Contour+2 vs Contour+1 vs ContourRoam vs ContourGPS

We sync up the new Contour+2 along with the Contour+, ContourROAM, and Contour GPS for a side by side comparison around Southern California.

Firmware versions of each camera:
Contour+2 (v2.0)
Contour+1 (v1.35)
ContourROAM (v1.10)
ContourGPS (v1.19)

Got a question? Leave it in the comments and be sure you check out our other features.

Like, favirote, share, and Subscribe to help support me continuing to give you a look at the newest helmet cameras out there.

[MarkHawkCam]

Without going into a lot of details, the Roam is more Consumer and the +1 is more Prosumer. The +1 allows for not only a bunch of settings options not found on the Roam1 but it also has things like more dynamic range due to a better sensor, GPS/Bluetooth options, and not a true flat front design (though the lens is still flat)

[MarkHawkCam]

Jello skys are often a big eye sore for me but that is common in most cmos sensor cameras. Also to reply to the Bluetooth, yes that video is super smooth. I don't think the processor changed much but the resolution was lowered. Either way I am very happy with the blue tooth streaming in the +2. It's practically real time too.

[MarkHawkCam]

Never a clear winner really. It's more along the lines of which is best for your sport. That being said I love the Roam series for a number of reasons but mainly that it's super reliable, tough, user friendly, resulting footage is awesome. Feel similar about the +2but not sure it's 200$ better. it's all about what you need it for and if those added features are worth that much to you.

[MarkHawkCam]

Correct, they are both always mounted as displayed at the start of the video.

[ravenusk]

man that guy in the subaru drives really slow :P nice comparison video mark hawk!

[MarkHawkCam]

Yes, and a few have external mic options (+1 and +2)

[MarkHawkCam]

I have one and while I haven't done a side by side it seemed to sit somewhere between a between being a little better then the C+2 at night but below the Hero3 Black and Sony HDR

[MarkHawkCam]

Contour+2 Overall but for your money, the Roam Series is what I normally recommend. I love those little guys.

[MarkHawkCam]

The +2? I have one in the works. It's just hard to compare a side by side in a fair way. The Hero3 can go to a much higher resolution. Should I do Identical settings or do I just try and have both cameras achieve the best they can? I've recorded both it's just finding the time to put the two together.

[Premises]

Great info mate. How is night recording with each of the cameras?

[MarkHawkCam]

Yes, it's called the Contour 3900 Picatinny Mount.

[EVILGOKU]

Like, fav. Awesome vid man I am looking to buy a contour but can't decide on which one most expensive one or older model. I hope u have a review about them since u seem too own them all gonna check out the rest of you're videos is there a clear winner ?

[Flyingfist]

Hi,
Is it worth upgrading? I have a GPS and when I go snowboarding, power button always seems to stop working properly if it gets colder than around -5, so I have to leave it on. I like the new feature of the recording slider being the on/off.

In the video, the sound seemed muffled from all but the GPS. Somehow they fixed the sound on my GPS, because I no longer get loads of wind howl.

The only problems that I have right now are bat life, power button failure & a constant tone every now&again.

[MarkHawkCam]

Both are great cameras to me (Not failing/performing as discribed is a huge part of my grief with some cameras)

That being said, I agree that maybe the pricing is not ideal but if you want cameras that wont fail on you, you gotta weigh that into what your willing to spend I guess. Not defending them, just saying people should consider more then who has the best X.

[MarkHawkCam]

Can't say 100% for sure but it looks like the Contour GPS. No real color changing but it does weird things with the sky that is consistent with the Contour line. It is also doing 1080p which means it isn't anything older then a contour GPS. Best guess for now.

[matthewtemblor]

Can you list ALL the Contour models? and your ranking of reliability? I am looking for another Roam camera used..
I have a Contour Roam 1600.. It has a great battery! 10 years.. Still works!
Is a 1600 a Roam 1? What is a Roam 1400 ?

[Picard]

Hej Marc, your advices have been great lately regarding the Sony hdr as-50 and I expect it any day now. I might also exchange my contour +2 for a roam 3 and I would appreciate your feedback on this, especially regarding Image Quality. I dont need bluetooth capability or GPS and I have interest in the Roam 3 waterproof capability. Thank you!

[LoomisPowderdogs]

at 0:45 --- the GPS and Plus 2 are both level ? so that means that the plus 2 gets a taler AND wider image than the GPS, correct ? if so, then i am SOLD

[MarkHawkCam]

I think the HD was 90 and 125. I believe the GPS was the first to have 135.

[srpablux]

hi Mark. Thanks for the Review... You mentioned one thing that is pretty important to me " reliable " . I am looking for a reliable action camera. For example gopro hero 3BE is not reliable!