Vholdr Wearable Camcorder

Rated: 4 by 10 reviews.

Altrec

The VholdR Contour HD Wearable Camcorder is the World's First and Smallest wearable video camera. It's light but armored body "slides and locks" the ContourHD onto a series of mounts for your goggles, helmet, handle bars, vehicle, or anywhere else you want. Wear HD video and record your adventures hands-free!

Features:

  • Armored Body: A water-resistant HD helmet cam for all seasons, It's also shock, vibration and impact resistant
  • Big or Bigger Video: multiple video resolutions you can choose from
  • Capture the Whole Scene: At 135 degrees, the ContourHD Wearable Camcorder lens strikes the perfect balance in capturing the entire scene without over-distorting the video
  • Click to Share: Easy Edit™ software makes it automatic to import your videos from the camera, clip out the best parts, and post them to VholdR.com. Show your friends what you did and earn props from the community
  • Configurable: Easy Edit software to dial in your contrast (high, med or low), exposure (-4 to +4), metering (spot, center, avg), and the gain of the microphone, making the ContourHD the world's most configurable HD wearable camcorder
  • Dual Laser Alignment: ContourHD helmet camera uses two of them and a 180° rotating lens to ensure you line up the shot every time
  • Easy to Use
  • Framed for Speed resolution by frame rate, ContourHD offers two. Now the fastest action will be butter smooth or ready to replay in s...l...o...w... motion
  • Hours of HD Video: all-in-one HD wearable camcorder means there are no wires or tapes. ContourHD records to a removable, internal MicroSD memory card, capturing hours of HD quality video (compatible up to a 16GB Memory Card)
  • Material: anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow
  • One Button: Slide the record switch forward to record and slide it back to stop
  • Rechargeable Battery: Powered by a removable, rechargeable battery you'll get up to 3 hours of HD video with either model
  • Smallest in the World; Fitting in the palm of your hand, ContourHD is the smallest and lightest HD Wearable Camcorder in the world
  • Wearable Anywhere: With patent-pending TRail™ Mounts, "slide and lock"your ContourHD helmet cam onto a series of mounts for your goggles, helmet, handlebars, vehicle, or anywhere else you can think of
  • Weight: 4.3 ounces
  • With Full Audio: The ContourHD microphone does its best to keep the wind noise to a minimum while keeping the sounds of the ride rich. Configure the microphone on your ContourHD1080p camera to the action sounds you want

REI

The new VholdR ContourHD wearable camcorder now features high-definition digital recording, an updated, wide-angle lens, faster boot-up and download speeds, an improved mic and increased memory.

  • 2 video settings allow you to choose between high-definition recording at 30 frames per second (fps) or high-action standard-definition recording at 60 fps
  • Low-profile, 4.3 oz. camera sports a large, updated lens for quality footage; lens and image sensor can be rotated independently of the body for level shots from any position
  • Dual laser pointers in lens let you align your shot for flat, vertical or upside down footage
  • Blazing fast boot-up time of less than 5 seconds lets you start capturing the action almost immediately
  • Increased transfer speed allows you to transfer large video files from the VholdR Contour HD to your computer in just a few minutes
  • Accepts microSD cards up to 16GB (2GB microSD card included) ; record up to 8 hrs. of HD footage or 16 hrs. of standard video
  • Improved microphone reduces wind noise while still capturing the sounds of the action
  • Updated Easy Edit software and VholdR website and H.264 video codec makes editing your videos easy
  • Tough, anodized aluminum camera body is splash-, dust- and dirt-proof; it's also shock-resistant to endure the abuse of filming outdoor adventures
  • No need to fiddle with complicated dials and buttons; simple 1-switch operation effortlessly captures your scene—even with heavy gloves!
  • Sealed door holds removable battery and microSD card
  • Battery allows up to 3 hours of recording time when fully charged; 3-color indicator lets you know when it's almost time to change the battery
  • Battery charging time is approximately 4 hours
  • Fine-line processing assures clear video even during high-speed action
  • Easy clipping feature allows you to cut video down to those keeper shots
  • Included software allows you to organize, play and upload your videos to VholdR.com and YouTube
  • Compatible with PC and Mac computers
  • Comes with VholdR software, helmet and goggle mounts, USB cable, 2GB microSD card, rechargeable battery and quick-start guide

TahoeMountainSports.com

VholdR ContourHD Wearable Camcorder is the world's first high definition helmet camera, capable of capturing up to 8 hours of 16:9 widescreen Hi-Def action and is the Tahoe Mountain Sports helmet cam of choice
Stunning 1280x720 pixel window shoots 30 frames per second in High Definition mode and 60 frames per second at 848x480px in High Action mode to capture smooth-as-butter fast action sports
Image sensor and video processor are fine-tuned to capture rich outdoor colors in changing light situations, transitioning to providing definition on snow or through the trees just as rich as you see them in real life
135 degree wide-angle lens captures the whole scene without distortion
Internal MicroSD memory card captures 8 hours of High Definition action footage, and the ContourHD camera is compatible with up to a 16GB memory card
Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be recharged through a USB cable connected directly to your computer
Microphone was upgraded from the previous VholdR camcorder to capture full audio while reducing wind noise A single over-sized record switch can be used even while wearing gloves. Simply slide the switch forward to record and slide it back to stop
Two lasers paired with the 192 degree rotating lens ensures a perfectly aligned shot every time. Turn on the lasers and rotate the front lens until the two laser points are horizontally aligned to line up your shot
Patent-pending Trail Mounts to 'slide and lock' onto a series of different mounts for goggles, helmet, handlebars, vehicle, or anywhere else you want to mount it
Anodized aluminum body withstands the elements and is water, shock, vibration, and impact resistant
Mac and PC compatible Easy Edit software makes it simple to import and edit videos
Be sure to check out our wide selection of VholdR accessories and mounts

Backcountry.com (Spring 2010)

Why settle for mediocre video quality and messy wires when you can get your hands on the world’s first HD wearable video camera, and not sell kidneys to do it? VholdR has started a revolution with the ContourHD Wearable Camcorder. Easily affordable, easy to use, easy to edit, easy to share- The ContourHD makes creating juicy video clips a breeze so you can concentrate on being as gnarly as possible. Capture yourself tearing up singletrack or gliding through the trees with the touch of a button. Mount this camera on your helmet, goggles or anywhere you feel like it. VholdR made this gem water-resistant, light, and shock resistant so you can send it time after time without breaking your favorite camera. Did we mention there were no wires?

This description was also provided by: HuckNRoll.com (Spring 2010), Dogfunk (Spring 2010)

Average Record Time:HD - 30min per GB, SD - 60min per GB
Capacity:16GB - 2GB included
Dimensions:95mm h x 53mm l x 34mm d
Field of View:(HD) 135 degrees; (SD) 90 degrees
File Type:.mov
Formats:H.264
Frame rates:(HD) 30 fps; (SD) 60 FPS
Included memory:2 gigabytes
Interface:USB
Lens focal length:Min: 500mm / max: 50m
Manufacturer Warranty:1 Year
Megapixel:5
Memory storage type:MicroSD slot
Mic type:Internal, AAC audio compression
Movie mode:Yes
Power source:Rechargeable lithium
Recommended Use:Filming and sharing your exploits
Resolutions:(HD)1280x720; (SD) 848x840
Sensor:5 Mega-pixel CMOS image sensor
Set Includes:ContourHD Camera, 2GB MicroSD Card, Goggle Mount, Flat Surface Mount, Rechargeable Battery, USB Cable
Video Codec:H.264
Weight:4.2 oz. - 116g
Weight (without batteries):4.2 ounces
Zoom range:Fixed Focus
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Vholdr 1080p CamcorderVholdr 1080p Camcorder$329.95

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Bern Brentwood Bike HelmetBern Brentwood Bike Helmet
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Vholdr Wearable Camcorder Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
55
42
31
22
10

Positive Reviews:

a steal for the price

Rating:*****

A durable, light, and easy to use HD helmet camera for under $300....well worth it.

Everyone who I show footage to is blown away by the quality and clarity of the video.

It sounds like the previous reviewer probably has a low end video processor in his computer that cannot handle 720 or higher footage or even the low definition setting on the Contour. I've encountered this problem even with people who have a new pc but they cannot play hd or hi res footage back smoothly. I've asked them to try another computer with a better processor which fixed the issue of what appeared like choppy footage.

I've had my Contour Hd since they came out last spring and have used it heavily on my mountain bike on both my helmet and handlebars. I also use it as a demo unit so it has seen a l ot of action. It is totally solid still, I wish I could say that for other parts on my brand new bike that are not even as old as the camera.

I have heard of some record buttons loosening but Vholdr has REAL customer service and replaced the defective units in the cases I was aware of.

I'm looking forward to using it skiing this winter. I used the old Vholdr, VIO POV, and Hero Wide last winter but my new Contour footage is ridiculously better than them all.

Dave at Backcountry.com (Spring 2010) on 11/23/2009

Kudos to the Folks at Twenty20

Rating:****
Just started using this thing for mountain biking, so I can't speak to the durability yet. The video, however, is fantastic. The two different settings are both useful in their own way. The HD isn't blow me out of the water fantastic, but for an all-inclusive device at this price range? It's amazing. Very smooth, beautiful. Remember, this device has no extra wires, and with a little creativity, you can attach it to just about anything.
Downsides? The mic isn't great (in the wind), and the battery life isn't particularly awe-inspiring. But buy a second battery. This thing's WAY cheaper than other cams that have half the video quality.
One final note: be aware that to cut and edit HD video, you need a computer with muscle. Meaning, if your video looks choppy, be suspicious of your computer before the camera.
bikerdirragon at REI on 07/07/2009

Great Camera

Rating:*****
I'm glad to see that REI carries this camera. I use to own some other companies pov camera and it wasn't what I wanted. With the Contour HD most if not all of my hang ups were gone. The camera came with all of the software needed in order to make my weekend adventures. The 135 degree wide angle lens takes away some of the shake that you get with pov camera's. I like one button record so that if I have gloves on I'm still able to turn it on and off. And you have the option to have HD or SD. Overall a great camera.
baisforba at REI on 07/07/2009

ContourHD Is A Must Buy

Rating:*****
The ContourHD is one of the mot innovative products I have seen in a long time. You can make your own videos and actually watch them in HD quality. It is extremely easy to use and it works well in any environment. It also attaches to just about anything you may be wearing at the time. To top off the features, it is super light weight so it is no hassle to take around with you no matter where you may be heading.

I recommend the ContourHD to anyone that is interested in making your own videos for yourself or to share with other people.
Dan The Word at REI on 10/10/2009

ContourHD Is A Must Buy

Rating:*****
The ContourHD makes it extremely easy to document your experiences and travels. As a bonus it does this all in HD.The camera is comfortable and very easy to take around with you. It also attaches to almost anything you might be wearing. To make things even better is is super light in weight so it's no hastle at all to bring around with you.

I strongly recommend this camera to anyone in the market for a new way take videos and share them with other people.
Dan The Word at REI on 10/10/2009

Prove it

Rating:****

If you are looking for a way to show your buddies what you are trying to explain, then strap this puppy on and drop in. The device is light weight, easy to operate, and takes great shots. There are many models of helmet cams out there right now, but few capture HD like this one. If you are looking to show your crazy lines, or just the scenery this is a fun toy to do the job right.

Tyson Bolduc at Backcountry.com (Spring 2010) on 10/03/2009

Thats Gooooooood stuff!!

Rating:*****
Vholdr is the best action camera i have ever used, hands down. Gooooood Stuff!
LongChuck at REI on 10/10/2009

Negative Reviews:

the big let down

Rating:**
camera does not film well in low light at all.
aiming lasers only show up in low light... so if you can see the aiming lasers your video will be dark... if you cant see your aiming lasers this means whatever your shooting will probably be bright but lets hope the camera has not shifted.

video is very fuzzy i cant believe it is "HD"

ededting software is flash based... and is a memory hog!!!!! bad software!!! you will want something different.

all in all it is a big let down!!
justinwug at REI on 07/07/2009

Not all it's cracked up to be :(

Rating:**
I had a VholdR and was unimpressed with the quality so I upgraded to the Contour HD. The color got better but there is a consistent fuzzines when there is motion. Considered upgrading again to their newly released 1080p contour HD but their own video shows the same bluriness/fuzziness when the guy moves his head around. If nothing is moving the resolution is awsome, but who wants to record that! New toy...GoPro Hero HD, video is awsome on websight. I'll report as soon as I take some video.
bike-board-hike at REI on 10/10/2009

Neutral Reviews:

ok, but not entirely worth the price...

Rating:***

Pros:
*Simple, compact
*hopefully somewhat weatherproof(not tested).
*comes with SDHC 2gb card to get you started.
*super lightweight.
*easy to use, easy to charge.
*looks really cool!

Cons:
*Terrible, mount options. I thought I was going to break it removing it from the velcro mount. The Side Helmet mount has so much play that everything has shake and wiggle in it. If the mounts had been better thought out, this camera might have stood a better chance in my opinion.

*The VIDEO is also quite POOR for a camera advertising 30 frames per second at 720p. I cannot justify that this video quality is 720p at all.

*The fixed focus is also very lackluster.

*There is little or no anti-vibration technology in this camera and am very displeased with my current results when going to edit, this may be largely due to the poor mount options included.

*POOR low light performance. Half my mtn bike rides are in the woods where low light is prevalent.

*Record button got loose after the 3rd ride. Its not just me, others have reported this as well. Makes clicking noise when riding along. Change the design of this button VHoldr!

*Record Time less than 3 hours..not good when you have a 16gb memory card.

*No lens protection when not shooting video.

joe2859868 at Backcountry.com (Spring 2010) on 11/23/2009