Contour recently announced their new GPS-equipped HD helmet camera and showed off some of the mapping features its software brings to the table, which is very cool. But beyond just adding GPS capability, they’ve improved a lot of the hardware features of the camera, making it easier to use and likely more durable.
The story is best told with photos, so click on past to break to see what’s new…
The new GPS HD model is on the left, the current HD-only model on the right.
The new GPS model gets a new locking rear door with a physical hinge. This gives the door a much more solid feeling, and makes it easier to close and lock with gloves on. The old version simply flopped about, meaning you had to line it up yourself to slot it closed.
It can now be set to shoot videos or timed still photos, the other models only shoot video. Where the other models have a Hi/Lo switch, the new one has a 1/2 switch that lets you swap between two presets that are chosen from the program on your computer and uploaded to the camera before your ride. At present, there’s no way to simultaneously shoot video and stills.
The GPS gets bumped up tp accepting a 32GB MicroSD memory card (versus 16GB on prior model) and a raised on/off switch with a more positive feel (see intro photo…the current model’s on/off switch is flat, which can be difficult to use with thicker gloves).
The addition of a GPS receiver only adds about 23g more over the non-GPS model. Lastly, Price is $349 and it’ll start shipping in mid-October.
With the mapping and online component, you’ll be able to look up other people’s rides and look for good rides where ever you’re headed, then watch along to see the trail where ever you want to along the ride’s path.
