Contour+2 Action Camera Packs HD Video, Live Streaming Into $400 Package

A year later and one hundred dollars cheaper than its predecessor, Seattle-based Contour announced its Contour+2 action camera this week and will be available later this month. The latest improves upon the previous generation with a sprinkling of features from other models in the lineup, new accessories and a different way of sharing content. Oh, and you can now use your smartphone (Android, iPhone) to control all the action remotely.

The +2 not only records full HD (1080p) at 30FPS video and SD (480p) video at 120FPS but now embeds “rich data” like speed, elevation and distance thanks to its built-in GPS receiver right on top of any video that users record and upload to Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo. Pretty neat and useful for the adrenalin junkies. All of which can be done with the Storyteller app for your PC or Mac.

Also included in the $399.99 package is a waterproof case rated to 60 meters, a 4GB microSD card and a mini HDMI cable for live streaming. Other improvements include an external mic port and improved video from the 270-degree rotating lens. And there’s no more power button. Slide the slider forward and you’re good to go. A locking mechanism is also in place to ensure your videos don’t stop recording until you’re ready to stop. The power button has since been replaced with a “status” button that fires up the leveling laser, among other things.

But the coolest feature in my opinion has to be the improved Bluetooth connectivity that turns your smartphone into a remote viewfinder for the +2. Anything the camera sees is beamed directly to your phone letting you tweak your shots before you start recording, which you can activate from said phone. Switching on Bluetooth is also easier with a dedicated button on top of the slider.

Specs:

Full HD – 1920 x 1080 @ 30/25fps
Tall HD – 1280 x 960 @ 30/25fps
Action HD – 1280 x 720 @ 60/50 or 30/25fps
Slow Motion – 854 x 480 @ 120/100, 60/50, or 30/25fps
Photo Mode: Every 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds
5MP Sensor
Codec – H.264/AAC / File Type – MP4
AAC Audio Compression
32GB microSD Compatible
Battery Life: 2-2.5 hrs

We’ll have a review of the device in the coming weeks. In the meantime, feel free to pose any questions in comments.

Contour+2 [Product Page]