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.