Contour Releases The Contour+2 Camera

Sep 5, 2012 at 11:06
by CONTOUR Cameras
 

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Contour, Inc. - the company that makes it easy to capture and share action moments with hands-free HD video cameras, apps and accessories, today announces the next evolution in action video: the Contour+2. Available later this month, the new camera will enable users to shoot 1080p HD video; track speed, distance, and elevation; then easily share data-rich content across YouTube, Vimeo, and for the very first time, on Facebook.

cam zink in utah Photo Blake Jorgenson

Photo // Blake Jorgenson


bigquotesOur focus at Contour has always been on innovation and the best customer experience. We're right at the crossroad of social media, big data and rich video, bringing a whole new perspective to people's actions and the way they share them. - Marc Barros, CEO, Contour

cam zink in utah Photo Blake Jorgenson

Photo // Blake Jorgenson


The new design combines users’ favorite features from both the ContourROAM and the original Contour+ to create an affordable camera that is easier to use and allows Contour users to share an entirely new perspective. The new model has also been real-world tested and proven by Contour’s roster of professional athletes and film partners in the world’s most diverse conditions, ultimately fine-tuning its sensor to improve the overall sharpness of the image, the speed at which the camera adjusts for fast lighting changes, and the underwater video quality.

The Contour+2 also features the highest quality action video, faster frame rates and one-button recording. Additional features include:

• Rich data - Unique to Contour, a GPS receiver allows users to capture and share a different perspective, providing beautiful HD video with overlays for speed, elevation, and distance. The end result? Video shared to Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo tells a much more interesting story.

• Mobile connectivity right out of the box – Users can turn their smartphone into a remote control and viewfinder by pairing the Contour+2 with their mobile device. Contour’s built-in Bluetooth technology enables users to line up and preview shots before recording or press record from their phone while the camera is already mounted.

• Locking Instant On-Record switch – No power button? No problem. Users can simply slide the Instant On-Record switch into its locked position to immediately start capturing video.

• 120 frames per second - In addition to shooting in four different HD modes including 1080p, the Contour+2 also shoots 120fps in 480p. That puts super slow motion video at the users’ fingertips.

• Waterproof case included – The waterproof case included will bring those aqua adventures to life. The Contour+2 waterproof case is rated to 60 meters.

• Live Streaming – Contour+2’s HDMI out port lets users live-stream events, meetings, and more.

Pricing and Retail Availability: Available later in September, the Contour+2 will be sold on www.contour.com and at select specialty and national retailers for $399.99. For more information, please visit www.contour.com.

About Contour
Seattle-based Contour Inc. makes it easy to capture and share life’s moments through its rich ecosystem of hands-free cameras, data, mobile apps and accessories. Contour products are available at Amazon.com; major sports retailers, including REI and Zumiez; photo specialty stores like B&H Photo, Video and Pro-Audio; and thousands of specialty retail stores in more than 40 countries.
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109 Comments

  • + 26
flag mtaero (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:16)
 Contour blah blah blah.....Go Pro blah blah blah..... There, all comparisons between the two cameras have been made. End of... Seriously though, Im liking the quality of footage Ive seen from this camera so far. Cant wait to see how the Rich Data feature works.
  • + 8
flag thinkbike (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:00)
 The new Contour Pro looks fantastic!
  • - 5
flag Matt-W (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:32) (Below Threshold) show comment
 they still didnt fix the sound issues from the first camera Frown
  • - 9
flag Bikerhasi (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:05) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Do you really want to hear the sound while you're watching your f*cking run ?
  • + 5
flag cholla (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:15)
 @Matt-W a got mine Contour Roam more than a year now 'n there is no sound issue. check for newer firmware
  • + 7
flag dmadness (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:30)
 they DID fix the sound issue.. go to the website and download the patch.
  • - 1
flag Trealairborne (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:02)
 Still have that small lens quality look! dont like it! Go Pro still in the front of the race!
  • + 0
flag VTwintips (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:15)
 was that hobo real?
  • + 6
flag bikerofestacada (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:00)
 ^lol haven't you seen built to shred?
  • + 1
flag TOU93 (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:44)
 Wait till you see the footage from the new Sony helmet cam, it dos 120fps @ 720p, it is quite a bit sharper than my gopro2 and the colours seem to be more accurate. They are still prototypes but we used a few of them on the Billabong Pro surfing in Tahiti a few weeks ago.

The Sony is the same shape as the Contour so it will have the same mounting issues but it comes standard with a water housing.
  • + 4
flag eleventyfive (Sep 5, 2012 at 18:06)
 ^^ 120 fps @ 720 wow can't wait to see that. The shots of Travis Rice slashing pow really makes me want winter.
[Reply]
  • + 29
flag calmandh (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:13)
 Give me 1080p at 60fps!
  • + 2
flag dmadness (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:32)
 i second that.
  • - 5
flag mwSLUGmtb (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:07) (Below Threshold) show comment
 I think it can record up to 120fps now
  • + 1
flag abzillah (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:23)
 I wish youtube, vimeo, and pinkbike would allow upload and viewing at 60fps. It looks awesome watching it at 60fps, but once it's uploaded to the net, it is converted to 30fps and the smoothness is lost.
  • + 4
flag Fooooguete (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:59)
 hey abzillah delete vimeo from the list, there is a option to viewers download the original file.. so file not converted.
  • + 1
flag andytheaussie (Sep 6, 2012 at 0:55)
 Nope - checked the specs. 60FPS at 720P. Try the Replay XD.
[Reply]
  • + 15
flag pineboxx (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:10)
 This new Contour camera is sick . Out of the box with all the accessories needed plus a sick Apple app that actual works with the camera and it's operating system. The bonus to me is you don't look like a Box head riding your bike and you can be sure that " this thing is on " if your can slide the button forward to record. Seems pretty simple to me. As for the Sony, ya good specs. I haven't seen one single one in the market being tested and not one single athlete or production company endorsing it. We'll see how it performs when it is actually used and put through it's paces. And lastly, this Sony will be sold at your local electronics store or online where Sony sells 99% of their products. don't expect to see them supporting local bike shops and giving back to the sport. just my two cents.
  • + 5
flag Daire (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:46)
 Im with you on all points other than not giving back to the sport. Sony dont owe anything to MTB. They will probably sell more to skiers and snowboarders than bike riders cause GoPro is just so dominant in the MTB industry. Im looking forward to seeing the quality a Carl Zeiss lens and a 16mp sensor will put out though once they have them released.
  • + 2
flag LITHon520 (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:38)
 Endorsement smorsment, this is Sony, electronics giant were talking about not some boutique action-camera company, they're like CocaCola, they are everywhere! Does it matter if they give back to the sport, no. If they see the MTB community as an avenue for revenue then yes endorsements otherwise no.
Just so long as its a quality build (which Sony is renowned for, for the most part). I'm quietly confident that it will deliver the goods, if not at least they gave it a shot.

Regarding dominancy in any market, if the product is the best of what's available, cheaper and more bells and whistle's etc.. there will be no brand loyality within the MTB community to GoPro. And that goes both ways for both brands.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag hypa (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:24)
 Finally, a video format that can be viewed by all, without having to deal with Contour's bullshit proprietary video software. With the GPS function and the new format, I may have to sell my GoPro and snag one of these.
  • + 1
flag flyindutchman (Sep 10, 2012 at 12:10)
 Huh? I've used my Contour HD for about 5 years now and have always just used the memory card straight to my PC or Mac to extract original .mov files. Never used Contour's software so I'm not sure you're accurate on that point?
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag krdierckx (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:31)
 first time i see a perfect-quality video coming off a contour. i don't think $400 is too much, considering you'd have to buy the wifi backpack AND a gps logger to get the same result out of your gopro.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Spicy-Mike (Sep 5, 2012 at 23:43)
 The quality looks great. Now, can anyone that knows about the technical aspects of the physical camera/recorder explain why they haven't been able to integrate a true Anti-Shake system in these cameras? Sure, some people might say the "raw" feel of the jumpiness is desirable to give it that "sporty" feel, but still.

*Random question: I've made a couple of small designs that the camera mounts to and therefore adsorbs most vertical shock via magnetic plates or slider spring plates (floating). For a pricepoint around $30, WOULD anyone theoretically buy it if it took off about 50% of Rough Shake through Minor bumps?
  • + 1
flag Camoguy1 (Sep 6, 2012 at 7:09)
 I'd be curious....
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag paulwatt (Sep 5, 2012 at 22:28)
 I have a buttload of Contours 2s and GoPro 2s. And I'm lucky enough to get them for free from some super cool contacts at both companies. Both are pretty good, but have a way to go before being truly awesome. Form factor goes to Contour. Image is close with GoPro2 maybe a nose ahead right now. When they release the new GoPro high bitrate cine firmware maybe GoPro will step ahead a bit. Whatever happens, the competition is good for the marketplace!!!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag Lytleboy (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:37)
 Lovin the connect to a phone to see the shot. Way better than having to pay extra for a screen
  • + 3
flag krsh (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:32)
 you're already paying extra for it in the retail price.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Fastjohn1 (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:22)
 This new Contour looks pretty sweet, but 400 seems high price to me. Really diggin the speed and elevation tracking on it though. Seems pretty sweet, but it will all come down to how good the video looks to me. If it's super rad video quality, then I'll get one for sure.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag LITHon520 (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:27)
 That new Sony action cam looks like some serious business Smile lets just hope it's not one item that goes on the long list of Sony's strange electronic oddities they give birth too! Contour & GoPro will have a hard time of it, if this gets momentum, they've got one customer here already! Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag kyphoto (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:30)
 GoPro has the mounts and the new Sony has 120fps at 720p for about $250. Not sure this thing is going to do so well.
  • + 1
flag Maveri20 (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:02)
 good call
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag getonyourbike (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:13)
 tbh, I think they need the different mount options, like the chest mount, if they're going to compete with Gopro.
  • + 16
flag radney (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:18)
 Contour on the chest would be dangerous
  • + 2
flag wullberforce (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:57)
 there is a chest mount for the contour but its not contour that makes it but kum on its a HELMET cam
  • + 2
flag bouncinggav (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:01)
 thats why i got rid of my old contour. because the mounting options are not that good
  • + 2
flag martimus919 (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:29)
 The chest mount is one of the only ones that Contour doesn't do, but it's an even spread of what mounting possibilities from either company. I wish my Contour had a chest mount but I run both brands so it doesn't matter. But if Contour had a chest mount I'd probably never use my GoPro, unless I set up a few of my cameras with the WiFi back pack.
  • - 5
flag racerfacer (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:26) (Below Threshold) show comment
 why would you want to watch a video of you virtually sucking the dick of the rider. If you are too embarassed to wear the cam on the head, then don't wear the cam. Save the people of the world from 54:32 of shitty riding.
  • + 2
flag launchcanada (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:43)
 You can chest mount Contour cameras quite easily, check out this video:

www.pinkbike.com/video/221424

The only difference with the Contour+2 (and the Contour ROAM) is you don't need the Contour Universal Mount adapter because the newer cameras already have a 1/4" female thread built in to them. The demo vid at the end is shot on the older Contour GPS which had a narrower lens. The videos from Contour+2 and ContourROAM will look a lot smoother and have a much bigger field of view.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Phr33kLagunaProductions (Sep 5, 2012 at 20:46)
 Im still a GoPro fan but this is definitely a nice improvement over the Previous contour. Nice edit by the way!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag fritzman21 (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:30)
 best feature by FAR is the GPS speed, elevation and distance for your ride. Thats worth 100 more dollars than the gopro
  • - 3
flag Karpiel073 (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:03)
 I don't see the GPS feature being very accurate under the cover of trees. It's a neat feature an all but will work at it's peak out in the open.
  • + 2
flag Daire (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:42)
 I use my Samsung S3 to track my rides using Strava in very dense woods and it never loses its connection or accuracy so i doubt the Contour GPS would be any worse and would give very accurate results.
  • + 1
flag boardnz (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:47)
 Quality and stability looks like a real step-up from previous Contours. GPS accuracy will be interesting...But I'm sure there won't be too much hassle with the connection unless your in the forest or surrounded by high rises building when you're make a cold start. I use my go pro, Nokia phone with GPS tracking app and then Dashware to combine it all together into videos like: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/261789/ , but as you can it has some delay and altitude accuracy.
  • + 1
flag Karpiel073 (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:56)
 The accuracy may be good then but the precision isn't. I work with GPS surveying alot and trees play a big factor in both accuracy and precision. Aside from your Samsung S3 or whatever, how else do you know it's correct?
  • + 2
flag Camoguy1 (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:22)
 I have one of last year's contour GPS cameras. Trees have had no effect, and it's pretty accurate. When you hit high speed sometimes the data can get a little choppy, but that's 35+ MPH and the satellites have to keep up with you. I enjoy it.
  • + 5
flag racerfacer (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:28)
 I am going to poach so many pow stashes and trails because people GPS'd them. Thanks guys!
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:10)
 Racerfacer, you can do that on Strava.
  • + 2
flag Karpiel073 (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:23)
 I'm not trying to talk down Contour at all, they've stepped up their game a lot and the GPS is a sweet addition. My rant is over.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Kona-rob (Sep 5, 2012 at 17:42)
 Does anyone know if you can view things you have recorded on your phone? Or is it just to preview?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag DBomberMan (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:25)
 quality looks amazing. Im loving that lil steady cam unit they were using with the skate segment that had the phone mount built in. I want.
  • + 3
flag GauteL (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:05)
 Its a camcaddie with the countour mounted, pluss a iphone mounte on the handle bar of the contour Wink
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag Maveri20 (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:18)
 mods wouldnt let me post my links. Round 2:

www.sony-mea.com/microsite/dslr/09/carlZeissLens/index.html?HPID=carlZeissLensMicrositeBig GrinSLR:Thumbnails

www.petapixel.com/2012/04/02/how-carl-zeiss-lenses-are-stress-tested

I'm only arguing about the lens quality and not any other features.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag donpinpon29 (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:05)
 Hey! If can keep track of your ride by the gps of your smartphone, you're not doing REAL mtb, real mtb should be out of coverage!!!!
  • + 3
flag lacykemp (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:54)
 The GPS and smart phone have nothing to do with each other as far as connectivity goes. The GPS receiver is built into the camera and connects directly with satellites.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag WAddict (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:40)
 Nice camera. Since I don't have one at all, this may be the one...?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Wakeymatt (Sep 6, 2012 at 1:33)
 the new sony does 120fps at 1280 x 720 and costs way less and even has steadyshot boooosh !
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag happymarmite (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:43)
 adda kid contour! you sure kicked go pros ass this time
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Worm-Burner (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:53)
 an 'ecosystem' of cameras eh?...Go marketing team!...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Konda (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:17)
 GPS, steaming to an ipod/iphone(or other smart phones?)... I can see battery life being an issue.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag likeomg (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:16)
 still think the GoPro promo video is better irrespective of which camera is better... heck that go pro video is one of my all time
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Circes (Sep 5, 2012 at 17:03)
 I'm more interested in the Sony. $200 for a ridiculous package -

www.bikerumor.com/2012/09/05/more-details-revealed-about-exciting-new-sony-video-camera
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag surgesunday (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:11)
 Cool video. Let's see more DH stuff
  • + 3
flag motoracer712 (Sep 5, 2012 at 19:48)
 Travis Rice... That dude SHREDS!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag wittereus (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:58)
 How abouth the wind noise? My old VHoldr has alot of wind noise............
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag motard5 (Sep 6, 2012 at 6:22)
 Just pre-ordered a Sony HDR-AS15 and AS10 for a friend. From what I gather speaking to a Sony rep, testing has shown quality will easilt be best in class. The matte black is choice, and the pricing is spot on. Battery life will be ~3 hours, which is much better than than the Hero 2. Beyond lack of chest mount, I am expecting something better than the rest.
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag luckynugget (Sep 5, 2012 at 16:13)
 Never buying one of these again. The mounts last about a week before breaking, and the camera was destroyed after a season. Also, because of the shape and sideways mount, the places you can mount one of these is limited.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag woodframeisbad (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:01)
 was that Jeff King?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Canadmos (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:42)
 Do you need a Flash compatible phone to be able to sync it?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TheLongMan (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:14)
 Where did the like button go?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Maveri20 (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:25)
 damn mods wont let me post
  • + 2
flag jamies6747 (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:32)
 what song is used in the video?
  • + 1
flag dcm6861 (Sep 5, 2012 at 23:16)
 santigold - desparate youth
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag OswestSte (Sep 7, 2012 at 14:15)
 One question, how much, cos i now want and need one after watching this Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag markfisher123 (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:16)
 with the ipod andcontour under neath
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag markfisher123 (Sep 5, 2012 at 12:16)
 what is the mount being usefd here?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag synaptonaut (Sep 5, 2012 at 14:48)
 What, you mean this isn't 4K? PSH, get with the times! haha
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag downhill-devinett (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:52)
 lets face it, they're never going to be as good/popular as the go pro
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag charleyboy14 (Sep 6, 2012 at 6:03)
 wait a few weeks and see what GoPro are upto Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag andyphil (Sep 5, 2012 at 11:20)
 Goodbye GoPro...
  • + 2
flag finnrambo (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:17)
 a lil bit harshly propped for a guy supporting the product?
  • + 1
flag schnecor000 (Sep 5, 2012 at 17:50)
 GoPro is cheeper and much better...
  • + 0
flag finnrambo (Sep 5, 2012 at 18:23)
 I'm a fan of the contour roam... dont need all this techy shit
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ercover (Sep 6, 2012 at 1:43)
 Poor homeless guy!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag amirazemi (Sep 5, 2012 at 18:42)
 eh finally they got it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag raybonez1 (Sep 5, 2012 at 21:27)
 Ocean Beach!!!
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag mad-hartman (Sep 5, 2012 at 13:51)
 If the price is SkyHigh, count me out!
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag Enduro27 Plus (Sep 5, 2012 at 15:54)
 GO PRO!
[Reply]
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