Ritter v4.0

In a recent shunt my Aiptek HD camera bit the dust so I am looking to replace it with the same or a better alternative if there is one.

I saw the Contour+2 and it looks kind of cool with a iOS smartphone interface.
Has anyone tried one? Other cam options?

What I liked about the Aiptek aside from the price was the video quality was good with a mic input. And it was easy to turn on with the remote and to see when it was (via the screen) . It also could be hardwired so never had to worry about batteries. This is why I switched from a GoPro long time ago.

On the downside it is talll with high center of gravity and made of plastic so the base cracked long before the accident.

Plavan

I would check out the new GoPro Hero 3's. You can hardwire those in also if you wanted. You can turn them on with Iphone app or wifi remote.

ProCoach

I like the Replay XD 1080 the best. GoPros are not made well...

RickBetterley

I just bought a new Drift Ghost HD, mostly for kayaking but I've used it skiing. Although I don't like the name, I do like that it is waterproof to 9' without a case, can be turned on and off remotely, and the lens can be rotated. IPhone and Android apps and wifi.
You might want to look into it.

Ritter v4.0

I saw the Drifter as well but passed by it. I'll check it out and the Replay.

Ritter v4.0

The Drift sounds really good but I hate fussing with batteries- it has a USB port- anyway to hard wire that you think?

ProCoach

There is a hard wire and remote switch for the Replay XD 1080

Kein_Ersatz

Maybe fixed in new models, but the original ContourHD that I have has a useless mic for use in cars. Picks up electronic interference with engine electronics when driving, loud buzz / zap noise ruined any chance at audio. Went round and round and round with tech support, to no avail.

Works fine outdoors skiing and biking.

RickBetterley

Not that I know of, but I haven't explored alternative sources of power. I use a SmartyCam, in part because the Aiptek hack for power just drove me nuts.
I'm not even sure whether I will use the Drift in the racecar.
Someone better at electricity than me might have an idea. I don't recall seeing any kind of converter.
Here's the link to the Drift website: http://driftinnovation.com/camera/drift-hd-ghost/

ProCoach

There's also the standalone SmartyCam HD, should be out by the end of the month (pretty sure on that, or I wouldn't say it...)

winders

That's true. But I found the remote switch a pain to deal with.

What I do with my Relay XD1080 is use the hard wire power-only kit. Then I program the camera to power on and start recording when power is applied and turn off 1 minute after power is removed. I have a power switch for the camera on the dash.

This greatly simplifies the camera operation.

The camera power switch is a soft-latch momentary switch. This means that if I turn off the car's main power switch, I don't have to remember to turn off the camera switch too. The power is off once the main switch is turned back on.

I love the camera's form factor and video!

Scott

ProCoach

That's good info.

I agree. The build quality, form factor and video quality is a revelation after all the cheapie GP and knock-offs.

winders

Peter,

How are you aiming the Replay XD1080 camera in the field? I am about to buy a field monitor (~8") with HDMI input but I am not sure which brand and model to get.

Scott

Ritter v4.0

Good question- this is the major drawback of the Replay when I analyze it- is there a smartphone app that would allow this- otherwise I suppose you could use a laptop.
This where the Drfit (and Aiptek) for that matter have the advantage- built in monitor.

winders

It's a drawback, but to me, it is not a major drawback. The other "pros" of the Replay XD1080 far outweigh this "con".

I don't know of any smartphone with HDMI input...HDMI output? Yes.....

There are not many laptops with HDMI input either.

Scott