I am looking to buy an "action" video camera this spring. There are a lot of options out there, and I wanted to see what others have, get your thoughts on it: pro's and con's of that brand. Since some brands offer several versions, which you would recommend.

Plan on using in and on my car, and potentially on my bike (bicycle), and other uses I havent thought of.

I'm looking at:

1. GoPro - seems to have a lot(most) accessories
2. Sony Action camcorder
3. JVC adixxion
4. Contour
5. Drift
6. Replay
7. Other?

 

I've been using a Contour Roam HD for almost a year now for autocross and track day use. I've mounted it on the windshield, front fender, inside the car on my headrest posts, and on my helmet. I paid around $165 for mine, currently it is available for around $120, or the newer model for closer to $200 (got mine at Amazon). Here's a video I shot with the Contour at a track day at Mid-Ohio last year:

 

Thanks for the information. It looks like it takes a very good video, and at $120 hard to beat at that price. How is the battery life? I never get anywhere near the manufacturers claim.

 

Not sure exactly how long the battery lasts. Never had it die on me. When I was up at Mid-Ohio for the track day, I had it going for 4 sessions that lasted from 20-30 minutes each and it was still going strong. Contour says it should last 3.5 hours.

Some of the things I like about it are the size/weight (couldn't even feel it on my helmet), the simplicity of the record switch, the laser for aiming it, and the price. The other camera I considered was the GoPro, as I have a lot of friends that use them, but I decided to take a chance with the Contour, and have been very pleasantly surprised. Thinking about picking up a 2nd one for multiple angles at the same time.