Contour+ Hands-Free Video Camera Detailed
We posted about the new Contour+ hands-free professional quality video camera yesterday, and now we have more details on the camera to share with you. The Contour+ claims to "create a new era in the technical side of storytelling", and brings a professional quality camera at a price that is accessible to consumers.
The new camera features a six-element glass lens, which delivers 1080p video, an adjustable white balance to get details dialed-in, and also a 170-degree view to integrate peripherals and backdrops in the shot. It also features live video streaming via HDMI with an external transmitter that broadcasts the action in real time.
Built-in Bluetooth also connects to your phone, so you have a viewfinder to check the angle, with an HDMI port to connect to a screen without having to pull the microSD card. It also has the first external 2.5mm microphone jack on any hands-free camera, so it will separate the audio you want from ambient noise surrounding you.
The Contour has three resolutions, four frame rates, and a five-megapixel still mode, as well as an interactive GPS receiver which tracks speed, location, and elevation at four frames per second.
And here is your obligatory PR quote, though this one is from stunt driver Greg Tracy, not a CEO, so it's more interesting:
"When I'm shooting action, I love to put the audience in the middle of it and experience it first-hand. With the Contour+, I'll be able to do this like never before." said Tracy. "With its professional-grade lens, connectivity options and size, the Contour+ is the perfect tool for my demanding production work, and it won't break the bank."
The camera sells for $499, and we are seeing it available on Amazon, and B&H Photo, Video, and Pro Audio starting May 18. It is available for pre-order now.
Here are the specs:
· Wide angle 170 degree F2.8 lens
· Flush-front lens
· 270 degree on-axis smooth lens rotation
· Streaming of live video via HDMI port
· Configurable White Balance
· Playback of full-display HD Video through HDMI port
· Rear door pass-through for USB and HDMI ports
· 4Hz (4 times per second) performance of GPS Receiver
And also check out the video of the Contour in action here..
Press release:
TAKE STORYTELLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH NEW CONTOUR+ HANDS-FREE VIDEO CAMERA – AVAILABLE TODAY
Contour's Latest Innovation Adds Richness to Stories with Progression in Video, Location, Audio, and Streaming
SEATTLE, Wash. – May 12, 2011 – Contour, Inc. (http://www.contour.com),a market leader in hands-free video cameras, today announced Contour+, Contour's first camera for the broadcast and pro-sumer markets. The Contour+ marks the next progression in hands-free video and represents the company's continued focus on leading the market's innovation. The Contour+ is now available at Contour.com and retail partners for $499.
"Nowhere on Earth is off limits to filmmakers and other visual storytellers, but there are plenty of places standard pro cameras can't go," said Marc Barros, Contour CEO. "Contour+ delivers high-quality video, audio, location data and streaming capabilities anywhere there's a story to tell. Today, anyone can be a documentarian or filmmaker, and we've created the most affordable way to give pro-sumers, broadcast and filmmakers everything they need to tell incredibly rich stories from right within the action."
The hands-free and wireless technology that has established Contour's technical leadership in the market is augmented with progressions in the lens, first-ever features in the hands-free market, andmore to create a new era in the technical side of storytelling. The camera's powerful and unique combination of technical features has piqued the interest of industry tastemakers including Film Producer and Freeride Entertainment Director, Derek Westerlund.
"Hands-free is a big revolution in the camera space, but we haven't had anything that was progressive enough to use on professional shoots until now," said Westerlund. "The Contour+ allows me to capture great POV shots and will help bring the movie's story to life. The Contour+ is the new standard for next generation, high-quality, hands-free cameras."
Greg Tracy, a renowned stunt driver and filmmaker who has worked on feature films such as "Bourne Ultimatum," "Wanted," and "The Town," looks forward to using the new Contour+ on his upcoming professional shoots. "When I'm shooting action, I love to put the audience in the middle of it and experience it first-hand. With the Contour+, I'll be able to do this like never before." said Tracy. "With its professional-grade lens, connectivity options and size, the Contour+ is the perfect tool for my demanding production work, and it won't break the bank."
How Contour+ Delivers
The next progression in hands-free cameras lets explorers:
• Expand Field of Vision: A six-element glass lens delivers 1080p video quality, an adjustable white balance to dial-in details and a 170-degree field of view to clearly integrate peripherals and backdrops in each shot
• Deliver Live Action: Streaming video via HDMI and an external transmitter broadcasts the action in real-time
• Stay Connected Better than any POV Camera: Built-in Bluetooth connects to a mobile phone, creating a wireless viewfinder to check the angle; a HDMI port allows instant replay on a laptop or widescreen direct from the included microSD card
• Capture Crisp Audio: The first external 2.5mm microphone jack on any hands-free camera helps distinguish featured audio from ambient noise
• Benefit from Contour's Signature Elements: Three resolutions, four frame rates and a five-megapixel still mode are available to customize the shot; an internal interactive GPS receiver tracks speed, location, and elevation at four frames per second
Shipping today from Contour.com, the Contour+ is also available from Amazon.com; B&H Photo, Video, and Pro-Audio; Gear Co-Op, Paragon, and Samy's Camera.
Contour's complete collection of high quality, easy-to-use cameras, including the ContourGPS and ContourHD, provide a variety of solutions to fit every adventurer's need. The company helps people further share their stories with its free apps and online community.
About Contour
Contour is a market leader in the hands-free video camera category. Producing simple, thoughtfully designed and intuitive adventure storytelling tools, Contour, enables modern day explorers to use video and location-based video to relive and replay their personal tales ofaction, adventure and travel, sharing them with world at the touch of a button. For more information about Contour please visit www.contour.com.