[Gruivis]

Looking for feedback about whether it's worth shelling out $170 for the Contour Roam. I'm looking for something to take pictures and a few videos on my next tour.

The phone is free but it's a pita to operate - swipe to turn on, start camera app, etc. But it is free.

Does anyone have any experience with the Contour line and can tell me that it's worth the money?

 

[gerhard]

I have a Contour HD which is the model prior to what you are looking at and will only do video. I think if you want to use the contour to take a photo at predetermined intervals while attached to the bike it is great if on the other hand you want to use it as a traditional camera to take photos of scenes, people buildings etc. it would really suck. There is no view finder and it has a much wider view than most cameras which works fine when it is taking a photo every 10 seconds for two hours. In that scenario you would have taken 720 photos and will likely delete 718 of them and hope for two keepers.

http://youtu.be/8fexzhZLPRM

A video taken with the Contour HD, keep in mind this video was taken while the camera was attached to ST1100 I am sure the videos will be better once the camera is attached to a BMW

Gerhard

 

[Gruivis]

Thanks for the feedback.

A friend suggested I go with an action cam like the Kodak PlaySport Zx5 which is waterproof, as a good compromise. I've ordered a small tripod for taking pictures around the campground and now I've just got to find an inexpensive way to mount it on the bike for the occasional picture.

 

[wa1200lt]

You might want to check out RAM mounts. It seems like they have a mount for anything and everything. Good quality, reasonable price, and good availability.

Loren

 

[Gruivis]

I took a look at that site, they recommend a mount that ties into the reservoir cover. But I'm not too keen on that.

I'd prefer to use the LT's mirror mount -

Only problem is that thing costs almost a $100. Need something just like but closer to the $30 range.

Maybe something could be fabricated at Home Depot.

 

[wa1200lt]

If it helps I have been using a RAM mount that attaches to the front brake IR clutch reservoir to mount a GPS for over 2 years with no issues. RAM even includes a dab of Never-Seize to put in the threads of the longer screws so they don't corrode in place. Never had a leak or any other problems with this set up.

Liren

 

[PassinHarleys]

cell phone :histerica really! contour roam by a large margin, audio sucks needs major rethinking

 

[TWheels]

After I saw Gerhard's video I started doing a little research. The Contour GPS and Contour + both have GPS tracking built in. Contour provides an application which displays a split screen view which allows you to see your GPS position on a map synced with your video. A bit pricey but something I am seriously considering. You are also able to use your apple or droid phone as a view finder via bluetooth. It is a viewfinder only so you are not able to watch live video on your phone. I haven't actually seen these features yet but Utube is your friend. Although these cameras will take still images, I will probably bring something else for stills.

I actually liked the idea of using my cell but it seemed too complicated. There are mounting and waterproofing issues etc.