ContourROAM Review

by Eric Reagan on August 11, 2012

The ContourROAM is a POV action camera that competes head-to-head with the GoPro line. The ContourROAM is the $200 entry-level model of Contour’s POV camera lineup. There are a couple of key things that separate Contour cameras from GoPro. First, the on/off switch is a big button that slides back and forth on the top of the camera. Slide it forward and it’s on – a red record light gives you visual confirmation along with an audible beep. Slide it back and it’s off – the light goes off and you get another beep. ContourROAM Mounted on Downtube This record switch makes it easy to operate the camera when you can’t see the buttons (for instance, on top of your helmet). I didn’t realize how convenient this would be until I spent a few days on my mountain bike with the ContourROAM. The other big deal with the ContourROAM is the rotating camera barrel. The tubular shape of the camera allows you to rotate what looks like the front ring of the lens; however, you are actually rotating the camera. As a result, if you can mount the ContourROAM onto something, you can level the horizon by turning the “lens”. There are markers on the end of the lens to show you which way is up, and there’s no more worrying about getting the camera mounted even with the horizon. If you need to mount it on its side, that works – you’ll just rotate the lens ring 90-degrees and it will be upright. I did this every time I mounted the ContourROAM on the handlebars of my mountain bike or on my helmet. Works like a charm. Contour offers several mounting kits so you can grab all the mounts you need for your particular sport. While working on this review, I made thorough use of the Bike Mount Kit; however, you can also get a Helmet Kit, Moto Kit, Outdoor Kit, Snow Kit and several individual mounts. Speaking for the Bike Mount Kit, I haven’t even managed to use every mount that’s in it yet and I’ve been able to get every shot that I wanted thus far. Every mount that I have used thus far has withstood everything I can throw at it, including plenty of bumpy singletrack and even a spill or two along the way. Helmet Strap for Contour Cameras Helmet Strap for Contour Cameras The helmet mount uses straps to slide through the vent slots in your bike helmet. One word of advice though is to check the straps tightness throughout your first ride or two. Straps for Helmet Mount Straps for Helmet Mount As you ride, the nylon straps will give a bit for the first couple of rides and the camera won’t be entirely secure to your helmet, resulting in some wobbly, unusable footage. After the slack is out of the nylon though, the camera stays nice and snug on the helmet. Handlebar Mount for ContourROAM Handlebar Mount for ContourROAM The handlebar mount secures with a couple of allen screws. Any bike tool should have an appropriate wrench for this, so there’s no need to carry anything extra in your bag. Bike Tool with Allen Wrenches Bike Tool with Allen Wrenches The strap mount has a rubber strap that’s perfect for mounting on the downtube of your bike. It has varying tension capabilities, so you can mount it on just about any bar or such. Strap Mount Rear-facing on Downtube Strap Mount Rear-facing on Downtube ContourROAM Key Specs Full HD – 1920 x 1080 @ 30/25fps Tall HD – 1280 x 960 @ 30/25fps Action HD – 1280 x 720 @ 30/25fps Photo Mode: Every 1, 3, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds 5MP Sensor Codec – H.264/AAC / File Type – MOV AAC Audio Compression 32GB microSD Compatible Battery Life: 3 hrs