VholdR Contour HD 1080p
The VholdR Contour HD helmet-mounted camera ($245 as of 2010) sports a wide-angle lens, four HD options--ranging from 1080p to 720p--and the option to shoot at 30 or 60 frames per second. Its dual laser pointers and rotating lens enable wearers to align their shots with ease, and an internal microphone records the action with minimal wind noise. Reviewers at cnet.com gave the camera high ratings for its fast upload time and its ease of use and noted, "the ContourHD features video quality and user-friendliness that is far better than any other helmet cam that we've tested."
GoPro HD HelmetHero
Tough and lightweight, GoPro's HD Helmet HERO camera ($299 as of 2010) is a versatile option for mountain bikers. The Helmet HERO can be mounted it to a helmet, bike, kayak or car hood or worn with a strap like a headlamp. This camera also has a 3-hour battery life, so it won't die in the middle of a ride. The Helmet HERO is waterproof to 180 feet, and its polycarbonate case keeps it safe from bumps and bruises on the trail. Citing it's toughness and video quality, the reviewers at PointofViewCameras.com said, "we are blown away by the video quality of the GoPro" and they are "greatly impressed with the GoPro HD HERO."
Drift Innovation X170
Like it's name implies, Drift Innovation's X170 action camera ($200 as of 2010) comes with a series of unique features. A 1.5-inch color LCD screen allows users to ensure that they're getting the right shot. Once the camera is mounted, the screen can be rotated 300 degrees. The camera itself has variable mounting options (helmet, handlebars, and head strap, to name a few), and a wrist mounted remote control stops and starts the recording. This camera was highly regarded by Inter-bikes' reviewer, who said that "it ticks every single box that you could want an extreme sports camera to tick."
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
