Contour ROAM Review

[BadSwindoomRoadUsers]

The original ROAM did have 60fps for 720p but it was removed by a firmware upgrade as the company believed it produced poor quality video. There was a campaign on the support forum and some users were given the old firmware to re-enable 60fps.

[CycleMan]

@TheVexatiousLitigant Its better in other ways as well. low light performance is really good, and the plus side of having an LCD display, and being able to choose between different resolution, frame rate and angle view, not to mention being able to add an LCD screen for playback. Many things the Contour models just don't have.

[Premises]

Great video Gaz. My ContourHD1080 is 2years old and looking a bit rough around the edges... but it has been 100% reliable though. Will probably get one of these if it does die.

[maidstoneonbike]

The spring back looks nice, the back on my Contour HD I got for Christmas 2011 has already broken.

[precosky]

Looks like a great camera for a lot of users. I def need the replaceable battery when I'm traveling and want to be filming all day, but for the commuter with a short daily trip this is perfect.

[BadSwindoomRoadUsers]

@TheVexatiousLitigant I think the problem with 60fps on the Roam was a problem for Contour as it made the Plus look alot less desirable for lots of people.

[sirarrgh]

Gaz you have a superb voice for reviewing!
Thanks for this though, I've been looking at them and its good to get a review :) Very well done review too.

[BadSwindoomRoadUsers]

@TheVexatiousLitigant My C+ is waterproof enough to withstand torrential downpours with a slight modification. I use clear waterproof tape to seal the gap between the camera and the rotating lens housing.

[sajatzsiron]

Hey Ben! I know it's been 9 months but I don't see an answer for your question so I thought I'd chime in. The solution is a dead cat. No, not an actual feline cadaver but the mic windshield that's been in use in the film industry to, well, shield microphones from the wind. They are a tad expensive so I heard some people use socks or anything that's fluffy as a budget substitute.

[BJMoorhouse]

Got the same video and love it! Wind noise is a bit of an issue for me, any thoughts?

[PilotInCommand]

How do you get rid of the black outline box when you have it in 960p mode. i dont have the issue on 1080p

[julianchosun]

Have you ever reviewed .. or even trialed other cameras? I've got the one Contour Roam, but am thinking of getting a cheaper couple for the helmet and rear view... or maybe put the Roam up top if it's best given the extra movement.
Would you recommend more affordable options, or is any version of the Roam the only real way to go.. that you know of?

[CycleMan]

@TheVexatiousLitigant Size is not a huge deal to me. I had the Drift camera and that was rally big. Thats still a good camera for the price. As far as being able to use your phone as a view finder I wouldn't care to as it will probably drain the battery more and you have to constantly fight with WiFi.

[BadSwindoomRoadUsers]

@TheVexatiousLitigant I would say the Contour+ produces a far better video image than the GoPro, plus the GoPro has a tendency to over expose the image,
But the GoPro has lots of advantages that can make up for that, such as $200 cheaper, changing settings easily, 170 FOV for 1080p, 120fps for WVGA, the mounts fell more secure, no need for a special USB cable to record/charge at the same time.
The Contour+ will be my helmet camera with the GoPro as the rear on my road bike.

[mycommutetowork]

I have had two contour cameras now and both had water behind the lens after an hour in the rain, what's this one like?

[mycommutetowork]

@Fuzz944 No both where ContourHD, the site I bought it from said waterproof, can't remember what level of waterproof it said but I do remember it saying rain proof

[redvee]

@TheVexatiousLitigant
That is the only thing stopping me getting a Roam. I've got a waterproof case for my ContourHD so matches the Roam on that but loses out on the self metering between light and dark.

[TimMSUK]

@CycleGaz Cheers, any idea what recording time you're getting with it? If the battery lasts that long that is ;)

[OperationFoxley]

Hi, I need some advice as I am looking at purchasing a video camera to record various cycle rides. I am looking for something compact, has large memory, battery life lasting over 2.5 hours. At the moment I am trapped between the GO PRO and contour models.

What do you think?

[taypet]

Love the easy on/off operation as I find turning the Contour GPS on is a pain as it takes several tries & is getting worst, shame about the battery the only way round that is to have more than one camera if o a long journey, great review thanks Gaz