We tested the ContourHD a few months back and liked it for the most part. The only problem was that we couldn’t see what we were recording, often leading to accidental filming of the sky and over-exposed video. That issue is no more — well for the ContourHD it is, but not the newer ContourGPS — because the ContourGPS has Bluetooth to connect to an iPhone. Not only can the app view live video right on the iPhone’s screen, but also can change setting and replay recorded video.
This makes quite a big difference over the old shoot-and-pray method. The only drawback is that it requires the purchase of a $29.99 card to connect to iPhone. Apparently the Android version — due soon — will not require it. The app is free and and available now; Android coming in the Spring.
http://contour.com/stories/143627/embed?map=true
Press Release
Contour Viewfinder App now available on the App Store for iPhone and iPod touch
March 21st, 2011 (Seattle, Wash.) – Contour, market leader in hands-free video cameras, today announced the availability of its ConnectView card and Viewfinder App for iPhone and iPod touch. The ContourGPS camera is a hands-free video camera designed to capture location and HD video.
The ConnectView card is inserted into the ContourGPS camera and connects it with iPhone or iPod touch over Bluetooth. Once the connection is established, the Viewfinder App enables iPhone or iPod touch to act as a live viewfinder.
The ConnectView card is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation).
“This changes the game in hands-free video,” states Contour CEO Marc Barros. “With this solution, we’ve overcome the limitation of a video camera lacking a wireless screen. Now when your camera is mounted you can actually look at a screen to line up your shot and change your settings in real time. Hands-free video just got a lot more hands-free.”
To use the new feature, ContourGPS video camera users must:
Update the firmware on their ContourGPS camera.
Purchase the Contour ConnectView card ($29.99 MSRP) from http://www.contour.com.
Download the free Viewfinder App from the App Store.
The Contour Viewfinder App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com.
For complete instructions and additional information, visit http://contour.com/mobile.
The ContourGPS camera brings together three of the hottest trends: mobile, location and video. It goes beyond being just a camera-it’s an all-in-one platform that offers innovative software in conjunction with a vibrant online community. Customers can record, post, and share their video adventures while tracking their path, speed, and elevation on a map-all at the same time. A rugged video camera made specifically for the estimated 100 million outdoor enthusiasts around the world, ContourGPS makes it easy to capture video from within the action and share it online in seconds.