I recently tested out the Contour GPS video camera. It's an HD 'helmet' camera similar to many of the others talked about here, but it has built-in GPS so that it tracks your position/elevation/speed along with the video. The geo-tagged video can be uploaded to their site and viewed along with moving map information, or it can be treated/edit/viewed like any other video. As you can tell, I need to get the ND (neutral density) filter that everyone uses on this type of camera to stop the propeller strobe.

Here are some examples (out flying with a friend):
Gravel Bar
Landing in the sticks
All of them...

It doesn't have a remote yet, BUT it is blue tooth enabled and in the next few months Contour is releasing its iPhone and Android apps so that you can use your phone or a tablet computer as the viewfinder and controller. I'm thinking it will make a pretty good platform for the airplane. I can imagine using and iPad or other tablet for a 'glass panel' (etc.) and then when you want to record some video with the external camera, you just start it from the panel. As a side note, I also like the idea of getting more of this geo-tagged video on shortfield.com...pretty useful for 'exploring' a strip before landing.

Disclaimer: I have a dealer account for these cameras and I sell them in my online store: skymountaingear.com. I'm not making any claims about this camera over any other camera nor am I trying to sell anyone (although I will sell you one ), but I do thinks its pretty neat technology and I will cut anyone a big BCP discount. I also have the non-GPS version.

Nice review Chris. I like how that Geo-tagging links up with your site.

What's the angle on the HD width? Also, I've been hearing that the GoPro is coming out with a remote any day now... never happens. I hope the Contour comes up with something, that would be pretty slick for those that have smart phones/tablets.

Apparently the remote/viewfinder software is all but done - with the Apple (iphone, ipad) software is in final review and the Android software coming out later this spring. Its announced on their homepage: www.contour.com

Resolution, etc....here are the tech specs: http://contour.com/camera/gps_spec

I have an iPhone, so I'll definitely install that software when it comes out (just to check it out), but I'm also interested in using one of the cheaper Android tablets that are coming out for a 7"+ panel-mount GPS. Apparently Navzilla is coming out with an Android OS version of their moving map software and I think its free: http://www.navzilla.com That might make for a pretty neat do-it-yourself moving map and video setup. If the software supports multiple cameras at once...you could even have a few of them mounted around the plane and control them all from the cockpit (although I'm pretty sure nobody needs to see multiple views of me botching landings)

Wow, I have the ContourHD and like the video quality, but not having any way to really remote control or see what you are shooting SUCKS.

The bluetooth app sounds slick, especially as my iphone is always docked right to the left of my panel.

Might have a ContourHD for sale soon....

I just uploaded a couple more vids (more of the same, but hopefully enjoyable to someone): http://contour.com/stories/departing-the-sticks

Thanks Chris.

Controlling the unit from an iPhone or Android puts it back into running with the DriftHD170. Being able to see it's on and what it's shooting is a big plus. Not sure if I like the wider angle the drift provides or the narrower angle of the Contour. From the specs, it looks like the Contour can shoot at either 135 or 110. If that's right, which setting were you using for your vids?

The Drift LOOKS a bit more robust regarding general handling, weather and small bugs at high speeds. The Contour has a seperate waterproof case that looks pretty good and protective as well.

Were you in your tripacer for these shots? If so, I'm even more impressed with the Tripe's capabilities.

I think a remote is pretty critical when filming from an airplane (other than cockpit or outside withing arms reach). I hope the Contour software lives up to expectations. I've been looking at some other cameras with screens, but they have cords from the camera back to the 'base' unit.

I shot those videos in ACTION HD 720p mode: 1280 x 720 pixels, 60 FPS I was hoping the higher frame rate (60) would eliminate the strobe effect of prop. It may have helped, but as you can see it didn't eliminate it (need to get an ND filter). I haven't tried it with lower frame rates yet.

Were you in your tripacer for these shots?

Ha! I wish a tri-pacer could perform like that. No, I'm riding shotgun in a friend's experimental Maule.

Prop distortion effects are caused by the progressive scan of CMOS sensors, which all these tiny cameras use.

Here's some good reading to support why ND filters are required, and why frame rate has little to do with the prop distortion, rather how the frame is constructed by the sensor.

Greetings all,

I just joined the forums so I better introduce myself. As everyone can tell from my username I'm a pilot from Texas. (I'm not very creative ) Currently I fly a Beechcraft Sundowner. I've never landed an airplane anywhere other than an airport but I've always been interested in bush/backcountry flying. So far the most part I'm going to lay low and read what everyone else has to say on the subject...

...But since I just bought a ContourGPS I figured I had a little something to add to the conversation. So far I am pleased with it. It seems well built and easy to use most of the time. The camera froze twice on me yesterday but I think they are still getting the kinks worked out of the firmware. I do wish the standard threaded camera mount was part of the camera and not an adapter.

I haven't yet flown with the contour but I did test it out on my four wheeler:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWZk49Q9YhI

txpilot wrote:Greetings all,

I just joined the forums so I better introduce myself. As everyone can tell from my username I'm a pilot from Texas. (I'm not very creative ) Currently I fly a Beechcraft Sundowner. I've never landed an airplane anywhere other than an airport but I've always been interested in bush/backcountry flying. So far the most part I'm going to lay low and read what everyone else has to say on the subject...

...But since I just bought a ContourGPS I figured I had a little something to add to the conversation. So far I am pleased with it. It seems well built and easy to use most of the time. The camera froze twice on me yesterday but I think they are still getting the kinks worked out of the firmware. I do wish the standard threaded camera mount was part of the camera and not an adapter.

I haven't yet flown with the contour but I did test it out on my four wheeler:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWZk49Q9YhI

TXPILOT...a good friend of mine flies a Sundowner here at SNY. Don't hear of these planes that often. HC

Zane wrote:Prop distortion effects are caused by the progressive scan of CMOS sensors, which all these tiny cameras use.

Here's some good reading to support why ND filters are required, and why frame rate has little to do with the prop distortion, rather how the frame is constructed by the sensor.

I've been trying to justifly (a mispelling, I think I'll leave it as a freudian slip) buying yet another video camera for the last 6 months or so. I really like the Drift, and using the axiom of safety first (like I justiflied getting Bushwheels, wheel skis, and everything I else I want for the plane....) as my cockpit mount for my Sony HD Snap camera (I had to mount it so I could reach it as no remote) presents a safety hazard in the event of a crash, seriously. The backup justification is I'll keep the Snap, but now it will live in my crane, ready to record whatever, you know, for the lawsuits or the crane blooper file!

I expect the removable mount for the Drift out on my jury strut will be very easy to rig, and while the wide angle may still pick up prop flicker, it won't be up front and center like before, not to mention the glare off the windshield and it picking up my N number panel placard!

I currently have my fiberglass wing tips off, (don't ask... just a little hangar and Quaking Aspen rash combined on one tip, and while it was off getting some 'glas work I took the other off to stay balanced and keep flying, another fruedian slip) and it just occured to me that I may install a few strategic nutplates or other hardware so as to give a easy hardpoint to secure a tip mounted camera. I'm looking forward to my new toy, and remember, safety first!

The easy, albeit pricey solution to all this is to just get a Canon 60D and slap a wide angle on it



Please no commentary about my King Air approach in the Cub. It was bumpy and crosswindy!

hicountry wrote:TXPILOT...a good friend of mine flies a Sundowner here at SNY. Don't hear of these planes that often. HC

Ya the Sundowner is a great plane. Built like a tank. If only it had a higher service ceiling and shorter takeoff distance...