Contour has just released an iPhone mobile app, Connect View, that allows the user, via Bluetooth, to view and configure their latest video cam, Contour GPS. You can find a short video here to see the Connect View in action. A Droid app is expected to be released soon.

I recently purchased one to capture my personal adventures away from my Internet job. Contour, one of the sleekest light weight cams around, can mounted just about anywhere. A visit to their web site story section will reveal the different ways people use the cam. Most common use right now, at this time of the year, is the skiers and snow boarders. During the rest of the year you will see the cam mounted and used in just about any action sport. Mountain bike riding, surfing, motorcycles, planes, skydiving, kites etc. They sell, at reasonable prices, all sorts of different mounts to attach the cam to just about any location/surface. A quick out-in-the-field accessory is a roll of duct tape.

My favorites are the windshield and helmet mounts to create videos capturing getting there and the fun at the destination. A bike mount is next on my purchase list for upcoming drier times in Seattle. For the people who like wet, they even have a waterproof cam housing that allows filming underwater, down to 33 feet, with their previous model that does not have GPS. A GPS version is due out soon. Some student is Spain even put the cam in a case, attached it to a balloon and sent it up to the edge of space.  Check out the story here.

Here are the different modes you can set the camera to record:

• Full HD 1080p (1920 x1080 @ 30 fps) to capture those awesome moments in the highest resolution available.
• Tall HD 960p (1280 x 960 @ 30fps) for those sports like surfing that are better suited to a taller image.
• Action HD 720p (1280 x 720 @ 60 fps) when frame rate is more important than resolution. The perfect setting to capture the fastest action. It reduces blur and rolling shutter effect.
• Contour 720p (1280 x 720 @30 fps). When space on your card is at a premium and you need to record that last epic adventure. This setting takes it easy on your memory.
• Still Photo. When you want to freeze frame the action, the photo mode is your perfect shot. You can pick from 5 rates (3, 5, 10, 30, or 60 sec) to best capture that moment.

The action is captured on low cost MicroSD cards and powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery life is dictated by the mode you are using. High definition uses more juice. Cold is a killer of all batteries so you always want to carry a spare battery or two during the winter.

For those adventurers who like to map out their trips the on board GPS records your location along with the video. Once you get home you plug in the camera via USB to your computer where you use Contour Storyteller software to pull the video off the camera, edit, configure and or update. Storyteller is also gateway to load your videos up to the Contour site to share your adventure with other enthusiasts. Being an open system you can also edit the MOV files using most video editing software and later upload to YouTube or burn to DVDs.

My experience with Contour support is excellent with quick no bs responses. The folks at Contour are connected to their customers and always striving to tweak their products to a better experience. Since they are on the cutting edge of technology expect new issues to be discovered, evaluated and resolved with the customer needs driving the staff at Contour.

I see the Contour as my MacGyver tool,  whose application is only limited by my imagination. With the advent of everyone recording their lives and adventures on video this is a camera to be checked out. Local stores in Seattle that carry Contour can be seen here. Oh yeah the Contour folks are another amazing Northwest success story based in Seattle. Let me know if you buy one, need some help or want to collaborate on a video.