VHoldR ContourHD Helmet / Onboard Camera

VHoldR ContourHD Vital Statistics

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RRP: $399
Resolution: 1280x720 (max, other avail)
Field of View: 135 degrees (110 degree mode selectable)
Memory type: Micro SD card
Recording capacity: 16GB = 8 hours, 8GB = 4 hours (at max resolution)
Battery type: Lithium-ion, removable, rechargeable
Battery life: upto 3 hours

The VHoldR ContourHD is a versatile and easy-to-use video recording system.

We tested a unit at Round 2 at Morgan Park, onboard Richard Mork's Honda Integra in Super Hoist Plus Production Racing Cars. The results were very good (and can be seen at onboard.irace.net.au), a full review follows.

What's in the box?

The ContourHD arrives in an attractive display case. Inside the standard package you get:

• Contour HD Camera unit

• MicroSD Card (2GB)
• Goggle Mount
• Flat Surface Mount
• Rechargeable Battery
• USB Cable

Setting Up

Setting the camera up to record is extremely straightforward.

The back cover of the camera opens by sliding to one side, and then folding open. The battery is then inserted in a receptacle on the back of the recorder, the memory card is inserted under the same cover, and there is also a simple slide switch to choose between the two recording modes (HD or SD).

Getting this ready to go takes about one minutes.

Mounting

Our test unit was supplied with two accessory parts, which we used to mount the camera to the roll cage of Richard Mork's car. The Universal Mount ($39) slides easily onto the "T" grooves on the base of the camera, and the mount itself has a standard (1/4", the same as most tripods) female thread, allowing attachment to a huge range of accessories. We then attached the XXL Roll Bar Mount ($69), which uses a hose clamp to attach securely to the roll cage.

We mounted the XXL Roll Bar Mount pointing in roughly the right direction (with the hose clamp), and the mount itself then offers multi-directional adjustment, allowing you to point the camera exactly where you want it.

The camera itself then offers rotation of the lens to level the shot. The front bezel rotates, and moves the sensor to set it up perfectly horizontally. The camera also has two lasers incorporated, which allow you to assess where the centreline of your shot will be (a very useful feature, which mitigates the lack of a display screen to check your shot).

Operation

Once setup, the camera features a single power button on the back. Pressing this turns the unit on. The lasers illuminate briefly so you can check your shot, and the green light on the front of the camera lets you know it's ready to go. To start recording you simply slide the switch at the top of the camera to the front. The light turns amber to confirm recording is in progress.

To stop recording, the slide switch is moved to the rear, and power off via the same switch used to turn the unit on.

This system is VERY simple. You can operate it by feel, which is a big advantage if you can't see the camera when you're turning it on (helmet-mounted for example).

Downloading

The benefits of a Memory Card Reader

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A memory card reader can be had for around $10. Make sure you get one that accepts SD cards. You simply plug your reader into a USB port on your computer, and plug your SD card into the reader. Your files are available to copy to the computer, or edit/upload them straight from the card! If you have a second memory card, you can pop it into the camera, and get back to shooting, while you download.

The ContourHD includes a USB cable to allow you to connect the camera to the USB port of your computer and download the video files. Our preferred method of download is to remove the Micro SD memory card from the camera and use a USB SD Card Reader to access the files directly (see sidebar for more info on this).

Using our preferred method, the video files were easily accessible, and downloaded quickly to our computer. You can also watch the video files on the computer directly from the memory card (accessing it as an external drive). The files are .MOV, which can be viewed on almost all computers.

The ContourHD also includes some "Easy Edit" software, which allows you to download, edit and share the captured video. This is an important feature for novice users, and avoids any confusion over which software to use.

Video Quality

The video quality from the ContourHD is outstanding.
Resolution: There are two resolutions to choose from, 1280x720 pixels or 848x480 pixels. The higher resolution is High Definition, and the lower is DVD quality.

Clarity: The video is very clear, and offers a very wide field of view. Close objects (~50cm) are in clear focus, and objects that are far away are in focus. The wide angle of the lens - 135 degrees - also means that you capture a lot of action in the frame.

Smoothness: There are two frame rate options, each tied to a resolution. The HD setting offers 30fps (smooth), and the SD setting offers 60fps (VERY smooth).

Light Balance: Our test footage was shot from inside the cockpit of Richard Mork's car. The light balance was quite good considering the difference between the lighting conditions.

Sound: There is a built-in microphone which is quite effective at capturing good audio. As mentioned our test footage was captured inside the car, so we can't comment on how the microphone will cope with wind noise. The sound captured by our unit was excellent, and it even caught the comments made by the driver!

To view some of the video we filmed, click here. Note that this video is compressed for display on the internet, but still gives an excellent idea of the video quality. If you're interested in seeing the original files, let us know and we can send them to you.

Accessories

There is a wide range of accessories available for the ContourHD, including:

• Camera Mounts
• Bags and Cases
• Power Supply
• Spare Parts

The accessories that may be useful for you will depend on where you are going to mount your camera. For mounting the camera in the cabin of most cars, you will probably need to investigate the two accessories we mentioned above. You may also like to get a case to protect and store your camera unit.

If you want to be more adventurous with mounting the camera head, you may want to consider some of the alternative accessories. There are lens and camera protectors, roll cage mounts, suction mounts, clamp mounts, goggle-strap mounts and more.

ContourHD Scorecard

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Value for money: 9/10
Ease of installation: 8/10
Ease of operation: 10/10
Video resolution: 9/10
Video clarity: 9/10
Video smoothness: 9/10
Battery life: 9/10

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OVERALL: 9/10

Summary

The ContourHD is an outstanding entry into the onboard camera world. It offers very simple operation, flexible mounting, and great video. At just $399 it is also EXTREMELY afforable, and a worthy addition to your racegear.

More information

ContourHD User Manual
ContourHD Product Page at Launch Helmet Cams
ContourHD Sample iRace Footage
ContourHD Accessories