HD HERO

The longingly anticipated GoPro HD HERO was released early this year, and I have gotten around 6 months of testing experience with the camera. It brings a lot of unique features to the table, such as its waterproof and durable housing, and an incredible assortment of attachment accessories, such as the best quick release vented helmet mounts in the business. The HD HERO records in a vast array of high definition video resolutions up to 1080p, and has proven itself to take excellent footage with great clarity and vivid colors.

“Being a hero is about the shortest-lived profession on earth.”

Note: I am cross comparing the HD HERO to the old HERO Wide and VHoldR ContourHD 1080p

HD HERO

GoPro’s HD HERO is a POV (point of view) high definition sports CMOS camera, that can take video and still shots. It can record video footage in 1080p, 960p, 720p and SD formats, and 5MP photos in several modes. It records data onto SDHC cards (not included) up to 32GB in size, and is powered with an internal rechargeable battery that gives around 2.5 hours of recording time. The camera is encased within a plastic waterproof housing, that attaches to a plethora of mounting accessories, and can be mounted to a wide array of objects. The camera can be used for an assortment of outdoor activities, including motorsports, biking, kayaking, surfing, skiing, base jumping, etc.

Video
The HD HERO can shoot in High Definition (obviously), in 5 video resolutions. It can shoot in 1080p (widescreen) at 30fps, 960p (full frame) at 30fps, 720p (widescreen) at either 30 fps or 60 fps, and SD at 60 fps. The 720p 60 fps allows for slow motion playback, which is pretty cool to watch. Each of the video resolution’s are captured at different bit rates, which entails varying recording times and storage requirements, meaning greater resources are needed for the higher usage formats. The resolution settings are done within the camera’s menu system, which is managed by its 2 buttons. In fact, any of the programmable features and settings can be done through the menus, allowing in the field changes as required. The camera records in 2 viewing angles, unique to its video resolution, so 1080p is 127 degrees, while 920p, 720p and SD are at 170 degrees. The default setting is 960p.

Photos
The HD HERO can shoot still photos in either a manual or automatic mode. In the manual mode it can be set to shoot either a single or triple sequence of photos, and even has a 10 second timer if desired. The automatic mode allows photos to be taken every X number of seconds, where X is 2 (default), 5, 10, 30 or 60 second intervals.

IMPRESSIONS AND USAGE

Camera Operation
The camera is operated using the power/mode (located on front) button, and the shutter/select (located on top) button. Once the desired camera options are set using its deep menu system (viewed from the status screen), a simple push of the shutter button stops and starts the camera’s recording operation. The camera’s settings are accessed through a combination of the 2 buttons, using the menu system as a visual aid. This can be a bit tricky, since it isn’t always intuitive, and the menu icons can be difficult to see and interpret. Perhaps a slightly large screen might help? I was always clicking past the video icon, which meant I had to cycle back through the menu to get there again.

HD HERO Functional Layout

To turn on the camera, just push the front power button, and it announces itself with 3 subtle beep. The beeps were not loud enough to be heard over the typically noisy outdoor conditions. The wind, terrain, and loud compatriots all make hearing them difficult. This meant you spent a lot of time looking at the front of the camera to verify its status. LOUDER beeps please!

“Eleven. Exactly. One louder.”

After choosing the video resolution, you push the shutter button to start the recording. The camera beeps once, and the indicator light begins to blink. To stop the recording, push the shutter button, and it beeps 3 times, and the light stops blinking.  The buttons were a bit soft, so it was tough to tell whether it actually started or stopped, exasperated by the subtle beep, so a visual check was required, which meant a lot of face shots at the beginning of recordings.

The HD HERO was problematic in that I am not sure what it is up to without taking it off my head, and looking at the indicator light or the status screen. It can be a moot point sometimes if I just leave the camera running continually, but that uses up battery and storage space. Cameras with a more mechanical on/off lever alleviate that issue.

What is it Capturing?
Another point of contention is that is sort of hard to know what you are capturing on the HD HERO. The old view finder is now gone, so you have to use the alignment of the camera body itself to know what it is shooting, which is even tougher since once you put it on your head you really aren’t sure where it is pointing? Trial an error (look at the video post ride) will eventually get you to know what angle works best.

Status LCD Screen
The HERO Wide had an upside down viewpoint of the LCD screen, which was very annoying. The upside down screen output was a leftover from the HERO’s surfing roots, in which the camera was attached to your wrist, and upside down was the right side up! I am glad they went to a normal screen output with the HD HERO.

“Abby Normal!”

LCD Screen

The LCD screen is where you see the current status, such as the battery level, video resolution setting (1-5), shooting mode (photo, video, triple shot, timer), picture count, deletion status and exposure setting. As you go through the menu system, using the power/mode and shutter/select buttons, various icons, numbers and 3 letter anachronisms are highlighted on the LCD screen, allowing multiple camera options to be set. The upside down image capturing mode is missing (upside down records right side up), hopefully a firmware upgrade will be released soon. The user manual (ok, a single large double sided piece of paper), does a good job of covering everything, even if it is sometimes ad nauseam!

I would have liked a slightly larger screen, since a lot of information is packed into it a small area. The mode icons are difficult to see, and they are tucked up high on the screen.

Weight:

• 98.9 grams – camera with battery and SD card
• 26.1 grams – battery
• 1.7 grams – SD card
• 90.5 grams – waterproof housing with connector
• 19.3 grams – connector
• 189.4 grams – total

Size:

• 60mm x 42mm x 30mm – camera size
• 72mm x 65mm x 46mm – housing size
• 13mm x 16mm – LCD screen size

Housing
The housing is a really nice unit, that is durable, waterproof and resists contamination. The housing is made of polycarbonate, with stainless steel hinge pins. I have used the camera kayaking, and biking in the snow and mud, and can attest for its tight seals and protection it affords. Which is a good thing, since the camera itself is a bit fragile, so it really needs to be used within the housing? On the bottom of the housing is a slotted connector to hook it up to the mounting system.

Housing

Mounts
The mounting system connects up to the bottom of the housing, and includes a vast array of parts and pieces (some are optional), that allow placements on the frame, helmet, handlebars and seatpost. The HD HERO is sold in different kit formats such as Helmet, Surf and Motorsports. The Helmet version is what most bikers will purchase, and includes mounts for vented and hard shell helmets.

The kit includes a vented helmet strap, a unvented helmet strap (a.k.a the jock strap), stick on mounts, and a side arm swivel. The mounts allow attachment to bikes, cars, kayaks, helmets and more. You can purchase additional more specific adapters for motorsports, surfing, and other sports uses. I tested the optional adapters that allow connection to a seatpost or handlebar, and the “Chesty” which is a chest strap system. These two accessories are a necessity to make full use of the camera’s abilities.

HD HERO Kit Contents

Using the easy to mount helmet strap, the housing unit has a fantastic quick snap in capability that is a dream to attach to the helmet strap mount. All that are required is a quick backwards push of the buckle onto any of the mounts, and the housing is installed. The quick release system just plain rocks, it’s so easy to take the camera on and off. I wish my bike lights all used this system.

Quick Connect System

The mounts, adapters and swivel arms can be set up to shoot a lot of variations and viewpoints, making some interesting footage. Everything fits together like a small tinker toy set, with clamping and connection done by a plastic ended screw with a nut, which are tightened by hand. Although everything is easy to use and set up, it’s difficult to make things tight enough, and things always seem to move in the middle of a ride. Even when tightening with a screw driver, things can move accidentally and screw up a shot.

I really liked the helmet mount, which was simple to use and could be clamped down pretty tightly (fewer movements). I did think it looked like a freakin toaster on top of your head! I also enjoyed the handlebar mount, which could give some interesting perspective, and in addition it kept the camera out of my way. I found that the seatpost setup seemed to get caught on my bike shorts on occasion, which was very annoying.

Handlebar and Seatpost Mounts

The “Chesty” was pretty cool, and was excellent for skiing and kayaking, where it ruled. I didn’t like it as much as most people, since I tend to move around too much, and saddle and stuff got in the way.

The Chesty

Memory/Storage
One of the most dramatic changes from the older model is that the memory/storage capacity is now up to a whopping 32GB capacity! Much better than the measly 2GB that was the standard, although GoPro did release a 4GB memory firmware for the old HERO Wide. Unfortunately, since the 32GB cards are fairly new, they are brutally expensive, anywhere from $75 to $200+, ouch! I got a 16GB Class 6 card, which was a good compromise, especially considering the battery cannot make it to 32GB.

• Memory statistics per single battery charge: 1080p @ 12.5GB, 960p @ 15.9GB, 720p @ 15.7GB

The SD Cards are formatted with a FAT 32 partition, which has a 4GB file size limitation. While recording, a new video file will be created once the currently recording one reaches appropriately 3. 84GB, due to the FAT limitation, so you will need to piece the files together in an editor to have a full timeline.

This brings up an issue that has been problematic for many HD HERO users. Not all SD cards seem to work properly with the camera, although this can be a common issue with a lot of digital cameras, not just the HD HERO. It seems to be hit and miss for which cards might work, for instance, all my Transcend SD cards work fine for me, but others have had issues with them. Per GoPro support, “For what it’s worth, internally we use Kingston or Patriot brand cards: 16GB, Class 4.” Issues that have been reported are short video recording times, or an inability to record.  I did not have any of these issues, and all the cards I have used have been fine. Caveat emptor.

Housing w/ Optional Slotted Sound Door and Memory Slot

Sound
The GoPro engineers improved the sound reception of the unit  in comparison to the old unit, which I can attest to. The new pickup is readily apparent when using the optional non-waterproof back door, which has cut outs on it. I usually add music to my videos, so sound is sort of a moot point for me.

Battery
The camera now has an internal rechargeable Lithium Ion 1100mah battery, so no more having to swap out your AAA batteries for another recharge, just plug it into your computers USB port for its replenishment. The battery fits very snugly into the back of the camera, so that it won’t give any issues with high vibration activities, like mountain biking. The battery is supposed to last 2.5 hours per charge, but it seems to vary depending on the chosen video resolution.

• Battery time statistics: 1080p @ 2:20hrs, 960p @ 2:40hrs, 720p @ 2:16 hrs
• Battery recharge: 2 hrs

A future expansion pack will have a longer life battery, so until then with the larger storage capacity of 32GB, a spare battery might be desired on multiple hour rides. I always carry an extra in case of unforeseen issues.

Camera and Battery

Battery Slot

Expansion Port
The back of the camera has an expansion port, that will allow optional expansion packs (called Bakpacs) to be connected. The current Bakpacs list to be released sometime in 2010, is an LCD screen (to view videos/pictures), and a battery extender. The Bakpacs will come with an expanded back door, so that the fatter camera (camera with attached Bakpac) will fit inside the waterproof housing. Future Bakpacs are supposed to include a battery warmer for those ultra cold days when batteries give up the ghost at the most inopportune moments.

Expansion Port and Input/Output Ports

RECORDED VIDEO
I recorded all the video resolution except for the SD with the HD HERO. The 1080p gave the best clarity, and its widescreen gave a great scenic value to some shots, but I preferred the 960p since its full frame viewpoint captured the maximum field of view, giving rise to what is perceived when actually riding a trail. I liked the handlebars or the helmet mounts, which worked at the best for my riding style, and also gathered footage that I preferred.

The captured HD HERO footage had good clarity and sharpness, with warm and vivid colors. I think that the HERO camera line deals extremely well with difficult daylight conditions, especially when alternating between sunshine and shade, and it just seems to deal with that adjustment in a more subtle manner. Like many of the CMOS sensors, straight on sun will cause some vertical colored bands (usually purple) and flares. Pixelation was good, with a mild amount of aliasing, and some slight edge artifacts. The framing was smooth, but heavy shocks and vibrations caused distortion.

Jump/Shake Issues
When recording in rougher mountain biking terrain, all the POV outdoor video cameras have an issue with what I call the “jump or shake” syndrome. It can be seen in the recorded media as in abrupt jump in the field of view, almost like one is in an earthquake. Attaching the camera using a more stable mount so that it literally becomes part of the attachment point helps this issue, but does not alleviate it. A great deal of the issue is due to the CMOS sensor, but the HD exasperates the issue, since anomalies are more perceptible. Of course, in the price point range of the POV’s, compromises have to be made to get a rugged outdoor sport video camera to function within its design and cost parameters.

The HD HERO, like a lot of the CMOS video cameras use a Rolling Shutter, which makes videos seem a bit shaky and scattered (think sea sickness), due to motion artifacts (skew and wobble). A Rolling Shutter exposes different portions of the frame at a different point in time, hence “rolling” through the frame, while a Global shutter (CCD cameras use this) exposes the entire imager simultaneously. Neither does this in the physical sense. The degree that each camera exhibits the motion artifacts issue depends on a lot of factors. The GoPro due to its extremely wide camera angle (170 degrees) tends to compensate for some of those side artifacts, but they still exist. The final output can also display spatio-temporal aliasing, which has a rippled or watered appearance.

GoPro HD HERO Mount Tests from Brian Mullin on Vimeo.

Hooters Canyon – Pueblo South Shore (chest mount) 12/29/09 from Brian Mullin on Vimeo.

Editing
Raw footage looks the best, but to make the most use of things you need to do some video editing. There is plenty of video editing software on the market, from freeware to products that can cost several hundred dollars. I ended up using Cyberlink’s PowerDirector Ultra, which costs around $99. Most of the products allow a trail period, so you can test out their software and find one that suits your preferences. Editing allows cuts and piecing together of footage, and music and titles can be added, making a more professional and appealing product, even though it’s destined for the cyber world.

Download and Viewing
To download or view the video’s you will need a PC or Mac. Take the camera out of the housing, and connect the mini USB to the camera, and then the other end of the connector to the computers USB port, and click the power button (USB will appear in the screen). The unit will appear as a Removable Disk, just navigate down to the appropriate directory (example: F:\Removable Disk\DCIM\100MEDIA) and either download or view the video straight from the camera. You can also remove the SD card, and use a SD card reader or other device, and bypass the camera as the downloading interface. The video’s are in a MP4 (MPEG-4), and you can use them as is or edit them in your favorite video editing software.

You can also view video’s directly from the camera on a TV using the HDTV or Audio out connections. You use the camera’s buttons to tab through, and start each of the video’s stored on the camera’s memory. The controls are very rudimentary, but they do work. For a small video camera watching the video on a large screen is pretty impressive.

Technical Camera Fodder
The sensor is .4 inch HD CMOS (Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) with 2.2 micrometer pixels, and the video format is H.264 compression, which is saved as a MP4 file. It uses a fixed focus lens, with a f2.8 aperture, and has an angle of view of either 127 or 170, depending on the chosen video resolution. I believe the unit is made in China by Sky Light Industrial, a company that makes  electronic products for multiple partners.

ContourHD 1080p vs GoPro HD HERO
Here is a crude shootout between the 2 camera’s, ‘H’ is for HD HERO and ‘C’ is for ContourHD, a ‘+’ means its a standout, while ‘-’ means a black mark.

Colors:
H:  warm and vibrant colors.
C:  cooler, but slightly more realistic colors.

Varying Light:
H: + superb, great for going from shade to bright sunlight to shade, etc.
C: good.

Picture Quality:
A wash, they are both about the same.

Usability:
C: + superb, adjustable lighting settings, on/off  is loud with mechanical switch, rotatable lens, laser beam sighting, but most settings are not field changeable.
H: on/off button and beeps make status difficult, all settings are field changeable, poor aiming ability.

Elements Protection:
H: + the housing is waterproof and tough, but the camera has to be in the housing unit else it’s fragile.
C: good, but can get a bit wet and dirty, they do have a new optional waterproof housing coming out (+?).

Mounts:
H: + has more mounts, but requires a good tightening, they’re stable and work well, but mounts can loosen up and rotate out of position, especially when hit/glanced by something.
C: It tends to wiggle a bit in their mounts, good helmet and frame mount if the goggle mounts are used with a large piece of Velcro.

Reliability:
H: – issues with SD Card compatibility, and I had some test units with other issues.
C: + never one issue with the unit, well made and robust.

Style:
C: + compact, stays close to the head.
H: Its a toaster? It gets whacked by trees on top of your head.

So which is better? It’s a wash, they both have their attributes and faults, both take good video for what they are, small sport video cameras. To be honest, 1080p is a bit shaky on either camera for most mountain biking footage, so I think the 960p is the best of the bunch, and I always use that mode. I like the ContourHD slightly better, mostly for its usability.

HD HERO on Vented Helmet Mount

BOTTOMLINE
The HD HERO is an excellent high definition POV camera, that is light and small, with a vast array of software settings that can be changed in the field. The recorded footage has good clarity and vivid colors, and looks nice on a large TV monitor. The camera can deal extremely well with difficult daylight conditions, especially shadow to bright sunshine interactions. It’s easy to pop the card out and into a SD Card reader, for faster downloads on a computer. The polycarbonate housing is a really nice unit, its durable and waterproof, which makes it great for inclement conditions or water sports. The mounting systems (highlights to the quick release) are highly functional, and allow a plethora of placements on almost any object. The optional handlebar/seatpost and Chesty mounts are well engineered, and really add usefulness to the kit.

I did not like the soft non-positive buttons, nor the subdued on and off beeps, and it often required a visual inspection for camera status. It was hard to know what the camera was capturing due to the lack of any sort of positioning system (view finder, etc.). The mounting system is somewhat flexy and lacks shock proofing, and it’s difficult to lock down to prevent accidental movement.

The HD HERO would be a great addition for any sports enthusiast, even though it looks like a toaster oven.

Strengths
-Waterproof and durable housing
-Vivid colors
-Great video quality
-In the field software setting adjustments
-Low artifacts on edges
-Good assortment of mounts

Weaknesses
-Poor shock proofing
-Soft and non-positive shutter button
-Indication beep are not loud enough
-Visual inspection required for recording status
-Mount systems can move, is slightly flexy and hard to clamp down

MSRP: $299

Overall Rating:

GoPro url: http://www.goprocamera.com/

GoPro HD HERO Specs

What’s Included:
* 1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel)
* 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
* 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180’/60 m)
* 1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap
* 1 Vented Helmet Strap
* 2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts
* 2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
* 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
* 2 Quick-Release Buckles
* 1 USB Cable
* 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
* 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable
* Warranty: One Year

Tech Specs:

Camera Optics
* Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ∞), glass
* Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
* Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
* Angle of View: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode

Video
* HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
- 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
- 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
- 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
- 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
- WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
* Sensor Type: 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels
* Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
* Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
* Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
* White Balance: Auto

Audio
* Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
* Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression

Photo
* Resolution: 5 megapixel
* Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

Storage
* Memory: SD card, up to 32GB capacity (SDHC)
* Average recording times (using 32GB SD card):
- 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
- 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
- 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
- 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
- WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

Camera Connectors & Cables
* PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
* HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
* Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
* PC Compatibility: Windows® XP (Service Pack 2 or later) or Vista; Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later

Power & Battery
* Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
* Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
* Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
* Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer’s USB port

Waterproof Camera Housing
* Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
* Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
* Hardware: Stainless steel

Size & Weight
* Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
* Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing

Optional Accessories
* Additional Rechargable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery (not yet available for pre-order)
* Full Line of Mounting Accessories

Optional Expansion Bakpacs™
An innovative expansion port on the back of the camera, the HERO Bus™ accepts optional Expansion Bakpacs to expand the functionality of HD HERO cameras:
* LCD Bakpac for on-camera preview and playback (not yet available for pre-order)
* Endurance Battery Bakpac for double battery life (not yet available for pre-order)
* More Bakpacs and expansion devices coming soon

I have been testing the ContourHD and the ContourHD 1080p video cameras for a long period of time, and although it has become my camera of choice, their mounting system always seemed to be a bit sloppy in its stability. No matter how I set up their proprietary TRail Mounts “slide and lock” system, which at its heart is basically a multiple tongue and groove connector, it just had a slight looseness within the connector that I could never quite alleviate. I used their goggle strap mount with a wide Velcro strap for my helmet while mountain biking, and it gave more security and stability for the camera than any of their other mounts, but alas it still didn’t help.

I ride extremely rough terrain while mountain biking, and the camera just gets jostled around enough that the videos always had the shakes, and it really took away from the aesthetics of the final product. I used video editing software that helped stabilize the video, but I always found that it detracted from the quality of the video.

On the MTBR.com video forum, I saw a small blurb about a third party mounting system named the XtremeVu CamClamp. After checking it out on their site and watching one of their short videos on their product line, I was extremely intrigued. After conferring with Patrick at XtremeVu (big thanks Pat), he sent me along an entire slew of their product suite for a thorough test and review. The products I am testing include their CamClamp, CamLens and the CamClamp ball adapter.

XtremeVu website has an excellent short blurb that sums up the system up pretty well:

The XV CamClamp is a custom multipurpose mounting system for the Twenty20 brand of wearable sports camera systems. It is compatible with the Twenty20 VholdR, ContourHD and ContourHD 1080. Machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized the CamClamp adds a high level of protection to your Twenty20 camera with a weight at 2.5 oz. Dual contoured swiveling pads with 3M dual lock allow for helmet and surface attachment on uneven surfaces. Easily detachable the CamClamp allows for multiple attachment locations by adding additional 3M Dual Lock pads. An inner silicone rubber liner increases the gripping force of the CamClamp while eliminating metal to metal contact. All assembly hardware is stainless steel.

Installation
Putting the system together was very straight forward. Separate the sections, and install and tighten down the helmet pads on one side using the recessed holes. Place the camera in the just assembled padded clamp, with the clamp section as far back as possible, so that it still allows the camera door to open. Connect the other section sides to its mate, and tighten everything down.

Attach the record button with a small dab of epoxy, I erred on the side of an extra amount of epoxy, so its not the prettiest, but it will provide more robustness and longevity. The dual lock helmet pads have a slight curvature to them, so that they will fit on the contours of helmets.

I added the dual lock attachment strips to the top and sides of the helmet, in sections that provide the best camera angles. Due to the helmet vents, I had to make some allowances for proper adhering due to the holes, else the strips would not be as stable.

Impressions
To place the camera on the helmet, you just give a good hard push so that the dual lock meshes together. It takes a few tries to get the hang of meshing the clamp’s helmet pads onto the helmet’s strips, but the dual lock sticks like glue and incredibly robust (I like that word). When it comes time to take the camera off, you really get a good idea of how well it adheres, since it takes a decent amount of effort to pop it off.

On my first long ride with the CamClamp I never felt any sloppiness nor movement from the system, and it allowed me to really snug my helmet down when recording, since I could feel how stable the camera was on my head. I never noticed the additional weight when it was on the top of the helmet, but I did feel a slight difference when it was on the side. My preference is top placement anyway, so it was a moot point for me.

She likes it on Top

Measured Specs
Camera – 101.5 grams (Note: this was the weight from my old camera)
Camera w/ CamClamp, helmet pads, and CamLens – 226.8 grams
CamClamp, helmet pads, and Camlens – 125.3 grams

When I got home and downloaded the footage, I could immediately tell the increase in stability that the CamClamp system afforded the camera. It was a night and day difference. The shakes from the normal mounting system all but disappeared, and all that was left was a slight helmet movement, and obviously the trails roughness. I was pretty amazed of the footage improvement, and the additional weight increase is well worth the stability benefits.

CamLens
The CamLens is a nifty attachment, which is an adapter to the factory lens, and incorporates an additional detachable lens. This extra lens protects the factory lens, since it’s the one out there getting the abuse. It’s easy to take the lens off and give it a good cleaning, and in addition it’s easily replaceable. Another nice feature is that you can use filters. The kit came with a UV lens, and it was extremely noticeable how well it helped when the camera would pan directly into the sun.

The XV CamLens is a 39mm threaded lens adapter for the Twenty20 brand of wearable sports camera systems. It is compatible with the Twenty20 VholdR, ContourHD and ContourHD 1080. This adapter adds protection to the factory lens and allows for the use of any standard 39mm threaded lens and filters. An embedded O-ring keeps dust out of the adapter and the factory lens clean. Set screws keep the adapter in place but still allow for the rotation of the factory lens. Quickly and easily replace and clean the lens.

Installing the CamLens took more time than I expected since the tolerances are very tight, and the O-Ring made for a good squeeze to get everything aligned. On my first outing with the camera, I had the factory lens recessed too far, so the footage had a tunnel effect, so I had to move the CamLens in farther.

Conclusion
I am very pleased with my early usage and testing of the CamClamp and the CamLens. They are well built, have great tolerances and are tough as nails. The stability that the CamClamp offers the ContourHD series of camera’s is outstanding, especially if you frequent rough and rocky terrain. The shaking issues I had with much of my previous video footage, have pretty much been alleviated. The CamClamp does add weight to the entire camera system, but its benefits far outweigh that detriment. The CamLens is a nice additional feature, that help protect the camera lens, and allow a functional lens and filters to be used (such as the excellent UV lens).

Pinball Trail – ContourHD w/ XtremeVu mount 02/16/10 from Brian Mullin on Vimeo.

I am in the process of testing out the handlebar mounts, which uses a ball adapter, and the RAM system of mounts.

CamClamp $49.99
CamLens $29.99
CamClamp Ball Adapter $19.99

XtremeVu Website