of the Contour+. Additionally, where the ContourHD models featured a recessed lens, the Contour+ has glass that is mounted flush with the bezel. Perhaps this is to better accommodate the new F 2.8, 170-degree superwide-angle lens (up from the old 170-degree FOV) without vignetting. However, we felt that the flush glass was now more vulnerable to scratches than the old recessed glass. Fortunately the Contour+ ships with a rubber lens cap. Also, where the rotating lens assembly on previous ContourHD models only allowed 180 degrees of twisting articulation, the Contour+ spins 270 degrees. This means you can mount the camera in almost any orientation, even upside down, and be able to twist the lens to level.

The Contour+ also gains some new connectivity technology, some of which debuted on the ContourGPS. On the unit's top edge, the record switch now features a large hump that houses a GPS receiver for recording the unit's latitude, longitude, elevation, and speed, as well as a Bluetooth receiver that can be used to connect to a smartphone.
Along the lower edge of the unit, there's a new 2.5mm input for an external microphone. This is useful for recording commentary, interviews, or just more specific sound than the Contour's omnidirectional microphone normally captures. The microphone input is hidden beneath a rubber cap when not in use to preserve the unit's water resistance. A short 2-inch microphone extension cable ships with the device.
On the back, there are a few new inputs as well. Joining the standard Mini-USB connection is a new Micro-HDMI connection that allows the Contour+ to output video to a display or external capture device via an included HDMI connection cable. The unit cannot, as far as we can tell, play back recorded video through this connection. Further differentiating the Contour+ from its predecessors is a new mechanical rear door hinge that replaces the old soft rubber flaps that were prone to tearing off. The rear door also gains a pair of removable rubber caps for the HDMI and USB connections, so you won't have to completely open the back of the camera to access them. The rear power button and indicator lights for battery and storage status are unchanged.

Behind the new door is the same microSD card slot (a 2GB card is included) and removable lithium ion rechargeable battery. There's also a mode switch for choosing between two user-configurable modes. Contour's Connect View iOS interface card is included with the Contour+ and preinstalled. (For the ContourGPS model, this card was a separate purchase.)
The Contour+ features the same rail-mounting system as the rest of the lineup, so it is compatible with all of Contour's mounting accessories for helmets, handlebars, suction cups, rollbars, and surfboards. There's even a Picatinny mount for attaching the camera to an assault rifle (or paintball gun). In the box, the Contour+ ships with two adhesive rotating mounts and one adhesive low-profile mount.
Storyteller software and smartphone Connect View
The Contour+ has four video recording modes, a still photo capture mode, and an array of options for each.
Full HD mode captures 1080p (1,920x1,080-pixel resolution) video at 30 frames per second. Tall HD captures at an odd 960p (1,280x960-pixel resolution), also at 30fps. Original HD steps down to 720p (1,280x720 pixels) at 30fps. Finally, Action HD also captures 720p but at 60fps. All of these modes are for the NTSC standard, but the Contour+ can also be set to record PAL video in 25fps and 50fps increments.
Each recording mode also has three quality settings (high, low, and medium), automatic or user-set white balance; three metering modes (center, average, and spot), and adjustable contrast, exposure, and sharpness settings. Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted and GPS power and capture intervals can be set. GPS data is embedded in the MOV file that the Contour+ produces, so you won't need to keep track of a separate metadata file if you want to archive your videos.
Still photos are captured at 5MP (2,592x1,944 pixels) at intervals of 3, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds.

Recording modes and settings are all adjusted using Contour's Storyteller software, which is a free download from Contour's Web site. Aside from tweaking settings and updating camera firmware, the Storyteller software can be used to download and edit captured video from the connected Contour+ unit. You can trim the beginning and end from a video, keeping just the good parts, by tapping the new Awesome button at the best part of your video to initiate the trimming mode. On the video's timeline, selection handles will appear around the point where the button was pressed. Simply drag the handles to the points where you'd like the clip to begin and end and Storyteller will automatically crop the video for you. When GPS capture is enabled, Storyteller can also parse and display that data on a Google Map with an elevation graph.
Once the video is edited, you can post it (or just the awesome part) to Contour's video-sharing community for online playback via Contour's player with GPS map and speed data intact. You can also export your edited movie as an MOV file for posting to other video-sharing sites like YouTube or Vimeo. GPS data can also be exported separately as a GPX, CSV, or TXT file for use with external GPS software.
Earlier we mentioned that the Contour+ lacks the aiming lasers that made the previous Contour models so easy to use without a viewfinder. However, the Contour+ has a new trick that's even more useful and accurate for framing shots. After pairing the Contour+ with an iPhone via Bluetooth, you can install and launch a Contour application that turns the iPhone's screen into a viewfinder. This connection is not full-resolution and the frame rate is more akin to a slideshow than a video feed, but it's good enough to use for a few seconds at a time to make sure that the Contour+ is pointed and oriented the way you want it before recording.
From the Contour app, you can also adjust the settings of the two user modes and select one or the other on the fly. At the time of this review, Connect View is only compatible with iOS devices (iPhone 4, iPod Touch), but the company says an Android app is being developed.
Conclusions
So, the Contour+ offers upgraded hardware, but at an MSRP of $499.99, is it worth the $120 premium that it carries over the ContourGPS ($349.99) with a Connect View card ($29.99)? Looking at specs alone, probably not. The only real advantages that the Contour+ offers are a wider-angle lens, 90 degrees more articulation on its rotating lens, and a microphone input and an HDMI output that we're guessing the average consumer will never use. Professionals interested in adding an inexpensive camera to their current setup, on the other hand, will likely find the HDMI output indispensable for connecting the Contour+ to, for example, some sort of wireless video capture box that sends the video to live editing hardware for broadcasts. Don't be surprised if you started seeing little silver Contour+ units attached to the helmets of contestants in next year's X Games or to the bumpers of a few cars at a broadcast racing event.
Looking past the specs to the video quality, we noticed an improvement in the exposure and noise levels of captured video compared with the ContourHD 1080p that we normally use to capture video for the Car Tech Live podcast. Audio quality is the same slightly muffled capture that we're used to from a Contour device's internal pinhole microphone, but that can be improved using an external microphone. At the very least, an adjustable microphone level will allow slightly better recording quality. However, the improvements in video quality aren't so stark that most users would be able to tell the difference between video from the Contour+ and the GPS or 1080p models with the latest firmware. The main advantage of the Contour+ is that its iPhone app enables you to adjust settings on the fly.
However, while the Contour+ may not have a decisive advantage over its predecessors for many users, it definitely has one over its competitors, our current Editors' Choice GoPro HD Hero and the recently reviewed POV.HD. The Contour+ is more compact than the bulky POV.HD, making it easier to use and to set up. With the addition of still-photo capture modes to Contour's firmware, the Contour+ matches the GoPro HD Hero's levels of functionality, and embedded GPS data takes it a step beyond. Contour's smartphone and desktop software makes the Contour+ easier to use than the GoPro with its archaic interface. The GoPro is about $200 less expensive than the Contour+ and it comes with more mounting options in its box--including a waterproof, shockproof case that can take a serious beating. However, when the time came for us to go record in-car footage, the Contour+ was the camera that we most often reached for during our month of testing. The video captured was simply better and it took much less effort to get the shot we needed. It would appear that we have a new favorite action camera and a new Editors' Choice.
User reviews
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A Great Camera now even better
by gilelliott57 on July 2, 2011
Pros: fantastic video , great stills , and stable gps info. Very easy to use as is the GPS model. The new updated software makes the GPS feature and the I Phone viewfinder simple to use. I wass worried about no sighting lasers until I rememebered the I phone v
Cons: I need a bigger battery as the card i have lasts 8 hours at 1080P
Summary: Probalby over kill compared to the GPS model but we all want the best with the most features and this is IT!
Summary: Probalby over kill compared to the GPS model but we all want the best with the most features and this is IT!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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one of the best sport cameras but not for my needs.
by marvingavidia on July 1, 2011
Pros: great picture, specially at 720p 60 frames.great features like the aligning laser,gps ,user friendly story teller software,glove friendly record switch ,upgradable 32 GB memory card,its small design looks good and high tech on helmets and blue tooth to sy
Cons: for me the worst problem with this camera is battery life.after an hour of riding and less than 4 minutes of actually recording time the battery went dead.to me it would had been nice if i could get an hour of recording time.you cant have the camera charg
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera but the mount is a bit cumbersome
by tkessler on July 1, 2011
Pros: The camera has great quality, convenient alignment lasers, and is light and compact
Cons: The mounting rails are a bit cumbersome. Sliding them on and off can be tough at times.
Summary: The camera is a great camera with the option to rotate the lens so no matter where it is placed you can get a picture that isn't tilted. The ...
Summary: The camera is a great camera with the option to rotate the lens so no matter where it is placed you can get a picture that isn't tilted. The GPS features are also nice though sometimes do not track correctly, but it still gives you the general area where you are at. The camera is very lightweight and sleek, but does have a couple of drawbacks. The first is the on/off button at the back can sometimes be tough to activate, and the mounting rails are a bit difficult to work so it's hard to mount. This means it also is very unlikely it will fall off when riding or playing, but there ought to be another option than the slide rails.
The last issue is with how it handles video. Currently it records until full and then stops, but it would be very nice to have an option to record continuously, overwriting initial videos once the card is full. It would also be nice to have an external audio jack so when mounted to a helmet you can have a microphone next to your mouth for commentary. There's nothing worse than cranking on a cool video only to have your ears blasted by wind sounds.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good on paper but no use in action.
by tritata on April 23, 2012
Pros: Suitable shape of the device in contrast to most obvious competitor.
Cons: Sometimes footage has no sound.
Useless bluetooth.
See the "Summary" for details.Summary: The device decides to record sound or not by itself. And you never know is there a sound in the footage you're getting. The issue is more the 6 ...
Summary: The device decides to record sound or not by itself. And you never know is there a sound in the footage you're getting. The issue is more the 6 months old, but there're no progress in support.
The bluetooth service is very poor. You cannot shoot or view clips, even delete unwanted clips or shots. The only things you can do by bluetooth is to see where the camera looks while it's idle and change settings you're never want to change once had set.
On a hill I see the dominance of GoPro devices, and this moment I know why it is. It looks weird, has restricted mounting facilities due to it's shape but it does it's job well.
The Contour+ announced as a device with advanced technologies that are inefficient in action. Moreover the camera unable to surely do even the primary job. -
As water resistant as a desktop computer.
by kakeyed on November 12, 2011
Pros: Excellent picture & video quality in a compact package. Nice range of optional accessories to mount camera almost anywhere, including an available waterproof case. Very good sound with the optional external microphone. Nifty GPS video mapping.
Cons: A far cry from the advertised water resistant, this high priced camera should not leave the house without the waterproof case, if just to keep the dust out (To be clear, full submersion requires waterproofing, water resistance should stand up to some rain
Summary: From the Contour website : "With a burly, water-resistant aluminum shell, the Contour+ is made to take a beating in extreme environments from raging storms to muddy tracks."
The Contour's ...Summary: From the Contour website : "With a burly, water-resistant aluminum shell, the Contour+ is made to take a beating in extreme environments from raging storms to muddy tracks."
The Contour's rear plastic door shuts & locks just like any regular camera's battery door; which is probably why those cameras are not marketed as water resistant. Contour's "overly enthusiastic" advertizing is what earns the low rating.
A very light rain was enough to shut this camera down (after a good drying out, it did restart, but all of that recording was lost), so "support" was contacted. Following a long and irritating discussion, it came to light that the Contour+ is not water resistant, but more "splash proof" and that the extreme environment raging storms are meant to be snow storms, not rain. Hmmm...
I bought the Contour Plus ($500) for it's GPS mapping, external mic and compact design. The need for the waterproof case cancels the external mic feature and makes the whole deal less compact, so the cheaper Contour GPS ($300) would have done the same job.
Battery life doesn't seem to be a problem - I've had the camera record video, sound & GPS for close to a hour at a medium quality setting of 720p @ 30fps (outside temperature around 20C) before I shut it off myself. This setting uses 1Gb every 15 minutes, so an 8 or 16Gb SD card should do the trick.
In the end, if picture & video quality are important, this is a great camera, as are the Contour GPS and Contour Roam. -
This camera is giving us cutting edge technology
by holmeseted on September 9, 2011
Pros: The video quality is sharp and crisp even at high speeds using the 1080P mode.
With the older GPS I would have to use the 720P 60 fps setting on the older camera to get a clear video. I would often get a little pixilation when using the higher frame rCons: Battery life could be better like with most electronics. Get the extra battery.
Summary: This is a great buy
Summary: This is a great buy
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Top quality and extremely durable
by Baz13one on September 9, 2011
Pros: Since upgrading from Contours 720 model I have found the quality exceptional. I love the 60fps for my motox videos and has proved itself very durable. Bluetooth to iphone to set camera position is a real time saver and has worked flawlessly.
Cons: The manual is a little light on details. I had problems working out the GPS and a help file for the GPS that only loads through Contours Storyteller software. Their help forum and tech support sorted me quick smart. GPS has worked spot on since.
Summary: Fantastic camera and the best customer support I have ever seen from a company. I was a little worried with support as I was buying from Australia, but Contours support ...
Summary: Fantastic camera and the best customer support I have ever seen from a company. I was a little worried with support as I was buying from Australia, but Contours support has sorted me on every occasion. The camera picture quality is awesome, it takes the falls and knocks in its stride and is unobtrusive. It sticks securely to my helmet and is hardly noticeable.
I would definitely buy another Contour+. Baz131 -
Disappointed Contour GPS customer
by gquinn100 on August 3, 2011
Pros: easy to use software
Cons: Did not work right out of the box
Summary: Go-pro VS Contour GPS
After comparing Go-Pro vs Contour GPS for some time I decided to purchase the Contour GPS. Software was easy to down load & user friendly. Formatted ...Summary: Go-pro VS Contour GPS
After comparing Go-Pro vs Contour GPS for some time I decided to purchase the Contour GPS. Software was easy to down load & user friendly. Formatted card as instructed then closed cover to begin filming. Then excitement turned to disappointment when camera would not turn on from outside power button. Checked on line and found other people with same issue (so much for quality control). I had to open back cover & use toothpick to turn on camera. Needless to say the camera is going back and I going to take a look at the Go-Pro again
Disappointed newbie
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Contour Inc
- Part number: contour_plus
- Bottom Line: The Contour+ sports camera is simple to use, with pro-level flexibility and quality; however, Contour's lower-priced options may be more appropriate for casual users.
Physical Characteristics
- Weight 5.3 oz
Accessories
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033780)129.95
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033783)129.99 - 160.26
- Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control for EOS D30, D60, D10, 1D, 1V 20D SLR Cameras (33615634)134.00 - 135.99
- KATA D-Light Capsule-183 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033782)149.89
- Sony LCS VCC - soft case for camcorder (33351258)139.00 - 249.99
- Canon CA 950 - Power adapter + battery charger (33615515)164.99
- Canon MA 300 - camcorder microphone adapter (30121346)174.95 - 177.95
- Sony ACC-HDV7 digital camera accessory kit (33969762)129.99
- Hoodman EX KIT PRO LCD screen hood loupe (34409067)159.95
- KATA GDC HDV Case CC-193 - case for camcorder (32959760)129.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Contour Inc products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Contour Inc
- Address:
3131 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 - Phone: 866-397-6920



