First climb video with a ContourHD helmet camera

[luv2climb]

Hopefully this new camera will solve the two issues that some people complained about-the loud breathing and the shakiness from the handlebar mount.

I got a ContourHD from Amazon last week for $145, which is less than half the price local retailers are charging ($300). I mounted it on my helmet and went up a 7 mile climb yesterday. It is much quieter than the Playsport, and video quality is much better. I recorded at the same 848x480 resolution as I always have on the Playsport, but Contour's 848x480 is 60 fps instead of 30 like the Playsport, so the picture is much smoother, with none of the rolling shutter waviness that the Playsport had.

The only thing I can see people complaining about now is how much I move my head around while climbing. I didn't realize that until I watched the video. I will try to work on that for future videos.

This is Starkes Grade Road near Camino in El Dorado County, CA. It's a beautiful climb with very little traffic and great scenery. It reminded me of the Old La Honda climb videos other people have uploaded.

Garmin Connect data: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106632471

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJH5OvY15Q

Top of climb


City limit style sign at driveway entrance on Starkes Grade Road. I snapped this pic on the way back down the hill.

[Possegal]

I have a couple cameras and the one on my helmet - I watched the first video I made (well second, as the first was tilted so all you saw was sky) and all I thought was - dang I move my head around a lot. Which of course I need to do and I was riding in the neighborhood so lots of streets and cars coming out of side streets, etc. Now I'm looking to attach the other one I have onto my bike. That's on today's to do list, but likely after I get out and ride.

Nice to see I'm not the only one that finds it fun to play around with the cameras.

[luv2climb]

I'm glad I made a local test video before this one, as I found out that I had a wonderful view of the pavement for 40 miles LOL! Now I have the mount a little further back so the camera is tilted higher. I already had the tilt adjustment on the mount as high as it would go.

I also forgot that I often tilt my head to one side while climbing. Oops!

I bought Contour's handlebar mount and their universal mount, which allows you to mount the camera on anything with a standard 1/4" tripod screw.

[pll]

That's very interesting. Is this camera picking up the data from a GPS unit on your bike? That is cool.

I had one on my helmet, you would see even more head movement as I check for oncoming cars over my shoulder quite frequently (before even a slight move to the left to avoid a pothole).

[grey]

I love that it's picking up info from your GPS - visually it doesn't LOOK like the grade went from 6 to 12 and then 16%, (yowieeee!) so it's cool to me to see that information on there.

[luv2climb]

I love that it's picking up info from your GPS - visually it doesn't LOOK like the grade went from 6 to 12 and then 16%, (yowieeee!) so it's cool to me to see that information on there.

The camera doesn't have GPS capability. I use DashWare software to overlay the data from my Garmin onto the video.

Since I don't have a speed/cadence sensor on my bike, I question the accuracy of my Garmin while riding through forested areas like this climb. Trees interfere with satellite signals, which my Garmin is totally dependent on without the sensor.

I saw the numbers going crazy too, and I didn't believe it for a second. My effort level didn't change, so I know I didn't ride up a 16% section.

[luv2climb]

The camera doesn't have GPS capability. I use DashWare software to overlay the data from my Garmin onto the video.

I use a Take-A-Look mirror to keep track of overtaking vehicles, but I always turn my head before making any moves, just like I do while driving. I'm sure the Take-A-Look has a blind spot too.

[pll]

The camera doesn't have GPS capability. I use DashWare software to overlay the data from my Garmin onto the video.

Very cool. You are a tech goddess, in addition to a climbing one.