I have some clients that asked me to do some research on POV cams. Their plan is to mount 2-3 cameras to cover deer hunts from a fixed position. Videos will be presented on web. Priorities are: 1) 720 or 1080 resolution 2)Long Battery life/record time (hunts last up to 4 hrs.), 3)remote activation if possible, 4) Good durability (water resistance, temps down to @0F.) 5)Price (max about $300.
Any ideas appreciated.

There is the ContourHD small camera that might work for you...small, weater resistant, HD,etc...their web site is: HD Helmet Camera - ContourHD by VholdR (http://www.vholdr.com) They are just getting them out and we have 20+ on order but have only received 2 or 3 so far here at Filmtools.

Jim Martin

Thanks Jim, I do have my sights on that one. Just wondering what the options are. If this does not have some type of remote switch, I think battery life/record time, could be an issue. Also think my clients would be more comfortable with set-up if they had some way to monitor the image. Any ideas? Is Contour HD the only game in town for HD right now?

Well, there's also this:
Sony | HXR-MC1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder | HXR-MC1/ACC (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/607991-REG/Sony_HXR_MC1_ACC_HXR_MC1_Digital_HD_Video.html)

But it's much more expensive than the ContourHD. I'd love to pick up a couple of these, but at nearly $3k a piece, I might have to settle on the Contour. Of course, if price is no obstacle, then go for it!

Panasonic also released a model similar to the Sony for a similar price, but I can't remember the name off hand...

Well, there's also this:
Sony | HXR-MC1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder | HXR-MC1/ACC (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/607991-REG/Sony_HXR_MC1_ACC_HXR_MC1_Digital_HD_Video.html)

But it's much more expensive than the ContourHD. I'd love to pick up a couple of these, but at nearly $3k a piece, I might have to settle on the Contour. Of course, if price is no obstacle, then go for it!

Panasonic also released a model similar to the Sony for a similar price, but I can't remember the name off hand...

The Panasonic one has been discontinued and was about $2k and needed its separate power unit to work

Jim Martin

THe point is: CONTOURHD (WITH1080p) or GOPROHD?Any thoughts?

As a follow up, I ended up getting the ContourHD. I like it though I sometimes wonder if I would have been better off with one of the tiny handicams. You can learn a lot about it's strengths and weaknesses here: http://www.vholdr.com/forums/contourhd-0
The biggest pain is that ridiculous rail mount system. They've decided to try to make their fortunes by selling mounts evidently instead of having a simple tripod mount machined into the unit so we could use our existing options.
On the other hand, it's so light that gaffer's tape holds it just about anywhere.

Hey James i saw yor site: u 'r a terrific photographer!5 stars bro!
BTW going back to theese little cams:
i was planning to buy the contour for the cockpit shooting on both jets or helicopters....
What's your experience in that?

thx
once again u r an awesome photographer

Hey, Thanks Marcus. Just learning the video game though. I haven't shot video from cockpits but have been in a lot of plane and helo cockpits with my still cameras. The big problem with them is the harsh contrast between outside and in that no camera will handle. You generally have to choose whether the highlights are more important or the shadows and since these little cams have no exposure control, they'd be a real PITA. Unless, you're talking about shooting directly out through the window? If so, you'll likely be good. These little single chip cams just need a lot of light.